Enterprise Resource Planning

Enterprise resource planning

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems attempt to integrate several data sources and processes of an organization into a unified system. A typical ERP system will use multiple components of computer software and hardware to achieve the integration. A key ingredient of most ERP systems is the use of a unified database to store data for the various system modules.

The two key components of an ERP system are a common database and a modular software design. A common database is the system that allows every department of a company to store and retrieve information in real-time. Using a common database allows information to be more reliable, accessible, and easily shared. Furthermore, a modular software design is a variety of programs that can be added on an individual basis to improve the efficiency of the business. This improves the business by adding functionality, mixing and matching programs from different vendors, and allowing the company to choose which modules to implement. These modular software designs link into the common database, so that all of the information between the departments is accessible in real time.

SAP-ERP

SAP: DELIVERING IT-POWERED BUSINESS INNOVATION

As the world's leading provider of business software*, SAP delivers products and services that help accelerate business innovation for our customers. We believe that doing so will unleash growth and create significant new value – for our customers, SAP, and ultimately, entire industries and the economy at large. Today, more than 47,800 customers in more than 120 countries run SAP applications – from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small businesses and midsize companies to suite offerings for global organizations.

From Walldorf to Wall Street: The SAP Success Story
Founded in 1972, SAP has a rich history of innovation and growth that has made us a true industry leader. SAP currently employs more than 51,200 people in more than 50 countries worldwide. SAP is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP."

Knowledge, Experience, and Technology for Optimizing Business
We leverage our extensive experience to deliver a comprehensive range of solutions that empower every aspect of business operations. By using SAP solutions, organizations of all sizes – including small businesses and midsize companies – can reduce costs, improve performance, and gain the agility to respond to changing business needs. SAP also has developed the SAP NetWeaver technology platform which enables our customers to achieve more value from their IT investments. Our professionals are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service and support.

A Philosophy for Leadership and Strong Performance
SAP strives to define and establish undisputed leadership in the emerging market for business process platform offerings and accelerate business innovation powered by IT for companies and industries worldwide. As part of its commitment to corporate citizenship, SAP also contributes to economic development on a grand scale.

SAP is recognized as a leader in demonstrating the highest level of integrity in its corporate governance and practices. These efforts are informed and driven by the core values of SAP – customer focus, integrity, quality, commitment, product excellence, and passion.

SAP's successful growth strategy is based on our own technology innovation, co-innovation with customers and partners, and intelligent acquisitions. With world-class software, value-added services, and unparalleled expertise addressing the unique demands of organizations in more than 25 industries, SAP continues to grow its market share as the world's leading provider of business software.

Oracle Fusion-ERP

Oracle Fusion Applications: Next-Generation Enterprise Applications

Applications Unlimited is Oracle's commitment to continue providing enhancements to current JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, JD Edwards World, Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft, and Siebel product lines beyond the delivery of Oracle Fusion Applications. At the same time, with Oracle's extensive development resources, we are building Oracle Fusion Applications. These are being designed to unify best-of-business capabilities from all Oracle Applications in a complete suite delivered on Oracle's open technology. Only Oracle can offer you the scale of resources needed to extend the solutions you own today, while simultaneously evolving to the next generation of Oracle Fusion Applications. With Oracle's unique Applications Unlimited and Lifetime Support policy – customers will not be forced to upgrade to Fusion Applications, but can decide when and if they choose to upgrade.

Application integration has never been easier. Leverage your applications investment by integrating your existing applications using Oracle's pre-built, standards-based Application Integration Architecture.

Preparing for Fusion Applications

Extend the business value of your applications using Oracle Fusion Middleware for Applications.

Top 10 Things to do to Prepare for Fusion Applications (12 min.)
July 10, 2007 — Live with Cliff
Learn how you can prepare your current Oracle investment for Fusion Applications by leveraging best practices, taking advantage of Oracle's Fusion Architecture and Fusion Middleware, and moving to SOA-based Iintegration.

How Oracle Applications Customers Can Benefit from Oracle Fusion Middleware Today (14 min.)
July 26, 2007 — Live with Cliff
Thomas Kurian, Senior Vice President of Development for Oracle Fusion Middleware, speaks with Cliff Godwin about Oracle's Fusion Middleware technology and its benefits to E-Business Suite, Siebel, PeopleSoft Enterprise, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne customers.

AppCast: Maximizing the Value of Oracle Applications with Oracle Fusion Middleware (MP3)

FAQ: Applications Unlimited (PDF)

Oracle Fusion Applications Upgrade Strategies

Fusion Update Program Office (12 min.)
July 12, 2007 — Live with Fred
Discover how Oracle can help with moving from Applications Unlimited product lines to Fusion Applications.

