IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i23p10192-d1526358.html

A Roadmap to Systematic Review: Evaluating the Role of Data Networks and Application Programming Interfaces in Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises

Author

Listed:
  • Mduduzi B. Khanyi

    (Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Sfundo N. Xaba

    (Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Nokunqoba A. Mlotshwa

    (Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Bonginkosi Thango

    (Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Lerato Matshaka

    (Department of Nursing, Medical and Surgical Nursing, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

Abstract

The adoption of Data Networks and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has become crucial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. However, SMEs often face challenges such as resource limitations and security vulnerabilities, which hinder their ability to fully leverage these technologies. This systematic review examines the role of Data Networks and APIs in enhancing operational efficiency within SMEs, focusing on key metrics such as speed, cost reduction, scalability, and security challenges. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic search across multiple databases including Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2014 and 2024, focused on SMEs, and addressing the role of Data Networks and APIs in operational efficiency were included. A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for key outcomes related to operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security risks. The review found that Data Networks and APIs significantly improve operational efficiency by increasing process speed (12% increase), reducing operational costs (8% reduction), and enhancing overall productivity. However, security challenges, particularly related to API vulnerabilities, were a major concern, with cyberattacks on APIs increasing by 400% in Q1 2023 alone. Despite these risks, the benefits of implementing Data Networks and APIs in SMEs, particularly in terms of scalability and real-time data processing, were evident across industries. Data Networks and APIs offer substantial improvements in operational efficiency for SMEs, although security remains a significant challenge. Future efforts should focus on developing security frameworks tailored to SMEs while maintaining the operational benefits of these technologies. Further research is needed to explore scalable and secure API models for SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mduduzi B. Khanyi & Sfundo N. Xaba & Nokunqoba A. Mlotshwa & Bonginkosi Thango & Lerato Matshaka, 2024. "A Roadmap to Systematic Review: Evaluating the Role of Data Networks and Application Programming Interfaces in Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-54, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10192-:d:1526358
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/23/10192/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/23/10192/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hai Guo & Zhuen Yang & Ran Huang & Anqi Guo, 2020. "The digitalization and public crisis responses of small and medium enterprises: Implications from a COVID-19 survey," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-25, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rubio-Andrés, Mercedes & Ramos-González, Mª del Mar & Sastre-Castillo, Miguel Ángel & Gutiérrez-Broncano, Santiago, 2023. "Stakeholder pressure and innovation capacity of SMEs in the COVID-19 pandemic: Mediating and multigroup analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    2. Khorshed Alam & Mohammad Afshar Ali & Michael Erdiaw-Kwasie & Md Shahiduzzaman & Eswaran Velayutham & Peter A. Murray & Retha Wiesner, 2022. "Impact of ICTs on Innovation and Performance of Firms: Do Start-ups, Regional Proximity and Skills Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Elissa Dwi Lestari, 2022. "The Effect of Financial Literacy, Cost of Technology Adoption, Technology Perceived Usefulness, and Government Support on MSMEs' Business Resilience ," GATR Journals gjbssr620, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    4. Medet Sartbayev & Leila Tussupova & Irina Selezneva & Tamara Mukhamedyarova-Levina & Elmira Yeralina, 2023. "Strategic investment management in the digital transformation of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(1 suppl.), pages 295-311.
    5. Carla Henriques & Clara Viseu, 2022. "Are ERDFs Devoted to Boosting ICTs in SMEs Inefficient? A Three-Stage SBM Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, August.
    6. Ziliang Deng & Xufei Ma & Ziyan Zhu, 2022. "Transactional Dependence and Technological Upgrading in Global Value Chains," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(2), pages 390-416, March.
    7. Kalaj, Ermira & Merko, Flora & Golemi, Ela, 2022. "Reflections on the link between digitalisation and firm performance during the pandemic: the case of Albania," SEER Journal for Labour and Social Affairs in Eastern Europe, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 25(1), pages 101-118.
    8. Fotis Kitsios & Evangelia Nousopoulou & Maria Kamariotou, 2023. "Dynamic Capabilities and Digital Transformation in the COVID-19 Era: Implications from Driving Schools," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-12, November.
    9. Elizaveta Fainshtein & Valentina Chkoniya & Elena Serova & Pavel Vorobyev, 2023. "Sustainable Social Systems: Innovative Service Implications in the Restaurant Business in the Post-COVID Era with Digital Transformation Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-14, October.
    10. Takeda, Asami & Truong, Hoa T. & Sonobe, Tetsushi, 2022. "The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on micro, small, and medium enterprises in Asia and their digitalization responses," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    11. Alessio D'Ignazio & Paolo Finaldi Russo & Massimiliano Stacchini, 2022. "Micro-entrepreneurs’ financial and digital competences during the pandemic in Italy," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 724, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    12. Ermira KALAJ & Erjola BARBULLUSHI, 2023. "How And How Much Digitalization Affected Enterprise Performance During Covid-19 Pandemic," Regional Science Inquiry, Hellenic Association of Regional Scientists, vol. 0(1), pages 97-108, June.
    13. Alsqour Moh’d & Attar Hani & Alibraheem Mohammad Haider & Alsaqoor Sameh & Alsaleem Enas, 2025. "System quality, information quality, perceived usefulness, and ease of use as determinants of intention to continue using a Digital Accounting System among Jordanian SMEs," Engineering Management in Production and Services, Sciendo, vol. 17(2), pages 78-89.
    14. Isbat Alam & Shichang Lu & Muddassar Sarfraz & Muhammad Mohsin, 2023. "The Interplay of Green Technology and Energy Consumption: A Study of China’s Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Digital Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-18, August.
    15. Mohammad Nabipour & M. Ali Ülkü, 2021. "On Deploying Blockchain Technologies in Supply Chain Strategies and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Outlook," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-32, September.
    16. Jayanth Jayaram & Atanu Chaudhuri, 2025. "Agile Product Development by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Elaboration of Socio-Technical Systems Theory," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 26(4), pages 775-794, December.
    17. Kuo-Ming Chu, 2024. "Innovation Practices of New Technology Adoption for the Business Survival Strategy of Online Travel Agencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Two Case Studies in Taiwan," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(2), pages 9556-9575, June.
    18. Ekaterina Kozachenko & Ilona Ryshtein & Virginia Bodolica & Galina Shirokova, 2026. "Resilience Under Sanctions: A Comparison of Strategic Responses of Family and Non-family Firms in Russia," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 15(2), pages 163-183, March.
    19. Isotilia Costa Melo & Paulo Nocera Alves Junior & Geandra Alves Queiroz & Wilfredo Yushimito & Jordi Pereira, 2023. "Do We Consider Sustainability When We Measure Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs’) Performance Passing through Digital Transformation?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-30, March.
    20. Deng, Ziliang & Zhu, Ziyan & Johanson, Martin & Hilmersson, Mikael, 2022. "Rapid internationalization and exit of exporters: The role of digital platforms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(1).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10192-:d:1526358. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.