The great majority of organisations pursuing e-business applications seem to be taking a series of separate steps, rather than following an integrated strategy. In particular, most are failing to link websites to essential support systems, says a new study from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

PWC questioned over 1000 company CEOs. Though internet-based solutions are certainly being taken up, the researchers found, in over 90% of cases customer-facing front-end operations have no direct links to back-office facilities and services.

The result is considerable scope for inefficiency on a day-to-day basis and confusion and frustration in terms of planning for future business needs.

The pressure will grow, says PWC, to establish a more efficient solution, whether in the form of purpose-built links or through adaptation of an enterprise resource planning-type platform. In any case, they predict, companies that integrate their e-business initiatives most effectively will be the ones to secure competitive advantage.

Elliott Chase