The role of SAP software in business process re‐engineering

Abstract

While the importance of SAP software in business applications and in process redesigning may have received attention recently, its effects on fostering process thinking have not been fully recognised. For example, SAP technology has facilitated a process‐oriented approach to system development because an SAP database can be shared by several functions in different functional units participating in the same business process. The SAP system has been built around business processes that cross functional units. In addition SAP technologies provide opportunities for improving collaboration among personnel from different functional units in their efforts to accomplish a common business process. The analysis reveals that while both computing and communication technology generate an undercurrent of process thinking, it is important to realise that SAP is a facilitator for process improvement and re‐engineering. This paper presents an overview of the role of SAP software as an enabler in business process re‐engineering. The paper also discusses the impact of the SAP system on organisations’ information and business integration strategies.