Analyzing and Benchmarking of 5 Potential Software of New ERP for better Inventory Management System for case company

Abstract

This Thesis is commissioned by Stafix Oy Finland. The case company was interested in finding out new ERP tool for their inventory management. The research questions were formulated as follow: How can the company receive inventory recording and calculation automatically with traceability of produced goods as well? And what are the major pros and cons of the suggest 5 potential software solution (easy to use and affordability)? Addition to providing solution to the above question, the cost comparison of those suggested ERP tools was also important. The thesis presents the theoretical background related to the software and its quality and functionality, ERP tools, benchmarking of suggested tools, Inventory management etc.

The methodology applied is qualitative approach in which primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaire. The two interviews were carried out with the managers of different companies which are using the ERP software in their companies and the software which are being analyzed by the researcher in this thesis are used by these companies. The secondary data were collected through different journals, publications, books related to the topic and basis of the topic to provide the overview of the related subject under which the thesis is being commissioned. An interview was also held with the CEO of the case company to the current issue that are being faced by the company and the expectation related to the new potential software. The questionnaire was answered by the employees of the case company. The aim of the questionnaire was to know the current status of the software that is being used by the case company and the problems that are being faced by the employees as well as the decision makers related to the software.

The researcher analyzed the interviews and questionnaire to provide the final outcome to the case company which would help the case company to choose one of the 5 suggested ERP tools for them. The researcher was able to handover the detail analysis and results related to the use, cost, efficiency etc. related to the potential software based on the theoretical research as well as empirical data collection, out of which company can choose which suits best for them.