2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Integrating Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (SAP S4HANA, Oracle, Maximo) in Undergraduate Engineering Education: Addressing the Industry Readiness Gap Through Systems-Based Learning

Presented at Engineering Management Division (EMD) Technical Session

Contemporary engineering graduates face a persistent industry readiness gap, particularly in understanding integrated business processes and cross-functional organizational systems. Traditional undergraduate engineering curricula emphasize technical depth within specialized domains but often lack comprehensive exposure to enterprise-wide operational frameworks. This study examines the strategic integration of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for example (SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle Cloud EPR, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite ERP) training within undergraduate engineering education as a pedagogical intervention to address this competency gap. ERP systems—integrated software platforms that manage core business processes including supply chain operations, production planning, quality management, financial controlling, and human capital management—serve as the operational backbone of modern industrial organizations. The research employed a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design comparing two cohorts of undergraduate engineering students (N=150 students per group) over four academic semesters. The experimental group received enhanced curriculum incorporating hands-on ERP training modules, while the control group followed the standard engineering management curriculum. Quantitative analysis utilized pre/post knowledge assessments, employer feedback surveys, and longitudinal career outcome tracking. Results demonstrate statistically significant improvements in the experimental group across multiple dimensions: systems thinking capability (+26 percentage points), time-to-employment (-40 days), starting compensation (+17.4%), and management track placement rates (+32 percentage points). The pedagogical framework emphasizes experiential learning through business process simulations, cross-functional scenario analysis, and real-time data-driven decision-making exercises. These activities demonstrably enhance ABET Student Outcome achievement, particularly in communication across disciplinary boundaries (Outcome 3), interdisciplinary teamwork (Outcome 5), and adaptive learning capacity (Outcome 7). Furthermore, the curriculum addresses emerging competencies essential for Industry 4.0 readiness, including cloud-based system architectures, artificial intelligence integration in business operations, advanced data analytics, and digital transformation management. This research provides empirical evidence that systematic ERP systems education enhances undergraduate engineering students' transition from technical specialists to systems-oriented professionals capable of bridging engineering and business domains, thereby improving immediate employability and enabling sustained career advancement in increasingly digitalized industrial environments.

Authors

Mr. Vaibhav Mishra http://orcid.org/0009-0008-1690-6911 eBusiness Solution Inc. [biography]

Vaibhav Mishra is an IT Architect in SAP S4HANA with eBusiness Solution Inc. He received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, India. His research interests focus on the use of artificial intelligence in SAP S4HANA in various industries. He has primarily worked in the utility, automobile, railway, and process industries. His work specifically explores how artificial intelligence can help the US-based industry be more cost-efficient, reliable, and safe. He has expertise in bridging the gap between Engineering education and Industry requirements.
Mr. Manish Kumar Garg http://orcid.org/0009-0007-5063-2363 Hikma Pharmaceutical USA Inc. [biography]

Manish Kumar Garg is a senior technology leader at Hikma Pharmaceuticals, driving global digital transformation across complex manufacturing and life sciences environments. With over 20 years of experience at leaders like Apple and HP, he specializes in leveraging SAP and mission-critical ERP systems to build supply chain resilience. Manish actively collaborates with the FDA and GS1 on regulatory compliance and serialization. A senior member of IEEE, he serves on several editorial boards, contributing expert perspectives on emerging technologies and data integrity in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
Maheshkumar Patil http://orcid.org/0009-0004-7389-3345 Generac Power Systems, Inc. [biography]

Highly accomplished and results-oriented SAP Industrial Manufacturing Specialist and Solution Architect with over 17 years of experience in delivering successful SAP implementations and strategic support across the entire manufacturing and supply chain landscape. My expertise spans core SAP ECC and S/4HANA modules, with deep specialization in Production Planning (PP), Variant Configuration (VC), Quality Management (QM), and Logistics/Supply Chain.

Core Expertise & Leadership
As a Process Lead and member of a Center of Excellence (CoE), I drive process optimization and system governance. My functional mastery encompasses the full System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), from initial business process analysis and Solution Architecture to system configuration, complex testing, and go-live support.
Key Functional Areas:

Production Planning (PP): MRP, Demand Management (MTS, MTO, ETO), Shop Floor Control, Serialization, and Engineering Change Management.

Variant Configuration (VC): Designing and implementing complex multi-level models, including advanced integration with external tools like IPC, Web configurators, and Configit.

Quality Management (QM): Implementing Quality Certificates, Inspections, and Notifications to ensure compliance and product quality.

Materials Management (MM): Expertise in Master Data, Purchasing, Inventory Management, and handling complex integrations via IDOCs.

Integration & Technical Acumen
I possess extensive experience in architecting and governing complex SAP integrations, connecting ECC/S/4HANA with critical systems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), MII, MuleSoft, SCM-APO, and SalesForce. My technical skill set includes ABAP debugging, BADIs, BAPIs, User Exits, and developing detailed functional and technical specifications.

Scholarly & Community Contributions
Committed to advancing the field of industrial technology and manufacturing best practices. I actively contribute to the professional community as an Author, Reviewer, and Judge, leveraging my domain expertise through organizations like IEEE and various industry forums. I am passionate about continuous improvement, mentoring teams, and driving efficiency to exceed organizational objectives.

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