Strategic Informational Alignment in Manufacturing SMEs

For decades, manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have amassed substantial data, particularly pertaining to their operational processes. However, these enterprises frequently encounter challenges in leveraging this data strategically, which can result in missed opportunities, a decline in market share, and a reduction in profitability. The resulting research question in such a context is as follows: what are the key dimensions contributing to the informational alignment processes in manufacturing SMEs and how do these dimensions interact to enhance their strategic use of information? The study employs dynamic capabilities theory to develop a conceptual framework that identifies three key dimensions for strategic information use in manufacturing SMEs: data quality for sensing, communication for seizing, and strategic alignment for transforming. Through theoretical and practical contributions, this study enhances the understanding of strategic informational alignment in manufacturing SMEs, demonstrating how interconnected dimensions foster data-driven practices for sustainable competitive advantage, beyond technical considerations and digital solutions.