Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

From news article or internet information, find an example of an organization that is installing an ERP package. If possible get a copy of the over-all project plans and analyze the various activities and compare them with a standard SDLC.

This the article that discussed the implementation of ERD to Matsushita Communication Industrial Corporation of the Philippines (MCP), now Panasonic Mobile Communications Corporation of the Philippines.

Matsushita Communication Industrial Corporation of the Philippines

• Industries: Manufacturing
• Offering Groups: Solutions
• Solution Areas: Enterprise Resource Planning
• Regions: Philippines

The Matsushita Communication had a direction to standardize the operations of all its overseas companies through the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution.

The company decided to use Glovia, an ERP solution that addresses the needs of the discrete manufacturing market, developed by Glovia International. Glovia defined their global standards in production planning, production, and inventory control systems. The project was successfully completed in 4.5 months and with the outstanding performance of the Fujitsu Philippines team in this activity, MCI decided to partner with the company in all other Matsushita implementations around the globe.

The article does not discuss the overall project plans it only discusses the phase of the implementation was focused on the cellular phone business of the Overseas Mobile Telephone Division (OMTD). This also led to the development of specific add-on functions, which were done by Fujitsu Japan.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

In this assignment we would know all about ERP-its advantages and disadvantages that can be made to the organization and companies that installing this package.

ERP

ERP is Enterprise Resource Planning. It is the present evolution of manufacturing resources planning systems. ERP provides the foundation for integrating enterprise-wide information systems. These systems will link all aspects of a company's operations including human resources, financial planning, manufacturing, and distribution, as well as connect the organization to its customers and suppliers. Examples of ERP packages are HRMS, Financials, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Sales. Each ERP Package may offer different functionality for different industries. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems typically include the following characteristics: (1) An integrated system that operates in real time (or next to real time), without relying on periodic updates. (2) A common database, which supports all applications. (3) A consistent look and feel throughout each module. (4) Installation of the system without elaborate application/data integration by the Information Technology (IT) department. Advantages of an ERP system:

- Information entered once into system .

- Forces use of the best practices.

- Allows customization.

- Based on reliable file structure.

- Provides functionality to interact with other elements in the process.

- Provides tools for ad hoc queries.

And also according to ERP Software Solutions there are five major benefits of ERP:

• On-line/real time information throughout all the functional areas of an organization.
• Data standardization and accuracy across the enterprise.
• Best-practices or optimized solutions are included in the applications.
• Creates efficiencies that organizations would not otherwise have.
• The analysis and reporting that can be used for long-term planning.

In implementation, ERP systems include several basic features. They are installed on a Database Management System. Database platforms to choose from are: DB2/400, DB2/MVS, DB2/Unix, Informix, MS SQL Server, Oracle, SQLBase, and Sybase. They require initial setup according to the organization's process. They may be customized according to the organization's process through the ERP's tool set. Work flow can be setup to automate approval processes through chains of command. Once installed, the user only enters data at one point, and the information is transferred through processes to other modules. Finally, the ERP system includes reporting tools for main reports.

ERP and SDLC

There are many differences of Enterprise Resource Planning and System Development Life Cycle such as the in the ERP’s features. The ERD system is the foundation of the company-wide Integrated Information System, performing foundations corporate activities and increases customer service, belief that it is the only solution for better Project Management compared to the other planning tools, addressing not only the current requirements of the company but also providing the opportunity of continually improving and refining business processes and above all, providing business intelligence tools like Decision Support Systems (DSS), Executive Information System (EIS),Reporting and many more that can help the company in the decision making to improve its business process.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_resource_planning

http://www.fujitsu.com/ph/casestudies/matsushita.html

http://erp.cc/erpinfo.htm