| So much have transpired in the world of business | | | | information should be put there. |
| that one has to keep himself abreast with | | | | In many companies, a customer database is also |
| technology and business management. One of the | | | | made to ensure that all front line customer service |
| approaches here is to develop enterprise resource | | | | representatives are looking at single files when dealing |
| planning metrics so the performance can be managed | | | | with customers. This reduces the chances of |
| better and more efficiently. Without any standard | | | | misinformation since this is also automated. |
| references, it will be difficult to set expectations not | | | | The second component of the ERP is the software |
| only to the customer but to the employees. | | | | modular design. This software is what is used by the |
| What is enterprise resource planning or ERP? It is | | | | employees to function to their jobs accordingly. And |
| defined as a system that integrates processes for all | | | | of course, this software tool is linked to the |
| departments or people involved in a single institution. | | | | database where the information will be coming from. |
| Accordingly, the key element in developing an ERP | | | | Just like the database, this software tool should be |
| that is ideal is the development of a single database. | | | | accessible anywhere. This means that if the company |
| This applies not only in terms of database of internal | | | | has 1,000 computers, then all these computers should |
| employees but also for customers. Apparently, an | | | | be able to access both the database and the |
| ERP system built for customers will then be utilized | | | | software tool. These are the key elements when |
| by the employees who man the front line seats in | | | | developing a company that embraces the ERP |
| helping out customers who are in need of assistance. | | | | system. It should not be forgotten that both the |
| From a common standpoint, ERP has two main | | | | database and software tool should be accessible real |
| components or metrics to make it successful and | | | | time. It will defeat the purpose of developing these |
| effective. First is a common database that can be | | | | tools if they cannot be accessed by the time the |
| accessed by several people who have involvement in | | | | customer calls in and needs assistance. |
| the usage of this file. Many companies now use | | | | There are other metrics that can be developed or |
| automation in logging in and out of the time keeping | | | | incorporated in ERP. However, these two are the |
| device. This is one great example of an ERP | | | | most basic things to consider when developing |
| database. All employees can access the time keeping | | | | enterprise resource metrics. The rest may follow but |
| tool anywhere and anytime, especially if the business | | | | without a solid database and a software program |
| is global. With the advent and help of the Internet, | | | | that will link this information, then it will simply defeat |
| this is not really so hard to do. The main challenge | | | | its purpose. Then and again, the purpose of ERP is to |
| here is how to design the database and what | | | | manage data and tools. |