METHODOLOGY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS IN SMES

Purpose - To provide a methodology for the implementation of e-Business solutions in small and medium enterprises. The main goal of this methodology is to provide SME companies with ICT solutions that helps them automate their processes for increasing value creation potential. The Approach - This paper integrates different well known methodologies used for process management, change management as well as international standards for process mapping and modelling. Findings - The methodology seeks on one hand to bring about a "proof of concept" about ICT and e-business adoption in SME companies and on the other hand to provide support for the transition of firms to an e-business vision that would allow them to face the challenges of the Digital Economy. Research limitations/implications - The methodology framed needs to be supported by empirical data in order to prove its efficiency. Further research studies we are undertaken are going to accomplish this limitation. Practical implications - A comprehensive and structured framework that allow to find out in which level of ICT use the firms actually are positioned and then to define those processes and critical areas where ICT tools can increase the business value. Originality/value - This paper offers a methodological framework that links together engineers and managers to define in collaboration the right starting point and the right way to follow for adopting and using ICT tools and applications for business transformation and value creation