Enterprise Resource Planning

ERP: Trends in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Analyzing the requirements for successful ERP implementation involves a multi-faceted perspective. ERP is a "living" software environment requiring consistent, and continual, updating and modification. To this end, ERP developers are challenged in handling the pressure from both ERP vendors and companies utilizing ERP, or ERP cloud computing software.

As in any business environment, with ERP software being the product, the customer has been instrumental in the evolution of ERP software. In particular, ERP developers have focused on needs-based applications, wherein a client is free from having to purchase and implement a suite of programs. Rather, ERP applications are tailor made to  suit client needs while retaining the option to upgrade ERP solutions as appropriate.

Seemingly simple in nature, this single focus is a complex process yet the benefit for ERP software companies is immeasurable. By developing enterprise planning software, as a needs-based application, ERP vendors are now able to offer ERP solutions to the sector of small business they may not have secured otherwise.

The advent of ERP solutions in the small and medium business, sometimes referred to as SMB, has leveled the ERP IT playing field. These businesses now have enterprise application options and ERP vendors, offering more efficiency in their day-to-day operations. Overall, offering enterprise solutions in the SMB sector has been effective in peaking the interest of larger businesses, as well.

An obvious result of offering needs-based ERP solutions is a significant reduction in time and cost in the implementation of enterprise planning resources. At one time, even large businesses were hesitant to install enterprise software due to significant cost and complexity. The time required for the installation of an enterprise resource planning system was extensive. Added to this was the time required to train employees. The trend with enterprise planning software shows, however, that by offering a "build to suit" model of ERP software many businesses can now justify, and benefit from, the implementation of enterprise planning programs.

The human element is a significant factor in any business, and such is the case when deciding to move to enterprise resource software and planning systems. A period of time is required for training, and more often than not, ERP can be viewed by some employees as an intrusion. To ensure the soundness of enterprise resource planning success businesses should ready themselves to fully engage employees. Often, businesses fail to see how the implementation of a seamless system, like enterprise resource planning, may work against employees who have operated in a solitary environment.

To ensure the soundness of ERP investment a business should fully educate and train employees during planning phases. Showing employees how the planning resource will help them in efficiency, and accuracy, is one way to begin the "digestion" process. Presently, the human element is one of the most important aspects in a successful implementation of an ERP system.

Obstacles presented by the human element are more generational, than personal, in nature.  A strata of  persons in present day work environments are not "socially integrated" in terms of the computing environment.  This is a result of the fact that internet networking, or computer socializing, was not part of their social immersion, and can be seen by many in this strata as an invasion. As our younger, computer savvy generations enter the work environment the concept of singularity will be obsolete.

Enterprise resource planning systems are the trend, and will continue in evolution on a parallel path with client needs. ERP is a natural result of our digital society and the success of ERP vendors will, in large part, be based upon how well they integrate client employees in education and training.

Mary Gentry