Critical success factors for ERP projects in small and medium-sized enterprises—the perspective of selected ERP system vendors

Abstract

The aim of our study was to provide a contribution to the research field of the critical success factors (CSFs) of ERP projects, with specific focus on smaller enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review in order to update the existing reviews of CSFs. On the basis of that review, we led several interviews with ERP consultants experienced with ERP implementations in SMEs. As a result, we showed that all factors found in the literature also affected the success of ERP projects in SMEs. However, within those projects, technological factors gained much more importance compared to the factors that most influence the success of larger ERP projects. For SMEs, factors like the Organizational fit of the ERP system as well as ERP system tests were even more important than Top management support or Project management, which were the most important factors for large-scale companies.