This thesis is concerning with problems of using database systems in ERP / ERP II software packages. The goal is to define position of ERP / ERP II systems in the Information System market. With this topic are also connected characteristics of database systems and definition of their specific position towards ERP / ERP II solutions. Except classical solutions, when the whole Information System is situated "inside" a company, there are also analyzed new attitudes, which respect external provider of ERP / ERP II and database services, particularly SaaS and Cloud Computing technology. This thesis also deals with evaluation of contributions and threats of these new business models, respecting different size of ERP / ERP II solutions. After introductory theoretical chapters, we choose respondents from groups of producers and distributors of ERP / ERP II products and we implemented a survey through questionnaire research. The goal is to clarify main reasons of choice of specific database platforms, used with different types of ERP / ERP II solutions. Afterward, with the aid of defined hypothesis, I'm trying to explain a degree of platform independence of robust ERP / ERP II software packages, towards database platforms. In closing parts of the thesis, there are compared individual database platforms among each other, respecting their suitability of usage in ERP / ERP II systems. Database systems are closely analyzed from several points of view. On the basis of ascertained theoretical and empirical frequency of particular database solutions we determine dominant market players and with the aid of multicriterial comparison we clear up reasons of their success among other competitors. Finally, we outline an anticipated trend, where the database systems market destined for ERP / ERP II products should grow in.

<p>Researchers and practitioners alike believe it is not until an organization expands their ERP system that they will reap the full benefits of it. The question of how to expand an ERP system beyond its core is investigated in this thesis. It is done by reviewing ERP research and comparing this with empirical data collected in a case study made at a focal company. The focal company is a member of the business network Automation Region. The case describes how the focal company moved from using an ERP system to where they now have an e-procurement system connected to their core ERP and has developed a sales process system which might become their e-commerce system in the future to take control of their supply chain as a whole. It shows how a process thinking view has aided them in putting the customer in focus and incorporating parts of the TQM philosophy. The conclusion reveals that it is crucial to understand and work with processes and there are motives and obstacles to consider when expanding an ERP system. It furthermore uncovers the importance of giving this expansion of the ERP system, the move beyond the core ERP, a proper name such as Extended ERP, eERP. It is important because then, when we understand the eERP fully, we will be ready for the next level of business which may very well be ERP2 or Second Generation ERP which incorporates entire business networks.</p>

Researchers and practitioners alike believe it is not until an organization expands their ERP system that they will reap the full benefits of it. The question of how to expand an ERP system beyond its core is investigated in this thesis. It is done by reviewing ERP research and comparing this with empirical data collected in a case study made at a focal company. The focal company is a member of the business network Automation Region. The case describes how the focal company moved from using an ERP system to where they now have an e-procurement system connected to their core ERP and has developed a sales process system which might become their e-commerce system in the future to take control of their supply chain as a whole. It shows how a process thinking view has aided them in putting the customer in focus and incorporating parts of the TQM philosophy. The conclusion reveals that it is crucial to understand and work with processes and there are motives and obstacles to consider when expanding an ERP system. It furthermore uncovers the importance of giving this expansion of the ERP system, the move beyond the core ERP, a proper name such as Extended ERP, eERP. It is important because then, when we understand the eERP fully, we will be ready for the next level of business which may very well be ERP2 or Second Generation ERP which incorporates entire business networks.

<p>Ett ERP-system syftar till att ta hand om företagets resurser och skapa ett enhetligt integrerat system för dessa. ERP-system kan också användas för informationsutbyte mellan företaget, kunden och leverantörens system. Behov av ERP-system finns inom de flesta branscher oavsett storlek och inriktning men kritik har riktats mot att systemen inte lever upp till användarnas förväntningar eller tillfredställer användarens behov. Arbetets fokus ligger koncentrerat på hur mindre företags uppfattning om ERP-system är och vad som krävs av en ERP-leverantör för att i framtiden tillfredställa mindre företag. En surveyundersökning har använts för att få fram relevant information för att lösa min problemprecisering. Resultatet av arbetet visar att integrering med företagets externa aktörer, framför allt med kunders informationssystem, är det kriterium som är mest betydelsefullt i ett ERP-system i framtiden. ERP-leverantörer bör också inrikta sig mot att öka integreringen med de interna informationssystemen i företaget.</p>

Ett ERP-system syftar till att ta hand om företagets resurser och skapa ett enhetligt integrerat system för dessa. ERP-system kan också användas för informationsutbyte mellan företaget, kunden och leverantörens system. Behov av ERP-system finns inom de flesta branscher oavsett storlek och inriktning men kritik har riktats mot att systemen inte lever upp till användarnas förväntningar eller tillfredställer användarens behov. Arbetets fokus ligger koncentrerat på hur mindre företags uppfattning om ERP-system är och vad som krävs av en ERP-leverantör för att i framtiden tillfredställa mindre företag. En surveyundersökning har använts för att få fram relevant information för att lösa min problemprecisering. Resultatet av arbetet visar att integrering med företagets externa aktörer, framför allt med kunders informationssystem, är det kriterium som är mest betydelsefullt i ett ERP-system i framtiden. ERP-leverantörer bör också inrikta sig mot att öka integreringen med de interna informationssystemen i företaget.

Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to contribute empirical evidence focusing on sustainable competitive advantage through ERP systems. It identifies the shift towards strategic positioning while moving in different ERP stages and industrial environments. The work starts from the premise that advanced ERP processes are simply commodities insinuating competitive convergence. The literature considers IT and strategy but few texts deal with understanding ERP resources over time in order to become source of sustainable advantage. As companies undergo transformation or strive to develop new approaches to competition, it is particularly significant to investigate this venture. The exploratory inquiry in this dissertation aims to develop insights by a combination of qualitative and quantitative research traditions. The dual approach seeks to integrate the best research practices for contribution to the pertinent stakeholders. The first section is the introductory part followed by publications including case studies and surveys conducted on the basis of the gaps identified between theory and practice. The work is limited in scope and the intention is to appreciate knowledge acquired from the studies instead of drawing rigid extensive conclusions. However, the study traces that the ERP systems do provide competitive advantage, the sustainability depending on integrating to meet the business needs and building uniqueness. The implication is to capitalize on the potential of ERP, the idea being not to imitate competitors but to tailor applications to the company's overall strategy.