A system development methodology for ERP systems

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) project is considered highly risky, since it is large, complex, usually unfamiliar to the organization and implemented under a tight timetable. It usually entails process reengineering and many changes. To reduce the risk and improve the probability of project success, an organization can use a structured development approach for such a project, beginning with the selection stage and culminating in the operation stage. There are several conventional structured development approaches. The major ones are the ISDLC model, the prototyping approach and the software package life cycle model. The implementation of an ERP system requires a new methodology that combines components from each of the above approaches. The model suggested in this paper is comprised of four stages: (1) selection; (2) definition; (3) implementation; and (4) operation, Several organizations that have adopted this structured methodology have evidenced a successful ERP implementation.