Title: ERP systems transition in small manufacturing companies: the tale of two countries

Authors: Mohammad Daneshvar Kakhki; Vidyaranya B. Gargeya; Reza Mousavi

Addresses: Business Information Systems Department, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA ' Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics, 479, Bryan Building The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA ' Business Information Systems Department, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA

Abstract: An increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are modernising their legacy systems by replacing them with enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. This transition process is challenging and prone to failure. SMEs, especially those in developing countries are more likely to suffer from these challenges due to their limited access to financial and human resources. Therefore, this paper investigates the ERP transition process in SMEs of developed and developing countries to address challenges and success factors. This paper uses two case studies to gain a deep understanding of ERP transition. The research shows that the fit between ERP and business processes plays a critical role in the success of the transition project. Also, SMEs in developing countries, compared to developed countries, face more challenges in the transition process due to a lower level of prior experience and limited availability of ERP systems and consultants.

Keywords: ERP transition; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; ERP implementation; ERP retirement; developed countries; developing countries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2022.124932

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2022 Vol.40 No.4, pp.441 - 463

Received: 01 Oct 2019
Accepted: 25 Dec 2019
Published online: 17 Aug 2022 *

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