Page 192 - DCAP307_PLANNING_AND_MANAGING_IT_INFRASTRUCTURE

Planning and Managing IT Infrastructure

Notes increased the growth rate of SMBs on par with global standards. More and more SMBs are
implementing ERP solutions at the earlier stages of their growth to ensure process
efficiency. Regulatory pressures from some of the Governments and mandates by
outsourcing clients are also reasons for SMBs adopting ERP solutions.

Micro Verticals: So far, some of the large players were banking on integrating logistics,
financials and HR processes into their ERP. Nowadays, these are not considered to be
differentiators as they are mandated by the clients implementing ERP solutions. Some of
the niche players are concentrating on providing specialised ERP solutions and applications
for micro verticals or processes within processes.

Staff Training: A Lot of companies are investing in training their employees to effectively
use ERP tools and tactics. Previously this was not the case. Due to the advent of Cloud
based applications, staff now can access Ondemand ERP from anywhere through thin
clients like mobile/iPad/laptop etc. This has made companies to invest a little more
amount in training the staff to utilise ERP solutions in order to get real-time inputs.
User Friendliness: Keep it Simple is the keyword for the decade. Present day ERP applications
are becoming more and more user-friendly and anyone can utilise it with minimum
training.
Social Media Integration: Social Media revolution in the later half of the past decade, has
forced companies to integrate Social media into their ERP applications and software.
There are two ways this has been done – One of them is to create an interface or Social
Media plug-in that operates independent of any outside service. The second method is by
linking ERP software with Social networking sites, exposing not-so-sensitive info and
data. Microsoft has already infused its product line with Microsoft Dynamics and Sharepoint
Integration. The main objective is to collaborate. Lot other companies are integrating
their ERP applications with their internal social networking sites or other intranet sites.
These are just few and there are a lot more under Research.

Did u know? ERP solution providers are still working on improvising ways in which
companies can mobilise their workforce through various applications with utmost
efficiency.

Task Make distinction between web-enabled ERP and inter-enterprise ERP.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
11. Integrating all the process across various departments does not help companies to avoid
redundant work and in turn reduces the operational expenses.
12. More and more small and medium businesses are implementing ERP solutions at the
earlier stages of their growth to ensure process efficiency.

13. Some of the niche players are concentrating on providing specialised ERP solutions and
applications for micro verticals or processes within processes.
14. Present day ERP applications are not becoming much user-friendly.

15. Social Media revolution in the first half of the past decade, has forced companies to integrate
social media into their ERP applications and software.

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