Monday, March 22, 2010

Role of IT (Information Technology) in Business Growth

World is changing and along with it, flow of information is changing too. Consider as an example - the internet, it provides us with all latest happenings around the globe. Railways and Airways are connected with Information Technology. If we want to travel we can book tickets online, reserve rooms, etc. Sea routes are also connected. IT has become an essential part of our day to day life whether it's field of education, or entertainment, or business; everything is touched by information technology. Doctors can also help patients online, prescribing medicines or helping other doctor in dealing with emergency cases.

Buying and selling has become quite easy now. Online shopping through credit cards and debit cards has made purchasing effortless. Moreover you can do shopping anytime as there is no time constraint; they are open around the clock. Banking is another area which has been automated. The things that were earlier done manually have been computerized. Managing accounts, transferring of cash, depositing, withdrawing is no more a tedious task. Another field where IT has brought immense growth is Business sector.

In this IT driven corporate world it is essential to determine new ways to grow in business. It is important to understand that top management cannot alone manage the business; there vision and IT together can achieve higher objectives. Information technology and business together refers to management resources and using information by computer tools for gathering, processing information, storage of information and distribution of information. Small scale businesses buy software packages in order to run their business whereas large business firms can appoint engineers to build their own software to support company's tasks. This has resulted in new job opportunities such as computer programmers, analysts, developers (hardware and software), etc. Implementing IT in an effective manner would decrease the cost; cost which is expected at the time of failure. Also increases the flexibility.

Large sectors, complicated, complex sectors have been transformed into centralized/decentralized organizations. Opportunities have been increased in business; companies unlike manufacturing or distribution also make use of software either in determining weather conditions, freshness of product, or managing company's centers. Work can be optimized, costs can be reduced, and risks involved can be minimized and thus adds in growth of business. Determination of better strategies for business and solutions for business problems can be solved by IT. Companies may also exchange technology over the network.

The continuous growth in information technology is affecting all workers in the organization working at different levels, from top level executives to central level managing staff to lower level workers.

To become a successful leader, you should know the few tricks and tips - Project Team Leader Qualities and Managing Project Management Team.

What are the Organizational Challenges of ERP Software?

Different areas come under the extended scope of the study of ERP software. It is a subject with vast dimensions. The range of ERP software initiates from the implementation, covering areas of advancement in technology, making a difference in businesses globally, outsourcing, opportunities in consultation of jobs etc. The main aim of ERP's design was assistance in the manufacturing process. Different processes and sources of data belonging to an organization are collected and put into a single system by the Enterprise Resource Planning. Several hardware and Software components of a computer system are used by the ERP system. The benefits become obvious with the successful implementation of ERP system and its integration with several other systems handling information. There are many challenges faced by organizations for planning, implementing and integrating ERP systems.

Organizations face several challenges even while making selection regarding the vendor. In an organization analysing or studying the ERP system's failure has not yet been made possible. Right from proper and timely service being not given by the vendor, unequipped organization for accepting the ERP system, several excuses can be made.

Internally and external to the organization, these excuses will give rise only to skirmishes.

Some of the challenges faced by organizations are:

1. Dearth of expertise in ERP
2. Limited budget
3. Support for executive Lacking
4. Buy-in by employees less
5. Minimal Project resources

Unexpected challenges in the organizational culture and structure pop up during the implementation of ERP. World-class best business is practiced and established with the help of ERP. Flexibility in decision making and empowerment is demanded by the ERP systems. Transparency is brought in organizations working due to ERP. It is described as the backbone of electronic business.

Maintaining good relationships with customer is one of the major challenges faced by an organization. Implementing the enterprise resource planning is a challenging task.

At different stages the Enterprise Resource Planning system has to be implemented by a business entity or company. Results are positive when there is correct implementation of ERP. At the later stage, the ERP implemented in different departments must be integrated.

Implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning has an added advantage of effective and efficient utilization of resources as people in one department will take decisions only after reviewing the results of department in concern previously.

For competing with the new ERP system the employees of an organization must be suitably trained.

Know how to determine ERP Implementation Cost and what are the ERP Implementation Goals and Objectives.

Oracle ERPs vs Microsoft ERPs

Microsoft and Oracle are leading companies in the area of ERP system. They provide application software for different segments.

