Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Forecasting - Essay Example

SPSS Forecasting assists every individual every step of the way so that he /she can get the information required faster.
SPSS Forecasting offers features like:
• The directed analysis supports non-experienced users through the process of model-building.
• More options, as well as customization choices, permit analyst experts to control the process of forecasting.
• Powerful time series modeling processes help in developing reliable forecasts promptly.
• Time-saving features permit the user to create as well as update forecasts reliably and quickly.
• Flexible output alternatives make it easy to deliver useful and understandable information to the decision-makers of an organization.

In the year 2006, Del Monte transformed from inquiring from sales what they were going to sell and focused on market drivers. They brought to a halt their process of sales data collection at the item level through arduous spreadsheets and focused on sensing demand, comprehending drivers of a market as well as using the data to shape how they enter a market. The new procedures focus on the insights of a shopper: who the customers are, where what and why they are buying. It aims at how best to shape demand in these areas (the accurate combination of assortment, promotion, price, trade deals, as well as sales incentives) to compel demand that is profitable. Del Monte established that the correct data to gather from sales was market drivers’ clarity: the number of new accounts that take new products, competitive activity in the market, past promotions success, as well as retail channel insights.

Advantages of enterprise resource planning in a merger acquisition
First, the whole organization gains from the benefits of the deployed system since it insists on process change. In addition, installing the ERP by the Big bang approach might help the organization to get a faster return on the investment. Furthermore, ERP makes it easier to integrate and report, and no temporary interfaces are needed. Moreover, lower cost of running the systems as legacy systems are retired simultaneously.

Disadvantages
One of the disadvantages is high capital as well as a human resource investment. Secondly, any practical performance issues have an effect on the whole user population. In addition, ERP needs training of the whole user population. Adopting the new system is susceptible because of the restricted possibilities to maneuver, in addition to there being a lot of pressure since the deadline must be met.

Minimizing implementation cost
It is recommended that organizations should attack the implementation project in focused, short phases, working backward from aimed deadlines to generate a sense of urgency. It might be of help to start with the most fundamental systems and then spread out to other useful areas. In addition, change management techniques should be used to manage the human aspect of the project since ERP needs a lot of support from the company’s affected areas (Umble, Haft, and Umble 12).

Being a decision that needs time and resources, I would avoid choosing a vendor too fast. Instead, I will evaluate my needs cautiously and come up with business issues the ERP system address. I would research potential ERP vendors carefully, looking at their standing in the business but also checking references and interviewing earlier clients. I will as well avoid manifold vendors if possible, and ensure that the vendor I choose is suitable for the business's future expansion and growth plans. Finally, I will ensure that project backing is in place prior to signing a contract.