ERP Solutions

Viva Las Vegas

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions are much like Las Vegas.   Have you ever been to Las Vegas?  If you have, I’m sure you’ve noticed that all the casinos offer the same services.  You can gamble at the blackjack tables, you can play the slot machines, you can go to the bar and drink yourself into a drunken stupor, or you can just relax by the pool.  No matter what you want, Las Vegas has it.  Similarly ERP solutions all have the same basics.  They all have modules of functionality, they are all built on certain platforms, and they all run on databases.  However, ERP solutions vary vendor to vendor as do the Las Vegas hotels.

Let’s take a step back.  While all the hotels in Las Vegas provide the same general services, they each have something that sets them apart.  The Mandarin has a wave pool and lazy river, the New York has a roller coaster for those thrill seekers, and the Venetian has the gondola.  Enterprise Resource Planning solutions also have something that sets them apart.  Some ERP solutions focus on manufacturing functionality, for example.  SAP sets themselves apart from their competitors by integrating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology along with their supply chain and manufacturing modules.  Expandable ERP sets themselves apart from their competitors by offering extensive functionality specific to the high tech electronics industry, the industrial manufacturing industry, and startup companies.  And, Adonix sets themselves apart from their competition by offering discreet manufacturing and distribution functionality.

What’s interesting is that these distinguishing factors sell product.  Take for example, Walmart.  They needed an ERP with RFID technology.  Not only do they use the technology for themselves, but they plan to require their suppliers to use the same technology.  Walmart is also a huge organization.  Everyone and their mothers know that SAP caters to such large organizations and integrates with RFID technology.  Perhaps Walmart was sold on their SAP ERP solution on these two points alone.

Recently my husband and I went to Las Vegas.  We decided we wanted to relax by a nice pool and take in some shows.  We decided that the Mandarin had the best pool area and they had a show we wanted to see.  Setting yourself apart in the ERP world is essential for an ERP vendor much the same as it is for a hotel in Las Vegas. Viva Las Vegas Baby!

Written by :

kristine H