A Methodology for Evaluating Data and Output Misfits in Commercial Off-The-Shelf ERP Systems

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology based on the task-technology fit theory to identify data and output misfits in the ex-ante evaluation of an off-the shelf enterprise resources planning (ERP) package. The proposed methodology consists of two stages: output misfit analysis and data misfit analysis. The purpose of the first stage is to identify corresponding field (output misfits) and data glossary for data misfit analysis. The latter stage identifies data misfits for every corresponding activity in the business process sequence. The proposed methodology provides a systematic approach to alleviate the difficulty and complexity in identifying data and output misfits. The identification results identify where the misfits are and provide a degree of mismatch, thus providing a practical basis for ERP tool selection to reduce the risk of failure in its implementation.