Companies are being warned not to cut back on their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as a way to reduce costs in the recession.
Benny Har-Evan, technology editor at IT Pro, said it is short-sighted for businesses to cut this technology and will lead to inefficiencies further down the line.
"Companies are too concerned with the short-term need for quick gains rather than taking a potential more beneficial long-term view," he added.
According to the expert, companies need to be "brave" and form decisions aimed at the bigger picture, meaning they will make the correct choices for the future.
Mr Har-Evan added that businesses are not making full use of the ERP systems, stating putting them into use now would require further investment and time, which many firms are not willing to use.
His comments follow research from technology services and outsourcing company Accenture that three-quarters of senior IT professionals think the systems give a competitive advantage and strategic value.