ERP Systems: History and Evolution
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Questions and Answers

What primary benefit does Microsoft Dynamics offer to businesses?

  • Integrated business management across various functions (correct)
  • Limited human resources support
  • Specialized software for retail operations
  • Only financial management solutions

    • Which company did SSA Global acquire in 2004 to enhance its ERP offerings?

  • Lawson
  • Epicor
  • Baan (correct)
  • Oracle

    • What has driven ERP vendors like SAP and Oracle to enter the small business market?

  • Decreased competition in large business markets
  • Increased regulatory requirements for small businesses
  • Strategic partnerships with small vendors
  • A high saturation of demand in big businesses (correct)

    • What is a key factor for managing risk during ERP system implementation?

    <p>Maintaining project focus and clear communications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which function is NOT integrated within the Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution?

    <p>Content management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of ERP systems according to the document?

    <p>They provide improved functionality for organizations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge is mentioned regarding the implementation of ERP systems?

    <p>High complexity and risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the market has influenced ERP vendors to expand their functionalities?

    <p>Growing competition and fluctuating sales</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the critical points in a project’s success?

    <p>Go-live</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area is NOT part of the Five Areas of Stabilization?

    <p>Team performance evaluation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do consultants typically play in ERP implementation?

    <p>They provide implementation experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized as vital for project management in ERP implementation?

    <p>Strong leadership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about change management is correct?

    <p>Communication and expectation setting are also important.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company is recognized as the global leader among ERP vendors?

    <p>SAP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect is highlighted in global, ethical, and security management during ERP implementation?

    <p>Outsourcing and ethical issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is vital for preparing business processes for ERP systems?

    <p>Business Process Re-engineering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary benefit of improved business processes in the context of ERP implementation?

    <p>Enhanced customer satisfaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a major limitation of implementing an ERP system?

    <p>Cost and time for employee retraining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect is crucial for successfully implementing ERP systems?

    <p>Using a proven methodology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the vendor evaluation process, which factor is NOT typically considered?

    <p>Personal relationship with vendor representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following should an organization evaluate before selecting an ERP vendor?

    <p>Current and future enterprise management needs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential risk associated with ERP implementations?

    <p>Strong needs for organization change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can improved information flow across departments lead to in the context of ERP?

    <p>Quicker decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a component of evaluating an ERP software?

    <p>Integration capabilities of the software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of an ERP system primarily consists of organizational data from internal and external sources?

    <p>Information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the architecture of an ERP system?

    <p>It influences the cost, maintenance, and use of the ERP system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What benefit does centralizing IT support provide in an ERP system?

    <p>Enhances data accuracy and quality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a limitation of ERP systems?

    <p>The complexity of installation and configuration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does an ERP system improve the agility of an organization?

    <p>By enabling real-time information sharing with supply-chain partners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of personnel is considered a component of an ERP system?

    <p>End users and IT staff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge companies face when transitioning to a new ERP system?

    <p>Resistance and reduced productivity from retraining efforts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which benefit of an ERP system is focused on improving user training across applications?

    <p>Consistency of user interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of an ERP system?

    <p>To make information flow dynamic and immediate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which decade was Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) first introduced?

    <p>1970s</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is typical of ERP software regarding business processes?

    <p>They include hundreds of built-in business processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important consideration when implementing an ERP system?

    <p>Organizations can modify either their processes or the ERP software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which platform was used for the ERP systems developed in the 2000s?

    <p>Client-server systems using Web platform</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What shift occurred from MRP to MRP-II in the 1980s?

    <p>Advancement from third to fourth generation database software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do ERP systems integrate within an organization?

    <p>By supporting major functions across various departments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'Extended ERP' as described in the content?

    <p>ERP versions that integrate with applications like SCM and CRM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems

    • The first generation of enterprise systems designed to integrate data and support all major organizational functions.
    • Integrate functional aspects of an organization's operations, as well as their partners and suppliers.
    • Aim to make information flow dynamic and immediate, maximizing its value and usefulness.

    History and Evolution of ERP

    • 1960s: Inventory Management and Control - Mainframe legacy systems using third-generation software (Cobol, Fortran).
    • 1970s: Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) - Mainframe legacy systems using third-generation software (Cobol, Fortran).
    • 1980s: Materials Requirements Planning (MRP-II) - Mainframe legacy systems using fourth-generation database software and manufacturing applications.
    • 1990s: Enterprise Resource Planning - Mainframe client-server systems using fourth-generation database software and package software.
    • 2000s: Extended ERP or ERP-II - Client-server systems using a Web platform, open source with integration to fifth-generation applications like SCM, CRM, SFA.

    Business Processes and ERP

    • ERP plays a crucial role in improving organizational business processes.
    • Hundreds of business processes are built into the logic of ERP software, which may or may not align with an organization's current processes.
    • Two options when implementing ERP:
      • Change business processes to match the software functionality.
      • Modify the ERP software to match the business processes.

    ERP Systems Components

    • Hardware: Servers and peripherals
    • Software Process: Operating systems and databases
    • Information: Organizational data from internal and external sources.
    • Process: Business processes, procedures, and policies.
    • People: End users and IT staff.

    ERP Architecture

    • Influences the cost, maintenance, and usage of the system.
    • A flexible architecture is ideal, allowing for scalability as needs change and grow.
    • The architecture acts as a blueprint and guides the implementation team in building the ERP system.
    • Vendor-driven for purchased ERPs, but other IT architectures are driven by organizational strategy and business processes.

