Enterprise Resource Planning (erp) Research Paper

...

Cloud-based accessibility and architecture has already been implemented and will continue to be used in the future. Companies would not have to purchase, install or maintain software applications and they would not have to worry about security, privacy and legal issues associated with data storage. Users are constantly expecting to be able to access their business applications and software through a Web browser and this type of architecture will allow them to do so. More and more companies will start to use it because it provides many benefits. It provides enhanced flexibility in modular implementation. Some default configuration settings included in the cloud technology help to streamline implementation process so that there will be less of a need for massive customization. These enhancements will allow for faster and easier changes to an ERP solution when it has to be re-implemented. It will also save companies a lot of money because there is a lower cost of implementation due to the lowered infrastructure requirements and lower cost of ownership since it is a pay-as-you-go service. Another benefit is that the open cloud-based architecture will have better integration with growing technologies which include mobile, data and analytics3(Hutchison, 2014).

The future of ERP technology may change by creating more mobile applications for ERP software to be used on the go for those managers who want the convenience of using it on their phones. Smartphones are used for almost everything nowadays from sending emails to creating/editing presentations and new mobile apps are created everyday. An advantage to this is that users can enter a sales order right from a client’s site so there would be a reduction in waiting time for approvals. Also, customer service would be greatly improved because a user would have access to customer information immediately which is necessary for making smart decisions. The apps could also be created to include other services such as improved communication and collaboration with other departments and travel and reimbursement management. IQMS Manufacturing ERP and IFS are two evident examples of the prediction that mobile apps will eventually be used extensively throughout many companies in the future. Mobile apps for ERP software will provide convenience and improved profitability for many companies5(IQMS).

In addition, machine learning could be implemented with newer ERP systems in the near future. Powerful algorithms can be used to create machine learning models by finding patterns in the existing data. These models are then used to process new data and generate predictions for the application. Some companies are already using this form of predictive analysis to enhance their data collection. For example, Unit4 recently announced that it selected Microsoft Azure as its platform to implement a new self-driving ERP. Unit4 will use machine learning and other smart technology to improve business applications and make data entry more efficient. Instead of employees having to manually input all the required data into the ERP system, the new technology will create pre-populated forms and in-context yes-no validation questions using predictive analysis algorithms. This will eliminate most human errors and speed up the data entry process6(Mueller, 2015).

Conventional ERP systems lack extended enterprise functionality using Big Data. The ERP systems should have a reasonable level of integration across enterprise processes and data. It could potentially have more integration with Big Data or broader datasets such as social media rather than only looking at data within the various business functions. It should be able to integrate more real-time data from the external environment. Tracking social media data will allow companies to see what topics their customers are concerned with and be more responsive to customer needs, desires and issues. It will also allow them to create better products for consumers and discover new services to add to their business. This would give them an advantage against their competition and it would help them make better business decisions. The only downside to this is that most of the data comes from unstructured sources and that massive data has to be streamlined so that decision makers can make use of only the relevant data and prioritize it, but the ERP software helps with this4(Hutchison, 2014).

In the future, the ERP developers could work to enhance the functionality of their own systems so that it can involve more functions and capabilities and make the decision-making process easier. They can make enhancements to product configurations by setting up more rules-based tools within the system. More limitations could be placed on some decision-making points, making it easier for the employee to use the system. The user would not be able to make choices that fall outside of the predefined rules. This will help employees have faith that they are making the correct decisions because those decisions are aligned with specific product parameters. Another way to enhance the decision-making process is to develop more event triggers within the system. For example, most ERP solutions already have triggers that make relevant data appear on a user's screen when inventory drops below a set parameter. Users will be able to see information such as optimal inventory levels, due dates for the next delivery, pending orders that will affected by the stockout, and more2(Humphlett, 2015).

In addition, ERP systems could be changed to have a more user-friendly interface. The interfaces that users currently use have been the same for many years. Employees would be more open to adopting and using the ERP software if this happens. Based on my observations, people would rather see and use a lot of graphical displays than use menus and text. Looking up a customer’s details and purchasing history in a spreadsheet-like display can become monotonous and seem like a drag to employees who use the system every day. By making the interface more user-friendly and providing enterprise-wide visibility, employees will be able to find the information they are searching for more quickly and be confident they are making operational decisions based on accurate and visually appealing charts/graphs. They will also be able to make decisions more quickly since the data is easier to find. ERP systems should also include audio online training. Employees usually get trained within a few weeks by an instructor inside a classroom setting. Most of those employees will forget how to use the system as soon as they go back to their workplace to use it. Audio instructions within the ERP system itself will be a huge benefit to those users who are reluctant to use it or those who forget very easily. Enhancements to the user interface that include graphical displays