The Challenges of Developing a Strategic Enterprise Resource Planning Program For a Small Business - Essay Example

Technology and globalization have made a small business appear big and move to capture new territories which were erstwhile areas controlled by industry goliaths. Technology has now made new weapons available to the “David”, the small business. Globalization is now defining the new arena that was until now not available to it. The small business is now is much stronger and no longer restricted to its neighborhood and be leveled as the “local guy”. It is now evidently becoming the “global guy”, taking orders and delivering values to the global customer, just as the medium and large businesses do.

But the stakes are high and the dangers are many. Can David handle it successfully? More importantly, can it help David in not only defending its territory but also help capture territories of the goliath? What purpose, the ERP would ultimately serve for its business. How it would help to achieve the mission, realizing his goals, and materializing objectives of his business. What strategic benefits it would provide; and what price (also literally) he has to pay? What organizational resources it has to sacrifice in terms of time and training? And finally, are there suitable products offered in the market? if yes, what options are available.

From the ancient days to the present day information age, little has changed about the purpose of business enterprises. It continues to remain the same - to flow and grow and to spread prosperity in its wake. Like a river, from the moment it is born, it tends to flow, and grow while it flows; likewise, no matter where the enterprise is located and whatever is its business process, it has to grow. To flow and grow is its intrinsic quality. Even as a small rivulet, it never detracts from its inherent desire to flow. When faced with an obstruction, it waits patiently accumulating sufficient water and finding an orifice that would entail its waters to flow. Eventually, when it gains sufficient strength and amasses enough water; it surpasses the obstruction and again continues in its relentless march - to flow and to grow; enjoining other rivulets en route.