Enterprise Resource Planning

 

which is an abbreviation for Enterprise Resource Planning, is principally an integration of business management practices and modern technology. Information Technology (IT) integrates with the core business processes of a corporate house to streamline and accomplish specific business objectives. Consequently, ERP is an amalgamation of three most important components; Business Management Practices, Information Technology and Specific Business Objectives.
In simpler words, an ERP is a massive software architecture that supports the streaming and distribution of geographically scattered enterprise wide information across all the functional units of a business house. It provides the business management executives with a comprehensive overview of the complete business execution which in turn influences their decisions in a productive way.
At the core of ERP is a well managed centralized data repository which acquires information from and supply information into the fragmented applications operating on a universal computing platform.
Information in large business organizations is accumulated on various servers across many functional units and sometimes separated by geographical boundaries. Such information islands can possibly service individual organizational units but fail to enhance enterprise wide performance, speed and competence.
The term ERP originally referred to the way a large organization planned to use its organizational wide resources. Formerly, ERP systems were used in larger and more industrial types of companies. However, the use of ERP has changed radically over a period of few years. Today the term can be applied to any type of company, operating in any kind of field and of any magnitude.
Today's ERP software architecture can possibly envelop a broad range of enterprise wide functions and integrate them into a single unified database repository. For instance, functions such as Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, Finance, Manufacturing Warehouse Management and Logistics were all previously stand alone software applications, generally housed with their own applications, database and network, but today, they can all work under a single umbrella - the ERP architecture.
In order for a software system to be considered ERP, it must provide a business with wide collection of functionalities supported by features like flexibility, modularity & openness, widespread, finest business processes and global focus.

 

Integration is Key to ERP Systems

Integration is an exceptionally significant ingredient to ERP systems. The integration between business processes helps develop communication and information distribution, leading to remarkable increase in productivity, speed and performance.
The key objective of an ERP system is to integrate information and processes from all functional divisions of an organization and merge it for effortless access and structured workflow. The integration is typically accomplished by constructing a single database repository that communicates with multiple software applications providing different divisions of an organization with various business statistics and information.
Although the perfect configuration would be a single ERP system for an entire organization, but many larger organizations usually deploy a single functional system and slowly interface it with other functional divisions. This type of deployment can really be time-consuming and expensive.

 

The Ideal ERP System

An ERP system would qualify as the best model for enterprise wide solution architecture, if it chains all the below organizational processes together with a central database repository and a fused computing platform.
Manufacturing

Engineering, resource & capacity planning, material planning, workflow management, shop floor management, quality control, bills of material, manufacturing process, etc.

Financials

Accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, general ledger, cash management, and billing (contract/service)
Human Resource

Recruitment, benefits, compensations, training, payroll, time and attendance, labour rules, people management
Supply Chain Management

Inventory management, supply chain planning, supplier scheduling, claim processing, sales order administration, procurement planning, transportation and distribution

Projects

Costing, billing, activity management, time and expense

Customer Relationship Management

Sales and marketing, service, commissions, customer contact and after sales support

Data Warehouse

Generally, this is an information storehouse that can be accessed by organizations, customers, suppliers and employees for their learning and orientation

 

ERP Systems Improve Productivity, Speed and Performance

Prior to evolution of the ERP model, each department in an enterprise had their own isolated software application which did not interface with any other system. Such isolated framework could not synchronize the inter-department processes and hence hampered the productivity, speed and performance of the overall organization. These led to issues such as incompatible exchange standards, lack of synchronization, incomplete understanding of the enterprise functioning, unproductive decisions and many more.

For example: The financials could not coordinate with the procurement team to plan out purchases as per the availability of money.

Hence, deploying a comprehensive ERP system across an organization leads to performance increase, workflow synchronization, standardized information exchange formats, complete overview of the enterprise functioning, global decision optimization, speed enhancement and much more.

 

ERP Software World of Solutions by Mr.Tamer alhosiny

 

Implementation of an ERP System

Implementing an ERP system in an organization is an extremely complex process. It takes lot of systematic planning, expert consultation and well structured approach. Due to its extensive scope it may even take years to implement in a large organization. Implementing an ERP system will eventually necessitate significant changes on staff and work processes. While it may seem practical for an in-house IT administration to head the project, it is commonly advised that special ERP implementation experts be consulted, since they are specially trained in deploying these kinds of systems.

