ERP is a Enterprise Resource Planning.
An integrated information system that serves all departments within an enterprise. Evolving out of the manufacturing industry, ERP implies the use of packaged software rather than proprietary software written by or for one customer.
ERP modules may be able to interfacce with an organization's own software with varying degrees of effort, and, depending on the software, ERP modules may be alterable vis the vendors proprietary tools as well as proprietary or standard programming languages.
An ERP System can include software for manufacturing, order entry, accounts, receivable and payable, general ledger, purchasing, warehousing, transportation and human resources.
Regards,
Kavitha N
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| Author: Mari raj k 08 Oct 2008 | Member Level: Silver Points : 2 |
ERP Definition - A Systems Perspective
ERP, often like other IT and business concepts, are defined in many different ways. A sound definition should several purposes:
1. It answers the question of "what is ... ?".
2. It provides a base for defining more detailed concepts in the field - ERP software, ERP systems, ERP implementation etc.
3. It provides a common ground for comparison with related concepts - CRM, SCM etc.
4. It helps answer the basic questions in the field - benefits of ERP, the causes of ERP failure etc.
A definition of ERP based on Systems Theory can server those purposes.
ERP is a system which has its goal, components, and boundary.
The Goal of an ERP System - The goal of ERP is to improve and streamline internal business processes, which typically requires reengineering of current business processes.
The Components of an ERP System - The components of an ERP system are the common components of a Management Information System (MIS).
* ERP Software - Module based ERP software is the core of an ERP system. Each software module automates business activities of a functional area within an organization. Common ERP software modules include product planning, parts purchasing, inventory control, product distribution, order tracking, finance, accounting and human resources aspects of an organization.
* Business Processes - Business processes within an organization falls into three levels - strategic planning, management control and operational control. ERP has been promoted as solutions for supporting or streamlining business processes at all levels. Much of ERP success, however, has been limited to the integration of various functional departments.
* ERP Users - The users of ERP systems are employees of the organization at all levels, from workers, supervisors, mid-level managers to executives.
* Hardware and Operating Systems - Many large ERP systems are UNIX based. Windows NT and Linux are other popular operating systems to run ERP software. Legacy ERP systems may use other operating systems.
The Boundary of an ERP System - The boundary of an ERP system is usually small than the boundary of the organization that implements the ERP system. In contrast, the boundary of supply chain systems and ecommerce systems extends to the organization's suppliers, distributors, partners and customers. In practice, however, many ERP implementations involve the integration of ERP with external information systems.
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