Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a comprehensive software system used by organizations to plan, coordinate, and control strategic resources—including procurement, production, distribution, and financial assets—located across various geographic regions, in order to meet customer demands efficiently and effectively. These systems integrate all functions of an organization—such as procurement, production, inventory management, accounting, finance, quality management, human resources, sales, and logistics—into a single unified database, ensuring seamless information flow throughout the organization and to relevant users. The primary objective is to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by managing all business activities in an integrated manner.
ERP is defined as commercial software that integrates all operational units across different sectors—including telecommunications, retail, media, healthcare, and public administration—such as after-sales service, maintenance, repair, and human resources—and enables the integration of all information flows within a company. ERP is a suite of software programs that connect all functions of a company—including finance, production, procurement, sales, logistics, and human resources—through a single database. The term “enterprise” reflects the fact that these systems encompass all functions of an organization, not limited to a specific service or product line. The ERP concept can be approached from three different perspectives:
- Commercial Software: It is a commercial product that can be purchased and sold as computer software.
- Development Tool: It is a development tool that consolidates all organizational processes and data within a single, comprehensive, and integrated structure.
- Infrastructure Component: It is a key element of an infrastructure that provides solutions for business processes.
Development
The origins of ERP date back to the 1960s, when traditional inventory management methods were in use.
- 1970s – Material Requirements Planning (MRP): With the shift toward mass production, Material Requirements Planning (MRP) emerged to address challenges in raw material and component procurement. MRP is a system that breaks down finished products in the master production schedule into detailed component requirements. Its primary objectives include reducing inventory investment, improving workflow, and enhancing customer service.
- Late 1970s – Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRP II): As markets shifted toward customer-focused production, MRP proved inadequate, leading to the development of Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRP II). MRP II expanded MRP systems by adding functions such as sales planning, capacity management, and scheduling, enabling the coordination of all organizational activities through a single database.
- 1990s – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): In the early 1990s, the integration demands brought about by globalization created a need for systems that went beyond MRP II and incorporated additional business functions such as finance, human resources, and distribution. The development of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) systems further propelled ERP software into prominence. ERP is an integrated enterprise solution that serves not only manufacturing but also the service sector.
- ERP II: Today, ERP systems are expanding toward the ERP II concept through the integration of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Business Intelligence (BI).
Purpose and Core Features
The primary purpose of ERP systems is to facilitate and enhance collaboration and interaction among functions such as accounting, finance, sales and distribution, production planning, inventory management, procurement, manufacturing, marketing, quality management, human resources, and maintenance and repair. These systems also aim to reduce product costs and increase profitability. General characteristics of ERP software include:
- Standard and Customizable Structure: They are standard software packages designed for all industries and can be customized during implementation to meet the specific needs of the organization.
- Application Software: ERP is an application software, distinct from database management systems, middleware, or operating systems.
- Integrated Database: It maintains an integrated database that stores both master data and data related to business processes.
- Business Process Solutions: It provides solutions for core business processes and features a highly functional structure.
- Global Use and Local Compliance: Designed to deliver solutions independent of country or region, ERP systems also fulfill country-specific requirements such as accounting practices, specialized documentation, and human resource management.
- Support for Repetitive Processes: It supports recurring and continuous business processes such as supply chain management, order management, and payment processing.
- Modular Structure: It runs multiple software components (modules) addressing various business activities under a single database. This modular structure allows organizations to integrate relevant components according to their needs. Although modules can be installed independently, they function cohesively within an integrated framework.
