Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system could be defined as a business management system that comprises integrated sets of comprehensive software, which can be used, when successfully implemented, to manage and integrate all the business functions within an organisation (Shehab et al., 2004). The system links all areas of the company including order management, manufacturing, human resources, financial systems and distribution with external suppliers and customers into a tightly integrated system with shared data and visibility (Chen, 2001; Muscatello et al., 2003; Bancroft et al., 1998, pp.31-35; Boykin, 2001; Davenport, 1998; Bingi et al., 1999; Lee & Lee, 2000; Siriginidi, 2000; McAdam & Galloway, 2005). Chen (2001) presents an overview of the ERP system as shown in Figure 2.1 in the next page, where all the functions within the module are integrated with other modules to transfer and share information freely.

Shehab et al. (2004) state that traditionally, ERP has been applied in capital-intensive industries such as manufacturing, construction, aerospace and defence. Recently, ERP is expanding from its traditional base of manufacturing and logistics into industries such as health care, hotel chains, education, retail, telecommunication (Shehab et al., 2004), wholesale, service, maintenance and repairs, project industry  (Kumar & Hillegersberg , 2000) as well as finance, banking and insurance sectors (Kumar & Hillegersberg , 2000; Shehab et al., 2004). The Market Analytix Report: Enterprise Resource Planning, 2004-2009 revealed that ERP market revenues increased 14% in 2004 (Reilly, 2005).  Reilly (2005) states that the AMR research expects the top five vendors in 2005 (SAP, Oracle, Sage Group, Microsoft, and SSA Global) to account for 72% of ERP vendors’ total revenue.