This study aims to explore how enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) shape the performance of organizations, emphasizing the mediating function of organizational excellence (OE). Drawing on data from manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan, a total of 340 questionnaires were distributed, and 260 valid responses were obtained, representing a response rate of 76.47%. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with the partial least squares (SEM-PLS) approach. The results reveal that ERP and EO both exert a significant positive influence on organizational performance, while OE serves as a partial mediator in this association. Specifically, the findings indicate that organizations demonstrating higher levels of excellence tend to achieve superior performance outcomes, validating the proposed hypotheses at a 0.01 significance level. These insights highlight the strategic value of integrating ERP implementation and entrepreneurial orientation within SMEs to foster organizational excellence and improve overall effectiveness. The study offers practical guidance for policymakers, business leaders, and researchers seeking to strengthen performance through technological and entrepreneurial capabilities in emerging economies.
