Information System
The ERP system has various advantages. First, it leads to improved productivity. The system engages and connects users within and beyond the enterprise, including customers, suppliers and partners. Users also gain increased insight, that is, ERP systems improve decision making by providing a clear understanding of activities across the organization. With the systems, enhanced governance is enabled. They provide comprehensive functionality for corporate governance.
Additionally, organizations gain improved flexibility. ERP systems provide a scalable and adaptable solution that seamlessly integrates end-to-end processes. Using the systems enable cost reduction. They enable organizations to manage IT costs by leveraging their investments.
How BPR is related to EPR
BPR is related to ERP in that the former systems were built on the foundation of reengineering of a company’s process to adopt to SAP which is an ERP system. Also, BPR success depends on either reengineering business processes before implementing ERP or directly implementing ERP and avoiding reengineering.
The Best Option for NIBCO
The best option for NIBCO is the Accelerated SAP (ASAP), a comprehensive solution capable of optimizing quality, time and efficient use of resources. The company will be able to attain its goals and this ultimately makes it successful.
ERP implementation systems in comparison to SDCL
The ERP implementation system is similar to the classical SDCL in that both are accomplished in four phases namely preparation, analysis, design and implementation.
Changes necessary
NIBCO should make a couple of changes to its implementation phases in its project lifespan. First, it ought to put more emphasis on how to achieve the outcome rather than the outcome itself. The implementation phases tend to put a lot of pressure on the workers to attain the desirable outcome hence this change is necessary. The implementation should be slow and steady. This will allow for proper communication and clear feedback from the workers. Employees should not feel the immense pressure associated with drastic changes. Another change to be undertaken relates to choosing the correct SAP experts to have an accurate blueprint. Such experts help the organization achieve its objectives. The experts ought to be well trained and experienced in the field of SAP so as to carry out the task of implementation successfully. There should be a level of commitment from both the employers and employees. The two parties must realize that it is their role to cooperate and make the implementation successful. Additionally, the SAP hardware and software ought to be tested vigorously. The end users ought to be well prepared to use SAP. Support from management is necessary for the implementation to be successful.
Where BPR activities come in
BPR activities come in the first stage of NIBCO`S EPR implementation phases. In this stage, a cross functional team is built, customer driven objectives are identified and a strategic purpose is developed. For BPR to be successful in the first phase of implementation, the organization must choose between reengineering business processes before implementing ERP or directly implementing ERP and avoiding reengineering. The first option is advantageous in that employees get a sense of process orientation and ownership. However, the reengineered process may not be the best because the organization may not have access to world class research and practices. The second option offers world class and effective processes with built in measures and controls. Its disadvantage is that employees do not clearly understand their internal customer needs. It may lead to costly reengineering of the process after implementing ERP.
