Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software applications act as the central company-wide information system. ERP systems integrate all of an organization’s departments, divisions, lines of business and geographical locations into a single, shared, unified and enterprise-wide information system.
ERP systems typically include the following characteristics:
§ An integrated system that operates in (next to) real time, without relying on periodic updates.
§ A common database that supports all applications.
§ A consistent look and feel throughout each module.
§ Installation of the system without elaborate application/data integration by the Information Technology (IT) department.
