A look back at GFR in August 1999.

• Position: Rewind

In August 1999, GFOA took on a new topic: ERP implementation. And 20 years later, we're still struggling with the same issues.

In addition to delivering some truly special cover art, GFR's Special ERP issue chronicled the rise of ERP technology In the public sector. "In Its purest sense, ERP technology remains largely untested in government. Nevertheless, if the obstacles to implementation can be addressed, the major ERP benefits of information integration and process improvement will significantly enhance the knowledge available to manage the public sector," we sort of predicted.

In 1999, GFOA's Research and Consulting Center had just established a research project on ERP procurement and implementation, and we were ready to step Into the technological future with articles like "Process Redesign--Is It Worth It?" (Spoiler: Yes.)

Flere's an excerpt:

The ERP systems that transformed private-sector organizations now are gaining acceptance in the public sector. Although many system acquisitions In the public sector still tend to focus on one aspect of an ERP system (such as human resources, payroll, or accounting), some jurisdictions are beginning to look across all areas for their applications. Many governments look for a vendor that provides a full suite of products rather than just a single functional application. Because of the public sector's interest In more comprehensive enterprise systems, the major ERP vendors have developed specific public-sector functionality and have started planning public-sector oriented enhancements to their systems. Prospective purchasers should not only look at future functionality, but also examine the vendor's vision for the future, its ability to realize that vision, and Its track...