integration and implementation of ERP and its effects on operation and project management

integration and implementation of ERP and its effects on operation and project management

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) refers to a centralized database used in different processes of the business to reduce workflows and manual labor. ERP is essential in controlling product flow as well as the cost of the enterprise. ERP can be integrated by Apple Company to assist leaders and managers in identifying opportunities for business growth (Sweis et al. 2018). A proper amalgamation of ERP improves the work process because the systems of ERP give best practices which are very useful and efficient in carrying out the specific tasks. Implementation of ERP in Apple Company helps in organizing information technology for better access to data. Business functions are supported by a database well organized to facilitate operational decision making. The purpose of the paper is discussing the integration and implementation of ERP and its effects on operation and project management.

The Apple Company can use ERP in integrating financial information. ERP assists in controlling the finances of the enterprises, boost profit generation and reduces unnecessary expenses. All departments in the company rely on an integrated system where sales and funds management takes place in one order. Staffs get time to discuss activities that can improve the progress of the organization rather than wasting time compiling financial statements and records (Liao, Huang & Lin, 2018). All aspects are merged into one central system, which allows the company to cut down areas that are unprofitable and improve processes carried out. Similarly, an ERP system can be integrated into the management of the organization. ERP makes it possible for managers to access a database from different departments. Managers can obtain information on the clients, invoices, and orders that are made by the clients. The managers will be more productive since they can get all the information which they need in real-time. The changes can be updated and information accurately stored for easy access.

Furthermore, ERP systems are used in strategic planning and give opportunities to the managers to define the objectives of the business and target market. Managers can make a better decision since they have easy access to the information. Strategic planning enables Apple Company to foresee the future and anticipated unfavorable circumstances before they take place. The organization keeps changing trends in the market and becomes more competitive in the market. Strategic planning increases shares in the market and the profitability of the business (Junior et al. 2018). The firm can get valuable insights into consumer segments and trends in the market, which influence future success.

Besides, the ERP system can be integrated through the standardization of the procurement. ERP helps the method of procurement in the analysis and tracking of purchases. The procurement team will have accessible tome in the identification of the vendors used several as well as the right products that should be acquired. Apple Company can collaborate very well from various departments because the data entered in the systems of ERP are consistent and centralized. The company shares the data, and all aspects of the business in the organization are well balanced.

Lastly, the integration of ERP provides insights from the information of the customer. Most of the ERPs entail the management of the relationship and interaction of the consumers.

The systems ensure that information about the customers, orders, services requests, and deliveries have been recorded. The needs of the customers, as well as their behavior, are traced (Bennani & Nafzaoui, 2019). The system allows managing and marketers to coordinate all the issues related to the customers. A good relationship with the customers increases sales of the company and promotes the loyalty of the consumers. High-quality services are provided to the customers with the help of the enterprise solution. Customer service and salespeople interact with the consumers, understand their needs, and improve their relationship with the organization. Customers are provided with accurate information on the products and services, and digital marketing ensures constant interaction with the customers.

Implementation of ERP using a project management framework requires valuable resources, money, and time investment. The application would be structured based on technology, processes that are carried out, and team working on the project. First, technology plays a critical role in the success of ERP (Anaya, 2019). Data used in the system of ERP should be complete, correct, and coherent. Proper conversion of the data is an essential and appropriate review of the information. With the help of technology, a business can better their reporting and create functional interactions with the customers. The technology that should be included in the ERP system is highly considered.

Secondly, the right team involved in the implementation of ERP systems is crucial. The team members must be committed to their work and should be accountable for the tasks that they carry out. The people working on the project should consist of management as well as other workers in the organization. The selection of the employees should be based on their knowledge and their skills in the implementation of the ERP system (Junior et al. 2018). The application is carried out by the members who have experience of business and those that can make sound decisions. For effective implementation, the members should come from different departments of the organizations so that they can share their ideas and options. For the success of the ERP system, the project sponsor should come from top executives so that he can be the final decision-maker. Effective communication between the teams which are working on the project is essential in clarifying issues and creating understanding between the members.

Third, several processes are involved in the implementation of ERP. The procedures include the use of a sound methodology that is complete, formal, tested, and allows flexibility for the business operations to be carried out. A communication plan enables the team to keep track of the project as well as other workers in the company. Proper planning of the activities carried out in the project allows the team coordinates all the issues properly (Nisula & Pekkola, 2019). The training plan is needed. The team members go through multiple training so that they can understand the essential requirement of the projects and changes in technology that can influence the project. After training, the database is pre-tested to confirm if the information is accurate and correct. A final test on the processes and the data is checked to make sure all the activities are done correctly. The process for measuring success is implemented to make sure the goals of the project are met. The methodology is the roadmap of the project and creates a structure that allows breaking down the project into manageable phases.

Moreover, ERP systems increase productivity within the organization. The processes and the data are integrated across various departments and locations, which allow faster productions. There is also rapid processing of the invoice and orders. The integration of the process reduces costs on inventory, marketing, and help desk support. The procedures are made more comfortable because they are carried out in the central system and cut unnecessary expenses.

Repetitive processes are eliminated since the operations are carried out in a central system (Bennani & Nafzaoui, 2019). Automation of the methods also reduces the cost of labor and time taken to complete tasks. Furthermore, it improves the access of data used in decision-making processes. The business functions are supported by the integrated database, which enables the managers to have access to all the information needed in making decisions. ERP also promotes collaboration by sharing data, which eliminated time wastage on data analysis. The arrangements can be made from the headquarters because all the other departments have the data, and they understand how the data is working.

Additionally, ERP enhances the security of the data since enterprise data come from a centralized place. The data is not scattered in different servers as it comes from one system hence promoting data security. The information is also accurate and relevant because it does not come from multiple sources (Junior et al. 2018). The data can be generated in real-time, and authorized individuals can access all sensitive information. The systems ensure the data is well sorted, and a comprehensive management tool is utilized in the data combination process. The performance of each step is ascertained, which improves the efficiency of the process and problem-solving strategies.

In conclusion, ERP systems bring improvement in various areas of the business, such as distribution management, data reporting and analysis, finances, and resource management. Authorized individuals can access data from anywhere and at any time. With the help of the ERP, it is easy to streamline the functions of the business and boost productivity.