The most important reason that four of these companies gave for the implementation
of their ERP system was the request from top management. The findings point to the
conclusion that the main reason ERP systems are pursued by top management are for
efficiency and cost reduction so that a business may stay competitive in the
marketplace. An analysis of the results reveal that having clear goals and objectives,
user training and education, interdepartmental communication as well as user
involvement in evaluation, modification and implementation are considered most
critical by five of the six participants when pursuing such a drastic change to daily
operations