Enterprise Resource Planning for Intelligent Enterprises

Abstract

Enterprise resource planning systems can be defined as customizable, standard application software that includes integrated business solutions for the core processes and administrative functions (Chan & Rosemann, 2001). From an operative perspective, ERP systems provide a common technological platform, unique for the entire corporation, allowing the replacement of mainframes and legacy systems. This common platform serves to process automation as well as to simplify current process either by an explicit reengineering process or by the implicit adoption of the system ‘best practices’ (Markus & Tanis, 2000). Finally, the common centralized platform allows the access to data that previously were physically or logically dispersed. The automation of the processes and the access of data allows the reduction of the operating times (thus reducing operating costs) while the latter serves to better support business decisions (see, e.g., Umble, Haft & Umble, 2003, for a detailed review of ERP benefits).