1. Describe the system (25%) NetSuite ERP This is a business management system used in performing ERP as well as customer relationship management. Its horizontal designed for different kinds of sectors. In addition, its financials system such as inventory, supply chain, financial reporting, accounting, order, billing and payment management can be incorporated with the firm s services, and sales procedures. Financial data using NetSuite system can easily be accessed via web browsers or even mobile applications (Huang & Palvia, 2009). It also undergoes automatic upgrading that comes with a number of custommade alternatives. Being webbased software, NetSuite operates on various browsers. Moreover, NetSuite supports information export to CVS files. The aspect of security is guaranteed via the system s information centre and an integrated security control. SAGE ERP This type of ERP fulfils the preferences of various organizations ranging from small to mediumsized. The portfolio comprises of Sage ERP MAS, Sage ERP Accpac, and Sage ERP X3; all these offers broad and detailed functionalities to serve repetitive, process modes, maketoorder manufacturing. Furthermore, SAGE ERP presents accounting, inventory management, human resource, supply chain functionalities. The system is quite distinct for manufacturing and distribution software in its capability of providing choice of several databases, deployment and operating systems. The easily customizable portfolio is widely used by global firms with both multilingual and currency needs. Majority of SAGE ERP systems are used by distributors and manufacturers with over usd six million yearly revenues, ten workers and five users (Huang & Palvia, 2009). SAP ERP Sap is the largest software firm in the world. Compared to its rivals, it has grown organically with 1 / 20
a few considerable acquisitions. Majority of its customers comprises of extremely large enterprises. Nevertheless, it has made tremendous gains in SMEs using its Business by Design, Business one product and Business All in One models. SAP system presents various ERP applications such as product lifecycle, supply chain, human capital, CRM and financial management. Additionally, SAP has a huge network of partners like SAP Ecosystem, which presents distinct integration as well as custommade offerings for particular markets (Bernroider & Koch, 2010). Besides ERP applications, SAP provides a wide range of analytical solutions an aspect of its business objects model. Business objects is SAP s most remarkable acquisition that pushed it into business intelligence circles with Microsoft, Oracle and IBM. It is strengthening its position in the market with current innovations like SAP HANA, inmemory technology which enable enterprises to run queries from various information sources in a synchronized manner. PeopleSoft PeopleSoft ERP is designed in a manner that tackles complex business needs. In addition, this ERP offers detailed business and industry applications that allow companies to increase their output and increase performance. Like its competitors, PeopleSoft offers a wide range of ERP applications including human capital, supply chain, service automation, supply relationship and financial management (Bernroider & Koch, 2010). Oracle ERP Oracle is among the leading software firms in the globe. Through several acquisitions and its own development, Oracle has developed real time portfolio of software applications that compliments the firm s established ability in infrastructure as well as database. Basically, Oracle has several products (Wright et al. 2006). The main ERP product lines are PeopleSoft, Oracle Fusion, and JD Edwards among others. Consequently, Oracle provides business analytics apps on the Hyperion line project management via Primavera and product lifecycle via Agile in addition to several independent solutions. 2 / 20
2. Who are the typical customers that purchase each system? Explain why. (10%) ERP Systems Customers Reasons SAGE Retail, Chemical, Construction, Pharmaceutical Logistical and Companies, Automotive, banking, healthcare, Software, manufacturing Insurance, com It presents a robust ERP solution 3 / 20
NetSuite Pharmaceutical and Automotive, Logistical Companies, Operates on various browsers and mobile devices. It has robust security features making it safe to use. Supports cloudbased dissemination of integrated ERP Fast, user friendly in terms of use and cost proficiency Eliminates the burden of ongoing updates Realtime visibility that enhances the financial close process 4 / 20
SAP Large Enterprise accounts, Small Medium Sized SMEs companies, manufacturing companies, aeros Has a wide network of associates that present tailored integrated systems for particular markets. It supports Inmemory technology that enables enterprises to execute queries from various data sou PeopleSoft Hospitality, Retail, Chemical, Construction, Logistical Pharmaceutical, Companies, banking, healthcare, Software, manufacturing Insurance, com Supports cloud based dissemination ERP solutions. Enables organizations to enhance output Enhances business performance 5 / 20
Low cost of ownership Oracle Logistical Companies, banking, healthcare, Software, manufacturing Insurance, companies, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Chemica Robust ERP systems that present cloud based solutions Question 3 & 4 Comparison between SAGE, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP and NetSuite in a table 6 / 20
System/Features NetSuite Oracle SAGE SAP PeopleSoft Version Always upto date Edition 12 2014 7 / 20
Price Range $10K100K $12k$350K $150$2,500 based on user preference $25K$250K $12K$250K Financing Options Subscription Lease as well as financing Lease and Owner Financing Lease and Owner Financing 8 / 20
Lease as well as financing User Range 10+unlimited 25 to 1000+ 2450 25to1000 Multi Site 9 / 20
