Selection Process of ERP Systems

Background: The application and introduction of ERP systems have become a central issue for management and operation of enterprises. The competition on market enforces the improvement and optimization of business processes of enterprises to increase their efficiency, effectiveness, and to manage better the resources outside the company. The primary task of ERP systems is to achieve the before-mentioned objectives. Objective: The selection of a particular ERP system has a decisive effect on the future operation and profitability of the enterprise. The qualitative correlation between the size of enterprises, market position, etc. and the applied selection criteria for ERP systems should be analysed as to whether which criteria are used at multinational enterprises or at SMEs. Methods/Approach: Our research is grounded in a literature review and case studies of everyday practice related to the introduction, implementation and roll-out of ERP systems. Results: The dominant critical success factor of ERP introduction seems to be “ERP software suitability”, “Information quality”, “ERP vendor quality”. Conclusions: The set of criteria on one hand shows strong correlation with non-functional requirements codified in standards, and on the other hand with usual functional requirements for ERP systems.