When Enterprise Resource Planning Needs Software Ergonomics – Some Typical Scenarios

In companies, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software supports the integration of all facets of business management, including planning, manufacturing, human resources, sales, and marketing. Although ERP software promises great benefits to ERP-deploying companies, its full potential in terms of productivity is not exploited well. Several reasons account for this, among them is the reluctance to invest in software-ergonomic measures that depart from standard implementations. Further reasons include a lack of specific usability management methodologies and a lack of knowledge about applying these methodologies. We propose a bundle of measures that could alleviate the situation: (1) A focus on scenarios that offer low-risk environments for integrating software-ergonomics into an ERP implementation project. (2) The development of methodologies that integrate usability management with standard ERP software implementation processes. (3) The dissemination of software-ergonomic knowledge and methodologies, as well as education. All three measures are discussed using the example of SAP-software implementation projects.