Explorative TTF Perspective on ERP Systems and Data Quality Management Interdependencies

Abstract

Data quality management (DQM) gains importance due to the increasing amount and diversity of data as well as data’s critical impact on organizational success. Most organizations use enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, establishing an enterprise-wide platform to integrate data and processes. There is a lack of sector-specific research of how ERP systems are used for DQM tasks in the insurance sector despite the sector’s specific characteristics. DQM plays a considerable role in the information-intensive insurance sector, with its numerous regulations, complex products and distribution structure. Following the task-technology fit (TTF) theory, we conducted semi-structured expert interviews in order to examine ERP systems’ use for DQM tasks and the interdependency of ERP systems and DQM. First, this paper shows that in the insurance sector, ERP systems are used to fulfill regulations and provide a starting point for data analysis. However, cultural and managerial challenges need to be addressed in order to lever the potential of diverse data for analysis. Second, we present a qualitative study applying the TTF theory. By doing so, we show that a qualitative application of TTF theory allows for rich insights and identi-fies potential causes of context-specific TTF problems. Furthermore, we present areas for further research on DQM and ERP systems and provide guidance for improving future use of ERP systems with respect to DQM.