Requirement Elicitation Challenges in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Abstract

Requirement elicitation is important in Enterprise Resource Planning systems because ERP projects connect finance, procurement, inventory, production, human resources, sales, reporting, and compliance processes into one integrated software environment. ERP requirement collection is challenging because different departments may have conflicting needs, legacy workflows may be poorly documented, and users may expect heavy customization without understanding its effect on cost, schedule, integration, and future upgrades. Traditional requirement gathering methods may not fully capture cross-functional dependencies, data migration rules, approval hierarchies, regulatory constraints, and process standardization needs. This article focuses on requirement elicitation challenges in ERP systems by examining stakeholder communication, business process mapping, requirement ambiguity, customization pressure, data quality issues, and change control problems. The study discusses how structured workshops, process walkthroughs, gap analysis, prototype validation, and traceability practices can improve ERP requirement clarity. The article concludes that effective requirement elicitation can reduce implementation risk, improve user acceptance, control customization, and support smoother ERP deployment.