| ERP otherwise known as Enterprise Resource | | | | integral to the program it could be adapted to fit |
| Planning is a modern application of the Information | | | | many different types of businesses from retail, to |
| Technology system, which historically has been one | | | | auto repair. |
| of the most commonly used software systems in | | | | As the 1980's moved in the system added more |
| the business world. This system has evolved over | | | | functions making MRP II even more universal as "the" |
| the past 50 years to meet the demands of strategic | | | | business software solution. MRP II handled a full |
| planning, manufacturing, inventory control logistics, | | | | range of business activities from engineering, |
| accounting and many other aspects of personal and | | | | development, HR, advertising and even client lists and |
| professional lives. While many of us use applications | | | | event planning. As more features were added to the |
| and parts of ERP, we may not be aware of the | | | | software it became much more stable and user |
| process that brought it into being. The ERP software | | | | friendly as well as being more of a one stop |
| history is compelling and shows quite well how | | | | approach to all business planning. |
| products evolve to meet the needs of the | | | | This most recent incarnation of the original |
| consumers. | | | | Information Technology System has become known |
| During the 1960's computers were not part of | | | | as ERP, which is everything and nothing like the |
| everyday life as they are now, all software was new | | | | original. In some ways the program is entirely |
| and confusing to the layman. Manufacturing | | | | different and in others it has kept the basic premise |
| businesses concentrated their energy on activities | | | | of organizing and consolidating all the facets of |
| involving inventory control, simple spreadsheets, and | | | | business in one place. |
| paper copies of all orders in and out. As the industries | | | | While essentially developed by and through |
| grew, their focus had to evolve and shift to Material | | | | businesses for businesses, ERP has shown over the |
| Requirement Planning or MRP, which meant | | | | test of time that it is a complete interface that will |
| streamlining the paperwork end of the business and | | | | enable everyone from a home based business to the |
| keeping as much of it as possible in one place. | | | | largest of corporations to manage all the different |
| By the 1970's the MRP program included scheduling, | | | | aspects of running a business using just one |
| materials requirements, and assembly lines scheduling | | | | software program. Many individuals also use ERP to |
| as well as procurement and purchasing. This | | | | help manage their lives. Imagine not needing separate |
| incarnation made the software useful for a wide | | | | software programs for banking, vacation planning, |
| variety of businesses that it would not have worked | | | | and tax information, which is a benefit of ERP and |
| for in the beginning. By making several applications | | | | one thing it can do for you as an individual. |