Title: ERP gap-fit analysis from a business process orientation

Authors: Thomas R. Gulledge

Addresses: George Mason University,Mail Stop 3C6, Fairfax,Virginia 22030-4444, USA

Abstract: The traditional approach to scoping an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project is based on a modular-oriented functional gap-fit analysis. This means that the functionality of each ERP module is compared with some definition of the functional requirements of the receiving organisation. In most of these consulting engagements, architects are asked to provide an unbiased analysis of standard software alignment with the business processes of the implementing organisation. Modules are stovepipes, and a modular-based gapfit analysis compares functionality within stovepipes. Business processes¹ flow across the stovepipes; hence, they represent the output/capability delivery of the implementing organisation. A gap-fit analysis from a business process orientation provides an understanding of how the software would enable the end-to-end business, as opposed to comparing static functions within stovepipes. This paper presents an approach that has been used in several large organisations to provide a Business Process Oriented Gap-Fit analysis.

Keywords: architectural planning; business processes; enterprise resource planning; ERP; gap-fit analysis; standard software.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSS.2006.010468

International Journal of Services and Standards, 2006 Vol.2 No.4, pp.339 - 348

Published online: 24 Jul 2006 *

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