ERP issues and challenges: a research synthesis

Abstract

Purpose Despite more than two decades of experience regarding the adoption and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in organizations, ERPs success is questionable. Though ERPs success stories are published in past research studies, the failure rate of ERP systems is relatively high. The purpose of this study was to find issues and challenges and assess the degree of criticality of these issues/challenges faced by organizations during ERP implementation. Design/methodology/approach For doing systematic review/research synthesis systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out considering research studies published within the time period, i.e. 1999-2018. Three major steps such as planning, conducting and reporting were followed to proceed further in this study. This study attempted to accomplish a critical review of 53 studies out of 103 studies identified, which were published in reputable journals to synthesize the existing literature in the ERP domain. The studies selected have almost addressed different challenges/issues faced by small and large organizations during ERP implementation. Findings Research synthesis/SLR led to the identification of 31 issues/challenges, which may be termed as most critical based on their occurrence/frequency in past studies included. The topmost ten issues/challenges amongst 31 identified include top management approach, change management, training and development, effective communication, system integration, business process reengineering, consultants/vendors selection, project management, project team formation, team empowerment/skilled people and data conversing/migration. However, other issues/challenges identified such as security risks/data security, cloud awareness, functionality limitations, service level agreements and subscription expenses are more related to cloud ERPs. Originality/value The current study is unique in its kind, focusing on the issues and challenges faced by organization during implementing ERP projects. Moreover, this study contributes to understanding and further analyzing management capabilities for developing remedial measures while planning the implementation of an enterprise system in their organizations prior to the occurrence of different issues and challenges ahead. The study also led to understanding and explaining socio-technical issues and their severity.

Adoption of Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) In Indonesian Manufacturing Companies

“…The argument of this proposition is that ERP is more than a tool; it is related to human behaviour interacting in a system. Mahmood et al (2019) stated that ERP's adoption requires the availability of high quality technology, infrastructure and management's support. ERP demands a readiness from organisations to change their behaviour to a new standard, with more effective and efficient ways (Abdinnour-Helm et al, 2003).…”

A Taxonomy of Challenges for Cloud ERP Systems Implementation

“…Unlike Cloud ERP, the challenges identified from on-premise ERP implementation were categorized and fall within the client organizations, which includes operational, organizational and technical categories [38]. This is because on-premise ERP is developed by client organizations themselves [34].…”

Blockchain, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Accounting Information Systems (AIS): Research on e-Procurement and System Integration

“…It also ensures the measurement of the business financial results. Therefore, understanding and matching the accounting needs is vital to avoid compromising the company reputation, going concern, and stakeholders' trust [12,53].…”

“…AIS design and analysis are challenging [7][8][9][10]. ERPs are even more complex since they need to integrate many business applications to serve multiple needs [11,12]. In addition, AISs are usually implemented before any other business application since they ensure mandatory regulations compliance (i.e., bookkeeping and financial statements disclosure) [13].…”