The Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems for Roads and Infrastructure Construction Companies in Developing Countries

Abstract

Construction Enterprise Resource Planning (CERP) systems started to infiltrate the construction world after ERPs became crucial in modern enterprises. In simple terms, CERP integrate and keep track of the various processes within construction companies. As a minimum, these possess include management of general contractors, subcontractors, financial work, accounting, payroll, logistics, workflow processes ... data related to different processes are stored within one unique database. Despite this intuitive objective, developing and standardizing CERP systems to fit the needs of all construction companies is not a straightforward course. This research focuses on the development of a framework that integrates the minimum required modules to be included within a CERP, specifically for road and infrastructure construction companies. This objective is achieved based on literature review on CERP despite its shortage, in-depth interviews with construction professionals requiring CERP, and the results of a structured questionnaire filled by CERP users and developers. The developed framework identifies the procurement module linked to the on-site deliveries as the first stone that should be developed and implemented. Then, budgeting and work progress modules must be added. After that, timesheet and equipment follow-up modules need to be implemented. Limitations encountered highlighted the main considerations to be considered in future work such as the cost, the company's size, development and implementation period, and type of work.