As an IT manager of a reputed organization, I find it necessary to take suitable measures to enhance the work-flow patterns. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a prudent way to ensure effective data management while reducing energy consumption. ERP enables strategic unison of all the significant activities of the organization into a single unit in order to facilitate efficient decision making. There are numerous activities that are necessary parts of the company’s processes such as product planning, purchasing, manufacturing, accounting, human resources, marketing, distribution, inventory control and so on. ERP software comprises of many individual enterprise software modules and each ERP module focuses on one particular area.
Planning and assessment can be considered as the first stage in Enterprise Resource Planning followed by the business-design stage. The second stage will lead to the generation of a prototype which is feasible to implement. The third stage focuses on the end-user training. Every possible detail pertaining to the ERP software must be provided to the staff in order to avert any last minute chaos. In other words, pre-orientation is an essential aspect of the implementation stage. The three phases of an enterprise system lifecycle includes selecting, implementing and changing the enterprise system (Hossain, Patrick and Rashid, 2002). The interface between the various individual modules is a concern demanding attention. It is necessary to properly understand and implement the software. Other implications such as the response time and the database application also need adequate consideration (Hossain, Patrick and Rashid, 2002). Also, it must be ensured that proper support is provided at every stage.
For a midsized organization, the Tier-2 or mid-market ERP vendors such as QAD, Sage, IFS, Infor and Epicor are appropriate (webopedia.com). However, the leading players in ERP include SAP, Oracle, Peoplesoft etc (Rashid, 2002). Cost is one of the most significant determinants and the focus will definitely remain on the possible returns. The table gives valuable information about the various aspects of these vendors. Based on the cost factor, QAD provides the best possible solution. Investigations in the areas of compatibility, durability and support services can help gain further information about their use-abilities.
Works Cited
“Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software.” Epicor Software Solutions. Epicor.com. n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
“ERP-Enterprise Resource Planning.” webopedia.com. IT Business Edge. n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
Hossain, L., Patrick, J.D., Rashid, M.A. Enterprise Resource Planning: Global Opportunities & Challenges. London: Idea Group Publishing. 2002. Print.
Jutras, C. The Cost of ERP Functionality. Research Brief. Aberdeen Group. Quad.com. Jul. 2007. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
