A Review On Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Information Technology Essay

A Review On Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Information Technology EssayINTRODUCTIONAn aerofoiling move resource planning (ERP) systems is that they integrate across functions to create a single, unified system rather than a group of separate, insular applications. As ERP system is providing optimal firmnesss and knockout control over the company operations, every billet is looking forward for this adoption. Since afoot(predicate)ly visible(prenominal) ERP softw bes are charging at higher level of licencing and supporting costs, convergenceion linees are in the necessity of finding an candid source alternative. This document provides the feasible blossom source alternative option to the current market leader in the proprietary ERP SAP ECC.Open Source ERP SystemsThe following are the popular open source ERP systems available in the latest market. Though there are some number of open sources are available like Opentaps, Ofbiz, ERP5, and so on here only considered f ew which are moderately fulfil business requirements in compare with SAP solutions.AdempiereThis is one of the major ERP leaders in the open source technologies and has been resulted most successful in small and medium persistence exploiters mainly in Retail, Trading, Manufacturing and service sectors. Adempiere Release Manual. This is highly motivated and active community based packet and is in the top 5 positions according to sourceforge.net.CompiereIn the current era, Compiere is the most popular open source ERP+CRM application. It is a comprehensive solution for SMEs. This provides solutions in Distribution, Retail, Manufacturing and Service industries with highly adap accede and easy to use enterprise class applications. In ERP, first time Compiere started revolutionary design through which applications are enabled with easy customization and extension without any programing.OpenbravoThis is more commercial oriented open source ERP. ERP solution provides a robust application which integrates distribution, inventory, E-commerce, accounting and point of sale workflows. This has been received continuously best open source awards in 2009 and 2010 from Infoworld and many more recognitions from various Organizations. It is developed in java and oracle, postgres SQL databases can be used.OpenERP(Farmer TinyERP)This is comprehensive suite for all operations of an Enterprise. It follows the modular approach which helps customer to pioneer one application and then add others as they go. This is designed through a famous 3 tier MVC architecture. Written in Python and Database is PostgreSQL. Clients are indispensable to install flash components in their web web browser to access.OpenProOpenPro is a leader in licensed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software using open source technology and also this is the first web based ERP software started on demand in the market since 1988. This software designed as a platform independent and is written in open source php . Over the years, Software has shown continuous improvements by providing advanced features along with application stabilization. This is recognized as best suited for the larger businesses.Open Source ERP Pros and ConsThe following are the advantages and disadvantages of above open source alternatives.ADempiereAdvantagesArchitectureModel driven Architecture agile data dictionary reducing 80% coding work in customizationBrowser/Server + Client/ServerDatabase independent PostgresSQL/Oracle/ (MySQL)Function twistProvides ERP, CRM, POS.Manufacture moduleMulti Organization, Multi currency, Multi accounting, InternationalizationMarketTop 5 in SourceForge.net.Existing customer / user base.Rich practice in real business environment, rather than a guinea pig in the library.CommunityHighly motivated and active.Global support.DisadvantagesCommunityNo formal political structure to invite decisions.No specified road map.Lack of sufficient funding, cant afford core developers.MarketNot very well-known to the general public.Customer / user base is small compared to SAP.ImplementationNot simple enough for quick implementation which is important for small-sized enterprise.Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is shifted from licensing costs to lack of expertise local support in some countries.CompiereAdvantagesMulti company and complex corporate hierarchy supportMulti currency and multi language supportDelivers fully integrated ERP product with complex warehouse management processing and etc.Rich internet applications by using ajax integration and this delivers functionality, usability, responsiveness and personalization through a Web browserThe system uses a centralized and active application dictionary to store meta-data and rules to managing custom solutions simplified upgrades without programming which sustains the customer customization through upgrade toolProvides deal application level securityVendor independentStable and well testedNo information hiding , full transpa rency of coding by open sourceExtraordinary wide reach, no starting costsModel driven architecture, Application directory is availableAny sql database is supportedDisadvantagesNot