Abstract

Benefits reaped from implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have made them a critical part of organisations. These systems, which are developed on best business practices, are sometimes unable to satisfy unique organisational needs, such as those specific to the construction industry which present a unique set of challenges different from those of manufacturing and service industries. This paper aims to study the development of in-house ERP system in an organisation in a developing country, and seek to explore and understand the development of ERP system designed exclusively around the needs of an organisation. This study adopts a case study based qualitative research methodology. Primary data is collected through a series of interviews, discussions with the project manager, development staff and end users. The outcome of the study shows that through proper planning coupled with detailed needs analysis, suitable change management strategy, an experienced project team and selecting the appropriate software development process, any organisation can design and develop ERP system that caters for the organisation specific needs. Therefore, eliminating the need of complex software customisation or altering business processes. Further, by developing an in-house system, the probability of a failed implementation is greatly reduced thus allowing the organisation to focus on its core business while benefitting from the new system.

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