Page 194 - DCAP307_PLANNING_AND_MANAGING_IT_INFRASTRUCTURE

Planning and Managing IT Infrastructure

Notes  Standardisation of performance metrics across the organisation to streamline the
client’s internal processes. Infosys was involved in business process definition,
program management, project management, package evaluation, package
implementation, key user training, and post-production support
Strategy

Leveraging the IntERPrize, a team of 45 experts from Infosys decided on the methodology
and approach to implement the Oracle Application R11.0.3 to achieve process efficiencies.
Infosys, using Oracle solutions, streamlined the manufacturing, distribution, procurement
and financial accounting processes of the client. These were integrated with i2 Technologies’
Demand Planner, a forecasting and planning tool. Also, a new enterprise WMS/TMS
product from HK Systems was evaluated and implemented for improving order-execution
efficiency, outbound visibility, and reverse logistics. (The applications of i2 Technologies
and HK Systems run on Sun Solaris 5.6 and Windows NT platforms.) An enterprise-wide
data model was prepared for standardising performance metrics across the organisation
and streamlining the client’s internal processes.
Benefits

Infosys completed the implementation in a record 18 months, which was 50% faster than
the timeline given by competitors and reflected a significant increase in ROI for the client.
Other tangible benefits included the following:
 The implementation imparted high visibility to the supply chain and improved
demand planning and execution.

 There was a significant improvement in cash flow due to real-time processes. A
large number of processes have been automated which has increased the efficiency
and reduced overhead costs.
 The client witnessed significant improvement in its ‘on time delivery’ record due to
the processes and applications implemented by Infosys.

 There was closer understanding of business processes, leading to continuous,
incremental changes since post-implementation.
 A WMS/TMS package was evolved along with an Online Analytical Processing
(OLAP) tool, which resulted in an improved integrated system.
Questions
1. What are the challenges companies’ experiences in implementing ERP systems?

2. What are several key things companies should do to avoid ERP systems failures?
Explain the reasons for your proposals.
3. Why do you think ERP systems in particular are often cited as examples of failures
in IT systems development, implementation, or management?

Source: http://www.infosys.com/industries/high-technology/case-studies/Pages/oracle-
implementation-global.aspx

11.4 Summary

 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation can be defined as the installation of
a software package that integrates all data and processes of an organisation into a unified
system.

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