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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software system that integrates various business processes and functions into a single, cohesive system, streamlining operations and improving the flow of information within an organization [1]. By covering areas such as finance, human resources, supply chain management, and production, ERP systems enhance efficiency by automating and integrating core business processes, reducing manual effort and errors. This data centralization ensures accuracy and consistency, providing a single source of truth that enhances decision-making capabilities.

Additionally, ERP systems help reduce costs by streamlining operations and improving resource management, leading to significant savings [2]. They also offer scalability, supporting business growth by adapting to changing needs without requiring multiple systems. Furthermore, ERP systems facilitate regulatory compliance and simplify reporting through standardized processes and data management, making them essential for modern businesses aiming to remain competitive and efficient.

Our research focuses on ERP implementation in a company that specializes in conducting safety inspections specifically for the Readymade Garment (RMG) industry, focusing on key areas such as fire safety, electrical safety, structural safety, and boiler safety. Additionally, the company monitors remediation programs and assigns safety ratings, ensuring that garment factories meet the required safety standards. Beyond inspections, the company also enhances worker safety through regular safety training programs. This combination of thorough inspections and proactive training highlights the company's dedication to creating a safe working environment in the RMG industry, which is crucial for protecting workers and maintaining the industry's reputation.

Implementing an ERP system in this company is of paramount importance due to the multifaceted nature of its operations. An ERP system will integrate all the critical functions, from inspection scheduling and data collection to remediation monitoring and training management, into a single unified platform. This integration will significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating routine tasks, reducing manual errors, and ensuring that all data is consistently updated and accessible across departments. Furthermore, the ERP system will facilitate better decision-making by providing real-time insights and comprehensive reports on safety compliance and training effectiveness. This centralized data management will also streamline regulatory reporting and improve stakeholder transparency.

However, implementing an ERP system can be challenging for the company due to the complexity and scope of its operations, which involve various safety inspections and training programs. Integrating these diverse functions into a single system requires careful planning, customization, and data migration [2]. Additionally, the company must ensure that employees are adequately trained to use the new system, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Resistance to change and the need for continuous support and maintenance further complicate the implementation process, making it a demanding yet essential endeavor for improving overall efficiency and data management.

Amid this situation, several research questions (RQ) arise:

RQ1. What are the major challenges of ERP implementation in a safety inspection company?

RQ2. How are these challenges ranked so that they can be addressed sequentially?

RQ3. How are these challenges interconnected and influencing each other?

Several studies previously addressed various ERP implementation techniques, performance enhancement, and challenges in different types of companies and work areas. For example, Kulikov et al. [3] explored the challenges and prospects of ERP implementation in the agricultural sector. They identified key barriers such as a lack of skilled personnel, insufficient knowledge among top managers, funding shortages, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these challenges, ERP systems can significantly enhance business performance, cost management, and agricultural decision-making, with the findings useful for government programs aimed at the industry's innovative development and technical upgrading.

Malik and Khan [4] developed a strategy to overcome ERP implementation failures in developing countries. Key success factors identified include top management commitment, project management, change management, and business process reengineering, while training and vendor management were found to be less significant.

Christiansen et al. [5] reviewed the adoption of cloud ERP systems in SMEs and large enterprises using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) frameworks, identifying 13 key influencing factors. These factors include innovation characteristics like perceived relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity, along with technological, organizational, and environmental factors such as system quality, security, financial advantage, and competitive pressures.

With a descriptive study, Pandey et al. [6] determined how ERP systems can enhance business operations. They identified the issues and challenges related to their implementation, providing recommendations to address them.

Pandey and Kumar [7] emphasized the importance of ERP implementation for sustaining Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). They highlighted the challenges Indian SMEs face, such as the required structural changes and the difficulty in reaping ERP benefits, aiming to identify and prioritize these challenges for successful ERP adoption.

However, none of the previous studies have addressed the challenges of ERP implementation in a safety inspection company within the RMG industry. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by determining the following Research Objectives (RO):

RO1. Identify the major challenges of ERP implementation in a safety inspection company.

RO2. Systematically rank these challenges to address them sequentially in a competitive business environment with various resource constraints.

RO3. Determine the relationships between the challenges to understand their dynamics and support decision-making.

As empirical real data is not available for identifying and interrelating the challenges, we will rely on a literature review and an expert-opinion-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach suitable for such situations [8]. Recent studies have used various MCDM techniques for ranking and analyzing variables in complex decision-making environments [9– 11]. These studies prefer fuzzy numbers over crisp numbers because they can handle human decision ambiguity. We will utilize the Interval-Valued Type-2 Intuitionistic Fuzzy (IVT2IF) DEMATEL approach for our study. DEMATEL is chosen over other MCDM methods because it can directly rank and find correlations among factors without predefined ranking criteria [12]. Integrating DEMATEL with different variations of fuzzy numbers makes it more effective than other MCDM techniques [13].

