Integration Challenges and Strategic Alignment Between ERP Systems and CRM Technologies in Multinational Enterprises

Authors

  • Lina Duarte ERP Integration Developer, Colombia Author

Keywords:

ERP, CRM, integration, strategic alignment, multinational enterprises, IT systems, data interoperability, digital transformation, organizational change

Abstract

This paper investigates the challenges and strategic implications associated with the integration of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technologies in multinational enterprises (MNEs). It highlights critical barriers such as organizational resistance, data synchronization, and infrastructural incompatibilities, and discusses the importance of aligning integration initiatives with broader corporate strategies. Using insights from peer-reviewed research published before 2022, this paper aims to offer both theoretical and practical perspectives, supplemented by empirical data in tabular and graphical forms. It proposes a framework to assess strategic alignment in global ERP-CRM deployments.

References

Madapusi, A., & D’Souza, D. (2005). Aligning ERP Systems with International Strategies. Information Systems Management, 22(1).

Velcu, O. (2010). Strategic Alignment of ERP Implementation Stages. Information & Management.

Osnes, K. B., Olsen, J. R., & Vassilakopoulou, P. (2018). ERP Systems in Multinational Enterprises. Procedia Computer Science.

Pohludka, M., et al. (2018). ERP Implementation and Unification. Sustainability, 10(8), 2916.

Trienekens, J. H., & Hvolby, H. H. (2010). Challenges in Business Systems Integration. Computers in Industry.

Huang, A., Yen, D. C., & Chou, D. C. (2003). Corporate Applications Integration. JBM, 4(2).

Ferran, C., & Salim, R. (2008). ERP for Global Economies. Books.Google.com. Link

Gebreyes, M. M. (2018). Integration of ERP and CRM: Ethiopian Airlines.

Haddara, M. (2018). ERP Selection in MNEs. IJISPM.

Adejumo, A. A. (2019). CRM and ERP in FMCGs in Nigeria. IJB.

Singletary, L., & Huynh, M. Q. (2006). ERP as an Integration Strategy: Issues, Challenges, Benefits, and Risks. In Strategic Management: Increasing Returns for e-Business (pp. 125–140). IGI Global.

Stverkova, H., & Pohludka, M. (2018). Implementation and unification of the ERP system in a global company as a strategic decision for sustainable entrepreneurship. Sustainability, 10(8), 2916.

Fredrick, K., & Christopher, D. (2019). CRM implementation and integration challenges in ERP systems: A Swedish freight forwarding case. DiVA Portal.

Basaez, M. O., Aranda, D. A., & Djundubaev, R. (2014). The role of CRM‐SRM bolt‐ons in ERP systems: Toward a customer‐oriented supply chain. Strategic Management Journal.

Rajapaksha, M., & Singh, M. (2012). Alignment of global business operations with ERP capabilities for improved business performance. In AMCIS Proceedings 2012.

Silvius, A. J. G. (2008). Business & IT alignment in a multinational company: Issues and approaches. In Handbook of Research on Global Information Technology Management.

Evgeniou, T. (2002). Information integration and information strategies for adaptive enterprises. European Management Journal, 20(5), 486–494.

Mishra, D., & Mishra, A. (2009). CRM System Implementation in a Multinational Enterprise. In OTM 2009 Workshops: Confederated International Workshops Proceedings (pp. 522–531). Springer.

Ekman, P., Thilenius, P., & Thompson, S. (2020). Digital transformation of global business processes: The role of dual embeddedness. Business Process Management Journal, 26(7), 1607–1624.

Thamir, A., & Poulis, E. (2015). Business Intelligence Capabilities and Implementation Strategies. International Journal of Global Business, 8(1), 49–60.

Downloads

Published

2025-01-25