The 91.6 per cent support of the respondents for the statement that ICT operators in
South Africa will be highly effective and automated after 10 years can be used to
conclude that ERP systems have not been fully implemented or not fully utilised. Thus,
ERP systems in the ICT sector and more specifically in the telecommunications
industry are at a developmental stage. It can also be concluded that a strong need
and demand for ERP in the ICT industry exists. ERP tools will thus have a positive
impact in the ICT industry in terms of integrated networks and IT systems. In addition,
it can be concluded that ERP tools will enable organisations to share information
resources across divisions with the guarantee of proper protection.
It is proposed that organisations develop their ERP systems in order to generate a
competitive advantage. Thus, in order to deal effectively with disjointed IT and network
systems in the ICT industry; operators are to develop and implement ERP systems in
ICT organisations. As developed ERP systems will deal effectively with security of
information, it is recommended that such systems be implemented where success of
organisations and businesses are dependent on the protection of their trade secrets.
It can thus be concluded that the respondents are of the opinion that ERP tools that
are automated and integrated will result in enhancement of customer relationships and
consequently in improved customer satisfaction. It can also be concluded that the
previously mentioned relationships will inevitably lead to improved administrative
functioning with its resultant contributions to customer satisfaction for companies in the
ICT sector and more specifically for the telecommunications industry.