DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN U.S. SMES: A REPEATABLE ERP PLAYBOOK BACKED BY A REAL CASE

Abstract

Digital transformation has become a strategic imperative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United States, particularly in retail environments where omni-channel complexity and customer expectations continue to rise. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are increasingly adopted as foundational platforms to integrate fragmented operational processes across finance, inventory, procurement, and digital commerce. However, ERP initiatives in SMEs remain high-risk due to common failure drivers related to governance gaps, data readiness challenges, and user adoption constraints. This article proposes a repeatable ERP-led digital transformation playbook grounded in both scholarly research and validated through a real-world SME case drawn from a North American specialty retailer. The case demonstrates how structured discovery, phased implementation, integration discipline, and adoption enablement can mitigate known SME ERP risks while establishing a scalable operational backbone. The article further argues that the controls and artifacts applied in this engagement are transferable across U.S. retail SMEs facing similar pressures. By synthesizing academic insights with practical execution lessons, the paper contributes a structured framework for SMEs seeking sustainable and replicable digital transformation outcomes.