Microsoft ERPs are quite easy to use and handle. They are useful in maintaining relationship with customer, supply management and for financial decisions.

Microsoft ERPs is helpful in integration and giving solution for the successful business management therefore making it easy for the people to take rapid decisions. Microsoft as we know is very easy to adopt and maximum people are familiar with their products. Thus it reduces the risk of implementing a new solution. The various solutions are automatically put in use and chain of supplies, financial streams and relationship with customer are processed in such a way that business is carried out successful. Many of the software products also constitute the Microsoft range which is almost used by every business.

Some of the other features of Microsoft ERP are -

1. Software for Microsoft ERP comes with high performance and security.
2. ERP is authenticated at windows level.
3. Some of its software allows heavy data transfer and recovery.
4. Real time data is accessible.
5. Microsoft ERP can be used for multi location, world spread offices and intercompany transfer.
6. Automated processing of business and flexible modules, which can be easily customized to meet with the needs of each and every company.
7. There is a role based user interface and Microsoft office tools can be easily used along with this solution.
8. With the help of share point portals the software can be shared.

For extreme business flexibility Microsoft Dynamics can be used. Users can buy some other ERP software if the software has to be used in alignment with systems designed on some other platforms.

It is important to know which application suits the best for your system.

Past few decades, Oracle gives the solutions to the customers in the area of customer relationship, database, and resource planning and supply management. Close alignment of customer along with fast implementation, higher quality and lower cost of ownership plays an important role in the success of Oracle ERPs.

The Oracle Centre is created with an intention to improve the services continuously given to the customers. Oracle also focuses on upgrading the oracle technologies and also works on this idea and designing the new tools. With the help of Oracle Centre, it is quite possible to deliver –

1. Provide access to a wider pool of effective talent.
2. Leverage world wide best practices for organization.
3. Predictable service level to customers for better satisfaction.
4. Oracle Application can be designed for purposes of using it on internet which is used by many organisations.
5. Database in Oracle is highly secured because it cannot be broken easily.
6. Whenever the legal standards change they can be adopted fast because they are easily changeable.

In today's changing world it is important to have full confidence in what you are using. It is important for everything to be flexible so that any change can be adopted. For rapid decision taking updated information is important. To accelerate the performance it is important to trust the systems you are using.

To evaluate the best erp for your organization read Oracle ERP Software Review and Microsoft ERP Software Review.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Things to Consider before Implementing an ERP in Your Organization

The concept of enterprise software is not new to the economic world. It is an extremely intricate and complex process to implement a new ERP package in your organization. Implementation is the most important phase for a business owner in case of ERP because 'proper implementation' determines the healthy well being of the organization afterwards. Many points need to be taken under consideration before implementing an ERP.

'Goal' is the keyword for all. Before implementing an ERP, it is very important for you to know your business goals. You should choose an ERP system which perfectly meets your desired objectives and purposes. These goals should be for performance, response time and down time.

Planning is another important factor which cannot be overlooked. It is extremely unwise to venture for an ERP project that has access to nearly entire organization without any proper planning. A proper plan should be drafted first, and then different processes must be carried out with involvement from concerned departments. Moreover, test your plan before implementing ERP and evaluate it critically. You need to ensure that you possess in-house skills in order to make a smooth sailing implementation. It is wise to chart down all the choices and features that are to be used. The art of implementing ERP comes with experience and skills. In case if your organization lacks this expertise, then you must seek help from some trustworthy and well experienced ERP expert who enjoy a good reputation in your domain.

You need to evaluate your organizational objectives and requirements. Before the purchase of the package, you must define your business objectives and analyze how the chosen suite would facilitate your business applications. Moreover, assess capability and strength of IT staff in your organization. Ensure their compatibility with the ERP environment that you have decided upon. You should project the cost benefit analysis as well. Be sensible and practical when you project the costs. Also consider the training costs that would be made to train your staff. It is something many organizations and companies fail to consider beforehand.