LEARN MORE

AppCast: The Latest on Oracle's Applications Strategy - February 28, 2008 - Update from Ed Abbo, SVP, Oracle's Applications (MP3, 9 min.)
AppCast: Why Oracle Customers Should Adopt SOA-based Integration Today
Internet Seminar: Hear Oracle's senior vice president of Applications Development Cliff Godwin talk about the benefits that drive upgrades, the importance of upgrading to the latest Applications Unlimited releases, and the evolutionary path to Oracle Fusion Applications, in this special iSeminar.
AppCast: The Value of Oracle's Application Integration Architecture (AIA) to IT Managers
Brochure: Deliver More Business Value: Oracle Fusion Middleware (PDF)

NEWS & EVENTS

Webcast: Live Webcast Feb 21: Your Enterprise Software Provider: A Relationship Critical to Your Success. Are you getting what you need from your software provider? Register now and find out.
Webcast: Application Integration Architecture Webcast: Announcing Foundation packs, On-Demand now

The documents contained within this site may include statements about Oracle's product development plans. Many factors can materially affect Oracle's product development plans and the nature and timing of future product releases. Accordingly, this information is provided to you solely for information only, is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON IN MAKING PURCHASING DECISIONS. The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described remains at the sole discretion of Oracle.

THIS INFORMATION MAY NOT BE INCORPORATED INTO ANY CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WITH ORACLE OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATES. ORACLE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THIS INFORMATION. Refer to the LEGAL NOTICES AND TERMS OF USE for further information.

MicroSoft-ERP

ERP Integration - ERP Software Integration

Will it integrate with your system?

Updated: October 5, 2006

Can the solution be integrated easily with your existing software to take advantage of the investments you’ve already made?

You already have software—a lot of software—working for you. And you should be able to take advantage of that investment as you add an ERP solution.

If you’re like the vast majority of businesses today, you’re using Microsoft Office System software to communicate with people inside and outside of your company, to analyze information, and to create documents and presentations. How easy is it for your employees to use Microsoft Office products together with the ERP solution to get their jobs done in the most effective way?

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The Simplest Way Forward

The simplest way forward is to adopt a solution that provides the same look-and-feel as the software with which employees are already familiar. This will minimize the need for additional training and will make employees more productive every time they can perform the same action the same way, regardless of the application they’re using.

A much higher level of integration automatically integrates functionality in Microsoft Office and the ERP solution, eliminating the need for employees to move data manually between the two.

For example, is a meeting that’s scheduled through the ERP solution automatically reflected in an employee’s Microsoft Office Outlook calendar? Does updating a customer contact in the ERP solution automatically update the Office Outlook address book?

It's important to find out how an ERP solution integrates to the other applications you use. It's equally important to learn whether you can modify the integration without resorting to middleware or other additional software that can be costly and difficult to use, and that can limit your upgrade options later.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV enables you to synchronize contacts with your Office Outlook address book

Watch a demo to see an example of how integration of contact, task, meeting, and e-mail information with Microsoft Outlook works in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Microsoft Outlook is not, however, the only Office software you should expect to integrate with your ERP solution. You should be able to analyze ERP data in reports using the familiar Microsoft Office Excel interface—or using the front-end solution of your choice. Moving beyond Microsoft Office, you should look for business analytics that make full use of Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

View a demo that shows how you can set up a business analytics cube in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, which you can then use to create a report in Microsoft Office Excel

See a presentation on how to build business intelligence with Office XP and SQL 2000 Analysis Services

Question 3: Will you be able to find a technology partner who understands your industry, company, and local business requirements—and who can tailor your ERP solution to reflect this?

IBM-ERP

ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning IBM cited as an ERP Leader by Gartner Enterprise resource planning (ERP) can help you reduce operating costs, facilitate day-to-day management and decision-making activities, and support long-term strategic planning. ERP applications support a company's growth. IBM has been ranked as a leader in ERP implementations by Gartner.* Our approach for ERP in the midmarket makes use of accelerators and templates to deliver preconfigured enterprise applications. We have an extensive combination of technical and process skills across many industries. Enterprise resource offerings from IBM can help you. Help you become a stronger competitor. Help you make more informed decisions. Help you satisfy your customers, simplify planning, and make business easier, not more complicated. *Gartner Research: Magic Quadrant for ERP Service Providers North America, 2007 Next steps Explore rapid, affordable ERP implementations with a complimentary consultation. We'll work with you to determine the best options for your business. Learn more Invest to integrate: ERP Solutions Read more from Gartner about the ERP Leaders 1 You are leaving IBM's Web site. IBM makes no representations or warranties about any other Web site which you may access through our Web site. When you access a non-IBM Web site, even one that may contain an IBM logo or information regarding IBM's products and services, please understand that Web site is independent of IBM, and IBM has no control over or responsibility for the operation or content of that non-IBM Web site. In addition, a link to a non-IBM Web site does not mean that IBM endorses that Web site or has any responsibility for that non-IBM Web site.

Need help? Contact the Express Advantage Concierge, a team of specialists dedicated to midsized business 1-877-IBM-ACCESS (426-2223).