A classification for better use of ERP systems

Companies have invested considerable resources in the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The results initially expected have rarely been reached. The optimisation (or efficient use) of such information systems is nowadays becoming a major factor for firms striving to reach their performance objectives. After presenting a synthesis of several studies on ERP projects, we build on the findings of a French investigation into the assessment and optimisation of ERP performance. A classification of company positions regarding their ERP use, based on both software maturity and strategic deployment directions, and an improvement process are proposed. Industrial cases allow validation of this approach. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.