Evaluating ERP implementation choices on the basis of customisation using fuzzy AHP

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a software solution that puts together a package that allows information flow through various levels and departments of an organisation. Manufacturing enterprises have understood the importance of information systems within their organisations and have begun using them extensively. To achieve the right fit of the ERP system to the business organisation, customisation may be needed. However, customisation is seen as an issue in the application of an ERP. There are many attributes that can be considered for the selection of an ERP system. In this paper, we have applied fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) to a framework to evaluate an ERP for implementation purposes. The framework provides different methods for customisation of ERP. With the use of FAHP, obtained results provide a better match in terms of understanding the problem and giving options that are a closer fit to the requirements rather than providing the ‘correct’ decision to be taken. This paper is aimed at helping managers to understand and select among the various customisation options available. The application of FAHP to the framework is demonstrated with opinions gathered from managers in various companies. These opinions are translated into numerical values and are compared to the problem as a whole.