Background to the research project

In times of digitalization, computers and their systems are becoming increasingly intelligent. However, ERP systems have fallen behind in their development and still use static search masks instead of intelligent search mechanisms. The existing search queries are often limited in the quality of their search results to individual modules and allow almost no system-wide search. This usually leads to a large number of queries until a searched result can be narrowed down. Often, additional information and documents are requested from other departments and clerks. However, an optimal time and resource allocation within a company can only be given if ERP systems and the amount of data to be managed are managed by effective and efficient search mechanisms. This is where the SurE research project comes in.

The SurE research project

The goal of the SurE research project is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of search queries in ERP systems. In doing so, the effort for the user shall be reduced and the quality shall be improved. The goals will be realized by developing a self-learning, context-based search engine for ERP systems. By taking into account the context of a search query, the user behavior and a result evaluation by the user, the result quality of search queries is continuously improved. The development of a demonstrator towards the end of the project will illustrate the benefits of the concept. In addition, the demonstrator will be tested in various scenarios and evaluated on the basis of an economic feasibility study.. 

Project partners and funding

SurE is an IGF project and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) via the AiF as part of the program for the promotion of joint industrial research and development (IGF). The Chair of Information Systems at the University of Potsdam works together with the following research partners:
FIR e. V. at RWTH Aachen University; Asseco Solutions AG; godesys AG; KEX Knowledge Exchange AG; OHST Medizintechnik AG; PSI Automotive & Industry GmbH; Trovarit AG; Unit4 Business Software GmbH; Epicor Software Deutschland GmbH; GITO mbH Verlag für Industrielle Informations- technik und Organisation; COSMO CONSULT AG; ams.Solution AG.
Contact: Prof. Gronau