A modular approach to ERP system selection: A case study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software selection problem. The primary goal of this paper is to propose a two‐phase procedure to select an ERP vendor and a suitable ERP software.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first phase of the proposed method the preliminary actions – such as constructing a project team, collecting all possible information about ERP vendors and systems, and identifying the ERP system characteristics – are established. In the second phase, the authors present a modular approach to ERP vendor and software selection and propose a 0‐1 programming model to minimize total costs associated with procurement and integration expenditures.

Findings

The proposed approach and the model are considered to be more useful for small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs).

Originality/value

In using the model for analyzing the data about a real case study that is a commercial SME and based on obtained results, some parameter values of the model for all SMEs are suggested.

Citation

Ziaee, M., Fathian, M. and Sadjadi, S.J. (2006), "A modular approach to ERP system selection: A case study", Information Management & Computer Security, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 485-495. https://doi.org/10.1108/09685220610717772