Take into consideration whether to host for your ERP or not. If you want to host a model for your ERP, you must closely study the application service provider. Since you have to share your data, the ASP should be trustworthy. Check their customer profile, global support base as well as the financial credentials. It is advisable to know beforehand if they would modify the ERP package you have chosen according to your needs or they would provide you the cookie cutter solution. You will not need to take care of your ERP in case if you use an outsourcer, provided that the cookie cutter solution is fine with you. Also, see whether the ASP that you have chosen is attuned to the extent and scale of your business. Therefore, choose the right ASP which has the right specifications you need for your business. To achieve this, you must be aware of exactly what application requirements you need.

Read the Cost of ERP Implementation and other information on enterprise solutions. Read information on ERP Implementation Steps and tips.

Preparing for Your SAP ERP Upgrade

Gone are those times when the companies and the organisations didn't need a hi-tech system to handle them. Owing to the considerable increase in the business sector and thus, an enormous increase in the complexity of the organisational structure of the companies, software systems are needed to be the life supporting systems of the organisations.

SAP is one of the systems which can handle the departments of an organisation in the best possible way without involving much of an effort. In short, it is an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system used by millions of people. The versatility of the SAP systems lie in the fact that its purpose is not only restricted to those who are on the upper layers of an organisation, but also helps the lower strata.

It's time for up gradation

Nowadays, businessmen who are far-sighted have upgraded their previously used SAP services to the new version of SAP ERP. With all the response that it got from people across the globe, the performance of SAP ERP is beyond doubts. No wonder that SAP ERP stands with all the promises it made before release.

The first advantage that this up gradation serves is provision of tech solutions in the form of software which are way above the software solutions given by the previous versions.

Now with this level of technology saves a lot of effort being applied and thus increases the efficiency. Thus, in the end you end up making a huge profit.

Moreover, having said that it is the best ERP around, there is no need to make it clear that the company installing it will be ahead of the rest in the competition. With companies going universal their faces are seen all over the world, and even the companies, which are nowhere related to yours, are today standing against you in the market. So the only options you are either to be the best or to be nowhere.

Why avoid up gradation when you can get the best out of it?

Everyone wants to have the best of the technology and the best working system but ironically at the same time, they loathe up gradation the most. In fact, the managers can watch their company on its knees rather than upgrading their ERP system. But if you are not up to date with the latest tech around the globe then the only realisation would come after being smitten by the opponents.

The importance of up gradation and maintenance is as important as the setting up of the organisation (though the former does not take that much effort). And not just that, with up gradation you need to prepare your organisation for the change that you are going to incur by upgrading the system to SAP ERP. The pace of the system should be in perfect synchronisation with the technology being used in the system.

So it is up to you whether you want to be the icon of the changing face of business or the short-sighted businessman who cannot face the change.

Read information on SAP ERP Software Review. Also know ERP Implementation Best Practices.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Benefits of ERP Software in Manufacturing Sector

The long term focus of a business extends itself beyond the use of ERP software systems and client bases including the utilization of Value Added Reselling Channel sharing a focus that is similar and competent to the core. In manufacturing sector the ERP solutions deals with complex products, covering a broad category, often known as TO ORDER and including manufacturers that are hybrids or mixed modes such as ETO, MTO, CTO etc. The manufacturing community belongs to a market that is unique and requires intensive engineering for designing and building end products. The companies with such types of business requirements have more demands, the ERP system substantially requires much more emphasis in the fields related to costing, covering jobs and related projects and providing services and to the manufacturing information integration to the field of engineering.

ERP solutions can benefit the market demands of manufacturing sector for the following reasons:

1. Providing expertise - In order to market a strong competency is offered thus understanding the businesses of the clients and adding value to it. The Enterprise software needs of an organization can be better addressed as this experience facilitates and guides them to follow the practices which are best.

2. Implementation - The local staff, interested in the success of clients implement the ERP solutions by establishing success stories with which their businesses will be benefitted along with the success of their client.

3. Providing support - As compared to the traditional direct organization, use of ERP has led to vast improvement in the relationship with the customer, increased the support level thus making the relationship stronger by establishing closer proximity and developing interest in customer's success.

4. Specific to a region or country - The study of logistics ,the taxes imposed and the language being used can be very well help in knowing about the markets specific to a region, thus along with development of close proximity with the support hub, it contributes to the increase in success and bringing down the costs. This makes ERPs the hub for incorporating process nurturing thus leading to successful clients.

