Templates-instruments for standardizing ERP systems

Today's large companies face significant challenges in the integration of differently configured ERP systems which have evolved within the last decade. These systems impede the flow of information along the value chain which is vital for supply chain management and holistic controlling processes. They also create implementation inefficiencies since learning and scale effects are not taken advantage of. Therefore, establishing standards for the harmonization of independent and distributed systems would have a profound positive competitive impact. This article describes the Template Handbook, a standardization approach which as developed and implemented in a project with a multinational company, the Robert Bosch Group. ERP templates establish interoperability by identically configuring individual ERP systems within a company. They are enablers for the automatic exchange of information between ERP systems and the multiplication of know-how obtained from multiple ERP implementations. A vital component for the development and the roll-out of the templates was the method which was elaborated in the project.