The function of enterprise resource planning systems in the establishment of a flexible working environment in a South African organisation

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected almost all business sectors globally by altering the essence of business and life. Technology became the pillar for communication during this period, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems grew increasingly important for the critical success of businesses. In order to survive, business organisations had to adopt ERP systems to enable their workers to work from home. Now, after the pandemic, no organisation can conduct business without a technology-infused working business management system. Despite the widely documented importance of ERP systems, and the pivotal role they play in streamlining the operations of businesses, literature on their adoption in South Africa is scarce. This study sought to remedy this in part by exploring the adoption of ERP systems to allow remote working in selected hospitality and finance sectors in Cape Town. Questionnaires with open- and closed-ended questions were used to collect data from 20 participants. A focus group was also used as a data collection method, involving 9 participants from the IT department. The study revealed that employees were efficient and effective working from home and had a positive perception of the work from home practice. The success of adopting ERP systems was mainly attributable to the organisational support that the employees received to enable them to utilise the systems and work remotely. The ERP support systems included an ERP platform and software for use during the work-from-home period. The study also revealed the benefits associated with the adoption of ERP systems to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19. Most importantly, ERP systems enabled employees to continue working despite the regulations put in place by the government of South Africa. Several challenges and risks were articulated by the participants, including technological challenges, website attacks, (electricity) load shedding and network connectivity issues.