Case Article—Budding with ERP: Information and Operations Management Challenges in a Nascent Industry

Abstract

The role of analytics in operations and supply chain management (OSCM) has gained significant importance due to the decision-making complexities in the current business environment. The effectiveness of most analytical approaches, in turn, relies on access to timely and accurate data and information. Hence, it is essential for OSCM students to understand the underlying processes and dynamics of information management, for which enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have become a standard. This case study can be a useful resource for introducing the critical interface between OSCM and information systems. The case study aims to facilitate learning on (1) the limitations of a rudimentary and disconnected information system, (2) the benefits and challenges of ERP implementation, and (3) the important steps to ensure a successful implementation of an ERP system. It provides an interesting context of a fast-growing agribusiness producing regulated products in Canada. The case study has been used in OSCM and management information systems (MIS) courses in two Canadian public Universities. Funding: This work was supported by Mitacs [Grants IT28747 and IT32722]. Supplemental Material: The Teaching Note and data files are available at https://www.informs.org/Publications/Subscribe/Access-Restricted-Materials .