Integrating ERP, KM & AI for accounting area of SMEs

Abstract

In the digital era, ERP has been increasingly being adopted by SMEs, especially for accounting practice, because of its powerful, efficient and comprehensive business management functions. In the context of knowledge economy, it is crucial for accountants to master work-related knowledge, including accounting theory knowledge, practical knowledge and ERP system operation knowledge. Therefore, KM of accounting is also vital for SMEs. The rapid development of AI has a disruptive impact on the performance improvement of ERP and KM. An integrated ERP system utilizing AI and KM capabilities will likely improve the efficiency and accuracy of accounting practices, as well as the performance of SMEs as a whole. However, there is no academic research on the system or concept of the integration of the three in accounting field to date. This study employs quantitative research methods, that is, survey and quantitative analysis, in order to discuss the effectiveness of ERP, KM & AI integration for addressing accounting work difficulties caused by the lack of knowledge. The research results indicate that the accounting difficulties are negatively correlated with ERP, KM & AI integration. Therefore, the integration has effectiveness in solving these accounting work-related issues. Based on the research results, a conceptual model of the integration is built in this study.