DIGIB304 Assignment Cover Sheet

Enterprise Systems Implementation and Selection

Project Business Title: ERP SOLUTION CONSULTATION FOR OFF-SIDE

Project Team
ID Name Signature
1614421 Minh Duc Vu

1614420 Mai Phuong Nguyen

1614386 Khanh Linh Trieu Thi

1614423 Thuy Linh Doan

1614391 Nguyet Minh Dang

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.................................................................................................................2
A. Off-Side Information and Requirements........................................................................3
1. Background of the company...........................................................................................3
2. Company Strategic Direction..........................................................................................4
3. Summary of Requirements for EIS Adoption.................................................................5
4. List of Candidate Solutions and Features........................................................................7
B. KT Analysis for Potential Candidate Solutions...........................................................10
1. MUST assessment.........................................................................................................10
2. WANT assessment........................................................................................................12
3. Alternative solutions.....................................................................................................15
4. The Risk, Threat, and Shortcoming of Posible Solutions.............................................16
Conclusion of Action..............................................................................................................16
References...............................................................................................................................19
Appendix.................................................................................................................................20

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Executive Summary

Off-Side LLC, a mid-sized sportswear manufacturer in Vietnam, is looking to adopt digital

transformation to address operational inefficiencies and support its growing business. With
100 employees and monthly revenues between 7 to 10 billion VND, Off-Side operates small
to medium-sized stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while also leveraging online
platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki. Specializing in sports apparel, the company has
recently faced increased demand, exposing weaknesses in data connectivity, inventory
management, invoicing, and financial tools. These challenges have underscored the need for
an integrated ERP solution that can streamline operations and facilitate future growth.

The company has identified several strategic goals, including expanding its retail presence,
enhancing brand recognition, innovating product design, and improving operational
efficiency. To meet these objectives, Off-Side requires an ERP system that can manage
multi-site operations, optimize supply chains, integrate CRM for partnership and customer
relationship management, and provide advanced inventory control and production
management. An additional HRMS module is also crucial for attracting and retaining talent,
which will further strengthen the company's competitive edge.

To address the specific needs of each department, Off-Side is seeking an Enterprise

Information System (EIS) that can centralize financial data, streamline multi-channel
marketing, enhance warehouse and transportation management, and improve real-time data
sharing across departments. We evaluated five ERP systems: Infor LN, SYSPRO 7,
Microsoft Dynamics 365, IFS Applications, and abas ERP. Each solution offers varying
strengths, with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Infor LN emerging as top choices due to their
scalability, advanced analytics, and comprehensive multi-department integration.

However, implementing an ERP system introduces risks such as data security vulnerabilities
and dependency on external providers. These risks are significant given the sensitive nature
of business data and the potential disruptions caused by system outages. To mitigate these
risks, Off-Side must enforce robust cybersecurity protocols, establish service-level
agreements (SLAs), and provide thorough training to ensure employee adaptability to the
new system. With careful planning and the right ERP solution, Off-Side is well-positioned to
overcome its operational challenges and achieve long-term growth.

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A. Off-Side Information and Requirements
1. Background of the company

Off-Side LLC is a company that can be considered a typical example for businesses that have
not really participated in digital transformation in the garment industry in Vietnam. With a
staff of 100 people, the company's monthly revenue will fluctuate from 7 to 10 billion VND
depending on the number of orders they receive and the number of goods they sell in the
domestic and foreign markets. Off-Side owns a chain of small and medium-sized stores
scattered in the two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with online stores on
some prominent e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and Tiki. The main products
that Off-side focuses on producing are clothing and accessories for sports such as soccer,
volleyball, basketball, table tennis, badminton. They are also often one of the sponsors for
domestic sports tournaments in Vietnam.

In July 2024, when the riots in Bangladesh reached their peak, many garment orders were
diverted to other countries, including Vietnam, and Off-Side was one of the companies that
successfully bid for the most orders. As the number of orders increased rapidly, the workload
also increased significantly, and that was when the loopholes in the business operation
process were exposed. At the 3rd quarter 2024 report meeting, a major issue raised was the
lack of information and data connection between departments as well as showrooms, which
directly caused delays and inefficiencies in the work process of the entire company and
wasted resources.

Each department also faced certain problems. Lack of warehouse and inventory management
tools led to loss of control over the surplus and shortage of raw materials/products. Lack of
invoice management tools leads to delays in the process of deciding who to supply and the
process of paying receivables or payables. Lack of tools to support partners and customers
leads to weak relationships and not achieving the benefits that should come from long-term
relationships. Lack of financial analysis and management tools sometimes leads to a lack of
working capital to reinvest in adjacent orders or projects.

In order to ensure their future growth, Off-Side needs a solution to support enterprise
resource management to reinvest in future projects and solve current operational challenges.

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2. Company Strategic Direction

As consultants for Off-Side LLC, we have engaged with the company BOD to understand
their strategic directions and business goals to better comprehend their needs for future
growth plans. After the discussion, we have identified several key strategic directions to
guide their growth and operational improvement. Our role is to assess these strategic needs
and explore how implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can
effectively support and enhance these initiatives.

