Big data implementation for small and medium enterprises

Big data provides an opportunity for organizations to gain insights from their data in order to make better decision. Large companies in several sectors are achieving enormous improvements by applying big data analytics. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which have smaller size and less revenue, can also benefit from big data to add value to their business. This paper presents the capabilities, readiness, and challenges for SMEs to implement big data. The qualitative research is conducted by observation and interview of 40 SMEs whose businesses are in service or production sector in Thailand. According to the analysis, SMEs are divided into three categories, and the approach for implementing big data is proposed considering these categories. The results can be a guideline for big data implementation for SMEs to achieve competitive advantages.