The large utilization of ERP systems has become the scope of discussion among specialists, researchers and professionals of the area, with the purpose of finding an answer for the success and failure cases on ERP implementation. This paper aimed to present an experimental study with the 50 biggest industrial companies with activities in Brazil in order to identify the main factors that contribute or hinder ERP implementation processes. This study was characterized by an applied and exploratory research. Besides the bibliographical survey, a structured questionnaire containing 29 questions was elaborated by the researchers and then responded by the IT (Information Technology) managers of the selected companies. Results showed that the factors concerning system functionality difficulties, customization, adjustment to business processes, and lack of support by ERP systems on global strategic plans were some of the points considered as the most complex by the companies. Other critical questions regarding users' intensive training; engagement of main leaderships; human, social and cultural factors were evaluated as of great importance.
ERP systems; Implementation project; Critical success factors; Business processes
