Abstract

iLinko is a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) based in Hong Kong. It has two major lines of business: providing business-to-business sourcing and procurement services for its customers (mainly medium-size companies located in the United States and Europe), and distributing babies and children products under the brand name Bloom. Simon May, the protagonist of the case, is the founder and CEO of iLinko. Given the rapid growth of the company, the existing ERP system can no longer satisfy the operational needs and requirements at iLinko. Simon has to choose whether to upgrade the existing ERP system or replace it with a brand-new system altogether.

Learning Objectives

The primary objective of this case is to introduce the concept of a people, process, and technology (PPT) strategy. Students are taken through the process of a company’s (re)selection of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Students will learn about the various considerations to be taken into account by a business manager in the selection process, and the different ERP options available in the market and their pros and cons.