Off-Side shows a strong need to expand its market presence within the market by managing
the growth of multiple retail sites across the country. As the company opens new stores and
strengthens its presence in key urban areas, it faces the challenge of efficiently managing
operations across these geographically dispersed locations. To support this expansion, Off-
Side requires a system that can seamlessly coordinate activities across multiple sites,
ensuring consistency in operations, inventory management, and customer service. We expect
that an ERP system with robust multi-site management capabilities would enable Off-Side to
monitor and optimise the performance of each location, streamline logistics, and maintain a
positive brand experience across all stores. This system would also facilitate better
communication and data sharing between sites, ensuring that decisions are based on
accurate, real-time information, ultimately leading to a more efficient and scalable expansion
strategy.

In addition to expanding its market presence, Off-Side is keen on strengthening its brand
recognition and building lasting customer loyalty through strategic partnerships with local
football clubs and sponsorships of sports events. Effective management of these partnerships
and customer relationships is crucial for Off-Side’s success. By implementing a Customer
Relationship Management (CRM) module within the ERP system, Off-side would gain the
tools necessary to manage these relationships more efficiently, track customer interactions,
and gather valuable insights. This would allow the company to develop personalised
marketing strategies that foster customer loyalty and enhance brand value.

Innovation in product design and material usage is another key strategic direction for Off-
side, as they strive to deliver high-performance sports kits that stand out in the market. To
facilitate this innovation, Off-Side requires advanced product management capabilities that
an ERP system can provide. By streamlining the entire product development process—from

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design and testing to manufacturing and market launch—Off-Side would be able to bring
new products to market more quickly and with higher quality assurance.

Operational efficiency is a critical focus for Off-Side, especially as they look to reduce costs
and increase profit margins within their manufacturing processes. An ERP system can
significantly enhance operational efficiency by optimising supply chain management,
inventory control, and production scheduling. By integrating these processes, Off-Side
would be able to reduce waste, better allocate resources, and ultimately lower manufacturing
costs, thereby boosting profitability.

Furthermore, attracting, managing, and retaining skilled talent in key areas such as design,
manufacturing, and sales is essential for Off-Side’s growth. To achieve this, Off-Side would
benefit from the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) module within the ERP
system. This module would support effective talent acquisition, performance monitoring,
and workforce planning, ensuring that Off-side’s human resources are well-aligned with
their strategic goals.

In summary, Off-Side LLC has outlined a clear strategic direction aimed at driving growth
and operational excellence. Our assessment indicates that implementing an ERP system
tailored to these strategic needs will equip Off-Side with the tools necessary to achieve their
objectives, enhance their operational efficiency, and secure a competitive position in the
sports apparel market.

3. Summary of Requirements for EIS Adoption

The issues and requirements of each role are distinct. Therefore, to completely satisfy the
business's requirements when implementing an Enterprise Information System (EIS), specific
criteria have been established to identify the best candidate solution, which ensures Off-Side's
consistency and effectivenesss.

MUST Criteria

The system must centrally manage financial data, provide advanced financial modules, and
support regulatory compliance through features such as audit trails and compliance
management. Centralizing financial data to be managed effectively, ensuring transparency
and accuracy as the business expands. Key financial modules such as general ledger,

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accounts receivable, and asset management are essential to optimizing financial processes
and allocating resources as the company grows. The system must also provide an audit trail
and compliance management to guarantee that the organization follows laws and financial
reporting standards.

The marketing department relies on multi-channel marketing integration because Off-Side

runs campaigns across numerous social media platforms. This function ensures the
implementation of promotions, the management of prices, and the management of product
information by synchronizing and managing marketing campaigns across channels. Off-
Side's collaboration with local partners and sponsors requires ERP systems with brand and
relationship management features like monitoring, contract management, and contract
implementation. Additionally, the Customer Data Management and Segmentation criteria
provide the foundation for Off-Side to efficiently classify their customer base, analyze
customer data, create effective marketing strategies, and attract their target customer.

Logistics issues are the most pressing. The first criterion is warehouse management
effectiveness. By exchanging information on a single platform, warehouse management
speeds up goods importation, storage, and distribution and helps organizations make quick,
accurate decisions. The EIS system must reduce inventory and transportation management.
Real-time tracking, automatic stock replenishment, and accurate warehouse management
ensure that products are always available. It also helps Off-Side save money and deliver
faster. The solution also works with third-party shipping units to monitor the amount of
goods, place orders quickly, trace receivables and payables, and ensure fast delivery with
clear system information.

Project Management's key issue is the absence of information connectivity between roles and
showrooms, which ERP systems must address. Multi-department and geographic information
integration is critical to project management. This reduces errors, predicts issues, prevents
crises, and improves information management. The system must manage data in real-time to
ensure fast information updates regardless of location, facilitating project management and
decision-making. With high data security, solutions must protect critical corporate data,
including finance, consumer, project, and business strategy. If not adequately protected, this
data can be stolen or accessed illegally, causing considerable losses and damaging the
business's reputation. Additionally, complete project management features, integration with
CRM, SRM, etc., and fast reporting and analysis are must-haves.