Multinational In 169 countries Architecture SAAS SOA 10 / 20
Multitier SOA SOA Database Platform MS SQL Server, Progress, IBM DB2 MS SQL Server, Progress, IBM DB2 MS SQL Server, Oracle, Pervasive MS SQL Server, Progress, IBM DB2 MS SQL Server, Progress, IBM DB2 Server OS Mac OS, Windows, Unix, Novell Netware 11 / 20
Mac OS, Windows, Unix, Novell Netware Windows and Linux Mac OS, Windows, Unix, Novell Netware Mac OS, Windows, Unix, Novell Netware SAAS No No Materials Management 12 / 20
Distributors have a feature known as multilocation inventory. Includes Bin control, order promising, a Inventory and warehouse control Use Bar codes, Bin tracks and raw material scheduling Inventory and warehouse control Sales Order Management Entails automated order processing with one click purchase and Real Time Order Status Apart from quotes one can generate sales proposals Supports an efunds payment module Incorporates sales and promotions Generate sales proposals 13 / 20
Financial Management Perform financial (Wright functions et al. 2006). such as general ledger, payables as well as receivables. Supports multic Assets can be traced. Has accounts payable and general ledger Accounts receivable and payable. General ledger. Supports multicurrency Financial disclosure, cost accounting as well as banking and reconciling accounts Has accounts payable and general ledger Production Management Supports a multilocation inventory features Cost forecasts and production planning Enhanced production features 14 / 20
Business forecasts and production planning Supply Chain Management Comes with a supply chain summary Features for planning and executing supply chain Includes warehouse control capabilities, return materials approval, inventory control and lot tracking Cohesive and flexible, realtime, order to cash processes Customer Relationship Management Supports applications for managing incentives, task tracking, self service clientele user interface Comes with customer service, marketing and sales automation features 15 / 20
CRM preface Addition Capabilities RealMode dashboards with enhanced security features Human capital analytics features Market intelligence as well as disclosure. Electroniccommerce Service Support Has online customer care consultation suite Has support information available 16 / 20
Has support centre with a training centre elearning 5. How would you describe the user interfaces? (10%) In the adoption of software, the needs of end users should be considered. If the system turns to be hard to use, then end users will not go for it. As such usability is the main feature of the system; therefore time has invested to ensure its functions properly. All the types of ERP discussed are easy to use (Wright et al. 2006). Usability aspect evaluates their end users views regarding how effortless to maneuver and navigate the system. A system s value to the company and effect on performance can be increased through its ease of use. Increased user productivity is promoted by attractive user interfaces. Additionally, these ERP systems have the ability to support many languages thus a greater benefit of getting global users while minimizing the danger of project fragmentation with a few communities and weaker collaborations. With respect to multiple supports, NetSuite, SAGE, SAP, PeopleSoft and Oracle systems have the capability of integrating various financial and costing management systems (Dexter, 2000). 17 / 20
6. Provide sample comments from customers. (5%) NetSuite It is easy to use. Though, customization can be challenging but quite easy once users understand how the system operates. Regarding functionality, it meets customer needs with external suppliers to fill the gaps. SAGE A great product for SMEs in terms of facilitating the requirements for companies. Moreover, it have the ability of managing complex transactions while reporting abilities are many and satisfying integrated with optional feature module. SAP Customer service can prove incorrigible especially is the question is about trying to customize the product to specific business needs. PeopleSoft Takes some considerable time to comprehend PeopleSoft setup, however immediately someone is familiar with it, it becomes easy to use and execute. Oracle 18 / 20
If we deployed a platform such as Oracle, it would need a significant capital outlay and a huge IT team to execute and maintain the system in each. Apart from the colossal costs associated with Oracle it provides the best platform. 7. From a users perspective, what did you find most interesting? (10%) Irrespective of similarities between various ERP systems, some functional disparities that can tilt the balance in favor of one ERP system against the other in terms of functional modules they offer. For instance, almost all the five ERP systems have order processing automated capabilities; however ERPs that present Realtime functionalities and financial disclosure can be preferred over those that do not have. Again, companies with a global presence might want ERP systems that can support multiple users and with multilocation inventory modules, this can also be a factor that determines which system is the best. References Huang Z & Palvia P (2009). ERP Implementation Issues in Advanced and Developing Countries, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 7, No. 3, 2001, pp. 276284 Bernroider. E & Koch. S (2010). ERP Selection Process in Midsize and Large Organizations, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 7, No. 3, 2001, pp. 251257 19 / 20
Grant, David; Richard Hall; Nick Wailes; Christopher Wright (2006). "The false promise of technological determinism: the case of enterprise resource planning systems". New Technology, Work & Employment 21 (1): 2 15 Johnson, Dexter (2000) "." Advanced Manufacturing Technology. December 15, 2000. Retrieved on 17 th Nov, 2014 from http://www.referenceforbusiness.com 20 / 20