Hershey's Case Study

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There were several factors that contributed to Hershey’s ERP system failure. Firstly, Hershey’s expedited the implementation of their new ERP system in 1999 due to Y2K worries. Hershey’s switched out their business software in an instant in 1999 - a very risky practice known as a ‘big bang’ approach. Secondly, Hershey’s failed to enter all pertinent data into the new ERP systems. Without all the necessary data, the computer systems cannot do a good job improving business processes. Thirdly, a lack of project oversight and good communication resulted in system failures that cost Hershey’s about $150 million dollars in lost sales. To understand these factors, it is helpful to gain an understanding of Hershey’s basic business operations and think about what the ERP system was intended for exactly. Hershey’s is a huge company with an incredibly complex supply chain and complex logistics. Hershey’s has to concern itself with manufacturing, inventory management, and distribution. In the last few years of the 20th …show more content…

They began to standardize warehouse management software, so that independent companies hired to manage Hershey’s warehouses could communicate better with one another. Allowing sufficient time to test newly implemented computer systems helped with working out bugs and fixing them before the systems went live. For example, Hershey’s distribution centers learned it was important to practice scanning bar codes on pallets to ensure the pallets could be accurately tracked with their business software. Additionally, employees at Hershey’s have become more actively involved in system projects to help ensure smooth transitions (Carr). Although there were some critical issues with the project there were also areas of failures that were controllable. A significant controllable area of failure was the ERP System

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