ERRRR, ERP?

Excuuuuuusssssse Mmmmmeeeeee!! No. I didn’t burp. And, since I’m not techie genius, I’m going to assume a few of you aren’t either and go ahead and give you the definition of ERP:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an Integrated computer-based system used to manage internal and external resources including tangible assets, financial resources, materials, and human resources. It is a software architecture whose purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders. Built on a centralized database and normally utilizing a common computing platform, ERP systems consolidate all business operations into a uniform and enterprise wide system environment.

So, knowing this, let’s discuss how I think ERP’s fit into the corporate world and if companies should be adjusting to ERPs or if ERPs should be adjusting to them.

It seems to me that an ERP is like a massive back office. Companies use it for organization and facilitation. Basically, they make your business run better and help connect your business to its target market. Sounds great, right? But, like any office, there is a built in system. Unlike any office, it is computerized (not people run), so the ability for it to adapt and mold in an easy fashion appears to be slightly difficult. I’m basing this on reviews that I’ve read online. Many people seem to find it annoying that the system won’t budge. Let’s use our blackboard suite as an example. Is it an ERP? I have no clue. But it sure does kind of sound like one. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of it. It’s not easy to use or modify to work for you. There is tons of information that is completely irrelevant and unrelated to me and yet it’s my personalized home page. I can’t stand the interface, and logging into it is something I legitimately dread doing. Why? Because I like to keep things simple and it makes things complicated.

So, if an ERP is anything like this then I think that ERP’s should be made to adapt to companies rather than a company adapt to an ERP. Every company is different, with different missions, goals, and systems. Everyone takes a different approach to how they do their work and that doesn’t mean that any one way is better. So why be limited by the system that Microsoft or any other ERP producer deems fit?! Not to mention that success is often hinged on the ability to grow, change, adapt and innovate. A built in system goes against pretty much all of that. Sure, it keeps things organized and clean cut. But, sometimes, running a tight ship is exactly what hinders it from swerving off coarse into the desired triumphant blue ocean.