Strategic Systems Implementation: Diffusion through Drift

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany R Elbanna

The adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems follows various paths in organisations and achieves diverse results. The traditional models of diffusion of innovation applied in information systems are not sufficient to explain such variations in adoption. This study examines the process of drift in an ERP project to answer the questions of how and why drift tends to occur in such projects. It applies Actor Network Theory to interpret the data. This analytical lens reveals that a software implementation project's fate depends on each move it takes and each party involved in handling that move. Every handling of the project by different parties could present either a positive modality (that strengthens it and pushes it forward on its track) or a negative modality (that weakens its initial form and drags it onto a different direction). The study provides an alternative view of diffusion, and an explanation of drift in the ERP case that could be extended to other technological projects. It invites practitioners to monitor the various movements of their projects and to allow strategic drift in order to achieve a successful implementation.

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany R. Elbanna

Claudio Ciborra's improvisation argument provides a realistic dynamic account of how organisational practices address technology. This was developed from the study of malleable open-ended technology, but little research has occurred to investigate the theory's validity within different settings. This paper seeks to address this gap, by examining improvisation in the context of a rigid highly structured technology. It presents findings from the successful implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system within a large international organisation, which was subsequently defined by the ERP vendor as being an ‘exemplary site’. Through the theoretical lens of Actor Network Theory, the paper reveals the improvisation, enactments and constant work around the plan that took place in dealing with the high contingencies of ERP implementation. The study extends the discussion on improvisation and contributes to an already illuminating argument. It invites practitioners to reflect on ERP implementation practice and review their evaluation methods.


Author(s):  
Reinaldo José De Freitas ◽  
Helder Gomes Costa ◽  
Valdecy Pereira ◽  
Eduardo Shimoda

Purpose – This paper aims to identify criteria that can be used in assessing the successful implementation of ERP (enterprise resource planning) in large companies. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a systematic review conducted in 74 selected articles from a survey performed in Scopus bases and Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science, an initial set of 34 criteria was defined and used for evaluating the implementation of ERP systems. This set was submitted to a sample of 111 experts in ERP for evaluation via electronic forms provided through the EncuestaFácil site. The collected data were treated by applying the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) method. The criteria selection is based on the integration of two methodological approaches: systematic review and the application of CVR method for validation of ratings issued by experts. Findings – As a result of the research, 25 criteria were identified and validated to evaluate the implementation of ERP systems, focusing on large Brazilian companies. Practical implications – The research results can be very useful to managers using ERP systems and have significant utility for organizations that develop ERP systems. Originality/value – According to studied literature, no previous study has used this integration in the identification of criteria for assessing the implementation of ERP systems in large Brazilian companies. On the other hand, the use of these two approaches assured confidence in the validity of the findings.


2014 ◽  
Vol 933 ◽  
pp. 860-868
Author(s):  
Muneam Zamzeer Al-Magsoosi

Successful implementation of ERP systems should take full advantage of the access to information, but not be constrained by many of the deficiencies associated with infinite capacity scheduling methodologies. In this paper an algorithm is developed which improves the performance of the ERP system. Lot sizing decisions based on capacity availability are used as an instrument to integrate more effectively capacity requirements planning (CRP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP). MRP is a planning tool for a sub-set of manufacturing system specially in hierarchal multi-product, multi-period and multi-stage production planning and inventory control system. The Vehicle used for this integration is planned order release (POR) quantity. The algorithm requires minimal deviation from the MRP logic. In this sequential process MRP first issues the action notices and then the algorithm analyses the capacity situation in the work centers. The algorithm scans all planned order release quantities of lower level items in the action bucket before orders are released to the shop. For each item a delta value is computed identifying the degree orders are contributing to capacity problems. This delta is specific to each POR. The POR causing the highest overload and the one passing through the lowest utilized work centers are selected for a lot size decrease, respectively, an increase. After identifying the candidates, a series of checks analyses the suitability of the candidates for that change. The planned order release quantities of more items can be performed. Projected capacity profile after iteration will be updated and capacity requirements over a short duration are smoothed. The experiments are performed with MAP/3000 as a simulation model for this study. The developed algorithm is added to MAP/3000 as additional subroutines. The design of the experiments consists of a base test identifying the significance of different environmental parameters of MRP systems and a main test which performs a detailed evaluation. The results are evaluated using analysis of variance techniques. Most ERP systems built on the historical development of MRP and CRP systems, and the assumption of infinite capacity is affecting the performance of those systems badly. This paper is presenting an algorithm to smooth capacity problems by using the existed capacity.


