AFFECT OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SOFTWARE ON SOCIETY

This paper outlines Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that is used in the management

of business processes that impacts consumers, vendors, and society as a whole. The origin of

ERP was first established in 1990 by the Gartner Group to identify manufacturing resource

planning but the use of this software has evolved since this time [1]. It is used by companies and

groups to integrate multiple business functions through the use of various ERP modules.

Business functions such as procure-to-pay and the automation of accounts payable’s procedures

are just a limited example of the broad scope of functionality offered by ERP products. ERP

software allows groups across all industries to automate policies and procedures, account for

financial transactions and report on the monetary status of their agency in real time.

ERP software is sold and marketed through various vendors which range from companies like

Oracle, SAP, Microsoft and IBS. The modules offered by these vendors can include customer

resource management, human resources management, financials, and risk and compliance.

These modules’s coverage includes services businesses, telecommunications, manufacturing

enterprises and all industry sectors. Agencies typically receive proposals from various vendors

to determine the most efficient and cost effective solution to meet back-end or forward-facing

business fiduciary and statutory requirements and adequately meet consumer demand.

ERP software impacts society in various ways recognizing that society can be defined as

consumers, small business owners, governmental agencies and non-profit organizations such as

schools and universities. When agencies use ERP software they can provide online portals to

allow simple access and use for customers when placing orders or inquires. The ERP module

receives this information in real-time and allows the company to set thresholds to streamline the

payment and procurement process for fast delivery of a product. Consumers can check the status

of their orders, make inquiries or cancel a shipment. Consumers benefit from interactive online

exchanges with businesses to simplify the order and delivery process. In addition, employees are

part of society and the use of ERP modules allows payroll activities to be streamlined for

application verification and to motivate employees with innovative and attractive compensation

and benefit plans [2].

Governmental agencies use of ERP systems enables a centralized government center for

consumers, provides a comprehensive view of citizens, and allows for better management of

cases and workloads [3]. The streamlining of government policies allows people to successfully

collaborate online, via telephone or email with the government to apply for programs, file forms

and to even accomplish the simple activity of applying for a driver’s license. In addition, security

and safety of citizens has risen to a prominent issue in society today due to the attacks of 911.

Government societies such as Homeland Security, police forces and other security agencies can

share information instantly to help prevent catastrophes and protect its citizens. ERPs ability to

decrease redundancy, reduce costs, and remove delays in services contribute to society

strategically, financially and economically.

ERP technology remains on the financial forefront of businesses and agencies. The continued

advancement and development of new ERP capabilities and features help contribute to

streamlined integration, communication and the automation of financial and functional policies

and procedures. Society is impacted by ERPs with the improvement in customer service, lower

prices, increased competition, and management of personal data with the convenience of online

portals and management of daily activities that can exceed consumer expectations.

USE OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SOFTWARE ON SOCIETY

References

[1] Jacobs , Robert and Weston, Ted, Jr., 2006, Enterprise resource planning (ERP)—A brief history, 4/10/14

[2] Oracle Corporation, 2006, Data Sheet Oracle Payroll, 4/10/14

[3] Oracle Corporation, 2012, Data Sheet Siebel Public Sector 8.2.2, 4/10/14