UK companies are making slow progress in adapting to the demands of
the new e-business environment
A survey conducted by Computer Weekly's sister title E-Business
Review found that 46% of companies are currently involved in or
planning e-business projects and 84% have their own Web site. But
only 2% actually use their Web sites for transaction purposes.
Many companies are following a plan whereby they start with a
Web site for advertising purposes, move on to some interactivity,
followed by order taking and then payment online.
Many firms expressed their anxiety about getting left behind and
cited a shortage of skilled people able to develop and implement
e-business strategies.
In 66% of companies IT managers are involved in strategy
formation, 72% involve business managers.
On the whole, marketing managers tend to take responsibility for
strategy while implementation is the responsibility of IT staff.
The lack of prioritisation was underlined by the fact that only 5%
of companies have named specific e-business managers.
David Bicknell, managing editor of E-Business Review, claimed
that, although finance directors may be involved, implementation
and co-ordination of strategy is generally at a lower level in the
organisation.
Electronic exchanges are not a high priority for most companies.
Just 3% of respondents said they are members of an online
marketplace and only 9% are considering joining one.
Bicknell said, "Whether UK companies are slipping behind with
e-business plans against their global rivals, or whether it is
nervousness and fear of the unknown, it is clear that UK PLC lacks
confidence about its preparation for the e-economy."
Bicknell added that the key issue is "the lack of skilled
individuals to make e-business in the UK happen and a general lack
of knowledge.
"Until we have boosted our e-skilled workforce, the climate of
anxiety about moving forward with e-business in the UK will
continue to grow," said Bicknell.
David Harrington, director of the Communications Management
Association, was surprised by some of the figures in the survey,
which seemed to fly in the face of media hype.
"The 2% quoted for transactions over the Web seems a very small
number, though my own experience of going to sites is that there is
usually a facility to take orders," he said.
While Harrington believes that e-business will develop into a
major tool for business, he added, "E-business will not stand alone
but will quickly reinforce current fundamental trends."
Michael Gough, chief executive of the National Computing Centre,
said the pace at which e-business develops in the UK will depend on
the Government, suppliers and the business community.
Launch pad UK E-Business Month was formally launched on 2
November at a breakfast meeting at Claridges, London (above). For a
full list of activities and initiatives see
www.ebusinessmonth.com