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First, the sales "MUST" criteria are to "Manage the entire sales process," which helps reduce
errors and optimize revenue. Second, "Integration with the inventory management system"
prevents manual data input errors and assures accurate, timely data. Next is "Support for
Multi-Channel" to reach more customers, manage transactions, and satisfy customers'
expectations. "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)" is equally important, allowing
unique and relevant shopping experiences to boost client loyalty and retention. Last is "Sales
reporting and analysis," which helps the organization make timely plans and strategic
decisions.

WANT Criteria

Each department desires to include optional criteria besides the Must criteria to enhance
efficiency. The list of WANT criteria is proposed, including "Mobile Accessibility (Weight:
6/10)". Providing mobile apps facilitates the enterprise and employees to easily access and
use the system with any device, increasing convenience, flexibility, and efficiency. The next
criterion is "Cost efficiency (Weight: 5/10)". Investing in an ERP solution for the enterprise's
short- and long-term development is a strategic decision. Comparing two or more practically
equal options, the system with a lower cost will be chosen. The third one is "User-friendly
interfaces (Weight 8/10)". The platform's interface is user-friendly and easy to use,
facilitating ease of access and adaptation for employees and reducing the duration of their
training. Besides that, "Implementation time (Weight: 6/10)" is also a criterion. Shorter ERP
implementation times contribute to increased efficiency and reduced workflow disruptions.
The function of "Customization (Weight: 7/10)" Customization enables EIS to be tailored to
the unique processes of a business, thereby enhancing adaptability and efficiency as the
company expands or changes. Additionally, it enhances the user experience and presents a
competitive advantage by offering the appropriate features that align with strategic
objectives. "Advanced Analytics & Reporting (Weight: 8/10)" is appreciated because it
provides assistance with data analysis, market analysis (for marketing), and sales analysis, as
well as the development of rapid reports to support various positions. "Support 24/7 (Weight:
6/10)" minimizes downtime by resolving issues quickly and ensuring continuous business
operations, regardless of time, which is also a criterion. "Scalability (Weight: 6/10)" in this
list due to the solution being able to scale with the company as it grows, ensuring that more
products, warehouses, and users can be accommodated without a loss in performance or
disruption. The last one is Campaign Budget Management (Weight: 6/10).

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4. List of Candidate Solutions and Features

During the research of potential EIS solutions, five potential ERP systems, which include
Infor LN, SYSPRO 7, Microsoft Dynamics 365, IFS Applications, and abas ERP, are
determined.

Infor LN is an ideal solution for a company looking for a system that consists of product life
management (PLM), sales, and freight management tools. The ERP solution provides several
key features, such as 24/7 enterprise support, mobile apps, reporting, and analytics.
Moreover, this solution facilitates the firm's management of manufacturing and finances, as
well as customizable capabilities. Besides, the system also supports the enterprise in
managing projects, quality, and attributed-controlled products. Source-to-pay and prospect-
to-cash management tools are provided, which leads to optimized sales and finance
processes. In addition, planning and estimating capabilities are also integrated, supporting the
firm in forecasting and managing production requirements accurately and efficiently. The
system deploys in Saas and On-premise platforms, which helps to take advantage of both
SaaS and on-premise and better meet the diverse business needs and requirements of the
business. According to Infor LN (2024), the latest LN CloudSuite product feature was
released, resulting in business agility empowerment.

Secondly, SYSPRO 7 provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface that enables the
enterprise to manage advanced planning and budgeting tasks. The solution involves essential
features that are comparable to those of Infor LN, including the ability to customize the
software system to meet specific needs, 24/7 support, manufacturing and financial
management, analytics and reporting capabilities, and mobile app access. It ensures the
software system aligns with the organization's business processes and strategic objectives.
Besides the core features, its support for distribution and inventory management, along with
Point-of-Sale tools, are additional features that make SYSPRO 7 distinguish. Additionally,
the enterprise's flexibility and scalability are enhanced while investment costs are reduced by
deploying SYSPRO 7 via SaaS.

Also integrated and deployed on SaaS, Microsoft Dynamic 365 is a solution known and
favored by many businesses in Vietnam, particularly worldwide. This ERP system provides
flexible and comprehensive management of multiple departments, from the finance
department to sales, marketing, logistics, customer services department, and operations.

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Microsoft Dynamic 365 also stands out with its powerful cloud platform and advanced data
analysis tools. Additionally, businesses can easily manage product changes and forecast
demand to capture and promptly respond to market demand. The system also provides tools
for managing dealer contracts and royalties, ensuring that commercial agreements are tracked
and implemented accurately. The serial number tracking feature helps businesses manage
products in detail, from production to delivery to customers, ensuring transparency and
quality control throughout the process.

