ERP systems are designed to provide this level of integration to enable process-centric workflows throughout companies (Kamhawi, 2008). In terms of data, ERP systems deal with a multitude of different types, from supplier- and product-specific data to pricing and customer-based data in terms of orders and the status of shipments to customers. The most fundamental aspect of an ERP system is its contribution in streamlining the distributed order management process (Walker, 2008). In terms of the network, ERP systems often sit in the middle of company-wide internal networks that seek to integrate all legacy and 3rd party systems together and create a single system of record (Walker, 2008) for the company. The network topology is often in the form of a series of smaller clusters or "islands" of data and systems that the ERP system is meant to integrate to and unify. Section 3 - Write a summary to show why the system is important in business, the benefits gained from utilizing this system. Advantage and disadvantages. Is the system used for automating business processes, does it save costs to do the business, does it give the business a competitive advantage and how There are many benefits to installing and using and ERP system. The most significant is the streamlining and cost reductions in managing the production process more efficiently (Walker, 2008) while also coordinating the many sources of demand in the...

The automating of the manufacturing process, from the initial coordination of the suppliers to the delivery of products through fulfillment, all have the potential to deliver significant time and cost savings gains. The majority of companies implement ERP systems to gain greater manufacturing and process efficiencies over time. These systems are also implemented to make companies more capable of responding to rapidly changing market conditions (Walker, 2008). The use of ERP systems to make companies more efficient is one of the most prevalently used strategies in global enterprises today.
References

Shih-Wei Chou, Yu-Chieh Chang. (2008). The implementation factors that influence the ERP (enterprise resource planning) benefits. Decision Support Systems, 46(1), 149. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1603626971).

Emad M. Kamhawi. (2008). System Characteristics, Perceived Benefits, Individual Differences and Use Intentions: a Survey of Decision Support Tools of ERP Systems. Information Resources Management Journal, 21(4), 66-83. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1570039261).

Kenton B. Walker. (2008). SOX, ERP, and BPM: A Trifecta That Can Make Your Business Run…