The Impact of ERP Systems on Business Performance : A Research Agenda

Abstract

The research reported in this paper aims at providing an exploration of the relationship between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and business performance in general. Although there is a large volume of research concerning the impact of ERP systems on business performance, in many cases the conclusions are mixed and in several occasions vague. In addition, in most cases, they do not offer any practical implications or theoretical foundations. In our view, this can be attributed to the fact that certain important dimensions of ERP systems have not be considered extensively and exclusively as having an impact on firm performance. In this paper, we are especially interested in pinpointing, firstly, the special characteristics of ERP systems that contribute to their success and, additionally, differentiate them from other business information systems, and secondly, their relationship with several dimensions of business performance. In this on-going research, following an extensive search of the literature, we initially identified certain characteristics of ERP systems that seem to be related or having an impact on business performance. Business performance dimensions are also discussed and initial research questions concerning ERP systems and business performance are postulated.