Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions
Conference Track: Information
Technology
Keywords:
ERP, Construction Industry, Information Systems
Contact Title:: Dr.
Contact First Name: Syed Mahmood
Contact Last Name: Ahmed
University:
Florida International University
Web:
http://www.fiu.edu
Position:
Assistant Professor
Country:
USA
Email:
ahmeds@fiu.edu
Fax:
+1 (305)-348-6255
Title:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in Construction
Abstract:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is now being hailed as a
foundation for the integration of organization-wide information systems.
ERP systems link together entire organization's operations such as
accounting, finance, human resources, manufacturing and distribution, etc.
Moreover, they also connect the organization to its customers and
suppliers through the different stages of the product or the process life
cycle. There are very few studies conducted about the implementation of
ERP systems in the construction industry, particularly for the
construction contractors. The focus so far has been on client
organizations, engineering and design firms. The objective of this paper
is to investigate the suitability and the implementation status of ERP
systems in contractor firms. The methodology employed is a mix of
literature review, case studies and detailed questionnaire survey. It is
found that the majority of contractor firms have awareness about the ERP
systems but very few organizations have so far implemented such systems.
The major reason is that the implementation of any ERP system needs a huge
investment in time, money and resources. However, when implemented to
solve the right problems, these ERP systems can be a powerful tool for
business improvement. This study sheds light on the barriers to the
implementation of ERP systems in the construction industry and also
highlights valuable lessons learned and benefits gained by companies that
have such systems in place.
Mailing Address:
Department of Construction Management
College of Engineering
10555 West Flagler St, EC 2952
Miami, FL 33174
Phone:
Authors:
Dr. Syed Mahmood Ahmed / ahmeds@fiu.edu / FIU
Salman Azhar / salman.azhar@fiu.edu / FIU /(P)
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