1. IT architectures and Enterprise Systems integration in SMEs
Frantz Rowe
Marc Bidan
Nantes University
Duane Truex
Georgia State University
OASIS / Pré ICIS / 2004

2. Presentation Research question Conceptual framework Hypotheses
Methodology
Results
Conclusion

3. This paper has two aims
Examine if the implementation (organizational vision, functional coverage, process reengineering, implementation strategy, DBs heterogeneous, application, and specific development) of ERP systems explains the emergence of several IT architectures
Evaluate the impact of such implementation concerning (1) applications integration and (2) applications federation

4. What about hybrids forms ?
Research question
Does ERP Implementation offer a more integrated/federated IS architecture ?
What about hybrids forms ?

5. Conceptual framework Markus theory (2000 and 2001)
Alsène theory (1997)
Menadier theory (2002)

6. Methodology Quantitative aspects of the research data
Tested Population : 143 French SMEs companies
Minimum of 2 ERP modules,
Single editor,
Minimum of 6 months live implementation,
Respondents are ERP project managers and functional managers

7. Results
Three categories of IT architecture underlining IS “urbanisation” choices in SMEs :
federated IT architecture
partial integrated IT architecture
hybrid integrated IT architecture

8. Result 1: Federated IT architecture

9. Result 2: Partial Integrated IT architecture

10. Result 3: Hybrid Integrated IT architecture

11. Conclusion

12. Future research
Results require greater explanation in a number of respects:
Cross-functionality and interoperability of applications merits being examined in greater detail from the user viewpoint
The purpose of specific developments should be underlined and investigated
The life cycle approach taken here is restricted purely to the overall description of ERP issue and should be developed and carried forward as a basis for future research