Organizations generally use ERP vendors or consulting companies to implement their customized ERP system. There are three types of professional services that are provided when implementing an ERP system, they are Consulting, Customization and Support.

• Consulting Services - are responsible for the initial stages of ERP implementation where they help an organization go live with their new system, with product training, workflow, improve ERP's use in the specific organization, etc.
• Customization Services - work by extending the use of the new ERP system or changing its use by creating customized interfaces and/or underlying application code. While ERP systems are made for many core routines, there are still some needs that need to be built or customized for a particular organization.
• Support Services - include both support and maintenance of ERP systems. For instance, trouble shooting and assistance with ERP issues.

The ERP implementation process goes through five major stages which are Structured Planning, Process Assessment, Data Compilation & Cleanup, Education & Testing and Usage & Evaluation.

1. Structured Planning: is the foremost and the most crucial stage where an capable project team is selected, present business processes are studied, information flow within and outside the organization is scrutinized, vital objectives are set and a comprehensive implementation plan is formulated.
2. Process Assessment: is the next important stage where the prospective software capabilities are examined, manual business processes are recognized and standard working procedures are constructed.
3. Data Compilation & Cleanup: helps in identifying data which is to be converted and the new information that would be needed. The compiled data is then analyzed for accuracy and completeness, throwing away the worthless/unwanted information.
4. Education & Testing: aids in proofing the system and educating the users with ERP mechanisms. The complete database is tested and verified by the project team using multiple testing methods and processes. A broad in-house training is held where all the concerned users are oriented with the functioning of the new ERP system.
5. Usage & Evaluation: is the final and an ongoing stage for the ERP. The lately implemented ERP is deployed live within the organization and is regularly checked by the project team for any flaw or error detection.

Advantages of ERP Systems

There are many advantages of implementing an EPR system. A few of them are listed below:

• A perfectly integrated system chaining all the functional areas together
• The capability to streamline different organizational processes and workflows
• The ability to effortlessly communicate information across various departments\
• Improved efficiency, performance and productivity levels
• Enhanced tracking and forecasting
• Improved customer service and satisfaction
  

Disadvantages of ERP Systems

While advantages usually outweigh disadvantages for most organizations implementing an ERP system, here are some of the most common obstacles experienced:

• The scope of customization is limited in several circumstances
• The present business processes have to be rethought to make them synchronize with the ERP
• ERP systems can be extremely expensive to implement
• There could be lack of continuous technical support
• ERP systems may be too rigid for specific organizations that are either new or want to move in a new direction in the near future

Get ready for the Virtual Summit!

Step 1: Download the agenda HERE
Step 2: Add the full agenda to your Outlook calendar HERE
Step 3. Register HERE (at no charge to MCTs and academic educators)

My absolute favorite time of the year is nearly here; The MCT & Educator Virtual Summit 2010 will kick off in exactly

Today, we are proud to share that we have received over 1,000 registrations and we have 750 fans on Facebook. We are burning with SUMMIT FEVER!!

Why? Well, for one thing, these Summits come along just once a year. It is traditionally a time where our MCTs prepare for new products and new courses, we brush up our soft skills and we do a LOT of community networking. This year Academic Educators are invited too and we are offering special tracks to both audiences. It is incredibly energizing to bring so have many people together. MCTs and Academic educators all over the world united by their shared passion for technology. This is where we look at new products together, this is where we share best practices, this is where we learn and this is where we make new friends all over the world.

That's right: three days and three nights, 3 sessions simultaneously at most times, we lovingly call this event 'our beautiful content monster'.

To see why we call it a monster, download the Agenda here. No matter which timezone you live in, we will be 'live' whenever you join us. All sessions are recorded and will be available later on, but nothing beats attending live. Go to the Virtual Bars, the Virtual Booths, Chat sessions, meet your colleagues and meet our speakers.

