Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Compared to large enterprises, SMEs differ in a number of inherent characteristics, which are likely to impact the ERP system implementations. The purpose of this study is to explore these influences of the SME context on the ERP system implementation process. SME characteristics are synthesised from relevant literature and the influences of the contextual factors on various activities across the ERP life cycle are investigated. The study presents findings from a multiple case study of four SMEs. The ownership type of the companies and limited resources were identified as the most influential contextual factors. Among the ERP life-cycle phases, the implementation phase was affected most by the SME context. The case studies also illustrate the need for a more nuanced view on what should be considered general characteristics of SMEs; for example, regarding the level of IS knowledge, business processes, and market characteristics.

Purpose -The purpose of this article is to investigate possible reasons for ERP system customization in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on distinguishing influential factors of the SME context. Design/methodology/approach -An exploratory qualitative research approach was employed, as the study aims to identify new insights within the SME context. A multiple case study of four SMEs was conducted. Data were collected through 34 qualitative interviews with multiple informants across the four cases.Findings -The study reports findings from four SMEs where ERP customization has been applied to match organizational needs. First, the level and type of ERP system customization applied by the case organizations were investigated. Then, the reasons for ERP system customization were explored. The analysis identified seven possible reasons leading to ERP system customization, classified according to two phases of the ERP life-cycle (prior to "going-live", after "going-live"). Reasons specific to the SME context include unique business processes, ownership type, and organizational stage of growth.Research limitations/implications -The study is based on four cases only. Further research is needed to investigate the applicability of our findings in different contexts.Practical implications -The study findings are believed to be valuable for organizations about to implement an ERP system as well as for ERP vendors. By identifying the reasons leading to ERP system customization and investigating the effect of the SME context, the study contributes to better understanding of ERP system implementation in SMEs.Originality/value -The article contributes to the scarce literature on reasons for ERP system customization in SMEs. By classifying the reasons into two phases of the ERP life-cycle, the study also contributes by exploring ERP system customization practice in different phases of the ERP lifecycle.

This review su mmarizes research on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems within the domain of small and mediu m-size enterprises (SMEs). Due to the close-to-saturation of ERP adoptions in large enterprises (LEs), ERP vendors now focus more on SM Es. Moreover, because of globalization, partnerships, value networks, and the huge informat ion flow across and within SM Es nowadays, mo re and mo re SM Es are adopting ERP systems. Risks of adoption rely on the fact that SM Es have limited resources and specific characteristics that make their case different fro m LEs. The main purpose of this article is to shed the light on the areas that lack sufficient research within the ERP in SM Es do main, suggest future research avenues, as well as, present the current research findings that could aid practitioners, suppliers, and SM Es when embarking on ERP p rojects. Moreover, this research highlights the theories, frameworks, and research approaches and methods currently adopted in ERP for SM Es literature.

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