# 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
However, limited ERP systems provide open-source solutions, which emerged as a significant obstacle within IT departments to ensure compatibility between the existing and IoT systems. \"There is a resistance issue in IT departments. In many companies and factories, we have ERP software. Unfortunately, some of the software is very old, and it is crucial to update it, but they refuse to open the software source completely. This is one of the obstacles they have now presented\". (Participant 1)  
Considering the regulations and laws regarding the IoT in SMEs is critical to deploying the IIoT. Organizations must ensure that their implementations adhere to the rules concerning device imports, operations, and data privacy and protection. \"Regulations and laws are relevant within the organization or the country of manufacturing the IoT devices, operating devices, or operating power means required to operate the IoT. These three needs involve knowledge capabilities, technical capabilities, or, say, administrative capabilities, systems, and laws\". (Participant 2)  
Knowledge of the technology presents a challenge for the adoption of the IoT in SMEs. Thus, experts with theoretical and practical experience deploying and implementing IoT solutions are needed to ensure their success. \"It is rare to find anyone with theoretical knowledge and, at the same time, practical knowledge of this technology\". (Participant 2)  
The previous challenges and factors preventing the implementation of the IoT in SMEs include complex solution providers, conflicts arising from IoT-generated data, cost considerations, short-term financial priorities, decision-making processes, knowledge gaps, lack of competent individuals, departmental cooperation issues, lack of encouragement and economic incentives, insufficient understanding, resistance to change, specialized technical requirements, and other specific factors. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to successfully adopting the IoT in SMEs and harnessing its benefits. 3.2 Technology and Machine-Related Obstacles and Factors Prevent the Implementation of IoT in SMEs (Subtheme 2)  
Several obstacles hinder the implementation of the IoT in SMEs, such as the dependency on human monitoring for performance assessment. As Participant 2 explained, this leads to limited benefits and makes it challenging to scale when designing and implementing IoT systems. \"All are human-based; one person watches and monitors the data on the computer. This reliance on human intervention limited the efficiency and scalability of IoT systems\". (Participant 2)  
Moreover, the limited availability of devices compatible with the current market poses challenges for IoT integration with SME machinery and infrastructure. Participant 2 highlighted this issue in their interview. \"The devices I have or those in the market are unfortunately incompatible with purchasing devices from other vendors to fit in the ecosystem. Unfortunately, this is the state of the market currently in the Kingdom, but compatible devices are limited\". (Participant 2)  
Robust testing for IoT integration is another criterion for ensuring the success of its implementation. However, it must be tested to ensure mitigating risks, such as the safety and efficiency of current machinery on the factory floor. These tests are crucial for risk mitigation and guaranteeing uninterrupted operation. \"Without considering the risks, you cannot create IoT solutions because it requires a full test before it gets down to work\". (Participant 5)  
Maintenance of existing equipment and the acquisition of new machinery were additional burdens. Participant 1 emphasized that many factories needed more time to upgrade or replace their equipment to accommodate IoT systems or digital transformation. Thus, if IoT systems need to modify existing machinery or production line hardware, it may cause delays or be disregarded. \"Most factories, from what I know, are happy if they have good maintenance services.