| A full range of business applications – ERP software application must have a broad scope of application covering the core process of your industry, including functions that support and provide alternative approaches to the way you do business today.
Seamless integration – ERP software application's transactions must flow naturally from one stage of their cycle to the next, without additional effort from your organization. You should enter the data to the software application only once, and then simply respond to messages, variances to plan and targets, and action messages. Besides ensuring the integrity of the data, this approach allows you to control the data throughout its life cycle.
Real-time visibility and execution – All activity within ERP application must occur in real time, meaning that when the data is acted upon, it is at that moment visible to the universe of the ERP software applications. Real time is different from online, which simply refers to the method by which you have access to the ERP application.
Application flexibility – ERP software application must be able to activate additional available modules as needed. This is essential if you're to respond quickly to business conditions.
Event-driven processing – For example, when the user enters a sales order line (an event) and there is inadequate inventory to fulfill the order, an internal switch must be triggered to flag the materials planning sub procedures to react to this situation. This is critical to the system's effectiveness and the integrity of the data.
Multiple manufacturing environments – No operation can afford to use only one materials planning and execution method. Your ability to apply rules to a specific situation affects the bottom line.
Enterprise definition and adaptation to you firm – Adaptation to your specific needs should be programmed into ERP software application. You must be able to mirror your enterprise though the database, and this must not require making adjustments or modifications to the core modules or the primary ERP file elements.
Customization – ERP software application must be customized. This should be achieved though a seamless maintenance of system tables, and report customization should be an integral part of the system's functionality. |
