Page 179 - DCAP302_ENTERPRISE_RESOURCE_PLANNING

Unit 9: ERP Vendors, Consultants and Users

l z In the 1960s computers worked only in batch. They occupied a large room in the head notes
office of a major company and worked on corporate applications. The only contact which
the end-user had with the computer was the requirement to complete a data preparation
document and forward this to the DP department. Of course they then had to sort out the
erroneous output from the DP department. In the 1970s on-line systems were developed.
These sought data input from end-users (on dumb terminals) but did not allow the end-
user to do anything other than was allowed by the system design. The end-user had gained
some control, however.

l z They now had the ability to render a system unworkable in some cases. Hence it was
essential to involve the end-user in the system design process.

l z In the 1980s the PC came along. This now allowed the end-user a further sanction.
l z The end-user could purchase an individual computer and develop an independent system
or the end-user could demand an intelligent front end to a central system.

l z Alternatively the end-user could resist the introduction of central systems by local
disingenuity (for example if the central management wished to introduce a corporate
approach to and standard for office automation this could be blocked). This enhanced user
control has led to the gathering momentum of the client/server approach.
9.6 keywords

CASE: Computer programs that are designed to support the analysis and development of
computer systems. They make it easier to create, store, and share diagrams and data definitions.
Some versions even generate code. There are two categories of CASE tools: software development
and maintenance of existing systems.
DSS: System to use data collected by transaction-process-ing systems to evaluate business
models and assist managers in making tactical decisions. There are three major components:
data collection, analysis of models, and presentation.

End-user Development: Managers and workers are to develop their own small systems using
database management systems, spreadsheets, and other high-level tools.
Outsourcing: The act of transferring ownership or management of MIS resources (hardware,
software and personnel) to an outside MIS specialist.

9.7 self assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. The .................... invest significant amount of time and effort to decipher the process is
commendable.
2. The most exhaustive ERP product covering the widest range of functionalities is
....................
3. Business consultants are .................... who specialize in developing techniques and
methodologies for dealing with implementation.
4. Consultants are .................... and clearly addressing customization issues.
5. .................... are the people who were doing the functions that are being automated or
computerized by ERP.

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