Examining the influence of ERP systems on firm-specific knowledge and core capabilities: a case study of SAP implementation and use

There is a paucity of in-depth research on the effects that enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have on firm-specific intangible assets, such as firm-specific knowledge and core capabilities. Accordingly, this paper explores the implementation of SAP in two operational units of the Boxit Group—a global player in the manufacture of paper and packaging. Leonard-Barton’s (1995) theory of knowledge creating activities, knowledge sets, and core and non-core capabilities is employed as a conceptual framework to examine the implementation and use of SAP modules in the firm studied. The findings of this in-depth exploratory case study illustrate that the introduction of SAP-specific business routines can threaten established core, enabling and supplemental capabilities and related knowledge sets. The integration of SAP’s embedded business routines and reporting functionality contributed to the creation of (a) highly rigid reporting structures; (b) inflexible managerial decision-making routines; and (c) reduced autonomy on the factory floor in the firm studied. SAP thus endangered the firm-specific knowledge creating activities that underpinned core operational capabilities in this organization. Finally, Leonard-Barton’s conceptual framework is extended to incorporate insights into the manner in which ERP systems such as SAP affect the various aspects of organizational knowledge sets.