Categorizing ERP Components !!

By Suren :

As an ERP consultant it is very important that we know how the ERP Components are categorized, because be it in pre-sales or implementations we are likely to come across a situation where we need to be able to explain this to the clients. I was surprised when I came across consultants in the field who after years of experience still find it hard to properly categorize the components. So here goes, just make sure you have some idea of this, just in case someone asks.

ERP Components

Transactional Backbone

* Financials
* Distribution
* Human Resources
* Product lifecycle management

Advanced Applications

* Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
* Supply chain management
o Purchasing
o Manufacturing
o Distribution
* Warehouse Management System


Management Portal/Dashboard

* Decision Support System (BI etc)

These modules can exist in a complete system or utilized in an ad-hoc fashion. (Courtesy :Wikipedia)

It also definitely helps to know how ERP evolved and the story behind it. For my previous post on this topic click here.

Hope this info is useful. Feel free to contact me on ssurenlk@msn.com.

Have a nice day !!

Developments in the ERP Arena !!

The last couple of months have seen many developments in the ERP Arena. In this post I thoughts I'll discuss a few of those.

-- SAP has almost seen a total change of leadership at the senior level. Now they have a lean management structure that has two co-CEOs and a CFO, COO and CTO.

-- The Chinese getting into the game of providing cheaper software. With the recession taking its toll on unemployment and low income, many software companies in China are now going India's way developing softwares and other service sector industries.

-- Cloud computing has become the talk of the town, especially with those companies that have been trying out the SaaS model. Service agreements, cost contracts are all being changed in its core to get the buy in from clients. Rightnow.com seems to be coming up with very innovative yet practical solutions for software buyers. Read more: link

-- The job market for ERP Consultants seems to be picking up too atleast in most regions. I personally have seen a increase in the mails and inquiries on job openings and others. For those interested in part time contracts in Asia in the SAP MM module, feel free to email me.

The next few months are likely to see many more developments in the ERP Arena, I shall do my best to keep posting such updates.

For any suggestions, comments and feedback, mail me at ssurenlk@msn.com