The Role of Self-Service Technology in Enhancing Value : An Exploratory B2B Case Study from a Business Model Perspective

Sammanfattning: As digitalization and sustainability evolves, the environment in which businesses operate constantly change. Value perceptions shift as a result of this and become increasingly multifaceted. Businesses must therefore adapt their business models. This is an issue within B2BIT procurement processes which are object to continuous change. Self-service technology (SST) are prevalent in B2C transaction sectors such as hospitality, leisure and e-commerce. SST enables the integration of functions and new technologies to enhance customer offerings. However, research has neglected the B2B perspective of SST which is crucial when utilizing the technology to improve IT procurement processes. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how SST can be leveraged to satisfy stakeholders’ value perceptions in a B2B IT procurement process. This is done by examining how the functions of a general SST fulfills the value aspects based on the triple bottom line framework. Specifically, the SST solution offered by Company X is investigated, including the value-added services that are integrated in the specific SST. The study showcases the novelty of SST and provides insights for business models utilizing SST. The study concludes that tailored value-added services are key to meet value perceptions. However, the principal foundation of the framing is understanding of stakeholder needs. Furthermore, the study concludes that digitalization drives enhanced value perceptions of sustainability, aligned with the triple bottom line distinction, when a business model uses a new technology tailored for its stakeholders.