Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory and provide empirical support for the re-conceptualization of usefulness as a multidimensional construct based on the technological roles of automation and computerization. Design/methodology/approach: A non-experimental transverse design is followed. Data were gathered using a questionnaire. The participants were users of enterprise resource planning systems. The analysis technique used was the structural equation model. Findings: Results show that the proposed conceptualization has empirical grounding as well as sufficient predictive validity. Research limitations/implications: The empirical evaluation was developed using only one type of information system (IS). Originality/value: This study expands on the existing literature by proposing and empirically evaluating a multidimensional conceptualization of usefulness to try to clarify how a system is useful and, once a greater granularity of usefulness is established, helping to improve the design and construction of information systems.