Enterprise Resource Planning - Research Paper Example

SAP ERP SAP ERP The field of business has been revolutionized by the intervention of computer technology.Solution providers keep on offering their clients effective and reliable products that manage their business processes and provide basis for strategic analysis. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are among the most common software solutions adopted by companies around the world. Wiley (2002) stated that ERP solutions were originally developed to support the manufacturing companies but they have grown to support numerous other industries, like medicine, financial institutions etc.

The product that has been chosen for analysis, SAP ERP, also offers the services to manage one’s business and provide a structured form to the business operations. SAP (2011) explained that SAP ERP has a diverse range of services related to it; self-services for managers and employees, sales-order management, corporate performance management etc. The module of self services (for manager and employees) enables the employees to apply for leaves, in accordance with the number of leaves that have been unconsumed by them.

The leaves are instantly sent to the manager in an automated manner for his approval. This system can be useful to create efficiency and productivity in the human resources operations since all the operations are automated. SAP (2011) stated that the availability of data, such as on-going projects and previous leave applications, facilitates effective decision making from the manager. The module of sales order management offers access control to sales data, order processing and basis for the analysis of relevant data.

Enterprise Resource Planning Newsletter (2011) agreed that the automation of operations reduces the need for constant administration; therefore administration costs can be reduced significantly. The sales executives can handle the sales orders and quotations (on the basis of their status) in an effective manner to avoid any late deliveries to the customers. The solution provides functions to view the on-going sales orders and effective search options to find specific orders to resolve any prevailing issues. SAP (n.d.) pointed out that the availability of updated information can highlight the level of performance of the company, alongside the identification of the areas where improvement might be required to ensure customer satisfaction.

Orders can be processed and commitment can be given to the customers according to the availability of the inventory to avoid any delay in deliveries. Sales reports can be effectively generated to facilitate the evaluation of the current and previous statistics. Strengths and weaknesses of different products can be identified and strategic decisions can be taken in an according manner. The reports can be viewed in different graphical forms to facilitate analysis of different types. The analysis of sales, market and customer service data enables the company to perform predictive analysis and alter the business processes according to the changing needs.

Key performing areas can be monitored for their effectiveness and thus be changed according to the varying needs of the customers. Overall, SAP ERP can be considered as an effective management tool for any company since it provides timely and updated information about different aspects of the business. The automation of business operations reduces entry times and administration. As stated earlier, it can be used by any form of business in any industry to increase their productivity and strategic analysis.

References Enterprise Resource Planning Newsletter, (2011), ERP benefits are many, far and wide, Vol. 1, Issue 2, Retrieved from http://www.infoweb.state.ia.us/newsletter/erp/erp_apr.pdf SAP, (n.d.,), SAP ERP Business Benefits, Retrieved from http://www.sap.com/solutions/business-suite/erp/businessbenefits/index.epx SAP, (2011), ERP Software from SAP, Retrieved from http://www.sap.com/solutions/business- suite/erp/index.epx Wiley, (2002), ERP System Implementation Overview, Retrieved from h ttp://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/80/04712351/0471235180.pdf