The rest of the article is structured as follows. Section 2 presents a generalized ERP implementation framework for a company or business; Section 3 conceptualizes the challenges of ERP implementation for a safety inspection company; Section 4 describes the methodology; Section 5 discusses the obtained results and implications; and Section 6 concludes the paper, highlighting unique findings, limitations, and future research scopes.

Previous studies have provided frameworks for ERP implementation in different types of businesses [1– 3]. Based on these studies, we can generalize an ERP implementation framework.

The ERP implementation process begins with a thorough needs assessment, in which interviews are conducted, current processes are analyzed, and specific requirements are defined. This is followed by vendor selection, involving researching potential vendors, requesting proposals, conducting demos, and evaluating bids to find the best fit for the company's needs. Project planning comes next, defining the scope, setting timelines, allocating resources, and establishing milestones to ensure a structured approach.

System design is then undertaken, where modules are configured, workflows are designed, and user roles are set up to meet the company's specific requirements. Data migration planning involves mapping, cleaning, preparing, and developing a comprehensive migration strategy. The system configuration phase includes installing the software, configuring necessary settings, and customizing reports to suit the company's operations.

Data migration is executed, focusing on validating data accuracy and resolving any issues. Integration with existing systems is crucial, requiring the development of integration protocols, rigorous testing, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless operation. User training is conducted by developing training materials, training sessions, and ongoing support to ensure employees are well-equipped to use the new system.

The testing phase involves conducting unit tests, performing integration tests, and executing user acceptance tests to ensure the system functions correctly. Go-live preparation includes finalizing configurations, conducting final training sessions, and communicating the go-live plan to all stakeholders. During the go-live phase, system performance is closely monitored, immediate support is provided, and any issues are promptly addressed.

Post-implementation support ensures ongoing system monitoring, issue resolution, and additional training as needed. Evaluation and feedback are critical for continuous improvement, involving reviews, collecting user feedback, and identifying areas for enhancement. Finally, continuous improvement is pursued by implementing updates, optimizing processes, and expanding functionalities to ensure the ERP system remains effective and efficient in meeting the company's evolving needs.

A summarized flow diagram is depicted in Fig .1, detailing specific steps, step descriptions, and the responsible parties or people in the organizational organogram. The diagram is prepared following the 5 key steps of the project life cycle: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

Our study focuses on a safety inspection company that conducts safety inspections for RMG factories, focusing on four critical areas: fire safety, electrical safety, structural safety, and boiler safety. It is funded by a coalition of international apparel brands, international labor unions, and factory owners' associations. As the company prepares to implement an ERP system for the first time, it faces several unique challenges that must be addressed to ensure a successful implementation.

One of the primary challenges is the need for customization [14]. The ERP system must be tailored to meet the specific requirements of safety inspections across multiple departments. This involves developing custom modules and integrating the ERP system with existing inspection tools. Without adequate customization, the system may not effectively support the unique operational needs of the company.

Data migration presents another significant hurdle [15]. Migrating historical data from current systems to the new ERP system is complex and requires meticulous attention to ensure data accuracy and integrity. Any errors during this process could lead to operational disruptions and affect the system's reliability. Ensuring a smooth data transition is crucial for maintaining continuous and effective operations.

User training and adoption are also critical areas of concern [16]. Employees accustomed to manual processes or different software may find adapting to the new ERP system challenging. Comprehensive training programs and ongoing support are necessary to facilitate smooth adoption and ensure all users are comfortable and proficient with the new system. Without proper training, the full potential of the ERP system may not be realized.

Integration with existing systems is another major challenge [3]. The ERP system must seamlessly integrate with other tools and software for inspections, reporting, and financial management. Ensuring that the new system works harmoniously with existing technologies is essential to prevent data silos and operational inefficiencies.

Compliance and security are paramount, particularly given the sensitive nature of safety inspection data. The ERP system must comply with international safety standards and data security regulations, ensuring the secure handling of all information [17]. Any breaches or non-compliance could have severe implications for the company.

Effective change management is crucial as implementing an ERP system represents a significant organizational change [15]. Strategies for managing this change, including communication, training, and support, are essential to address resistance and ensure a smooth transition. Engaging stakeholders and demonstrating the new system's benefits can help overcome resistance.

