Identifying Key Trends and Emerging Thematic Clusters in the Research Field of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze scientific publications in the field of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software using the Web of Science database, as well as to create a scientific map of this domain. Additionally, the study aims to examine thematic clusters related to ERP software.
Methodology: This quantitative study utilized the Web of Science citation database to analyze data extracted from it. The statistical population comprised 2,531 records spanning from early 1994 to the end of 2024, employing a complete population sampling method. The search was conducted using relevant keywords and advanced search tools to identify all pertinent articles. Data analysis was performed using VOSviewer software and included examining spatial and temporal distributions, international collaboration networks, and identifying dominant topics to better understand scientific developments in this field.
Findings: The findings indicate that China leads among countries with 57 records, followed by the United States and India. European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France also make significant contributions to scientific output. Among universities, Ohio University ranks first with 78 records, Florida State University is second with 38 records, and National Central University ranks third with 36 records. These top three universities have produced a total of 152 papers, with American institutions accounting for the majority of scientific production in this field. Of the top 10 institutions, six are located in the United States. Additionally, institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank represent non-Western countries, highlighting global participation in this field. Among authors, V. Gao from China leads with 14 records, while authors such as Andrea, Legria, Werich, and Worcester closely compete with 10 articles each. The highest scientific production was recorded in 2013, with 158 information records. Among the journals, the International Journal of Organizational Information Systems ranks first with 98 articles. The Journal of Industrial Management and Data Systems follows in second place with 65 articles, while the Journal of Business Process Management ranks third with 53 articles. An analysis of the languages used in the articles reveals that English, as the international language of science and research, is overwhelmingly dominant in the field of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. With 2,465 articles out of the total, it is evident that most scientific research and publications in this field are conducted in English. This dominance may be attributed to greater access to scientific resources, international collaborations, and the necessity to publish in reputable journals. In contrast, other languages such as Portuguese, German, and Spanish account for significantly fewer articles—25, 12, and 11 respectively—indicating comparatively less research activity in these languages. The findings revealed that keywords related to ERP software were grouped into ten clusters, with the ERP software cluster exhibiting the highest degree of centrality. Additionally, the density map indicates that this keyword has the greatest density. Other topics within the clusters include critical success factors, technology adoption models, ERP implementation challenges, organizational performance, process improvement, software customization, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data. The findings also reveal a broad connection among business concepts such as management, efficiency, innovation, and performance, underscoring the importance of business as the central focus of research in this field. Additionally, the strong link between business and information technology, automation, and concepts related to small and medium-sized enterprises highlights an emphasis on enhancing performance and adapting to customer needs. On the other hand, the findings highlight significant connections between concepts related to the implementation and success of ERP software. A substantial portion of the research is dedicated to exploring solutions and factors that influence the successful implementation of these systems. Additionally, ERP serves as a tool to enhance coordination within organizational supply chains, making the selection of the appropriate system and attention to critical success factors essential for ERP project success.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the ERP software field has experienced significant growth in recent decades and is increasingly integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. An analysis of scientific literature reveals that topics like supply chain management, data analysis, and integration with other management systems are among the most prominent trends in this area. However, a more detailed investigation into the impact of new technologies on ERP system performance, implementation challenges in developing countries, and integration with other management systems remains lacking. Therefore, by identifying these gaps, this study paves the way for future research and emphasizes that advancing technology and management in the ERP field requires innovative and specialized approaches.