ERP Modules

ERP Modules – What are they and what do they do – Part 3

How many Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) modules are on the market today?  The number has got to be huge!  Think about the thousands of ERP vendors and all the different modules they’ve built to support all the different industries they serve.  Let’s go over as many “common” ERP modules as we can.  No, we can’t explain ERP modules that teach your dog to sit or your bird say “Polly what a cracker”.

One very popular ERP module is the Human Resources module.  It was this module that enabled PeopleSoft to get their start.  This was their biggie that sends them to the top of the ERP world.  The Human Resources (HR) module does various tasks depending on the functionality the ERP vendor chooses to provide.  Typical HR functionality allows you to manage your workforce.  Managing ones workforce generally includes; hiring people, firing people, keeping track of employee records, resolving conflicts, benefits, policy management, salary management, employee performance, and employee certification.

The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) ERP module provides functionality for the salesperson.  It enables them to keep track of their customers, customer likes and preferences, and customer dislikes.  Management may use the CRM module to pull real-time data and reports.  For example, you might want to know which customer buys the most popcorn and which customer buys the most cracker jacks.  Or, perhaps you want to review customer account information.  Whatever your customer related inquiries or needs are, a CRM module can handle them.

A very popular module is the Finance ERP module.  The Finance module was Oracle’s flagship module.  Oracle’s Finance module probably has the most extensive functionality when compared to any other Finance module in the ERP industry.  The Finance module is very important as it keeps track of your accounts payables, accounts receivables, general ledger postings, asset management, depreciation management, budgets, and more.  Finances are the core of organizations.  If they can’t afford to operate then they won’t be around for very long.

The Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) ERP module enables you to manage the lifecycle of your products from creation to termination.  PLM functionality generally includes; shelf life management, end of item production capabilities, warranty date tracking, product supply planning and product demand planning.

The goal of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) ERP module is to enable organizations to reduce inventory while increasing the production time and more efficiently meeting customer needs.  This module is popular among manufacturing companies.

Written by :

kristine H