Enterprise Resource Planning System - Case Study Example

More and more large companies and organisations are utilising ERP systems. The widespread use of enterprise systems is a response of companies to replace older and individualised administrative software systems in order to achieve integration of different organisational functions and systems. (Carr, 2001) The functionalities of an ERP system will standardise and simplify the operating procedures and business practices throughout the whole organisation (Gupta, 1996). Interconnectivity and integration would benefit the different functional departments of the company as well as the different subsidiary locations.

The system should be aligned with the business strategy of the company (Dickson & De Sanctis, 2000). It must not focus on modernization of infrastructures alone. It is important for ERP to give value to the company and compliment the business goals. (Pearlson, 2001) This report also recommends the adaptation of change management strategies and business process re-engineering that will accompany the implementation of the ERP system. Both strategies would increase the success rate of the system and make it a competitive advantage for the Dyson Company (Pearlson, 2001).

Success will not come from the new infrastructure but from the applicability of the ERP system into the existing culture of the organisation. (Lee & Lee, 2000) Dyson Ltd is a UK based manufacturer and marketer of vacuum cleaners and washing mach. The company owns subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and Australasia. It sells its products in over 40 countries worldwide and has bought the rights to sell its vacuum cleaners in the US. The company is headquartered in Malmesbury, UK. (Datamonitor PLC, 2008)The company is considering the acquisition of an Enterprise Resource Planning System.

This report aims to evaluate the current processes and information management needs of the company and determine the feasibility of implementing the enterprise system into their business processes and core practices.The current information resources and knowledge management are deliberated on the next section of this report. The core processes of Dyson are also discussed in this section. Higher level information needs of the company are examined in order to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for the company through the development and implementation of an ERP system.

The next section will focus on the feasibility study on the implementation of an ERP system. A TELOS Analysis approach was undertaken to assess the viability of the enterprise system as well as to probe the capabilities and capacities of the Dyson Company on implementing the system.Suggested implementation action plans are presented to the management in the next section of the report. This part illustrates the different strategies in order to effectively roll out the applicability of the enterprise system.

It enumerates the methods to successfully manage the functionalities of the system on the core processes and decision-making practice of Dyson.The next part discusses the potential advantages of the ERP system on the supply chain management of the company. As a manufacturing company,