What Happens When Enterprise Software Is Too Hard to Use?

In this primary research report, we see that when ERP is too hard to use, people rely on spreadsheets instead. In these companies, ERP really DOES stand for “Excel Runs Production.” In mid-2011, a study was conducted among manufacturing executives and professionals of middle market to large manufacturers to understand how usability challenges may cause individuals to work outside the system of record. This causes the manufacturer to lose value as employees use other systems. When faced with usability challenges, respondents indicated they may also use a number of free or low-cost online tools including Google Docs and Dropbox. To learn more, view our industry report on ERP usability.