Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) increasingly depend on computerized information systems to manage inventory, sales, product information, and other operational activities. Automation can reduce repetitive manual work, while accurate and accessible information can support timely business decision-making. However, the extent to which these capabilities contribute to operational efficiency and decision-making in SME environments requires empirical evaluation. This study evaluated the relationship between automation and operational efficiency and examined the relationship between information quality and accessibility and business decision-making within SME operations, using a computerized inventory/business management system as the practical context. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to individuals with experience using or evaluating computerized inventory/business management systems. A total of 106 responses were obtained, of which 103 eligible responses were included in the principal statistical analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product-moment correlation, and simple linear regression. The reliability analysis demonstrated acceptable to excellent internal consistency across the principal constructs, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.741 to 0.915. Automation showed a significant positive relationship with operational efficiency (r = 0.644, p < 0.001) and explained approximately 41.5% of the variance in operational-efficiency scores (R² = 0.415, p < 0.001). Information quality and accessibility demonstrated a stronger positive relationship with decision-making (r = 0.702, p < 0.001) and explained approximately 49.2% of the variance in decision-making (R² = 0.492, p < 0.001). The decision-making construct recorded a mean score of 4.14, indicating a generally positive perception among respondents. However, the image-based product-import feature recorded a comparatively low mean score of 2.46, indicating an area requiring further improvement. The findings indicate that automation is significantly associated with operational efficiency, while information quality and accessibility are significantly associated with business decision-making. The study therefore demonstrates the potential value of computerized information systems in improving SME operations and supporting business decisions, while highlighting the need for continuous improvement of individual automated features, particularly image-based data import. Future research should complement user-perception measures with objective indicators such as task-completion time, data-entry accuracy, and long-term operational performance.

Keywords: automation, information management, small and medium-sized enterprises, operational efficiency, decision-making, inventory management, information systems, digital transformation, optical character recognition.