Case study : an evaluation of the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) at a South African municipal entity.
Loading...
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a computer based software application that is widely
implemented in many business organisations. These systems have evolved over the years into
component based modules with the ability to easily integrate with other systems, provide real
time information and improve information sharing and collaboration. Choosing an ERP system
is a complex process and the literature clearly illustrates the failure of organisations to
effectively specify, select and implement ERP systems resulting in the inability to effectively
harness the associated benefits.
This study focuses on a South African water utility and the processes followed in procuring
and implementing an ERP system. It is interesting to note, that in this study, despite the utility
having experienced a failed ERP implementation decided to replace the same? ERP system. A
rigorous process was followed to find a replacement ERP system only to set aside all alternate
commercial of-the-shelf systems and re-implement the original failed ERP system.
To gain insight of the processes followed, the COTS theoretical framework is presented to
bring the reader’s attention to associated theoretical studies. In this study, we will conduct a
systematic literature review on ERP systems, its background, implementation processes and
associated implementation outcomes. This research, presents a case study that will describe
and explore the process of ERP implementation at the water utility. We will document the
process the utility followed in acquiring and setting up functional and non-functional
evaluation criteria for the ERP system. Further, we have considered the processes of
preparation, evaluation, selection and implementation. The analysis of the implementation
process has brought to light the importance of defining ERP scopes based on business
requirements, specifications based on the business scopes and evaluation criterion. The
findings and results from this case study will contribute to the conceptual and contextual
understanding of the specification, selection and implementation of ERP systems.
Description
Master of Commerce in Information Systems and Technology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2018.