Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) provides an integrated view of core business processes.
It is a business process management software that helps organizations to
use a system of integrated applications to manage their business and automate
their back-office processes related to technology, marketing and sales,
inventory management, and human resource.
ERP is
customized according to the size of the business. It is specifically
designed for large enterprises and often requires a large team of
well-trained and diligent representatives to analyze data of
the organisation. Initially, it was not possible for small businesses to
implement ERP application owing to the high cost factor. But, with the
increasing competition, even small organizations are seeking ERP solutions to
streamline and integrate their business operations. For small
businesses, a lightweight ERP software solution is formulated by outbound call centers. To put it simply,
ERP is a global, tightly-integrated, closed loop business solution.
Initially
ERP was used to focus on automating back office functions that do not have a
direct impact on customers and public. Later on, a few front office
functions were integrated including customer relationship management (CRM),
e-business systems such as e-commerce, e-government, e-telecom, and e-finance,
supplier relationship management (SRM) with the evolution of the Internet.
ERP
provides multi-platform, multi-mode manufacturing, multi-currency, and
multi-lingual facilities. It supports strategic and business planning
activities to transform industrial landscape.
ERP application
consists of multiple enterprise software modules that are individually
purchased, based on what meets the needs and technical capabilities of the
organisation. Each ERP module focuses on one specific area of
business process. Business firms are choosing ERP solution based
on their needs and requirements.