Read the case study carefully and answer ALL the questions in this section.

ERP

You've heard of ERPs and have a general understanding of what they do but aren't sure how or if they can add value and contribute to your current business process and systems.

I'll give you an explanation of ERPs including how they work and deliver value.

We'll also demonstrate how companies can benefit from an ERP using real$-$life examples of Amazon, Starbucks & Toyota.

Key takeaways:

ERP systems integrate business processes and data, improving decision$-$making and efficiency across functions like finance, HR$,$ and supply chain, beneficial for various industries and business sizes.

ERPs centralize data management, combining diverse applications into one system for streamlined information flow, enhanced security, and automated workflows, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

An ERP $($Enterprise Resource Planning$)$ system is a powerful software platform that integrates business data, process, and function into a unified system that streamlines management and facilitates datadriven decision$-$making.

Amazon using SAP

Amazon uses an ERP software called SAP $($Systems Analysis and Program Development$).$

SAP was created in Germany in $1972$ by five former IBM employees who envisioned a software integration of all business and data processing in real$-$time.

It's regarded as being best ERP software for advanced analytics using Al and machine learning

SAP features include:

$.$ Financial management

Human resources management $($SAP SuccessFactors$)$

Supply chain management

Customer relationship management $($SAP C$/4$HANA$)$

Analytics and reporting $($SAP Analytics Cloud$)$

Manufacturing and production planning

Project and portfolio management

Database and data management

Enterprise asset management

Research and development$/$engineering:

Procurement and networks

Enterprise performance management

Internet of Things $($IOT$)$ and digital supply chain

QUESTION $1$

$(30$ Marks$)$

It is clear from the extract above that the implementation of an ERP system in an organisation is beneficial.

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Explain the characteristics and business value of implementing an ERP system in an organisation.

$(15$ Marks$)$