ERP implementation and change: towards a cross-functional view

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are characterised by particular features such as functional coverage, interdependent relationships, single database and standard management and processing rules; all of which are capable of bringing about various degrees of change within the company and, potentially, encourage a more cross-functional overview of it. However, few quantitative studies have been conducted to measure these effects. This is the background to this paper, which studied 100 French companies to arrive at the following assessment of ERP adoption. It then goes on to test the relationships between the factors influencing the ERP lifecycle ((preparation (organizational vision, process re-engineering), engineering (specific developments), implementation strategy (functional coverage and speed)), the perception of a more cross-functional overview of the company and, more globally, the scope of the change this technology brings about within the company. All these factors play significant roles, with functional coverage appearing to be a particularly important consideration, which should be addressed in future research.