Another potential candidate, IFS Applications, is ideal for mid to large-sized enterprises,
especially those interested in engineer-to-order processes. Other features, such as human
resource management, help companies effectively manage their human resources processes
and staff. Additionally, IFS features support for multi-site planning and provides shop-floor
reporting tools, allowing businesses to track and adjust production operations across multiple
locations. The system also includes asset data management, which helps businesses better
track and maintain assets, from storing asset information to monitoring maintenance and
repair processes.

Last but not least, abas ERP is a worthy choice for small and medium-sized enterprises,
especially in the manufacturing and distribution sector, seeking a feature-rich solution that
includes advanced planning tools. The key features of the solution are providing a mobile app
for the firm, assisting with the report and analysis process, manufacturing management,
financial management, and customizable capability. However, this system lacks support 24/7
ability, which could create disadvantages when using this system in some situations. In
addition, Abas ERP integrates other essential features such as CRM, EDI, and workflow,
supporting businesses in automating processes, managing efficiently, improving accuracy and
efficiency, and minimizing errors. The ability to be applied at multi-company and multi-side
allows centralized management and synchronization of activities between headquarters and
branches.

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 B. KT Analysis for Potential Candidate Solutions
1. MUST assessment

Must Criteria Infor LN SYSPRO 7 Microsoft IFS abas ERP

Dynamics 365 Applications

Centralized Yes: Provides Limited: Yes: Fully Yes: Limited:

System centralized Centralizatio centralized with Centralized Tailored
Management control across n more strong system ideal centralizatio
operations and suitable for integration for global and n for small
departments smaller across large-scale to medium-
organizations departments operations sized
enterprises.

Effective Yes: Strong for Yes: Good Yes: Yes: Strong Yes:
Inventory manufacturing, inventory and Comprehensive, for global Tailored for
Management complex orders stock integrated with operations and manufacturi
management finance scale ng SMEs

Effective Yes: Includes Limited: Yes: Extensive, Yes: Strong, Limited:

Transportation transportation More focused especially with ideal for Suitable for
Management & logistics on small- Supply Chain supply chain small-
mgmt scale setups and logistics medium
manufacturi
ng setups

High Data Yes: Includes Yes: Good Yes: High-level Yes: High- Yes: Meets

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Security advanced but less security, GDPR level security standard
Capabilities security comprehensi compliance data security
features ve for SMEs requirements

Manage Entire Yes: Supports Yes: Strong, Yes: Full sales Yes: Yes:
Sales Process end-to-end good for lifecycle mgmt, Comprehensiv Supports
sales small-mid multi-currency e sales process complex
functionality businesses support sales cycles

Support for Yes: Yes: Limited Yes: Full multi- Yes: Strong Yes: Has
Multi-Channel Integrated, multi-channel channel multi-channel multi-
multi-channel support integration, e- support channel
capabilities commerce support

Brand and Yes: Supports Limited: Yes: Built-in Yes: Good Limited:
Partnership partner Focus on brand and partner Suitable for
Management networks, small-mid partner mgmt management smaller
collaboration organizations tools organization
s

Reporting and Yes: Advanced Yes: Yes: Strong Yes: Yes:

Analytics reporting & Adequate but Power BI Excellent, Standard
analytics lacks integration customizable analytics
advanced analytics capabilities
features

Figure 1: MUST assessment

In evaluating ERP solutions for Off-Side, four systems were assessed: Infor LN, SYSPRO 7,
Microsoft Dynamics 365, and IFS Applications. The key criteria included centralized,
inventory management, transportation, data security, sales process, multi-channel support,
brand and partnership management, and reporting and analytics.

1. Effective Inventory Management

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With Infor LN excelling due to its robust capabilities for complex manufacturing. Microsoft
Dynamics 365 also provides comprehensive, integrated inventory management, while IFS
Applications is ideal for global operations. SYSPRO 7, though effective for smaller
businesses, lacks the scalability needed for expansion.

2. Effective Transportation Management

In transportation management, Infor LN, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and IFS Applications
offer advanced logistics and supply chain integration, while SYSPRO 7 is limited to simpler
setups.

3. High Data Security Capabilities

For data security, Microsoft Dynamics 365 leads with GDPR compliance and advanced
encryption, followed closely by Infor LN and IFS Applications. SYSPRO 7 is sufficient for
smaller organizations but may not meet larger security needs.

4. Manage Entire Sales Process

For managing the sales process, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the most comprehensive,
covering the full sales lifecycle. Infor LN and IFS Applications are also strong, while
SYSPRO 7 lacks advanced automation.

5. Support for Multi-Channel

In multi-channel support, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Infor LN, and IFS Applications provide
seamless integration across platforms, whereas SYSPRO 7 is limited.

6. Brand and Partnership Management

In brand and partnership management, Infor LN, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and IFS
Applications offer strong tools for managing collaborations, while SYSPRO 7 is more
internally focused.

7. Reporting and Analytics

In reporting and analytics, Microsoft Dynamics 365 stands out with Power BI integration,
followed by Infor LN and IFS Applications with customizable reporting.

