Enterprise resource planning implementations at small and medium-sized enterprises: Influential factors

Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that were previously the domain of large organizations. ERP system implementation guidance exists in the form of Critical Success Factors (CSFs), however the existing research is heavily based on experiences at large organizations. Addressing this knowledge gap, multiple case studies were conducted at Canadian SMEs that had recently implemented an ERP system. Interviews were conducted with several individuals at each company in addition to obtaining project documents, providing both data and methodological triangulation. Within-case analysis suggested the cases ranged from very successful to very unsuccessful. Cross-case analysis focused on identifying factors that influence implementation success. The influential factors identified are then presented in a conceptual framework. Some influential factors are similar to those traditionally associated with large organizations while others are either newly identified or refined. Areas for future research are also presented.