Abstract
M.Comm.
The concept is not new, but there are certain factors that complicated the application of this concept in actual practise: The rapid advances in technology, engineering and business processes, have left today's enterprise with a multitude of different computer applications to choose from. This puzzle consists of many variables, including : hardware, application software, operating systems, data bases and networks. An indication of the complexity of offerings available in the market today is reflected by a survey conducted by Paras on Process MRP Systems (Paras, 1992:7-28). The research problem is therefore to investigate the extent of usage of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in South Africa. The research project has the following objectives: To determine the extent of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System usage in South African Industrial companies. To determine the different functional areas that ERP functionality is applied to in these companies, as well as trends in this area. To determine levels of support currently available to the South African Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System user. To determine the benefits realised . out of implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionality. This research explores the extent to which Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionality are being used in South Africa. As these systems are mainly used in Industrial companies, this research is limited to Industrial companies within South Africa. Companies in both the discrete and process environments are included in the study. Due to the cost of implementing such systems, these companies tend to be companieswith more than 100 employees, although relevant companies with fewer employees have been included. The larger majority of the companies operate in a distributed environment, with sites spread throughout South Africa, and in neighbouring and overseas countries. Due to the exploratory nature of the research problem, and the limited full enterprise wide use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in South Africa, the scope will be wide, with the intent of this study to gain a broad perspective of the topic.