Selection of the ERP System with Regard to the Global 4th Industrial Revolution

University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Economics, Department of Finance and Accounting, Univerzitni 2732/8, 301 00 Pilsen 3, Czech Republic

^* Corresponding author: polivkam@kfu.zcu.cz

Abstract

Research background: So-called Fourth industrial revolution, triggered by the massive development of information and communication technologies and leading to the new era of manufacturing and logistics known as Industry 4.0, is definitely an important topic across the global economy. Besides their other effects, technologies of the Industry 4.0 have a significant impact on the IT landscape of organizations, including the central part of this landscape – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. It is, therefore, important for organizations to take this fact into measure when selecting a new ERP system.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the presented research was to propose set of criteria, which could be used by the organization during the choice process of new ERP system in order to evaluate the readiness of every candidate for the challenges related to the Industry 4.0.

Methods: Development of the criteria set was based on analysis and evaluation of two main areas – firstly, the content of the Industry 4.0 and its particular technologies, and secondly the tasks which should be performed by the modern ERP system. Requirements arising from these two areas were then merged together into one set of criteria.

Findings & Value added: Result of the presented research is a comprehensive and easy-to-use set of criteria, which can be used as a decision-making support tool in the business practice.