currently complete opensource, since the choice of Oracle database.Based on thick client Java SwingGNU licence needs derivative work to be returned.OpenBravoAdvantagesEasy integration with other applications since it supports REST and SOAP services.Provides instruct, support, consulting, outsourcing options to partners and clients at lower costs means lower total cost of Ownership.Web based ERP subversive architecture Unique combination of MVC and MDD, innovative approach to build and maintain software coding.Scalability Openbravo can scale irrespective of the size and sector of the companyEasy installation and No vendor/supplier lock in standardity without any maintenance issues application can be easily extended.DisadvantagesEven an ordinary person can write a PHT client class for REST service. This leads to security issues and shows the doubt on code reliabilityCurrently at lower yield and maintenance cost, future is not guaranteed since OpenBravo is commercial focused.Loose coupling between database integration in coding perspective.OpenERP (Farmer TinyERP)AdvantagesIt has majority of all other application advantages.Modular structure helps to easy adoption of new applicationsCertain customization can be done through web browser in onlineSAAS services are availableVery small footprint, windows installer of just 85MB, installation will done in minutes time.Ease of useAdvanced technology usageVery Innovating software double entry management in inventory controlInternationalization72% scored from Independent experts group evaluation in Open source erp softwares.DisadvantagesOpenProAdvantages relevant for all sizes of businessesWritten on open source PHPFirst web based software, mature , reliable and fasterSince web based, clients or users or gross revenue representatives can access system from anywhere remotely through a web.No maintenance costShorter implementation timeDisadvantagesNo frequent updates for open source whereas available for OpenPro commercial products.No support at free of cost. Need to payMore commercial oriented rather than open source.military rating of Open Source ERP SystemFunctional FitFlexibilitySupportContinuityMaturityCustomizationFlexibile upgradesInternationalizationUser FriendlinessArchitectureScalabilitySecurityInterfaces operational System IndependenceDatabase IndependenceProgramming languageSupport infrastructure orchestrateingDocumentationProject structureCommunity activityTransperancyUpdate absolute frequencyOther lock in effectsDevelopment statusReference sitesIn order to select the best open source alternative hierarchically structured criteria has been chosen. All open source alternatives information has been categorized into 5 groups and compared with each of other along with the need of company requirements. The fo llowing comparison table gives the clear picture of selected ERP system.ERP System Implementation StrategyImplementation is the key process for which company needs to identify a strategic approach. As per Guido Capaldo Study, proven that a planned oriented approach is required for estimating the capabilities that firms should have in order to select the more appropriate implementation strategy. Implementation process split up into 5 phases for smooth execution. Each phase has its own deadline to successful completion.Phase 1 Strategic PlanningProject Team Forming a project squad with first line employees from each department and senior management. SMART objectives will be prepared for entire team and team members will be charge with specific task. Activity tracker will be designed to track each activity such as timelines, training plan formulation, objective finalising.Examine current business processes Team should examine their individual department business processes whether th ey are ready to automate or to identify any gaps which need to be fulfilled. pay off Objectives Clearly defined objectives needs to be set. Since implementation is a major task, setting S.M.A.R.T objectives are more crucial. In order to define an objective, team should be able to understand the scope of the business.Develop a project plan Team should develop a project plan with the clearly defined objectives, timelines, and training procedures with each team member individual responsibilities stated. Result of this, all team members todo list will be clearly defined.Phase 2 Procedure palingenesisReview Software CapabilitiesTrain on each and every aspect of OpenERP software. Project team dedicatedly review the software capabilities. Ensure that there are no any technical gaps.Identify manual processesProject team should identify the manual processes for automation and also documented well for the rollout steps.Develop standard run proceduresThis is one of the critical success facto rs for smooth implementation of an ERP. Every aspect of the business needs to be well documented as per SOPs. Ensure that right updated when SOP changes.Phase 3 Data suck inion and Clean upConvert DataIdentify the data which needs to be convertedCollect new DataReview all data inputCleanup dataPhase 4 Training and TestingPre-test the databaseVerify TestingTrain the trainerPerform final testingPhase 5 Go live and EvaluationDevelop final go live checklistEvaluate the solution