Best Practice Models for Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation and Security Challenges

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the best practices that have to be adopted in implementing ERP. The study further sought to address security challenges faced in ERP implementation. The researcher used content analysis approach of a number of publications on the subject area of ERP implementation. This research makes use of secondary sources like books, academic journals and other online sources that speak about the best practices to be adapted for implementation of Enterprise resource planning systems for conducting the study. The findings showed that before an organization dives in implementing ERP, the following practices for successful implementation have to be considered: developing a plan with clear goals and objectives, gaining internal support and commitment, selecting the right software, allocating sufficient resources and training and change management. The study also established that integrating user management, internal controls, data and information management and reporting, compliance, and protection against internal and external threats associated with a single solution is a big challenge. The paper concludes that even though ERP is important to organisations, its implementation is challenging and organisations must prepare adequately to get it right.