The relationship between TQM factors and successful ERP implementation

ERP system is a generic term for a broad set of activities supported by multi-module application software which helps organizations to manage their own resources. ERP system has been proved to be able to provide significant improvements in efficiency, productivity and service quality, and to lead to a reduction in service costs as well as to make decisions more effective. ERP systems can integrate enterprise wide systems, which automate core corporate activities such as manufacturing, human resources, finance, supply chain management, etc. by using this system companies can enhance a considerable improvement in easier access to reliable information, elimination of redundant data and operations, reduction of cycle times and increased efficiency which finally cause cost reduction. Recently, one of the main challenges of managers in organizations is ERP implementation successfully. Since ERP influences all the aspect of organization, there are many barriers in implementation of ERP successfully. Total Quality Management (TQM) as a comprehensive philosophy encompasses all the dimensions of organization and can prepare the pre-requisites in organization. This paper analyzes the critical factors included in both TQM and ERP. Findings imply that there are common factors in the both mentioned approaches such as communication, training, top management support, etc.