From Operations to Decision-Making: Information Systems as a Driver of Regional Logistics Performance in SMEs

Abstract

In an environment characterized by accelerating digital transformation and increasing competitive pressure, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Small and Medium-sized Industries (SMIs) are required to upgrade their information systems in order to improve organizational, logistical, and territorial performance. Although numerous studies have examined the contribution of Decision Support Information Systems (DSS) to firm performance, limited research has provided an integrated synthesis linking the transition from Operational Information Systems (OIS) to DSS, the specific characteristics of SMEs/SMIs, and territorial embeddedness issues, particularly in emerging economies. This gap constitutes the starting point of the present study.

The paper addresses the following research question: How does the transition from OIS to DSS contribute to improving SME/SMI performance, particularly from organizational, logistical, and territorial perspectives? To answer this question, a structured literature review was conducted to examine the determinants of this transition, the conditions for adopting decision-support technologies, and their effects on performance management.

The findings indicate that the gradual integration of DSS enhances information quality, strengthens decision-making capabilities, and improves the coordination of organizational and logistics processes. The review also highlights the critical role of human, organizational, and technological factors in ensuring the success of digital transformation initiatives. Furthermore, it identifies territorial embeddedness as an underexplored dimension that can enhance local stakeholder integration and support the sustainable development of SMEs/SMIs.

This study contributes to the literature by proposing an integrated framework linking digital transformation, decision support information systems, performance management, and territorial dynamics within SMEs/SMIs.

Classification JEL : M15, D8,O33, L25, R41

Paper type : Theoretical Research