2011 ◽  
pp. 758-765
Author(s):  
Leopoldo E. Colmenares ◽  
Jim O. Otieno

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an integrated set of programs that provides support for core organizational activities, such as manufacturing and logistics, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, and human resources. An ERP system helps the different parts of an organization share data and knowledge, reduce costs, and improve management of business processes. In spite of their benefits, many ERP systems fail (Stratman & Roth, 1999). Implementing an ERP system is a major undertaking. About 90% of ERP implementations are late or over budget (Martin, 1998), and the success rate of ERP systems implementation is only about 33% (Zhang et al., 2003).


Author(s):  
Leopoldo E. Colmenares ◽  
Jim O. Otieno

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an integrated set of programs that provides support for core organizational activities, such as manufacturing and logistics, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, and human resources. An ERP system helps the different parts of an organization share data and knowledge, reduce costs, and improve management of business processes. In spite of their benefits, many ERP systems fail (Stratman & Roth, 1999). Implementing an ERP system is a major undertaking. About 90% of ERP implementations are late or over budget (Martin, 1998), and the success rate of ERP systems implementation is only about 33% (Zhang et al., 2003).


2013 ◽  
pp. 1002-1018
Author(s):  
Ricardo Almeida ◽  
Miguel Nuno de Oliveira Teixeira

Information management has assumed an increasing importance at business organizations, over the last decades. Such trends lead companies to promote enormous efforts on organizing and optimizing their business processes, acquiring expensive enterprise information systems, aiming to promote an accurate answer to market uncertainty. Unfortunately, traditional software implementations have revealed low levels of satisfaction by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems’ customers. This study aims to evaluate the reasons for success and failure of ERP systems implemented in Portugal and the methodologies taken by consulting teams. To achieve such a goal, it has been submitted a web survey to Portuguese companies and consulting teams, in order to confirm major errors, ERP systems’ coverage and quality’s response for business processes, and assessment of engineering requirements as a major concern. This study is concluded with the presentation of the web survey results and some conclusions about ERP systems’ implementation at Portugal.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luís Martins ◽  
Carlos Santos

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the changes caused by the use of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in the accounting of organizations at different levels: organizational structure; processes; and employees. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a qualitative methodology with interpretative analysis through the study of five cases in Portuguese companies that implemented the Sage ERP X3. The data collection was carried out mainly through semi-structured interviews. Findings The results indicate that the successful implementation of the ERP system is associated with changes in the organizational structure, reengineering of processes and changes in the functions of employees. These changes interact and cause modifications among themselves, which makes it difficult to identify the origin and sequence of changes related to the implementation of the systems. It was possible to identify the direct impact of the ERP system on the change of processes, which is reflected in the functions of the employees, as well as to verify that the ERP system provides the opportunity for companies to change their organizational structure. Originality/value This paper contributes to the accounting literature by providing evidence on the influence of ERP systems on organizational aspects of accounting in the Portuguese reality, attesting that the successful implementation of the ERP system is associated with changes in the organizational structure, reengineering of processes and changes in the functions of employees.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-72
Author(s):  
Shanika Wijenayake ◽  
H M R P Herath

Enterprise Resources Planning Systems (ERP) are implemented in organizations to optimize the supply chain to improve the overall performance. Yet, it is observed that many organizations have not achieved the desired level of performance through this strategic move. Literature suggest that the implementation barriers can be a main reason for this.  Hence the problem centered in this study is to identify the success factors and challenges of ERP systems implementation in the FMCG industry in Sri Lanka. This study uses the case study approach for four companies in the FMCG industry. Focus group interviews were used to gather data and the participants of the focus group interviews were key users who had an important role during the implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by an experienced interviewer using an interview guide with semi-structured questions. Success factors included the technological know-how, high management commitment, lesser government regulations, and experience of the process re-engineering. Challenges included investment in resources, information management, changing the organization culture to the best practices of the system, lack of the user training and limitation of the proper consultancy services. Findings of the study can be used as a framework to understand the ERP implementation success factors and the potential challenges faced by organizations in the FMCG industry.  


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