Overall, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Infor LN are the best choices for Off-Side’s growth,
offering advanced, scalable solutions. IFS Applications is also a strong option for global
expansion, while SYSPRO 7 is more suited for smaller businesses.
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2. WANT assessment

Figure 2: WANT assesment

Mobile Accessibility (6/10): All the selected ERP systems can support mobile applications;
however, this feature is less valuable than other crucial factors. Especially for a company like
Off-Side, which manages production processes, mobile features can be even more limited
than in the desktop version.

All of the selected solutions are available on mobile devices. Microsoft Dynamics 365
became the most distinguishable as it supports Android and iOS with high download rates
(5.6K rating on the App Store; 500K+ Downloads on Google Play). The second one is IFS
Applications, followed by more than 10K downloads on Google Play, which is also
supported on Android and iOS. Infor LN, SYSPRO 7, and Abas ERP have mobile
accessibility versions but are not as functional and well-developed as Dynamics 365 or fully
optimized across all devices (SYSPRO does not support iOS).

Cost Efficiency (5/10): Pricing is one of the crucial factors when selecting a suitable ERP, as
choosing one that exceeds Off-Side's financial capacity could create a significant economic
burden for the company. However, issues of quality and features will also be prioritized
alongside cost. Moreover, since ERP is a long-term investment, the price could come with
many long-term benefits.

Among the ERPs in the table, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is highly rated (8/10) for its
reasonable price compared to its effectiveness. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is also available in

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different packages at varying prices depending on the segment of the clients. It also has the
option of a free trial for the users. Abas ERP is also a good choice, with a monthly cost of
$149, which cannot be considered a low price but rather average among all available ERPs.
Infor LN, SYSPRO 7, and IFS Applications are costly; the estimated cost ranges from $200
per user per month.

User-Friendly Interface (8/10): This criterion is highly rated because Off-Side mainly uses
manual sales methods. The user-friendly interface enables the user to perform everyday
work quickly and effectively; hence, the employees are easily adjusted without much fuss.

Based on user reviews on various rating platforms, SYSPRO 7 is more friendly than other
solutions, so this solution is rated 8 points. Infor LN is easy to use but may be complex,
especially for new users. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is considered less user-friendly, but it has
a vast knowledge base that users can use. IFS Applications is also user-friendly but less
highly rated than SYSPRO 7. Users do not highly rate Abas ERP in terms of intuitiveness
and user friendliness.

Support both On-premise and Cloud-based Deployment (7/10): Supporting both on-premise
and cloud-based deployment allows businesses to choose the model that best suits their
needs.

From the list of the top 20 ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SYSPRO 7 does not
support deployment on both platforms, which gets 5 points, while other options get 8 points.

Customization (7/10): This criterion assesses specific adaptability attributes in ERP systems.
An ERP system with high customization allows Off-Side to fit the modules and functions in
their existing business process.

Microsoft Dynamics 365, SYSPRO 7, and Abas ERP are widely recognized for this feature
and have high ratings on review websites; thus, all are rated 8 points. Compared to these
three, Infor LN is not rated as highly but is superior to IFS Applications, so Infor LN
receives 7 points, while IFS is rated 6.

Advanced Analytics & Reporting (8/10): This is a crucial criterion when evaluating an ERP,
as this feature benefits businesses. It provides precise data analysis and insights, which helps
management view data comprehensively and make accurate and timely strategic decisions.

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Regarding this feature, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Abas ERP excel in Advanced Analytics
& Reporting, outperforming the other solutions based on general customer feedback. The
different solutions also integrate this feature; Infor LN and SYSPRO 7 receive 7 points. Infor
LN has this feature integrated; however, it is not very strong, and the analysis system of
SYSPRO 7 has several drawbacks that can be improved. The lowest-rated is IFS
Applications, which is considered less user-friendly than others.

Integration and Scale Capabilities (8/10): High integration capabilities are a critical factor in
digital transformation strategies, where data and business processes need to be seamlessly
connected to optimize operations, provide a better customer experience, minimize errors, and
enhance operational efficiency.

The ERP systems have similar ratings in this feature, where Microsoft Dynamics 365, Infor
LN, and IFS Applications are better than the other two solutions. This evaluation is based on
ratings from ERP review websites.

24/7 Support Capabilities (6/10): 24/7 support ensures that any issues with the ERP system
can be addressed immediately, regardless of the time. However, the relative importance of
24/7 support can be less significant than the relative importance of other criteria.

Abas ERP does not offer 24/7 support, so it is rated 5 points. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is
highly rated by users for its support capabilities, earning 8 points. The remaining ERPs
integrate this feature but share a common drawback: the support quality varies depending on
the region.

3. Alternative solutions

While Microsoft 365 emerged as the top ERP choice according to our KT analysis, Infor LN
deserves serious consideration as a viable alternative for "Off-Side," especially given its
proven track record in industries similar to sports manufacturing. Infor LN is a
comprehensive, industry-specific ERP solution that offers the flexibility to manage both
discrete manufacturing and complex supply chain needs, making it highly relevant for a
company like Off-Side, which seeks to scale its operations and enhance product
management.