If you are an MCT or an academic educator, this event is your opportunity to prepare for new technology, to prepare for new courses. You could normally spend tonnes of time finding content, preparing for new courses can be hard work. At the Virtual Summit you can learn the latest and greatest straight 'from the horses mouth'. Join authors as present their new course, join subject matter experts who share their expertise, join my colleagues as they speak to the products that their teams work on. And as half your success as a trainer or educator is determined by what you know and the other half is determined by how you tell it, we are proud to announce soft skills training which can help finetune your skills.

Did I mention that the event is FREE to all MCTs and Academic Educators? All you need to do is register!

And if you would like to attend the event with some friends, why not request a Summit Party Kit? Just email us and let us know your plans, how many friends and colleagues you expect and we will send you some posters, T-Shirts and caps. Send us a photograph during the Summit as we would love to share your readiness event with others :-). Be quick, we will gladly send you a Summit Party Kit, while supplies last!

I will be at the Virtual Summit 2010, will you? I look forward to seeing you there!

Microsoft Project 2007-Outline

Project management basics
Microsoft Project2007
	Initial overview
	Initial setup
	Using the Project Guide
	Creating a new project
Working with Tasks
	Entering tasks
	Creating subtasks
	Inserting, copying, and moving tasks
	Dates and task duration
	Changing timescale
	Establishing deadlines and milestones
	Repeating tasks
	Entering and printing task notes
Creating Relationships Between Tasks
	Task dependencies within a project
	Creating dependencies
	Dependency types and lag times
	Viewing and deleting dependencies
	Different types of constraints
	Dealing with conflicts
Managing Resources and Assignments
	Adding resources to your project
	Creating a resource list
	Distributing project work
	Removing or replacing resources
	Viewing resource assignments
Managing Costs
	Assigning project costs
	Exploring costs
	Fixed costs and accruing costs
	Viewing a project's costs
Reviewing Your Projects
	About views
	Creating a view
	Combination views
Working with Tables
	Understanding and viewing tables
	Creating or editing a table
	Adjusting tables
Printing Your Projects
	Preparing to print and Print Preview
	Page setup options
Critical Paths
	Identifying the critical path
	Using the Critical Path wizard
	Shortening the critical path
Resolving Resource Conflicts
	How to identify conflicts
	Basic conflict resolution techniques
	Leveling resource assignments
Establishing Baselines
	Overview of tracking principles
	Setting a baseline
	Working with interim plans
Updating Your Projects
	Tracking basics
	Tracking progress
	Using timephased fields
Reporting
	Understanding reporting
	Analyzing the Overview report
	Analyzing the Current Activities report
	Analyzing the Costs report
	Analyzing the Assignments report
	Analyzing the Workload report
	Creating custom reports
Integrating with Office
	Copying project data into other applications
	Linking projects
	Import an Outlook task into Project
Customizing and Optimizing Your Projects
	Setting defaults
	Creating a Project template
	Using a Project template
All above and more

Microsoft Certified Trainer

Microsoft Certified Trainers

meet stringent certification requirements. They also receive many valuable benefits, including free access to the complete library of Official Microsoft Learning Products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; members-only newsgroups and online community resources; and invitations to exclusive events and programs.

Benefits

Discover tools, resources, and other benefits to help you thrive as both a technologist and an educator. The following MCT program benefits help you build, maintain, and prove your expertise on Microsoft products and technologies—and prepare for, teach, and support blended learning solutions.

MCT welcome kit

After enrolling in the MCT program or renewing your membership, you receive a welcome kit that includes the following:

• MCT certificate: Post your credentials in your office or classroom.

• MCT wallet card: Identify yourself as an MCT in your technical communities.

• Microsoft Learning virtual hard disk DVDs: These DVDs contain the virtual PC images required for Microsoft Learning Products and Microsoft Dynamics courseware.

• MCT guide for Microsoft Dynamics: Explore the benefits of becoming an MCT for Microsoft Dynamics.

Ongoing benefits and support

As an MCT, you gain access to the MCT member Web site, which provides all the latest news and resources, including trainer readiness resources, announcements about exams and Microsoft Learning products, and MCT program logos. The member site also provides access to the following MCT benefits.

• TechNet Plus Direct subscription: Receive free evaluation software, access to the TechNet technical library, and support. If you prefer DVDs instead of online access, you can receive a 20 percent discount on Microsoft TechNet Plus.

