ERP DREAMS AND SOUND BUSINESS RATIONALE

摘要

This paper reflects on some of the roots of the current ERP debate. Drawing from previous research and fromrnan examination of ERP vendors' claims, it highlights how the ERP market is characterised by a subtle butrnpervasive conflict between two fundamental discourses: the arguments put forward by ERP vendors and thernperceptions and goals of managers in the organisations implementing ERPs. The paper documents the earlyrnstages of a larger research study, which is currently in progress into the selection process that organisationsrnshould follow when investing in ERP systems. The lessons from our investigation of key statements made aboutrnERP systems by vendors and managers lead to the conclusion that the dialogue in relation to ERP must takernplace at a fundamentally different level, more concerned with the philosophical implications of the concept ofrnERP and less concerned with the benefits in principle of ERP packages. Also, the ERP market is not well servedrnby the futuristic marketing visions put forward by vendors and far remote from the reality of what ERP systemsrnare being used for in organisations.