Enterprise software, aka ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning ) software has come to be one of, if not the most important tool for conducting business transactions achieving success and turning a company’s mission statement into reality.  Because it has become so important, enterprise software has become a lucrative business in and of itself and companies who produce it household names worldwide. SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing) and Oracle as well as software behemoth Microsoft leap to mind when it comes to software developers and providers.  Microsoft, Oracle and SAP have replaced Chrysler, Ford and GM as “The Big Three” of the business world.  

Enterprise Software

The Virtual Backbone of Business Success

Organizations are built on information and success is dependent upon the speed and accuracy with which that information travels.  Enterprise software provides the tools by which data and transactions travel.  It comes in many different flavors with Oracle and SAP as the vanilla and chocolate of all.  To continue using the same analogy (should never write while I’m hungry) proprietary and specialty flavors come in as many different flavors as do the frozen confection and flavors of the month and new arrivals appear and disappear with as much regularity.

Enterprise software allows information and transactions to pass between departments within and organization and between the company and its customers.  Enterprise software can be installed as a part of a sophisticated technology infrastructure that includes highly skilled staff to support, administer and develop the ERP – this practice is usually reserved for those companies with large technology budgets like Chrysler, Ford and GM.  Enterprise software and the care and feeding thereof, are also outsourced to companies that are contracted to do so. Enterprise software can also be offered as a service.  This option has become popular enough to sport a dedicated acronym, SaaS (Software as a Service).  SaaS provides enterprise or ERP software via cloud-computing, a viable option for those organizations with smaller budgets.

Regardless of business size, enterprise software plays a crucial role in the success of a business as to operate without the functionality of company-wide business software will place an organization in a position of distinct disadvantage and preclude or at the very least, severely curtail its ability to compete. Whether a company is manufacturing or service-oriented is a major determining factor in choosing enterprise software.  Efficiency translates into real dollars and with all the options available no business can afford to deny itself a seat at the table and most do not.

Enterprise software is conceptually universal and company specific.  One size or style does not fit all and must be configured to fit the business environment in which it will function.  Some systems offer integrated, configurable applications while others are sold in erp modules the functionality that they offer is essentially the same. Planning, production, customer service and accounting data work with office and word processing programs to run day to day operations.

An organization must do its homework before making a choice as to which enterprise software to purchase and implement but choose, it must, to remain competitive, increase profits and succeed in business.  

Written by :

kristine H