Key Success Factors and Performance Impact of ERP System Digital Transformation: A Multi-Case Analysis

Abstract

The digital transformation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems has become a pivotal driver of organizational competitiveness in the era of big data and advanced digital management. As enterprises increasingly integrate ERP platforms with emerging technologies, understanding the critical success factors (CSFs) that govern effective transformation and their subsequent impact on performance remains a pressing research and managerial concern. This study conducts a multi-case analysis across six organizations spanning manufacturing, retail, and financial services to explore the key determinants of successful ERP digital transformation and their influence on organizational outcomes. Drawing on qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews, internal documentation, and system usage logs, thematic analysis was employed to identify recurrent patterns and cross-case themes. The findings reveal a set of context-sensitive CSFs, including strategic leadership commitment, robust data governance frameworks, agile project management practices, cross-functional employee engagement, and seamless integration capabilities with big data analytics infrastructures. These factors are shown to be interdependent, with leadership and data governance serving as foundational enablers for operational agility and innovation. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that organizations embedding these CSFs into their transformation strategies achieve measurable improvements in operational efficiency, decision-making speed, cost optimization, and adaptive capacity. Notably, the integration of ERP systems with real-time data processing and predictive analytics enhances strategic responsiveness, positioning ERP not merely as an administrative tool but as a core component of digital intelligence architecture. Theoretical contributions include an expanded framework linking CSFs to performance dimensions in digitally transformed environments, while practical implications underscore the need for holistic, data-centric approaches to ERP modernization. By elucidating the mechanisms through which ERP-driven digital transformation generates value, this research advances scholarly discourse in digital management and provides actionable guidance for practitioners navigating complex technological transitions.