Affärssystem – Utmaningar och framgångsfaktorer för en framgångsrik implementeringsprocess : En multipel fallstudie för små- till medelstora företag verksamma i naturstensbranschen

Sammanfattning: Enterprise resource planning system (ERP system) is a standardized support system that aims to support the various functions of a company. Companies have different conditions for a successful implementation process due to the complexity of the ERP system. Implementation of ERP systems is also considered to be particularly difficult in small- to medium sized enterprises (SME) because the process is depending on resources. The natural stone industry is unique because of the natural material that require great adaptation and selection. Only about 20% of the material that is mined from the bedrock can be used for further production. SMEs and the natural stone industry have been dedicated to a little attention in research when it comes to implementation of ERP systems. Therefore, two knowledge gaps are identified where one gap represents a lack of literature on ERP systems for SMEs and the other represents the natural stone industry's unexplored conditions and challenges regarding the implementation of ERP systems. The purpose of this work is therefore to identify critical success factors as well as challenges small companies operating in the natural stone industry possess in order to implement an ERP system and how these companies can avoid a time-consuming process with high costs. To realize the purpose a survey was sent out to companies operating in the natural stone industry and are members of the Swedish Stone Industry Association. Thenceforth four interviews have been conducted with three companies who are members of the Swedish Stone Industry Association and a consultant working to implement ERP systems was interviewed. The theory is chosen based on the purpose and has been collected from scientific articles, literature and websites explaining key concepts for the work. Based on the findings, a model has been created to represent a cross-industry approach to achieve a successful process for ERP system implementation. The model aims to demonstrate an approach which is to create an awareness of any challenges that may arise. Challenges such as material characteristics, lack of leadership and lack of a holistic perspective. Based on these challenges, companies should then focus on success factors such as user attitudes for ERP, the use of project teams and a parallel test system to generate a successful implementation process.