The other chief benefit of ERP system implementations cited by Poston and Grabski
(2001) is improved efficiencies through computerization. From the perspective of financial
accounting information, this indicates a reduction in the financial reporting cycle for ERP
system adopters. Indeed, anecdotal evidence and surveys suggest that ERP systems reduce
reporting lags by processing business transactions more efficiently and reducing the financial
close cycle (e.g., Mabert et al. 2000; Wah 2000; Hitt et al. 2002; Olhager and Selldin
2003).