Key to an ERP package

Basic ERP Features
COMPARING midmarket ERP packages is not exactly an apples-to-apples type of
exercise. Each vendor wraps its midmarket offering with different functionality, tailored to
the needs of the kinds of companies the solution is intended for and based on the
vendor's particular areas of expertise.
However, almost every midmarket ERP suite shares several common modules: BI, CRM,
financial management, HCM, manufacturing operations and SCM. The differences among
solutions tend to be quite granular within these modules. Also, even if different packages
offer the same feature - say, sales-order management - it might not be bundled in the
same module; some vendors include sales-order management in their CRM suites while
others package it in their SCM suites.
Key to an ERP package is tight integration between modules, so that all of the core
business modules are related. For instance, manufacturing operations are integrated with
customer service, logistics and delivery.
Business IntelligenceOne of the newer components of most modern midmarket ERP packages, BI shines a
bright light into the heart of a company's performance. In general, an ERP suite's
analytics or BI tools allow users to share and analyze the data that the ERP applications
collect from across the enterprise from a unified repository. The end result is more
informed decision making by everyone from executives to line managers to
human-resources professionals to accountants. A variety of automated reporting and
analysis tools can help streamline operations, as well as improve an organization's
business performance. With greater control and visibility of data across the enterprise,
business leaders can better align the company's operations with its overarching strategic
goals.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)CRM has long been a core component of any ERP offering, giving manufacturers a way to
improve customer service by pulling together tools to fulfill customers' orders, respond to
customers' service needs, and often, create marketing campaigns to reach customers.
Most vendors include sales tools to provide customers with sales quotes, process their
orders and offer flexible pricing on their products. Another important CRM component is
service management, which may arm customer-service agents with scripts for talking to
customers, as well as allow them to authorize product returns and search a knowledge
base of support information. The third main component is usually marketing, which may
include tools to manage campaigns, create sales literature and develop a library of
marketing collateral.
Additionally, CRM often has tools for account management, SFA, and opportunity or lead
management, as well as self-service tools for customers and an e-commerce storefront
builder.
Financial ManagementOf all the ERP modules, the financials applications tend to be the most frequently
utilized. Across the board, these include general ledger, accounts receivable and
accounts payable, billing, and fixed asset management. Because many midmarket
companies deploy ERP to support efforts at breaking into global markets, it is imperative
that their ERP packages support multiple currencies and languages.
The financial-management applications may also include tools for creating and adhering
to budgets, cash-flow management, expense management, risk management and tax
management.
HCM (Human Capital Management)For the most part, the HCM module includes tools for human-resources management,
performance management, payroll, and time and labor tracking. Some vendors also
provide functionality for administering benefits, managing compensation, dealing with
salary taxes, recruiting new employees and planning workforce needs. Some also include
self-service tools for managers and employees.
Even though HCM is generally considered core ERP functionality, some vendors offer it
as an add-on module.
Manufacturing OperationsThe manufacturing module is where much product differentiation happens, including
industry-specific functionality. In general, these applications are intended to make
manufacturing operations more efficient and simple. Most vendors support different modes
of manufacturing, include configurable product capabilities, perform different types of job
costing and offer a BOM (bill of materials) tool.
Applications often include PDM (Product Data Management), CRP (Capacity
Requirements Planning), MRP (Materials Requirements Planning), forecasting, MPS
(Master Production Scheduling), work-order management and shop-floor control.
SCM (Supply Chain Management)Of all the ERP modules, SCM has the greatest variability between vendors: It is vast and
varied, yet often adapted to the needs of specific industries. In general, SCM improves the
flow of materials through an organization's supply chain by "managing planning,
scheduling, procurement, and fulfillment for optimum service levels and maximum
profitability," according to Lawson Software. Some vendors segment their SCM into
smaller modules. Oracle's JD Edwards, for instance, breaks it down into Supply Chain
Planning, Supply Chain Execution (Logistics) and Supply Management (Procurement).
SCM features tend to include also production scheduling, demand management,
distribution management, inventory management, warehouse management, procurement,
sourcing and order management.
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