The Moderating Influence of Enterprise Resource Planning on the Relationship between Electronic Order Processing Systems and Supply Chain Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Kenyan manufacturing firms face challenges in supply chain performance, including fierce competition, high production costs, and delayed product availability, requiring improved efficiency and cost-cutting strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of enterprise resource planning on the relationship between electronic order processing system and supply chain performance among manufacturing firms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study utilized resource-based theory, explanatory research design, a census approach, and a closed ended questionnaire to collect data from 270 heads of 9 departments in 30 manufacturing firms in Uasin Gishu County. A hierarchical regression model was used to test all the study hypotheses. Results of the control variables indicate that firm age (β=.190, P = .021) significantly influences supply chain performance while firm size (β=.101, P=.223) does not. These control variables explain 4.8% of the variance in supply chain performance (R2 of .048). Furthermore, the electronic order processing system (β=.837, P=.000) and enterprise resource planning (β=0.117, P=.003) significantly influence supply chain performance. Finally, enterprise resource planning moderated the link between electronic order processing system and supply chain performance (β=.132, P =.000). This moderation model indicates an improved R2 of .579 and a change in R2 of .083 implying that all the variables in the study account for 57.9% and 8.3% of the variance in supply chain performance. This study contributes to knowledge by examining the interaction of enterprise resource planning and the study variables. The study suggests that manufacturing firms should adopt electronic order processing systems and ERP to enhance supply chain efficiency. In addition, policymakers and managers should develop policies and strategies that encourage investments in these technologies, as they have been found to influence supply chain performance and competitive advantage.