ERP

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to integrated management of a company’s core business processes, mediated by a unified software platform and a shared database. An ERP system standardizes data and processes across departments, enabling real-time information flow, cross-functional visibility, and coordinated planning and execution.

ERP originated from manufacturing resource planning (MRP) systems of the 1960s and 1970s, evolved through MRPII in the 1980s, and broadened in the 1990s to cover non-manufacturing functions. Modern ERP suites typically support multiple industries and scale from small businesses to large enterprises.

A typical ERP suite includes modules for finance and accounting, procurement, production planning, inventory and warehouse management, sales and distribution, human resources, project management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. These modules share a common data model, real-time analytics, and role-based access to support integrated decision making.

Deployment options include on-premises, cloud-based (SaaS), or hybrid configurations. Implementation is a major undertaking that may involve business-process reengineering, data cleansing and migration, system configuration, change management, and extensive testing. Customizations can increase cost, extend timelines, and complicate upgrades.

Benefits commonly cited include improved data integrity, enhanced operational efficiency, better planning and forecasting, streamlined procurement, and more consistent regulatory reporting. Risks include high up-front costs, lengthy deployment, resistance to change, and potential vendor lock-in. The ERP landscape is led by vendors such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Infor, Epicor, and Workday.

Trends include cloud-native ERP, AI and machine-learning-enabled analytics, intelligent automation, advanced planning and scheduling, and integrations with IoT and external data sources. As the market matures, many organizations pursue hybrid or multi-ERP approaches to meet regional or functional needs.