Extent of adoption of EDI by Singaporean SMEs: a survey of practices

Abstract

[Abstract]: Based on the literature review of EDI adoption and small business use of IT, the four variables of decision factor that influence Singaporean SMEs to adopt EDI were identified as perceived benefit of EDI, organizational readiness for EDI,competitive pressure, and power and inter-organization relationships. Furthermore, EDI volume, diversity, depth, and width were also identified as to the degree of EDI adoption/integration that strongly influences the impact of EDI. Finally, the different levels of impact (transaction benefit, information sharing benefit, and competitive benefit) associated with the different degrees of EDI adoption/integration were also identified. This survey-based research examined these three concepts in Singaporean SMEs. Surprisingly, Singaporean SMEs seldom expected that adoption of EDI would improve their trading partner relationships. However, Singaporean SMEs improved their level of awareness of EDI benefits after adoption of EDI.