  Note This offer might not be available in all countries or regions.

• MCT readiness support: Join us at our monthly Live Meetings (the Third Thursday sessions) or view recorded sessions in our MCT Readiness Library. We offer technical readiness and portfolio readiness to help you prepare for new courses in less time, while having more impact. We also offer a soft skills track that can help you fine-tune your training delivery skills.

• OneNote trainer preparation packs: Valuable trainer preparation packs in Office OneNote format, allowing you to make notes, add content, and share your Notebook with colleagues.

• MCT Download Center: Receive free, comprehensive access to the entire Microsoft Learning and Microsoft Dynamics library of learning materials.

• Microsoft Learning Courseware Library: Find additional courseware developed by the MCT community.

• MCT newsgroups: Join exclusive private communities for peer support and networking, and communicate with the Microsoft Learning team.

• Courseware support: Get direct Microsoft support on questions about Official Microsoft Learning Products.

• Metrics that Matter: Track customer satisfaction.

MCIT & HP Train 100,000 Employees on ICDL

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Tarek Kamel along with Minister of Education Dr. Yousry El-Gamal, in the presence of Ken Willett, Vice President of Hewlett Packard (HP) Middle East, Mediterranean and Africa (MEMA), witnessed today the signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement between Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and HP on the training of 100,000 specialists working for the health, trade and education sectors on basic IT skills.

The trainees will receive the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) upon completion of the training courses. The above sectors had been lately added to benefit from the initiative.

Dr. Ekram Fathy, Senior Advisor to Minister of Communications and IT for Human Resource Development and Training, and Mr. Ahmed Samy, General Manager and Managing Director of HP Egypt, co-signed the agreement.

Dr. Kamel said MCIT is committed to go on with its integrated program of training young calibers, graduates and employees through cooperating with other ministries, agencies and civil society entities to meet the needs of the employment market, which has been witnessing a rapid growth in the past years.

The certification, he noted, aims at increasing the Egyptian workforce competitiveness in the international employment market.

Our strategy, Dr. Kamel added, aims to create a ground of highly trained and qualified human calibers. Egyptian talent is one of the major sources of national income, he reflected.

On his part, Mr. Willett said he hoped that cooperation between HP and Egypt will extend to reach other sectors in Egypt.

Mr. Willett added that HP is a major company with regards to manufacturing IT products for end users, offering integrated solutions and services to a wide spectrum of businesses.

This agreement comes under the umbrella of the ICDL initiative implemented cooperatively among MCIT, Ministry of State for Administrative Development, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and European Computer Driving License (ECDL) Foundation.

The project, kicked off in 2006, aims at granting one million citizens ICDL certificate within five years as of the agreement date. Another purpose is to eradicate IT illiteracy in all age groups and social segments, which in turn helps maximize the productivity of all employees utilizing computers in their fields.

A total of 145,000 recent graduates, school students, teachers and administrators and university students, professors and administrators as well as other civil servants have acquired the ICDL so far.

The Egyptian Government, represented by MCIT, bought the testing system from ICDL/ ECDL. The tests will be offered either for free or at a minimum cost. The UNESCO Cairo Office supervises the testing process and undertakes the quality assurance.

ICDL is an internationally accredited certificate that is issued by the ECDL Foundation. More than 144 countries across the globe acknowledge ICDL tests. The certificate is an international indicator for quality assurance and assessment of the competencies and skills of end beneficiaries.

About MCIT
Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) was established in October 1999 to facilitate the country's assimilation into the global information society. Its mandate is to support the development of the local ICT industry, thereby boosting exports and creating jobs; promote the use of ICT nationwide as a means to achieve national development goals and build the foundations of the knowledge society in Egypt in close collaboration with other governmental, civil society and private sector entities. www.mcit.gov.eg

About HP
HP is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world. Founded in 1939, provide infrastructure and business offerings of wide range of products and services from digital photography to digital entertainment and from computing to home printing. The company is among the world's largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $118.4 billion for fiscal 2008. www.hp.com

About ECDL Foundation
ECDL Foundation is the global standards and certification body for the ECDL and ICDL end-user computer skills certification programs. It's a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising the level of computer skills in society and providing access for all to the Information Society. With over 9 million candidates participating in a range of programs, ECDL Foundation has set the global benchmark in end-user skills certification. www.ecdl.org

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1

With Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1, Oracle delivers on its Applications Unlimited commitment, the long-term plan to provide continuing enhancements to your existing investments in Oracle applications.