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One major advantage of Infor LN is its ability to support end-to-end visibility across all
business operations, which is crucial for improving data transparency—a current pain point
for Off-Side. This capability was demonstrated in NCD Group’s digital transformation,
where Infor LN enabled real-time access to project data, better financial tracking, and
enhanced decision-making processes (Giang, 2021)

Known for its robust capabilities in managing complex manufacturing processes, Infor LN is
particularly well-suited for companies like Off-Side, which face challenges related to supply
chain efficiency, product lifecycle management (PLM), and project control. With tools that
enhance warehouse management, financial data integration, and multi-site coordination,
Infor LN addresses many of the operational inefficiencies Off-Side currently experiences.
Additionally, Infor LN’s flexibility in deployment options (SaaS or on-premise) provides
scalability and customization to fit Off-Side’s specific needs, supporting both immediate
business optimization and long-term growth strategies. By selecting Infor LN, Off-Side
could benefit from advanced planning, project management, and real-time data insights,
allowing for better decision-making and operational streamlining in a rapidly expanding and
competitive market.

4. The Risk, Threat, and Shortcoming of Posible Solutions

In assessing the potential risks of implementing an ERP solution for Off-side, four vital
concerns have emerged: security, dependency integration ability and adaptability.

Security is a significant risk because ERP systems manage a vast amount of sensitive
business data, including financial records, customer information, and internal operations. A
breach in security could lead to data leaks, exposing the company to financial loss, legal
liabilities, and reputational damage. One real-world example is the 2020 data breach
experienced by SolarWinds, whose compromised software led to significant exposure of
sensitive data for several major organizations worldwide. This incident highlights the risk
that ERP systems could be vulnerable to cyberattacks if proper security measures are not in
place. For Off-side, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols and working closely with
ERP vendors to ensure system protection is essential (Kenny, 2024).

Dependency is another critical risk for Off-Side when choosing an ERP solution. ERP
systems are deeply integrated into the company’s core operations, meaning any technical

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issues or disruptions from the provider could directly impact business performance. For
example, in 2016, Salesforce experienced a massive outage due to a database failure, which
affected thousands of companies that depended on its cloud-based services for hours
(Woodard-Drez, 2016).

This incident exemplifies how system outages can halt operations, leaving companies
vulnerable to lost sales and productivity. For Off-side, relying heavily on an external ERP
provider creates a dependency risk, and measures such as service-level agreements (SLAs),
contingency plans, and technical support arrangements will be necessary to mitigate this risk.

In addition, the low adaptability of Off-Side employees can also be considered a concern
when using ERP solutions. In The 2020 ERP and HCM Report, Third Stage Consulting
Group examined data from 1,000 digital transformation initiatives spanning two decades; the
most commonly mentioned difficulty was identified as "organisational change and the
human aspect of transformation." The low adaptability of employees may come from the
mentality of not being ready to accept changes in the way of doing work. The change
challenges and disrupts their habits, making them not want to use these new tools. So if the
owner does not understand employees' feelings, cannot provide convincing reasons, and
organize thorough skill training courses to use new technology, the adaptability will be low
and can lead to a failed transformation.

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Conclusion of Action

After analyzing ERP systems using KT analytics, it is evident that Microsoft Dynamics 365
is the most outstanding ERP solution suitable for Off-Side LLC. The process has been
evaluated in detail based on the company's operational challenges, strategic goals, and
functional requirements to ensure that the selected ERP solution is suitable for both current
needs and future growth goals. For a company whose core is manufacturing like Off-Side, the
choice of ERP needs to be based on comprehensive functions of production management,
finance, human resources, CRM, and scalability. Therefore, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the
most suitable ERP solution for Off-side LLC.

From the production management feature provided by this ERP system, Off-Side can easily
track and manage its products, saving workforce and time. It is also easier for them to
manage a chain of small and medium-sized stores scattered in the two largest cities, Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City. The problem of lack of connection between departments in the
company will also be solved because there is a connection between departments to create a
seamless management process, all on a unified platform. Based on KT analytics, it can be
seen that Microsoft Dynamics 365 meets most of the criteria set. It can be seen that for the
separate problems of each department, Microsoft Dynamics 365 can also solve most of them,
from finance to production and customer relations, helping the company develop sustainably
and competitively. With the tools provided by ERP, the company can optimize business
processes, improve operational efficiency, and quickly respond to market demands.

In short, Microsoft Dynamics 365 fits Off-Side's strategy of expanding scale, optimizing
production operations, and improving sales and customer care efficiency. The system
provides powerful tools to support comprehensive management, from finance to production
and customer relations, helping the company grow and compete in the soccer apparel market.

