ERP Implementation

Implementing a Global ERP

A global ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution’s job is to standardize worldwide operations for an organization.  However, all countries have such varied standards as to the way they do business and this makes a global ERP solution very difficult to build.  But, those global ERP vendors that have resolved the international ERP issues are making lots of money on their global ERP solutions.  Some ERP vendors that have jumped into the global market include; SAP, Oracle. QAD, Ramco, CDC Software, COA Solutions, Consona Corporation, Unit 4 Agresso NV, Plex Systems, Epicor, and ABAS Software.

Now, if you think United States based Enterprise Resource Planning implementations are expensive, well you have another thing coming to you because global ERP solutions cost much much more.  Think of all the customizations that have to be done to accommodate the various laws from country to country.  Imagine all the documentation and training that needs to be translated.  And, don’t forget that communication is essential to the success of the global ERP.  Increased communication will be vitally necessary and costly.

While there are some disadvantages to global ERP solutions, there are many advantages.  Having all your global company locations on one streamlined system creates efficiency, less inventory backlogs, accurate worldwide reporting, and may yield greater customer satisfaction.  However, not every company can take advantage of these advantages because the only companies that can afford a global ERP are quite large organizations.  If you have a coffee shop in California, another in Texas, and another in Costa Rica, a global ERP solution is not for you.  But, if you are Microsoft then you ought to be on a global ERP system.  This isn’t to say that a global Enterprise Resource Planning solution will never ever suit an owner of coffee shops.  Do you remember ERP solutions in the 1990s?  They were primarily built for large fortune 500 companies.  Today, they are built for all sized companies in all different types of industries.

The global Enterprise Resource Planning market is still quite young.  The future is bright and there’s a lot of room for growth and progress to be made in this realm.  Even if you are a large international organization, a global ERP may not be right for you.  It’s best to evaluate your business and your business processes and then decide what kind of Enterprise Resource Planning solution is best.

Written by :

kristine H