Module 2

Key Term Definition

ERP (Enterprise Integrated management of core business processes, often in real-time

Resource Planning) and mediated by software and technology.

Software applications that facilitate the flow of information between all

ERP Systems business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and
manage connections to outside stakeholders.
Different phases of ERP development: ERP I focuses on internal
Generations of ERP operations; ERP II emphasizes collaboration and external integrations;
ERP III includes customer engagement and participation.

Integrated Information A unified IT system that consolidates data from various business
System functions, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.

A plan that identifies the goals of a business, how to achieve them,

Business Strategy and when to implement various actions; incorporates technology as
an enabler.
Technology as an The role of technology in facilitating the adoption and execution of
Enabler business strategies and processes.
Factors that differentiate one competitor from another, often gained
Competitive Advantage through effective use of ERP applications and innovative strategies.
The process of deploying an ERP system, which includes phases
Implementation
such as modeling business processes, application configuration, and
Lifecycle documentation.
The period after the ERP system is live, focusing on ongoing
Post-GoLive Phase application functionality and integration with other systems and
processes.
Ongoing adjustments to the ERP system's functionality based on user
Adaptation Phase feedback, changing business practices, and new user training needs.
A more advanced version of ERP that emphasizes outward-focused
ERP II web-enabled applications and collaboration with external entities.
Supply Chain Managing the flow of goods and services, including all processes that
Management transform raw materials into final products.
Web-enabled Software solutions that utilize the web for enhanced accessibility and
Applications interactivity, allowing for remote access and real-time updates.
Technologies and practices for collecting, analyzing, and presenting
Business Intelligence business data to support better decision-making.
The point of interaction between a business and its customers, crucial
Customer Interface for improving service and engagement.
A defined sequence of tasks that allows for automation of business
Workflow processes, often driven by ERP systems.

On-Line Analytical Tools that enable users to perform multidimensional analysis of

Processing (OLAP) business data, facilitating complex calculations and data modeling.

Adaptation of The ongoing modification and enhancement of an ERP system’s

Functionality features to meet evolving business needs and practices.
Moudle 3-1

Key Term Definition

The process of recognizing and defining the requirement for a
Initialize Need new information system to enhance business operations and
address existing inefficiencies.
A structured system for collecting, storing, and processing data
Information System to provide meaningful information that supports decision-making
and business processes.
The assessment of how well a new system aligns with the overall
Strategic Evaluation business strategy and goals to ensure effectiveness and
relevance.
The effectiveness of a company in achieving its objectives and
Business Performance generating value, which can be significantly influenced by the
implementation of a new information system.
The potential missed business opportunities that can occur
Opportunity Loss during the transition to a new system, affecting revenue and
market competitiveness.
An approach that emphasizes improving and optimizing
Process Focus business processes over specific functional areas, promoting a
culture of continuous improvement.
A traditional approach that concentrates on specific functions
Functional Focus within an organization, often leading to siloed operations and
less holistic improvement.
The categorization of expenses associated with implementing a
Cost Breakdown new system into direct and indirect costs to facilitate budget
planning.
Expenses that are directly attributable to the implementation of a
Direct Costs new information system, including hardware, software, training,
and consultancy.
Expenses that are not directly linked to the system
Indirect Costs implementation but still impact the overall cost, such as
employee time and opportunity costs.
A planning approach that considers costs and benefits over a
Long-term Perspective span of several years (typically five) to ensure sustainable
investment decisions.
A method of evaluating the financial justification for a new
Cost-Benefit Analysis system by comparing its costs with the measurable benefits it is
expected to deliver.
A type of software that integrates various business processes,
ERP (Enterprise Resource providing a comprehensive view and real-time data across sales,
Planning) manufacturing, and purchasing functions.
The creation of a visual representation of existing business
Business Process Mapping processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
Non-quantifiable advantages gained from implementing an
Intangible Benefits information system, including improved workforce morale and
enhanced problem-solving capabilities.
The use of technology to streamline and automate business
Workflow Automation processes, resulting in shorter cycle times and increased
efficiency.
The ability to access and use data as it is created or updated,
Real-time Data Access facilitating timely decision-making and operational
responsiveness.
Enhancements in product or service quality that result from
Quality Improvements improved data collection and management processes, leading to
fewer defects and customer complaints.
Moudle 3-2
Keyword Definition
The process of identifying and documenting the necessary details for a
Requirements
project or system, which can be time-consuming and requires careful
Definition management of changes and updates.
The process of managing changes to requirements, often necessitated by
Change
customer demands, problem resolution, personnel changes, or
Management improvement efforts.
The desire for all stand-alone systems to work together seamlessly,
Integration enhancing functionality and data sharing across departments.
Human Resource Departments that require specific systems for effective operation,
and Payroll highlighting the need for tailored solutions that meet their unique needs.
Marketing A department that may utilize a database built upon commonly available
Department packages to meet its specific requirements.
A department requiring sophisticated applications for various functions,
Quality
such as statistical process control, documentation management, training
Department records, and non-conformance tracking.
Defines how a project will be managed, including aspects like budget,
Project
communication, resource management, quality assurance, risk
Requirement management, and scope management.
Product High-level functions or features that the business commits to delivering,
Requirement without specifying how these features will be designed.
Functional Specifications that outline what an ERP system must do, detailing specific
Requirements functions or components.
Non-functional Also known as Quality of Service, addressing technical solutions, user
Requirements capacity, product location, transaction types, and technology interactions.
Dataflow Visual representations of data flow within a system, helping to identify
Diagrams (DFDs) processes and data interactions.
Entity
Relationship Diagrams that illustrate the relationships between entities in a database,
Diagrams (ER aiding in the understanding of data structure.
Diagrams)
A family of modeling languages used in systems and software engineering,
IDEF Models including Activity Diagrams, Use Case Diagrams, and Class Diagrams.
Walkthrough A method to identify roles, materials, and processes through successive
Approach interactions, aimed at capturing details for process mapping.
A technique where processes are mapped using documentation samples
Collage Method and large charts, facilitating discussion and identification of key issues and
requirements.
Essential Requirements that are crucial for the system's functionality and cannot be
Requirements omitted.
Non-essential requirements that are desirable but not critical, allowing
Wish List flexibility in the implementation process.
A strategy of selecting specialized software packages that offer high
Best-of-Breed functionality for specific applications, potentially requiring complex
integration into existing systems.
The opportunity to reshape organizational culture during system
Cultural Change implementation, promoting workforce mobilization and process re-
engineering.
Older systems that may need to be evaluated for migration due to changing
Legacy Systems requirements or integration needs.
The adaptability of software solutions to accommodate evolving processes
Flexibility and requirements.