Two thirds of UK engineering firms are bottom of B2B league

That's the top finding of a study by IT analyst Freeform Dynamics, commissioned by data integration specialist Liaison Technologies. Its survey also finds 20% are mid-tier players, with just 13% top tier. Putting the findings in context, Freeform Dynamics research director Dale Vile says those in the top tier are three times more likely to be doing well financially, and four times as likely to be growing, than the bottom tier. While the survey's sample size is not massive (only 23 of the 120 mid-to large-sized companies in the UK were surveyed), it is worrying. Vile makes the point that B2B integration is an essential capability for all UK companies in an increasingly connected and interdependent global economy. In the survey, the majority (60%) of low performing respondents last addressed their B2B integration solution over six years ago, compared to the high performers, which are currently in the process of another B2B initiative. Yet, interestingly, 4% of bottom tier performers believe they are 'a bit ahead' of the pack. Vile also says that one of the main difficulties in achieving better B2B integration – which is mirrored across all sectors – is a lack of any clear ownership and support at management level. "Decades of relying on bespoke solutions have conditioned many to accept high costs and inflexibility as the norm, especially when large managed service firms are in the mix," comments Vile. "It's clear from our study that the shortcomings of B2B solution providers have played a significant part in perpetuating the low levels of integration we see among UK businesses."