In order to quicken the implementation process, Hershey opted for Big Bang implementation,
where several modules were implemented simultaneously. Some of them could not be tested
properly due to lack of time. This led to several problems related to order management and
fulfillment, and orders from many retailers and distributors could not be fulfilled, even though
Hershey had the finished product stocked in its warehouse The adverse affects of failed ERP
implementation were immediate,with a significant drop in the revenues for third quarter of 1999.
Annual revenues for 1999 were US$ 150 million less compared to those in 1998, a drop of 12%
(Refer Table I for the details of Hershey's financials during the third quarter of 1998, 1999 and
2000).