Maximizing Return on Investment Using ERP Applications

Introduction

MANY BOOKS have been written about each of the topics discussed in this book, and many of them contain well-formulated approaches to dealing with one aspect of business or another. Many of these books, ideas, programs, and/or approaches will be referenced in this book and supported in the discussions, while many more that are not mentioned are very likely equally useful in certain circumstances. This book takes the view that although much has been created during the last two decades to help organizations use integrated business applications effectively, failures defined as not achieving intended Return on Investment from ERP investment have continued to dominate our experience. The book is not a memoir, although it is based on very specific examples we have experienced over the years. It is not written as a purely academic exploration, either, although it does postulate new thinking. It is written experientially, meaning that it is based on designed approaches, observation of the factors that led to success or failure, rethinking of project and program designs, more observation, and finally a decision that failures were not so much the result of improperly observing but of framing our observations through the wrong lenses.

This book starts with these assumptions:

• Basic project management knowledge and toolsets are available and used by skilled practitioners. The proliferation of PMP (Project Management Professional) certified practitioners and the development of implementation ...