Critical success factors for Lean tools and ERP systems implementation in manufacturing SMEs

Abstract

The aim of the work presented in this paper is to determine the most important CSFs which have the strongest impact on the implementation of Lean tools and ERP systems within SMEs. To achieve this aim, a methodology of two phases was adopted: the first phase was a literature review to identify the set of CSFs that have an impact on the Lean tools and ERP systems’ implementation; the second involved the design of a questionnaire and the gathering of data from SMEs regarding the factors which they consider influence the successful implementation of Lean tools and ERP systems. Ten SMEs were involved in completing the questionnaire and the first analysis was based upon the six responses received. This study has indicated that there is a positive correlation between the CSFs for Lean tools and that of ERP systems.