5. Quick response - the Response time and the proactive acting ability facilitates taking right actions and minimizing the limitations during travelling.

6. Low ownership cost - One of the major competitive advantages of using ERP is that it brings down the cost and enables the client to achieve that benefit provided by the use of ERP.

Read information on Open Source ERP Software for SMEs. Also know How to Select ERP Software.

ERP Training and Job Opportunities

ERP stands for Enterprise resource planning; it's a computerized system used in order to manage resources such as financial, human, tangible assets, or materials. The purpose of this software is to make flow of information easier and to coordinate business functions. ERP can be considered as managing of business practices along with modern technology. ERP is uniting three goals: managing business practices, IT (information technology), and specific business goals.

ERP systems are used in fields such as: manufacturing, financial, human resources, supply chain management, customer relationship management, and data warehouse. It has also been introduced as a part of management syllabus. This system improves in productivity, in speed, and also in performance. It holds a promising future in terms of employment and training. ERP professionals are not chosen on secondary bases.

The market demanding the professionals in ERP, thus an industry has emerged which train candidates who want to pursue in ERP. Therefore, there are companies which offer training programs. Candidates who want to pursue in ERP jobs must be versatile. Only academic qualification and/or only technical knowledge won't be sufficient for the job in ERP. Since the system undergoes changes from time to time, so the candidate must be able to accept these changes. Candidate cannot stick or depend on his learning of one or two software, he must update in all areas of ERP. Aspirant must have knowledge of various applications so that whatever be the demand in market is he could suffice it. Earlier ERP was formally used for one function but now organizations are choosing ERPs for various functions after the advancements in it (such as open source, web facilities, and wireless facilities).

Numbers of job opportunities have emerged such as: ERP vendors; they would be offering services from the very beginning implementation stage. ERP professionals have huge opportunities in larger sector, in large companies not in small sector companies. Surveys made by IT consultants have added to the positive side of ERP. Organizations have realized the utmost importance of ERP in their companies. Professionals in ERP placed in organizations hold jobs designated as: Application programmers, Application developer, and consultant. They must have good knowledge of software codes and languages. As a consultant, the job of ERP would demand prior experience in many backgrounds. There is usually no constraint of which stream does the candidate belongs, however technical knowledge would be compulsory.

Hence jobs in ERP is a promising career, however the fees are expensive. Many institutes provide training programs but applicants are advised to check for their authenticity before applying.

Read information on Institutions for ERP Courses, eligibility and fees. Also know about Low Cost ERP Software.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Benefits of ERP Software in Real Estate Sector

The technology and internet has revolutionized the way real estate business is done. The use of internet by consumers, to buy and sell real estate, has increased dramatically over the years as a result of which real estate companies looking towards the internet as a means to supplement, in order to serve and attract their customer in a better manner. The internet has emerged as a powerful tool for real estate service providers to offer their services and share property information with a larger customer base.

Real estate companies using online real estate solutions as a powerful marketing tool to promote their brand and also advertise their services. Real estate companies by using ERP Solution can expand their area by reaching out to a broader audience including buyers, property owners, and agents spread across different regions.

The web offers the consumer infinite access to property, transaction and service provider related information. Buyers can make enquires online, therefore saving time and effort. It is easier for agents and sellers to track and respond to online general enquires available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week enables real estate agents and companies to search and maintain large database of properties providing buyers with easy means to search through the online property databases. Applications based on a CMS (Content Management System) can be integrated with the solution making real estate companies to update and publish details of properties easily.

By using Online booking engine buyers can search and browse through details of properties; select the desired property and book it online by an integrated secure payment gateway that ensures safety of online transactions.

Some Key Benefits are -

Online General Enquire

1. Both for Buyers and Purchasers
2. Online Interest Rate Calculator
3. Property Valuation
4. Classified

Online booking by secure payment gateway

1. Automated Booking services
2. Automated Transaction from Account

Virtual Buildings (for demo to customer)

1. Virtual tours can be created enabling property buyers to view and get a feel of the property.
2. Multimedia presentations can be used for showcased properties

Easy Report Generation

Areas and regions preferred by buyers which enable agents, buyers and real estate companies to study and analyze the customer behavior and trends to service them better.

