What is ERP?

The term ERP is abbreviated as Enterprise Resource Planning. ERP is the way to integrate all the data and processes of an organization, comprising the hardware and software into a single unified database system. The use of ERP has become quite comprehensive and now days it is used in almost all companies either large or small. ERP has its application in Human Resources, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Managements, Customer Relations Management, Financials, Warehouse Management functions and many more.

Integration is the key to ERP. Its main goal is to integrate data and processes from all areas of an organization and combine it into an easily maintained and updated database for an easy access and work flow. An ideal ERP system contains data for all software modules by making use of a single database. ERP implementation is not an easy and fast task. Its quite complex and may take around three months to even a year long for implementing an ERP in a larger organization. ERP implementation requires significant changes in staff and work practices.

While implementing ERP in an organization, the organization must have the ownership of the project and thus needs the help and coordination of every individual in the project and the organization. Usually ERP consultants or professionals are hired for ERP implementation. These professionals provide three types of the services. These services are Consulting, Customization and Support.

Consulting is used during the initial stages of the implementation and helps the organization with its new systems, product trainings and workflows. In Customization, work mainly concentrates on the use of new ERP system and changing its use by creating customized interfaces and the application code. Support services include both the support and maintenance of ERP systems like trouble shooting and assistance in ERP issues.

An ERP system thus provides a totally integrated system with the ability to easily streamline and share data across many processes and workflows. Improved efficiency and productivity, better tracking and forecasting at lower costs with improved customer support are add-on features of ERP implementation.

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