18
References
Gartner. (n.d.). SYSPRO ERP Reviews. https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/cloud-erp-
for-product-centric-enterprises/vendor/syspro/product/syspro-erp/reviews?
marketSeoName=cloud-erp-for-product-centric-
enterprises&vendorSeoName=syspro&productSeoName=syspro-erp

Gartner. (n.d.). Infor LN Reviews. https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/cloud-erp-for-

product-centric-enterprises/vendor/infor/product/infor-ln

Giang, T. (2023, August 28). Giải pháp Infor LN của Infor được công ty NCD Mông Cổ chọn
để chuyển đổi số các quy trình kinh doanh. VietnamPlus. https://www.vietnamplus.vn/giai-
phap-infor-ln-cua-infor-duoc-cong-ty-ncd-mong-co-chon-de-chuyen-doi-so-cac-quy-trinh-
kinh-doanh-post735602.vnp

Kenny, B. (2024, January 16). How SolarWinds Responded to the 2020 SUNBURST
Cyberattack. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/01/how-solarwinds-
responded-to-the-2020-sunburst-cyberattack#:~:text=In%20December%20of%202020%2C
%20SolarWinds,globe%20and%20the%20US%20military

Third Stage Consulting Group. (n.d.). THE 2020.

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4559297/The%202020%20ERP%20Report-2.pdf?
__hstc=21868836.b6e2548ebcd3be383e50aa4101a21534.1588285381892.1588285381892.1
588285381892.1&__hssc=21868836.1.1588285381893&__hsfp=1300091281

TrustRadius. (2017). Abas ERP vs IFS Applications vs Infor LN | TrustRadius. TrustRadius.

https://www.trustradius.com/compare-products/abas-erp-vs-ifs-applications-vs-infor-
ln#community-pulse

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TrustRadius. (2024). Compare Abas ERP vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 on TrustRadius | Based
on reviews & more. TrustRadius. https://www.trustradius.com/compare-products/abas-erp-
vs-microsoft-dynamics-365-vs-syspro#community-pulse

Woodard-Drez, M. (2016, August 23). Salesforce.com 2016 outage: NA14 doesn’t have to be
that way. Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/salesforcecom-2016-outage-na14-
doesnt-have-way-19-may-woodard-drez/

Appendix

MEETING MINUTES
The first meeting

DATE: 18/08/2024

TIME: 14:00

LOCATION: Online via Google Meet

Attendees: Minh Duc Vu, Mai Phuong Nguyen, Khanh Linh Trieu Thi, Thuy Linh Doan,
Nguyet Minh Dang

Agenda:
1. Elect team leaders and discuss and approve team rules.
2. Clear assessment content.
3. Select the company.
4. Identify business-related information (background, problems, strategic needs).
5. Assign roles for the team members.

Details:

20
1. Elect team leaders, discuss and approve team rules
The team consisted of five members: Mai Phuong Nguyen, Khanh Linh Trieu Thi, Nguyet
Minh Dang, Thuy Linh Doan, and Minh Duc Vu.
Team members discussed and elected Minh Duc Vu as the team leader.
As the newly elected leader, Minh Duc Vu proposed some basic rules for the team, such as
meeting time and method, information exchange method, and conflict handling method. The
team discussed and came up with some rules:
 Meetings will be flexible, depending on the free time of all members.
 Meetings will be flexible via Google Meet or face-to-face meetings.
 All exchanges, further discussions, or problem-solving will be done via internal chat
channels, online or face-to-face meetings.
2. Clear assessment content
Team members have read and understood the assignment and assessment requirements. At
the meeting, all team members raise and clarify any remaining questions about the
assignment to unify the group's understanding and direction of the assignment.
3. Identifying the enterprise
3.1. Background
 Name: Off-Side Limited Liability Company
 A middle-sized company with a business scale of approximately NZD 50 - 100
million
 Field: textile, domestic football clothing production
 Revenue monthly: 7-10 billion VND
3.2. The main issues
Through the discussion, we found that Off-Side Garment Company is a pure manufacturing
company; the implementation of digital transformation is not complete, leading to problems
in the working process; specific issues are identified for each department as follows:
 Finance department: Lack of invoice management system, report, real-time analysis
 Marketing department: Customer Support Business Partner,
 Logistics department: The lack of inventory management and warehouse tools
resulted in a loss of control over the surplus and shortage of basic materials and
products
 Sales department: Off-Side uses manual processes, leading to errors in data entry.

21
  Project manager department: Lack of connection between departments and
showrooms.
3.3. Off-Side strategic needs
 Business Expansion Management: Increase market share by expanding into new
geographical regions and market segments
 Customer Relationship Management: Strengthen brand recognition and build
customer loyalty through strategic partnerships with local football clubs and
sponsorships
 Product Management and Innovation: Innovate product design and materials to
deliver high-performance football kits that differentiate from competitors
 Operational Efficiency: Enhance operational efficiency to reduce manufacturing costs
and increase profit margins.
 Resource Management: Attract, manage, and retain skilled workers, especially in
design, manufacturing, and sales roles
4. Assign roles for the members.
After discussion, we divided roles for each team member as follows:
 Minh Duc Vu - Finance
 Thuy Linh Doan - Marketing
 Nguyet Minh Dang - Sales
 Mai Phuong Nguyen - Logistics
 Khanh Linh Trieu Thi - Project Manager
5. Conclusion
The next meeting will be held on August 25th, 2024.
Each member identifies problems, sets criteria for each role, and proposes appropriate ERPs
to address his or her role.

