Title: Providing custom enterprise resource planning solutions: benefits and challenges

Authors: Hanuv Mann; Uma Kumar; Vinod Kumar; Inder Jit Singh Mann

Addresses: Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada ' Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada ' Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada ' Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Abstract: Present-day enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) cater to the ever-increasing need for real-time information and instant running analysis of financial trends and operational data. Out-of-the-box ERPs, while providing sturdy back-end architecture are still quite expensive and lack the flexibility of customised modules. Lightweight custom ERP solutions are cost-effective and favour the needs of modern businesses with unique reporting hierarchy and core processes. This study of a custom-solutions business partner of a US-based Fortune 500 company examines two cases to analyse key benefits and challenges that govern providing custom ERP solutions to organisations. Our results indicate that businesses realise optimal benefits from custom ERPs developed as modules around conventional solutions, providing the best of both worlds and a unique cost advantage.

Keywords: enterprise resource planning; ERP; custom ERP.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2017.083865

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.16 No.2, pp.147 - 161

Received: 12 Mar 2016
Accepted: 18 Mar 2016
Published online: 25 Apr 2017 *

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