Integrating the Organization from End to End – Enterprise
Resource Planning
Introduction
SCM, CRM, and ERP
ERP systems automate business processes
At the heart of all ERP systems is a database
Most organizations operate functional “silos”, and
each department typically has its own systems
A company might purchase an ERP and then all of the functional silos would be on one system, however, this doesn’t happen very often in the real world
Finding one system that could meet all the needs of an entire organization from billing to sales is almost impossible, “sort of a utopia”
when a user enters or updates information in one module, it is immediately and automatically updated throughout the entire system
When a CSR takes an order from a customer, he or she has all the information necessary to complete the order (the customer’s credit rating and order history, the company’s inventory levels, and the delivery schedule)
Since the company is using an ERP, everyone else in the company will automatically see the information that the CSR types into the ERP system
When one department finishes with the order, it is automatically routed via the ERP system to the next department
the backbone of e-business
Integration of these applications is the key to success for many companies
Integration allows the unlocking of information to make it available to any user, anywhere, anytime
Middleware
several different types of software which sit in the middle of and provide connectivity between two or more software applications
Enterprise application integration
(EAI) middleware
packages together commonly used functionality which reduced the time necessary to develop solutions that integrate applications from multiple vendors
ERP systems must integrate various organization processes
Flexible
Modular and open
Beyond the company
Comprehensive