Integrating ERP Systems in a Decentralized Company: A Case Study

Gee-Woo Bock, School of Business Administration, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Korea
Emilia Flores, Donald Latumahina, Harry Cheng, Vu Tung Lam, Stephanie Chan, Ronald Soeharto
School of Business Administration, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Youn Jung Kang, School of Business Administration, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Korea
Contact author: elle0821@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

System integration across regions is essential for global operations, especially in business-to business (B2B) transactions. Medical Device Corporation1 (MDC), a medical-device manufacturer, aims to implement an e-procurement system to increase efficiency in group purchasing transactions and to enhance customer service. However, the company needed to standardize work processes in its various regions and integrate disparate regional ERP systems prior to the implementation of an e-procurement system. To achieve this objective, MDC is currently conducting a two-phase system integration strategy. This study describes MDC’s system integration promotion strategy in the context of the unique features of the medical supply industry and an environment in which work processes vary enormously with distinct regional environmental characteristics.