Quantified benefit of implementing enterprise resource planning through process simulation

The enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can integrate the major business management functions of the enterprise with a single common database to allow sharing of all information and achieve efficient communications between management functions. Based on the needs of running a construction enterprise, ERP shows potential applicability to the construction industry. This paper sought to quantify the benefits of ERP systems when applied to construction materials procurement. Specifically, this paper briefly described the business processes involved in construction materials procurement and illustrated how ERP systems could be implemented and the efficiency of the construction materials management system consequently enhanced. The transformation from a non-ERP system into an ERP system through application integration, internal integration, external integration, and automation were simulated. Results show that the individual task improvements of models can increase the productivity of the materials management cycle by up to 5.2%, 18.2%, 27.8%, 13.5%, and 79.2% through internal integration, external integration, application integration, automation, and ERP system, respectively, by automating most of the repeated transactions and reducing manpower required to perform the tasks.