Expectation and reality in ERP implementation: consultant and solution provider perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to analyse expectation and reality in enterprise resource planning implementation from the consultants' and software vendors' point of view and process these further as requirements of future IT systems. Design/methodology/approach – A small‐scale survey among Finnish enterprise resource planning system (ERP) software vendors and consultants on ERP implementation challenges is analysed ( n =59). The results are connected to existing literature in the field of deploying ERP systems in the form of discussion. Findings – The consultants' opinions show similar results with studies conducted with companies using ERP systems. The implementer's point of view shows clearly the challenge of using standardized ERP packages for various requirements on different levels. Although the sales presentations tend to emphasize the general purpose and flexibility of software packages, the dilemma between customization and vanilla system remains. The implementer's viewpoint emphasises challenges in operations: production planning, materials management, sales and marketing. Research limitations/implications – The complexities of large ERP systems represent a true challenge from the knowledge transfer point of view. Standardized ERP packages implement standardized approaches, which has been a key benefit. The results show that the challenges are related to production planning and materials management. Practical implications – Software vendors and consultants have a thorough knowledge of ERP implementation, but still the key challenges remain much the same. ERP project deployment requires careful planning with regard to the change management aspects, but also IT related technical aspects. The paper presents a checklist for matching the ERP system with the specific requirements of the company. Originality/value – The results of the survey triangulate and justify many aspects found in previous research. From the consultants' point of view developments in production planning and complex products are especially needed. Initial solutions and further research are outlined.