In recent years, several user studies have examined specific usability problems in the field of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). These studies focused on different branches, various usability aspects, and several user groups. In spite of this diversification, some common and essential usability problems have become apparent, which are related to system complexity and difficulties in finding required information. Although these results revealed essential shortcomings in ERP usability, they date back up to 2005 and comprised only individual ERP systems in specific branches with small user groups. Therefore, this paper first addresses the question of whether the identified usability problems are still present today. Second, it extends the research focus to additional considerations, such as the role of menu type, uncertainty in system usage or the support in problem situations. The results are based upon a broad survey sample of 184 ERP users from small and medium-sized enterprises.

Background During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic a mass casualty incident of ambulatory patients occurred at the COVID-19 rapid response infrastructure (CRRI) facility at the University Hospital of Cologne (UHC). We report the development of a patient-centred mobile-device solution to support efficient management of the facility, triage of patients and rapid delivery of test results. Methods The UHC-Corona Web Tool (CWT) was developed as a web-based software useable on each patient’s smartphone. It provides, among others, a self-reported medical history including type and duration of symptoms and potential risk contacts and links all retrieved information to the digital patient chart via a QR code. It provides scheduling of outpatient appointments and automated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 test results. Results The UHC-CWT was launched on 9 April 2020. It was used by 28,652 patients until 31 August 2020. Of those, 15,245 (53,2%) consulted the CRRI, representing 43,1% of all CRRI patients during the observed period. There were 8304 (29,0%) specifications concerning travel history and 17,145 (59,8%) indications of ≥1 symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most frequently indicated symptoms were sore throat (60,0%), headache (50,7%), common cold (45,1%) and cough (42,6%) while 11,057 (40,2%) patients did not report any symptoms. After implementation of the UHC-CWT, the amount of patient contacts per physician rose from 38 to 98,7 per day. The personnel for communication of test results were reduced from four on seven days to one on five days. Conclusion The UHC-CWT is an effective digital solution for management of large numbers of outpatients for SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Kurzfassung Die technologische Welt befindet sich im Wandel. Davon sind auch produzierende Unternehmen getroffen, welche auf immer individuellere Kundenwünsche sowie einen verstärkten Wettbewerb durch neue Technologien und Organisationsformen, wie z.B. RFID oder dezentrale und echtzeitfähige Produktionssteuerung, reagieren müssen. Die Auswahl der konkreten Umsetzung für die spezifischen Fertigungsprozesse des Unternehmens erweisen sich oft als schwierig und kostenintensiv. Durch rechnerbasierte Simulationen können belastbare Aussagen zu deren Eignung und Wirtschaftlichkeit getroffen werden, allerdings sind bisherige Ansätze oft mit hohem Aufwand verbunden. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt eine neue Möglichkeit auf, diesen Nachteilen zu begegnen. Dazu werden die Vorteile der Simulationstechnik mit denen der Modellfabrik kombiniert. Dadurch wird eine schnelle und flexible Abbildung sowie Bewertung der zu analysierenden Produktionsprozesse erreicht.

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