Beginning preparation and planning stage of ERP implementation in a road freight transport SME : thesis
Bieze, Ieva (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121737762
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121737762
Tiivistelmä
The objective in this study was to understand if an enterprise resource planning system is necessary in a road transportation and haulage small and medium-sized enterprise since the present research on the topic is limited.
Evaluation was done by researching the ERP features most suitable for road freight transport SMEs. Features like route and shipping management contribute to reduced costs, risk levels, delivery times, and capacity, but route optimisation helps with lowering CO₂ emissions. Factors to consider before implementation were researched, and planning actions were highlighted as important and necessary. Creating a plan for the ERP system and utilising enterprise architecture planning will lead to successful implementation. ERP vendor options were explored, and SMEs would see more productive ERP implementation with Oracle (Fusion Cloud ERP), Oracle (NetSuite), Microsoft (Dynamics 365), or SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Infor, Epicor Software, IFS, QAD, Plex, and Odoo.
Improvements in overall operational efficiency have been marked in previous research done on the topic. Existing research tells us that the implementation of ERP systems with integrated finance and sales tools is likely to benefit most SMEs.
Current ERP trends were emphasised. ERP systems have become more advanced and provide more opportunities with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Modernising ERPs by working from cloud-based systems has become important.
The answers to the research questions were achieved by such methods as literature review and three interviews – two with SME representatives from case companies and one with an ERP system vendor representative.
Interview results indicated that micro-size enterprises do not need an enterprise resource planning system given the company size and operation complexity. For a growing business, planning for such systems early is recommended to facilitate easier implementation.
Evaluation was done by researching the ERP features most suitable for road freight transport SMEs. Features like route and shipping management contribute to reduced costs, risk levels, delivery times, and capacity, but route optimisation helps with lowering CO₂ emissions. Factors to consider before implementation were researched, and planning actions were highlighted as important and necessary. Creating a plan for the ERP system and utilising enterprise architecture planning will lead to successful implementation. ERP vendor options were explored, and SMEs would see more productive ERP implementation with Oracle (Fusion Cloud ERP), Oracle (NetSuite), Microsoft (Dynamics 365), or SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Infor, Epicor Software, IFS, QAD, Plex, and Odoo.
Improvements in overall operational efficiency have been marked in previous research done on the topic. Existing research tells us that the implementation of ERP systems with integrated finance and sales tools is likely to benefit most SMEs.
Current ERP trends were emphasised. ERP systems have become more advanced and provide more opportunities with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Modernising ERPs by working from cloud-based systems has become important.
The answers to the research questions were achieved by such methods as literature review and three interviews – two with SME representatives from case companies and one with an ERP system vendor representative.
Interview results indicated that micro-size enterprises do not need an enterprise resource planning system given the company size and operation complexity. For a growing business, planning for such systems early is recommended to facilitate easier implementation.