What Is ERP? Guide to Enterprise Resource Planning Software
Summary
Analysts at research firm Gartner concluded that a new term was needed for the growing category of modular, integrated business software that went beyond manufacturing processes to encompass back-office functions, such as HR and accounting. ERP implementation best practices call for a formal process, overseen by an ad hoc team drawn from every major department, that extends from the conceptual stage to post-implementation support and, ultimately, upgrading or replacing the system. They typically include a helpdesk reachable by phone, email or online; a dedicated customer web portal with FAQs, user manuals and other documentation; and access to discussion forums. Sharing this real-time or near-real-time information over a network helps workers across departments make better decisions, coordinate their activities, collaborate more effectively and minimize the avoidable errors caused by miscommunication. Tapping into the internet to open these ERP channels to the outside world helps to align supply and demand by tying the desires of customers more intimately to the actions a company, its suppliers and partners take to develop and deliver products and services.