    System Benefits of ERP

    • Integration of data and applications across functional areas, reducing data redundancy and improving accuracy and quality.
    • Improved maintenance and support with centralized IT staff.
    • Consistent user interfaces across applications, reducing employee training needs, improving productivity, and facilitating cross-functional job movements.
    • Enhanced data and application security due to better controls and centralized hardware.

    System Limitations of ERP

    • Complex installation, configuration, and maintenance, requiring specialized IT staff, hardware, and network facilities.
    • Consolidating IT hardware, software, and personnel resources can be challenging.
    • Data conversion and transformation from older systems can be tedious and complex.
    • Retraining IT staff and end-users can lead to resistance and reduced productivity.

    Business Benefits of ERP

    • Increases organizational agility in responding to environmental changes for growth and market share maintenance.
    • Information sharing fosters collaboration between units.
    • Real-time information exchange with supply-chain partners improves efficiency.
    • Enhanced customer service due to faster information flow across departments.
    • Improved efficiency of business processes through re-engineering.

    Business Limitations of ERP

    • Employee retraining can be costly and time-consuming.
    • Changes in business roles and department boundaries can cause upheaval and resistance to the new system.

    ERP Implementation (Business Process Management - BPM)

    • Understanding, visibility, and control of business processes.
    • Has a prescribed methodology for documenting business processes and analyzing their use throughout the organization.
    • Improved processes can lead to:
      • Enhanced customer satisfaction.
      • Reduced costs.
      • Increased productivity through resource allocation to value-added activities.

    ERP Implementation (ERP Life Cycle)

    • Using a proven methodology, taking one step at a time, and understanding the ERP life cycle is key to successful implementation.
    • ERP implementations are risky, thus a well-defined project plan with a proven methodology is critical for risk management.
    • A clear and well-communicated need for the change from existing information systems/applications to an ERP system is essential.

    Software and Vendor Selection

    • Organizations without ERP development experience should purchase an existing system.
    • A careful evaluation of current and future needs in enterprise management systems is necessary before selecting a vendor.
    • Analyze existing hardware, network, and software infrastructure, along with resources available for implementation.

    Vendor Evaluation

    • Business functions or modules supported by their software.
    • Features and integration capabilities of the software.
    • Financial viability of the vendor and their time in business.
    • Licensing and upgrade policies.
    • Customer service and help desk support.
    • Total cost of ownership.
    • IT infrastructure requirements.
    • Third-party software integration.
    • Legacy systems support and integration.
    • Consulting and training services.
    • Future goals and plans for the short and long term.

    Operations and Post-Implementation

    • 'Go-live' is a crucial point in a project's success.
    • Focus the efforts of all project teams to ensure tasks and activities are completed before going live.
    • This allows project management to address any outstanding issues that might jeopardize the Go-live date.
    • A readiness process involving team members, users, and managers is essential.
    • Five areas of stabilization are important:
      • End-user training.
      • Reactive support (help desk for troubleshooting).
      • Auditing support to ensure data quality isn't compromised.
      • Data fix to resolve migration and audit-revealed errors.
      • Implementing new features and functionalities to meet evolving organizational needs.

    People and Organization

    • Project Management: Strong leadership, a clear implementation plan, and close budget monitoring are crucial for successful ERP implementation.
    • Consultants: Often used by organizations with limited ERP experience to provide implementation support.
    • Change Management: Helps prepare for changes in business practices. Communication, preparation, setting expectations, training, and support are crucial.
    • Business Process Re-engineering: Business processes need to be adjusted or adapted to fully utilize the functionality of an ERP system.

    Global, Ethical and Security Management

    • Outsourcing overseas, ethical considerations, and system security issues are critical aspects to address in ERP implementation.

    ERP Market Tiers

    • SAP: Recognized global leader among ERP vendors, with over 12 million users. Solutions for all industries and major markets.
    • Oracle/Peoplesoft: Second largest ERP vendor, providing solutions divided by industry category and long-term support for PeopleSoft users.
    • Infor: Third largest provider of enterprise software, offering integrated solutions for supply chain, customer relationship, and supplier management.
    • Microsoft Dynamics: Formerly known as Microsoft Business Solutions or Great Plains, comprehensive business management solution built on the Microsoft platform. Integrates finances, e-commerce, supply chain, manufacturing, project accounting, field service, CRM, and HR.
    • Lawson: Industry-tailored software solutions including enterprise performance management, distribution, financials, HR, procurement, and retail operations.
    • SSA Global: Acquired Baan in 2004, offering solutions that achieve specific goals quickly and efficiently.
    • Epicor: Enterprise software solutions for midmarket companies worldwide. Offers complete end-to-end enterprise software solutions and specific applications.
    • As e-Business firms grew larger with advanced HR, accounting, and warehousing needs, non-ERP vendors struggled to meet their requirements.
    • ERP vendors started expanding their functionality to the Internet and e-Business.
    • Competition and fluctuating sales pushed vendors to expand their functionality to add value.
    • The saturation of the large business market and the growing small and mid-sized business market led vendors like SAP and Oracle to enter the small business market.

    Implications for Management

    • ERP system implementation is a complex organizational activity.
    • It's essential to learn from successes and failures.
    • Managing risk requires maintaining project focus and clear communication across the organization.
    • Strong project management oversight is crucial.
    • ERP systems offer improved and enhanced functionality for organizations.
    • They are expected to proliferate globally.

    Summary

    • Implementing ERP systems involves greater risks, but the payoff is significant for organizations.

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    Related Documents

    Chapter 1: Introduction to Enterprise Systems for Management PDF

    Description

    Discover the development of Enterprise Resource Planning systems from the 1960s to the 2000s. Learn how these systems evolved from inventory management to integrated solutions that connect all organizational functions. This quiz covers the internal and external impacts of ERP systems throughout the decades.

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