# Determinants to Adopt Industrial Internet of Things in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
## 3 Results
### Theme 3: Impediments and Challenges Preventing IIoT Implementation in SME Environment
#### 3.3.1. Human-Related Obstacles and Factors Prevent Implementing IoT in SMEs  
(Subtheme 1)  
Participant 1 stated that one of the challenges was the cost of outsourcing the implementation of IoT systems. For example, in Saudi Arabia, a company can offer integrated solutions for digital transformation for factories, but it is costly to achieve that with the service provider. Additionally, the cost is a significant challenge for IIoT implementation in SMEs. Despite well-equipped electrical and delivery systems, the need for extra infrastructure and data transmission capabilities for digital transformation adds to this barrier. \"To date, only one company exists in Saudi Arabia offering integrated solutions from A to Z. However, we face challenges with pricing and restricted conditions for their solutions\". (Participant 1)  
\"One of the most critical elements is the cost... Factories can be well equipped at the level of electrical and data communication systems; the infrastructure of industrial cities is good in many ways, but as far as digital transformation is still lacking, there is a need for more to be done\". (Participant 1)  
In some cases, decision makers in SMEs prioritize short-term financial gains over the long-term IoT investments required for IoT adoption. The structure of SMEs can affect how fast the company can adopt emerging technologies such as the IoT. Thus, the decision-making flow and process, from the CEO to the end users, can pose challenges. According to Participant 4, the decisions made by high-level executives are lengthy in terms of time to reach the employees who would be responsible for implementing IoT solutions. Therefore, approving the adoption and changes required by IoT implementation on the factory floor can require much time. \"The owner who wants quick money directly tells you: What will I benefit from this technology?\" (Participant 3)  
\"The meaning of the flow messages from the head of the pyramid, from the CEO to the end user, worker, or ordinary employee on the front desk. If we decide today, how long it will take to reach all the parties in the flow, and who must receive the message? In the company's case, today, it decided to apply the IoT for a few months to all levels, which may change the decision of the CEO or the decision-maker whose implementation has not reached the bottom of the administrative hierarchy\". (Participant 4)  
As Participant 2 highlighted, effective IoT systems require skilled workers who can operate and manage IoT technologies. However, SMEs may find recruiting these workers challenging. \"There is a shortage of skills or a lack of competent people for these operations. Those who can operate this technology are rare in the industry, and few people know the industry\". (Participant 2)  
Another challenge when implementing IoT solutions is that in some cases, resistance to adopting these changes occurs. This can cause disagreements between different company departments. Cooperation between departments within SMEs is required to ensure a successful IoT implementation. Participant 3 explained that when IIoT solutions lead to the discovery of inefficiencies or waste in a particular department, it can lead to tensions. This may lead to resistance, hindering the collaborative efforts required for successful IoT system deployment. \"Lack of cooperation between departments because hostilities occur when a particular department has inefficiency or significant problems and you have uncovered them through the use of the IoT. Attempting to implement this creates a fierce hostility between all sections, particularly for the departments with shortcomings\". (Participant 3)The analysis identifies resistance to change within IT departments as a crucial factor, particularly in SMEs that employ enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. These systems must be updated to ensure continued functionality.