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Q1. What is web ERP? What are its benefits?List out the different modules under ERP Inventory management. The ERP vendors are being forced to move from a client to server to browser to server architecture to Web-enable their software and thus, deliver self-service and electronic commerce capabilities. The company is also focusing on the automation of supply-chain relationships via the Internet, on e-commerce via the Microsoft Merchant Server (now known as Site Server), and on using Hyperion Software Corp.'s Spider-Man technology for report and alert distribution across the Web. PeopleSoft is set to deliver its Universal ApplicationsJava-based self-service appletswith its PeopleSoft 7. JD Edwards is also using Java to allow its One World functionality to be available either through a Windows client or a Web browser, while Oracle has used Java to deliver its Oracle Web Employees, Oracle Web Customers, and Oracle Web Suppliers modules. In 1997, SAP released 25 Web applications for version 3.1 of the and recently previewed links to online catalogs for Web-based procurement. Unlike the Microsoft-centric middle market applications, the ERP vendors are all using Java, rather than Microsoft's ActiveX, for their first generation of Web-enabled applications. The move by the ERP vendors to embrace Java as a means to deliver and deploy their Web functionality is the first move away from proprietary technologies to more open tools. One reason why implementing solutions from SAP and PeopleSoft can be expensive is because the tools for customizing their productsABAP4 and People Toolsare proprietary. Whereas many lower-tier software vendors have built their application front ends using popular commercial tools such as PowerBuilder, Visual Basic, or Microsoft Accessthe ERP vendors have not taken this route. As a result, the customer will have to pay a premium for ABAP4 and People Tools programmers, instead of leveraging the Power Script or Visual Basic expertise that they may already have in-house. Because Oracle is already a tool vendor, the company uses Oracle Forms, Developer 2000, and Designer 2000 to develop its Oracle Applications. ERP Inventory Control Module Inventory module facilitates processes of maintaining the appropriate level of stock in a warehouse. The activities of inventory control involves in identifying inventory requirements, setting targets, providing replenishment techniques and options, monitoring item usages, reconciling the inventory balances, and reporting inventory status. Integration of inventory control module with sales, purchase, finance modules allows ERP systems to generate vigilant executive level report Q2. Briefly explain the functionalities of CRM sub modules. List out the benefits of CRM Systems. Sub Modules in CRM We already know that CRM is the process of managing relationships with customers by capturing, analyzing, and storing customer information. The functionality of a CRM system can be studied under three sub modules. They are Marketing, Service and Sales. All these modules are Operational, Collaborative and Analytical. Marketing module The functionalities of marketing module of CRM comprises short term execution of marketing related activities and long term planning within a company. It also helps in activities like campaign management, lead management, and planning. Marketing module enables your company to run marketing campaigns using different communication channels. This targets potential buyers using a product or a group of products as a message. It generates sales related opportunities which then can be converted into sales. Service Module The service module of CRM focuses on managing planned and unplanned customer service. This module helps in activities such as Service Order Management, Service Contract Management, Planned Services management, Warranty Management, Installed Base (Equipment) Management, Service-Level Agreement Management, Resource Planning and Scheduling and Knowledge Management

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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Sales Module

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The sales module of CRM focuses on managing and executing the presales process of the company by making it more organized. The sales teams in most companies are responsible for capturing opportunities and customer interaction. The CRM helps the sales team in processing this data and following-up it in the future. The CRM also helps in organizing all relevant data received and captured for a deal, into one place. Some of the captured data can include expected budget, total spending, prospective customers, key players, products interested in, important dates and expected closing dates of a deal. Each of these modules can be stand alone applications depending on organizational need. It is important that the right software is selected and implemented correctly. Then only any CRM can be effective. Benefits of CRM An excellent CRM is the heart of every business success. With CRM, you can easily understand customer requirements, meet those needs effectively, predict market trends and enhance your business bottom line. A properly implemented CRM system can bring significant benefits to your organisations. System means, the complete consortium of 3 P's, People (employees, culture), Procedures (way of doing business), and Programs (supporting applications and not just an application running on a computer).