Read information on ERP Software for Construction Firm. Also know ERP and Supply Chain Management (SCM).

Benefits of ERP Software in Pharma Sector

Enterprise resource planning software is now becoming a key component for companies to integrate their entire business processes. This article emphasizes on the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software in pharma sector. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies need enterprise system to streamline their business process. To survive in highly competitive business environments, pharma companies have to continuously change their business processes.

New conditions in the marketplace have provided a special stimulus to modeling business processes over the last decade like:

1. Product expansion,
2. Competitive sales conditions,
3. Development of global distribution networks,
4. Setter informed customers, and
5. The orientation of businesses towards satisfying the needs of the customer.

Therefore business process reengineering has often been employed, and IT is a best approach used to improve business processes. Modern information technology focuses toward business processes and communications between persons using these processes.

Enterprise resource planning systems integrate and automate the main functionality of an organization thereby facilitating the flow of information among the different functions of an enterprise, while also permitting information sharing across organizational units no matter of geographical locations.

The development of a modern ERP system to support these business operations began with projects intended to advance individual modules. The SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing) solution took place in individual phases, with two key areas of profit and cost center accounting enabling to better control of financial resources, forecasts and a new type of analysis.

The ever growing demand for new and enhanced pharmaceutical products has resulted in a high competitive market therefore putting lots of pressure on pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Small and Medium Businesses to keep themselves with the ever-increasing demand for the production of such drugs in huge quantities. Also, they are bounded to stringent norms laid down by government authorities. Pharmaceutical Business require the right ERP support to streamlined procurement of raw materials, reduced procurement and delivery cycle times, tracking of receivable and payments to suppliers for managing credit facilities, a decision support tool for management analysis and a collaborative portal for supply chain management

So planning best resources for ERP that resources comprise of four m's-money, man, material, and machine. By optimum utilization of these resources, the result in higher efficiency and better performance. Enterprise software help companies to best utilize their resources and man power to the most productive way. It acts as a connecting link between all the departments of the company. Hope, this piece of information will help you to understand the benefits and advantages of using ERP software in pharma companies.

Read information on Advantages of Open Source ERP Software. Also know about Outsourcing ERP Software.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Benefits of ERP in Textile and Garment Sector

The textile industry generally concentrates on designing or manufacturing of clothes and also the task of distribution and use of the manufactured textile.

The textile industry has changed continuously in the last few years. It looks at carrying out their business in systematic way. For this reason ERP can be used and it plays an important role. As we know ERP stands for enterprise resource planning. Therefore the major goal is plan out the resources used and keeping a proper data in software.

It is software for a business; which can be customized according to the needs of the enterprise. The ERP software is the latest high end solution for performing the business efficiently. The software aims at keeping a track of data and making internal procedure flow smoothly.

ERP has helped in increasing the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process. The manufacturing processes experiences some problems quiet often because of miscommunication and lack of communication. ERP provides a solution by enhancing coordination by keeping an eye on the supply chain, warehouse and logistic.

It also helps greatly in the function of tracking the progress made in the manufacturing of the product. If any technical problem occurs it can be tracked down easily. The customer can be answered easily with the statistics in hand and his queries can be easily answered with the details of the status of the product. Long chains of communication are shortened and the details can be shared through internet also, thus avoiding any miscommunication.

For both textile and garment sector strategic planning is important and ERP system is designed to support this through resource planning. It facilitates report generation which has to be updated every time a progress takes place. This report can be distributed among employees so that they also know which area has to be given more attention for the completion of the task. The textile and garment industry is ever-changing and thus it is important to know the customers need and record it.

It helps reduce operating cost because it integrates processes of the business across departments onto a single information system. The problem of low inventory or reduced operating cost is ruled out. Whenever resource is needed it is available on time because everything has already been planned. The day to day management becomes easy because it keeps a track of the warehouse also. Everything going into the data warehouse is recorded thus planning for a specific day can be easily done. Due to the fact that every activity is recorded the actual cost can be calculated easily. The unwanted ambiguity is ruled out which makes the database user friendly.

Since the product is being managed so well its quality remains intact what the world gets is a reliable product. Every small detail can be easily taken care of and smooth flow of activity takes place.

Read more information on benefits of ERP Software for Garment Company and Definition of ERP.