The first meeting ended at 4:20 PM on the same day.

Minute Taker

Khanh Linh Trieu Thi

22
 MEETING MINUTES
The second meeting

DATE: 25/08/2024

TIME: 09:00

LOCATION: Online via Google Meet

Attendees: Mai Phuong Nguyen, Nguyet Minh Dang, Khanh Linh Trieu Thi, Minh Duc Vu,
Thuy Linh Doan

Agenda:
1. Present MUST and WANT of each member.
2. Propose candidate systems for each role.
3. Analyze and summarize the MUST and WANT of the group.
4. Evaluate candidates based on the criteria.
5. Pick up five potential solutions.

Details:
1. Team members’ criteria

23
In the previous meeting, members were assigned tasks, and problems in each role were
identified. Members took turns giving each set of criteria for their role.
MUST Criteria

Financial Marketing
 Centralized Financial Data Management  Multi-Channel Marketing Integration
 Advanced Financial Modules  Brand and Partnership Management
 Audit Trail and Compliance Management  Customer Data Management and
Segmentation

Logistics Project Manager

 Effective warehouse management capability  Multi-department and geographic
information integration capabilities
 Effective inventory management capability
 Real-time data management capabilities
 Effective transportation management
capability  High data security capabilities
 Comprehensive project management
 Quick reporting and analysis features

Sales
 Manage the entire sales process.
 Integration with warehouse management
system
 Support for multi-channel
 Customer Relationship Management
 Sales reporting and analytics

WANT Criteria

Financial Marketing
 Advanced Analytics & Reporting (Weight:  Advanced Marketing Analytics and
8/10) Reporting (Weight: 8/10)
 Integration Capabilities (Weight: 7/10)  Omni-Channel Marketing Automation
(Weight: 7/10)

24
 Mobile Accessibility (Weight: 6/10)  Mobile Marketing Accessibility (Weight:
6/10)
 Cost Efficiency (Weight: 5/10)
 Social Media Integration (Weight: 7/10)
 User-Friendly Interface (Weight: 8/10)
 Campaign Budget Management (Weight:
 Support both On-premise and Cloud-Based
6/10)
Deployment (Weight: 7/10)
 Personalization and Customization
 Customization (Weight: 7/10)
(Weight: 7/10)

Logistics Project Manager

 User-friendly interface (Weight 9/10)  Reasonable price (6/10)
 Customizable (Weight 8/10)  User-friendly interface (9/10)
 Mobile Accessibility (Weight 7/10)  Support/Integration with Other Systems
(CRM, HRM, etc) (8/10)
 Scalability (Weight 6/10)
 24/7 support capabilities (7/10)
 Cost Efficiency (Weight 5/10)
 Mobile app support (6/10)

Sales
 Cost efficiency (6/10)
 Mobile platform support (7/10)
 Intuitive and user-friendly interface (8/10)
 Implementation time (6/10)
 Flexibility (7/10)

2. Propose candidates
Based on the criteria, the potential ERP systems identified include Vormittag Associates, Inc
(VAI), Infor LN, SYSPRO 7, Microsoft Dynamic 365, IFS, Abas, Epicor ERP Solutions, and
Rootstock Software.
3. Analyse and build up general criteria
A general criteria was proposed through synthesis and discussion, finding common points
between the criteria of each role.
MUST criteria
 Centralized
 Effective inventory management capability

25
  Effective transportation management capability
 High data security capabilities
 Manage the entire sales process.
 Support for multi-channel
 Brand and Partnership Management
 Sales reporting and analytics
WANT criteria
 Mobile Accessibility (Weight: 6/10)
 Cost Efficiency (Weight: 5/10)
 User-Friendly Interface (Weight: 8/10)
 Support both On-premise and Cloud-based Deployment (Weight: 7/10)
 Customization (Weight: 7/10)
 Advanced Analytics & Reporting (Weight: 8/10)
 Integration and Scale Capabilities (Weight 8/10)
 24/7 support capabilities (Weight: 6/10)
4. Measure the candidate based on the general criteria
The ERP systems were evaluated based on a standard set of criteria. After the selection
process, solutions that did not satisfy the criteria in MUST and satisfied the majority of the
WANT criteria were eliminated. The top 5 potential solutions were presented, including:
Infor LN, SYSPRO 7, Microsoft Dynamic 365, IFS application, abas ERP.
5. Conclusion
Five potential ERP systems have been presented. Next, KT Analysis will evaluate the five
solutions and help us choose the best solution for the enterprise.
The next meeting will be held tomorrow to finalize the remaining steps.

The second meeting ended at 11:10 AM on the same day.

Minute Taker

Khanh Linh Trieu Thi

26
27