Identifying the maturity level of ERP systems implementation and use in SMEs: a study using grey fixed weight clustering

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the contribution of implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in Brazilian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), understanding how ERP systems influence the operational and strategic management of these organizations and classify their maturity levels in ERP usage. Design/methodology/approach A combination of bibliometric analysis, Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation and grey fixed weight clustering methods is used. A survey was performed to assess experts’ perceptions about the contribution of ERP systems across multiple dimensions, and the responses were analysed to determine the maturity levels of ERP implementation in SMEs. Findings The results indicate that 80.6% of respondents considered that SMEs have an intermediate level of maturity in ERP implementation, suggesting that these companies could improve their process integration and decision-making. Approximately 9.7% of respondents indicated that SMEs have high maturity. However, another 9.7% of respondents assessed that SMEs have low maturity facing challenges in ERP adoption and utilization, resulting in less efficient operations. Practical implications Through the analysis of the results, it was possible to establish important recommendations for ERP management in SMEs: to invest in the continuous improvement of ERP systems and in employee training; to conduct periodic assessments of business needs and ensure the ERP alignment and to fully integrate business processes via ERP, ensuring efficient management of it. Originality/value This research provides valuable insights into the ERP implementation in Brazilian SMEs, highlighting the strategic importance of ERP systems in enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.