A chronological review of ERP research: an analysis of ERP inception, evolution, and direction

Abstract

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) boosts E- business potential. This may be attributed to continual advancements in ERP system development. This paper takes a retrospective look at the trends, patterns, and directions taken by the researchers in the field of business process automation, with special focus on the ERP systems. Extensive literature review of articles published in many relevant publications is conducted. The research also examines the current state of ERP development and implementation. The comprehensive study on ERP evolution since its inception reveals the pattern of technological and operational advancements. Analysis of the resulting pattern serves as a prime basis for future trend and projection of this technology. Research findings suggest the classification of ERP developments into four main areas: ERP functional development and deployment, markets, key operational indicators, and research. Regarding to ERP functional development, ERP technology has moved from mainframe-based operations to the client-server architecture and Internet operations. Due to ERP markets, major ERP providers have shifted focus from mainly large corporations to small and medium-size enterprises. ERP key operational indicators include critical success factors (CSFs), critical failure factors (CFFs), and key performance indicators (KPIs). ERP research concerns with issues and trends that have been and will be addressed. Based on the aforementioned findings, the research concludes by presenting an analytical pictorial model outlining the inception, evolution, and direction of ERP developments.