Abstract
Leveraging information is a key success factor for companies. Over the last two decades Business
Intelligence (BI) has evolved to become a foundational cornerstone of enterprise decision support.
However, prior research shows that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, lag
behind in the proliferation of BI. In this exploratory study we examine BI adoption within German
SMEs in the state of Saxony (n = 214). We explore perceived benefits and challenges in their efforts to
implement BI. By applying cluster analysis to these results we suggest four types of BI SMEs, each
with an individual profile concerning potential benefits as well as a certain set of challenges that are
to be expected when it comes to adopting BI solutions. Results can create value for enterprises that
plan to implement a BI solution, BI consultants as well as BI suppliers.
Recommended Citation
Scholz, Patrick; Schieder, Christian; Kurze, Christian; Gluchowski, Peter; and Böhringer, Martin, "Benefits and Challenges of Business Intelligence Adoption in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises" (2010). ECIS 2010 Proceedings. 32.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2010/32