Estimating the Impact of ERP Systems on Logistics System

This paper estimates the benefits and challenges of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) on the Logistics system of an enterprise. By identifying the needs and challenges for the efficient development of an ERP system, the authors understand how an ERP directly contributes to the achievement of operational, strategic, tactical, and organizational benefits. In order to achieve these aims, a research was applied carrying out a closed question survey across Information Technology (IT) practitioners, the majority of who are located in Asia Pacific and Japan, comprising of Enterprise Architects, IT Architects, EAS (Enterprise Application Services) practice leaders, EAS Sales Leaders (Client Principals) all of whom have experience as ERP and logistics practitioners. The findings of the survey show that the biggest challenge concerning the usage of an ERP is not technological, but relates more to issues of trust, collaboration, integration, lack of agility, poor user adoption, implementation timelines, and lack of customer focus. Consequently, understanding how an ERP influences each one of them, will highlight the importance and strategic value of an ERP in terms of the logistics system efficiency.