Survey: SMBs' IT Spend To Increase In 2015
By Ally Kutz, contributing writer
Wasp Barcode Technologies published its State of Small Business Report, which forecasts growth in 2015. According to the survey, 38 percent of companies anticipate an increase in IT spending in 2015. By size, 46 percent of companies from 101-499 employees plan an increase in spending, and 43 percent of companies from 51 to 100 employees and 28 percent of responding companies from 1 to 50 employees are plan an increase.
The survey polled 1088 owners, executives, and C-level or senior managers involved in decision making.
Of those surveyed, 47 percent have better confidence in the economy versus what they felt twelve months ago, 21 percent had less confidence, and 31 percent responded “no change.”
Revenue growth is expected among 57 percent of respondents, while 26 percent expect flat revenue and 9 percent anticipate a decline. The top three strategies cited to improve revenue growth include improving customer experience (56 percent of respondents), investing in customer acquisition activities and methods (45 percent), and expanding into new markets (27 percent).
Wasp also provides information in the report of particular interest to its partners: inventory tracking. The survey shows 34 percent of respondents are using inventory control software or systems to track inventory; however, VARs could find opportunity among the 29 percent who use a manual or manual computer process, 9 percent who track as a part of their accounting systems, 20 percent who use some other means — and 8 percent who do not track at all.
In the introduction to the State of Small Business Report, Wasp explains as the company worked to develop a long-term plan for its business, it was unable to find numbers and statistics to answer their questions — and so decided to undertake the research. The introduction also states, “Wasp’s final goal — to efficiently share the results so our peers can make more informed business decisions.”
To download the report, click here.