Factors Affecting Automation of Inventory Management in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study of Kitui County

Abstract

Despite many challenges facing micro, small and medium enterprises in Kenya, they are yet to embrace full automation of inventories. Therefore the general purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting the automation of inventory management in micro, small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 200 respondents. Therefore, census was conducted. The researchers used questionnaire to collect information from respondents. The collected data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study found out that majority of employees in the micro, small and medium enterprises have inadequate information technology skills and hence has hindered the automation of inventories. Also, the study found out that financial accessibility is an obstacle in financing automation of inventories. The study recommended that micro, small and medium enterprises should train its workforce to equip them with information technology skills, and allocate more funds towards automation of inventory.