Reconceptualizing system use for contemporary information systems

System use is a centrally important construct in a plethora of research. Yet for all its importance, and still consistent with observations of DeLone and McLean (1992), system use suffers from a “too simplistic definition”. Much of prior conceptualizations of use have been idiosyncratic and unsystematic. This study examines contemporary systems use and thereafter, introduces a framework for selecting system use constructs and measures based on three critical considerations: typology of the system-in-use, level of process automation, and system lifecycle. Measures are then recommended for system typologies under three types of system use: frequency, depth and explorative use. Our empirical investigation validates the framework using data from operational users of an archetype of contemporary systems- Enterprise System. Analysis of six PLS models: identify system use as an antecedent of individual-impacts, confirm the importance of depth of use, role of explorative use at early stages of a lifecycle, and alludes to issues in employing popular frequency based use measures. The study advocates several insights towards a deeper understanding of contemporary systems use. Nonetheless, future research can be directed towards a larger quantitative study to facilitate a broader theoretical and empirical treatment, and a consolidated set of prescriptive actions for practitioners.