This essay analyzes the pros and cons of six software tools used in project and technology management, especially for Capacity Requirement Planning (CRP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Material Requirements Planning (MRP). The analysis is useful for making critical decisions concerning the most appropriate software for PPQ Parts Manufacturing Company. The comparison uses aspects such as such as cost, compatibility with current systems and workflow processes, functionality, ease of use, and end user support.
Oracle
Oracle is worldwide complete, integrated, and open software for corporate usage. The software has an astounding electronic business package that offers one of the most integrated business applications. The applications contained within this software are mostly adaptable for the business functions. Specifically, the software applications deal with customer relationship management, financial management, and procurement, the management of product lifecycles, the management of asset lifecycles, and manufacturing management. Among the advantages that Oracle offers to its users are the facts that it allows people to schedule useful information and has a database that is integrated excellently with the applications. It is also noteworthy that the product allows its users to have a strong forecasting of the sales (Finnigan, 2002). As much as Oracle has the described advantages, users might want to consider that its online report interface appears to be less user friendly compared to others. Another issue with the software is the fact that its forms are incompatible with most databases. Lastly, the software does not allow the advantage of using industry-specific applications (Finnigan, 2002).
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SAP
SAP is an acronym for Systems, Applications, and Products, a software that is used in data processing, specifically for ERP. The software is a combination of different applications that are useful for the ERP functions, which means that each of the applications has the capacity of dealing with a specific area of business, while allowing for real time informational exchange (Soliman & Youssef, 2008). The software is quite complicated for the fact that it requires a proficient individual to operate its programs for the purposed usage. For instance, the software operates using the fourth generation programing language, which is known as ABAP. The applications deal with four main business areas, human resources, manufacturing, financial business, and logistics.
The users of the SAP software have the advantage of enjoying merged product applications, a more flexible and integrated range of databases compared to Oracle, and a quite flexible ERP solution. Contrarily, the primary drawbacks of the software include the fact that it is quite difficult to employ the software because of its complexity in structure and that its flexibility means that it risks the quality of output.
PeopleSoft
Most companies worldwide have adopted the PeopleSoft application, which is a section of Oracle applications. The system’s design is appropriate for dealing with the needs of organizations that appear to be quite compounded and are in need of a software for shifting through such a situation (Jacobs, 2007). The software allows its users a chance of integrating their corporate solutions for them to meet industrial standards and boosting their productivity. Additionally, the organizations that adopt such technologies are able to lower the ownership costs since it deals with several business areas such as supply chain management, suppliers’ relationship management, human capital management, asset lifecycle management, and customer relations management.
Among the pros of using, the software is the fact that it allows a cost-saving approach to business management through the elimination of third-party applications. The software also simplifies the approval of transactions, combines the latest features since it is web based. However, despite the explained advantages, the software has one drawback, which is the fact that it is difficult to recognize the components with long purchase order.
Infor BAAN
Infor BAAN is a ERP software that has been realizing an increasing rate of adoption among corporate institutions in the recent years. ERP LN and BAANIVc4 are two of the application’s versions and among the most used worldwide (Stefanou, 2001). The software has mostly been used within the manufacturing division since it allows users to obtain modified ERP functionalities for every organization. The functionalities of the software include controls planning, utility, transportation, services, manufacturing, finance management, distributions, and project management (Stefanou, 2001). While using this applications, companies have the chance of using the best ERP software in the manufacturing industry, its compatibility with Microsoft and a user-friendly interface. However, the main disadvantage of the application is the fact that it has limited ERP areas as well as having inferior comparisons with Oracle.
Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft is one of the most reputable firms in the software sector. The Dynamics package offers the MRP, CRP and ERP in combination using technologies such as SQL Server Data Management applications, SharePoint, Office Suite, and others. The functionalities of the software have allowed it to be used for routine activities by corporations in supply chain and financial management and others. Among the pros of the application is the fact that it is easy to transmit data, access real time data, high security and functionality, and a universal usage. However, it should be noted that the software may not be used for all industries and it does not allow many customizations.
Sage 500
The software allows the integration of financial accounting and management functions. The application also consolidates and supports functions of a firm since the package has allows the users to customize it for their needs (Sage Website, 2018). The business areas that the company deals with include those of business service, manufacturing, distributions, financial management, and others. For such reasons, the software has the advantage of allowing a single screen that simplifies planning, has a fast and easy configuration procedure, and has great flexibilities in usage. However, it is quite expensive to own and maintain the software. The table below summarizes the comparison of the six software
| SAP | Microsoft | Oracle | Sage 500 | Info BAAN | PeopleSoft | |
| Compatibility with Current Systems | High | High | Medium | Average | High | Medium |
| Workflow Processes | Complex | Easy | Medium | Average | Easy | Medium |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheap | Expensive | Cheap | Cheap | Medium |
| End User Support | High | Low | Low | High | Low | Low |
| Functionality | High | High | High | Average | Limited | Medium |
| Ease of Use | Complex | Easy | Medium | Average | Easy | Medium |
Conclusion
The Microsoft Dynamic software is the strongest with the rest of the applications. Therefore, it would be the best alternative for the company. This choice means that the organization will be able to implement its MRP, ERP, and CRP functions at the lowest costs, improved flexibility, and low maintenance practices. Info BAAN could also be considered because of its second-best superiority as indicated in the table.
References
Finnigan, P. (2002). SQL injection and Oracle. Securityfocus. com, November .
Jacobs, F. R. (2007). Enterprise resource planning (ERP)—A brief history. Journal of Operations Management , 25 (2), 357-363.
Sage Website (2018). Software & Solutions for any size business . (2018). Sage.com . Retrieved 16 January 2018, from http://www.sage.com/za
Soliman, F., & Youssef, M. A. (2008). The role of SAP software in business process re-engineering. International Journal of Operations & Production Management , 18 (9/10), 886-895.
Stefanou, C. J. (2001). A framework for the ex-ante evaluation of ERP software. European Journal of Information Systems , 10 (4), 204-215.