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 provides organizations of all sizes, across all industries and regions with a global business foundation that reduces costs and increases productivity through a portfolio of rapid value solutions, integrated business processes and industry-focused solutions.

With the latest release of Oracle E-Business Suite, customers can:

* Achieve rapid value today with standalone solutions that are complementary to an existing 11i or Release 12 environment
* Invest in ways to standardize and simplify with integrated business processes that reduce cost and minimize complexity
* Strengthen competitive position with purpose-built industry solutions that drive greater value across the enterprise
DISCOVER HOW ORACLE E-BUSINESS SUITE 12.1 CAN HELP YOU



Rapid Value Solutions

* Maximize value by connecting and optimizing supply, demand and design chains with the new Value Chain Planning solutions in Oracle Supply Chain Management
* Expect quick ROI by effectively managing pay for performance on a global scale with Oracle Incentive Compensation
* Increase operational efficiency and inventory management excellence to combat tight margins in today's fast-paced and challenging business environment with Oracle Warehouse Management (WMS)
* Achieve fast time to value by reducing deployment time and lowering overall total cost of ownership with analytics seamlessly integrated to transaction systems including Procurement & Spend Analytics, HR & Talent Management Analytics, Project Analytics, and Federal Financial Analytics

Integrated Business Processes

* Maximize the value of your workforce by managing talent enterprise-wide through a truly integrated Talent Management solution that connects strategic and transactional HR data and processes
* Improve visibility to estimated costs and make better sourcing decisions with Oracle Landed Cost Management (LCM)
* Increase agility by leveraging pre-built, sustainable integrations that reduce implementation risk and cost with AIA integrations

Purpose-Built Industry Solutions

* Increase the visibility of ROI for promotional funds and the effect of supplier price changes with Oracle Supplier Ship and Debit and Oracle Price Protection for Wholesale Distribution.
* Eliminate incomplete and inconsistent site and product data by centralizing all site and product information from heterogeneous systems with Oracle Site Hub and Oracle Product Information Management (PIM) for Retail.
* Reduce the overhead of managing reimbursable agreements with Project Accounting for Federal.
* Manage cash flow and ensure subcontractors satisfy contract deliverables with Subcontractor Payments for Engineering & Construction.

ECDL Foundation

ECDL Foundation is the certifying authority of the leading international computer skills certification programme – ECDL / ICDL. The quality and reputation of our certification programmes are built on over a decade of experience in successfully delivering Information Communication Technology (ICT) certification programmes to over 9 million people, in 41 languages around the world

Our global success stems from our pioneering role in identifying and developing programme content, our commitment to ensuring rigorous test design methodologies with an ongoing adherence to high quality standards.

ECDL Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that benefits from the unique support of experts from national computer societies and international organisations across the globe. ECDL Foundation has offices in Dublin, Brussels, and Singapore, and appoints national partners (also known as ‘operators’) around the world to implement its certification programmes at national level. This global delivery network operates under strictly defined quality assurance standards thus achieving consistency of programme implementation around the world.

The seven ICDL modules that lead to documented computer skills are:

Module 1 > Concepts of IT

The physical make-up of a personal computer and concepts such as data storage, memory and viruses.

Module 2 > Using the Computer and Managing Files

The fundamental functions of a personal computer and its operation system.

Module 3 > Word Processing

Creating, formatting and finishing a word-processing document, and using more advanced word-processing features.

Module 4 > Spreadsheets

Developing, formatting and using a spreadsheet; using basic formulas and functions to perform standard mathematical and logical functions.

Module 5 > Databases

Designing and planning a simple database using a standard database package; retrieving information from an existing database.

Module 6 > Presentations

Creating, formatting and preparing presentations, using graphics and charts and various slide show effects.

Module 7 > Information and Communication (Internet and Email)

sing a Web browser application and available search engine tools to accomplish Web search tasks; using E-mail software to send, receive and organise messages.