Vendor selection and management also play a critical role. Choosing the right ERP vendor who understands the company's specific needs and provides reliable support is vital [18]. Managing the relationship with the vendor throughout the implementation process is equally important to ensure the timely and effective delivery of services.

Cost and resource allocation are significant considerations. Proper budgeting and resource allocation are necessary to avoid cost overruns and ensure the project is adequately funded and staffed. Efficient management of financial and human resources will be crucial for the project's success [6].

Workflow reengineering is often required to align existing processes with the new ERP system [19]. This requires a thorough understanding of current workflows and the ability to redesign them to fit within the ERP framework. Reengineering workflows can lead to more efficient and effective operations.

The ERP system must also be scalable and future-proof. It should be capable of accommodating future growth and changes within the organization, ensuring it remains relevant and effective over time. Planning for scalability and future needs is essential for the system's long-term success [20].

Maintaining data accuracy and integrity throughout implementation is critical to ensure reliable operations and reporting. Any compromises in data quality can affect decision-making and operational efficiency. Robust data management practices are necessary to uphold data standards [20].

The system's robust reporting and analytics capabilities must generate valuable insights and support decision-making [21]. Analyzing data effectively can significantly enhance the company's operations and strategic planning.

Minimizing system downtime during implementation is crucial to avoid disrupting critical activities [22]. Effective planning and execution can help maintain continuous operations and reduce the impact of any necessary downtime.

Post-implementation support is essential to address issues, provide additional training, and make necessary adjustments after the system goes live [23]. Ongoing support ensures that the system meets the company's needs and adapts to any changes.

Resistance to change is a common challenge in ERP implementations [24]. Addressing this through effective communication, involving key stakeholders, and demonstrating the new system's benefits is essential. Overcoming resistance can facilitate a smoother transition and more successful implementation.

Based on the above discussion, several critical challenges to implementing ERP in an organization are mentioned in the existing literature, especially when focusing on a safety inspection company. For our research, we searched renowned databases such as Scopus, DOAJ, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to find relevant literature on ERP implementation challenges. By examining the most relevant and closely related studies published between 2015 and 2024, we identified 15 challenges for ERP implementation in a safety inspection company. These challenges are listed in Table 1 , along with their source papers.

This study was motivated by the critical need to understand and address the unique challenges of ERP implementation in safety inspection companies within the RMG industry. Given the multifaceted nature of such organizations, which handle essential functions like fire safety, electrical safety, structural safety, and boiler safety inspections, integrating these processes through an ERP system is paramount for improving operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing overall decision-making. However, despite extensive research on ERP systems in various sectors, there was a notable gap in the literature regarding the specific challenges faced by safety inspection companies in the RMG industry.

The primary objectives of this research were to identify and systematically rank the major challenges of ERP implementation in a safety inspection company and to analyze the interrelationships between these challenges to provide actionable insights for managers. These objectives were addressed using a robust methodological approach involving the IVT2IF DEMATEL method, which is well-suited for handling the complexities of decision-making in this context.

Key findings from the study include the identification of "Vendor Selection and Management", "Customization Requirements", and "Data Migration" as the top challenges based on prominence ranking. The cause-effect analysis further revealed that "Change Management", "Scalability and Future-Proofing", and "Post-Implementation Support" are the primary causal factors driving the success of ERP implementation. In contrast, challenges like "Data Migration" and "Compliance and Security" were identified as significant effect challenges, heavily influenced by how well the causal factors are managed.

Despite these contributions, the study has certain limitations. While suitable for this research, the reliance on expert opinion and literature review for data collection suggests that future studies could benefit from empirical data gathered through case studies or real-world ERP implementations. Additionally, the study was focused on safety inspection companies within the RMG industry, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other sectors.

Future research could explore applying the findings to other industries or develop more refined models that integrate empirical data. The implications of this study are significant for managers in the RMG industry, providing them with a clear understanding of the critical challenges they need to address for successful ERP implementation. By prioritizing key areas like change management and scalability, companies can enhance the effectiveness of their ERP systems, leading to improved operational safety, better decision-making, and sustained competitive advantage in the industry.

Md. Tanvir Siraj designed the research framework and led the application of the IVT2IF DEMATEL approach to analyze ERP implementation challenges. Md. Rashedul Haque and Md. Saimon Chowdhury contributed to data collection and analysis, focusing on identifying the key challenges. Nazrul Islam and Basudeb Biswas provided expert knowledge on ERP systems and safety inspection requirements. Md Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury supervised the overall research process and contributed to writing the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the paper.

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

The data supporting the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest regarding this publication.