Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system are powerful software packages that enable businesses to integrate a variety of disparate functions. In particular, ERP systems can provide the foundation for a wide range of e-commerce based processes, including web-based ordering and order tracing, inventory management, and built-to-order good. This book examines the pros and cons of ERP systems, explains how they work, and highlights their role at the heart of e-commerce.

The author begins by explaining the background of ERP systems and goes on to discuss specific systems, such as SAP, and their capabilities. He then focuses on the ERP life cycle, from the decision on whether or not to adopt an ERP system to the time when the system goes "live". After covering the use of ERP in e-commerce, he concludes by discussing the risks associated with the adoption of ERP systems.

The book contains several detailed case studies and will be an invaluable guide to managers and consultants working with ERP systems. It will also be a useful reference for MBA students taking courses in information systems management.

• Part One. Introduction and Background
1. Introduction
2. Systems and Technology Background
• Part Two. ERP Systems
3. ERP Systems Background
• Appendix 3-1 Geneva Steel: Changing the Way Business Is Done
4. ERP Data Input
5. ERP Output Capabilities
• Appendix 5-1 Quantum's Virtual Data Warehouse
6. Technology Enabled versus Clean Slate Reengineering
• Part Three. ERP Life Cycle
7. Deciding to Go ERP
8. Choosing an ERP System
• Appendix 8-1 Cheaspeake Display and Packaging
• Appendix 8-2 A CFO's Inquiry
9. Designing ERP Systems: Should Business Processes or ERP Software Be Changed?
• Appendix 9-1 Microsoft's SAP Implementation
10. Designing ERP Systems: Choosing Standard Models, Artifacts, and Processes
11. Implementing ERP Systems: Big Bang versus Phased
• Appendix 11-1 Quantum, I: Requirements, System Choice, and Implementation Approach
• Appendix 11-2 Quantum, II: Going with Big Bang
• Appendix 11-3 Quantum, III: Collaboration and Competition
12. After Going Live
• Appendix 12-1 A Case Study of XYZ Company: How Should We Evaluate the ERP Project?
• Appendix 12-2 Deloitte Consulting Post-Implementation Checklist
13. Training
• Part Four. Electronic Commerce and Risk
14. ERP and Electronic Commerce
• Appendix 14-1 Implementing J.D. Edwards OneWorld at the University of Southern California's Leventha School: An Interview with Professor Les Porter
15. ERP Risk: Success and Failure Factors

Defines a number of possible pitfalls in implementing ERP systems and illustrates them with case studies. Very unexciting, but not bad.