The advantages that a CRM can bring are Shared or distributed data: Customer relationships are happening at many levels and not just through customer service or a web presence. They start to understand the need for sharing all available data throughout the organization. A CRM system is an enabler for making decisions and follow-up at levels. Better customer service: All data concerning interactions with customers is centralized. The customer service department can greatly benefit from this because they have all the information they need. And through the use of push-technology, customer service representatives can lead the customer towards the information they need. The customer experience is greatly enhanced.

Q3. Illustrate the role of ERP systems in Human Resources. List out the benefits of Human Resource management systems. Human Resource (HR) technology bridges the gap between Human Resource [1] Management (HRM) and information technology. The activities of human resources are generally specific to companys n orms and policies and vary from one organization to the other. The function of HR can vary from keeping track of employees skills, achievements and salary. To reduce the burden of manually managing activities of the organization, electronic automated process has become necessary. The HRM systems mainly have two objectives 1. To make the workflow cost effective and less time consuming. 2.To provide self-service benefits to the employees of an organization. To provide flexibility to the employees to change their policies taken, update their contact information anytime, etc. Activities of HRM System The various activities that HRM systems encompass are: Payroll

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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This system provides automatic and instant updates of employee information such as employee attendance, and employee arrival and departure time. It also triggers activities of various deductions and tax to be paid by the employee. It bridges the gap between employee related activities and the organizations financial management system. Work time This system performs cost analysis and maintains an efficiency metrics up to date. Administration Every organization provides certain schemes and policies for the benefits of the employees. The HRM system keeps track of the employees usage of the benefit programs such as insurance plans, compensation benefits, and retirement policies. HR management information system This system maintains records such as address data, training and development and other correlated activities such as recruitment, placement and maintains employees personnel records. Recruitment Recruiting employees that best suits an organizations criteria is very necessary. Online recruiting has become one of the major ways to employ the right and potential candidates for the positions listed in an organization. This can be achieved by online job portals, consultancies or recruiting sites. Training This system is also called as learning management systems. This system keeps track of employee skills and training to be provided. It also decides the type of training course required, and other learning materials such books and CDs required for the training. The HRM system also keeps track of calendar of training classes, performance and appraisal metric of employees. Performance Record This system maintains performance updates of employees Employee self service This system helps employees to interact with the HR regarding any queries and wants in an organization related to benefits, policies and concerns. Organizational development This system helps in analyzing various modules of an organization which helps in retaining the deserving candidates Q4. Describe how you would go about the different phases of the ERP implementation lifecycle, if it were being done in your company. A phased approach focuses on a key or critical area, stabilization of the system usage and quicker visible benefits in an organization. Of course, the investment outflow for implementation is also phased. The Big Bang implementation approach on the other hand demands for realignment of processes. It also requires greater commitment from the developers and the management in terms of resources and time. However, the benefit will be a full solution encompassing all processes, which is anyway the benefit of a fully integrated ERP system affecting all areas and processes. The process of ERP implementation is referred as ERP Implementation Life Cycle. The following are the steps involved in completing the lifecycle: Shortlist on the Basis of Observation

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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Selecting an ERP package for the company can be compared with the process of "Selecting the right Person for the Right Job". This process will involve choosing few applications suitable for the company from the whole many. Assessing the Chosen Packages A team of Experts with specialized knowledge in their respective field will be asked to make the study on the basis of various parameters. Each expert will test and certify if the package is appropriate for the range of application in their field. They also confirm the level of coordination that the software will help to achieve in working with other departments. They will verify if the synergy of the various departments in simple terms due to the advent of ERP will lead to an increased output. A choice is to be made from ERP implementation models. Preparing for the Venture This stage is meant to define the implementation of ERP in all measures. It will lay down the stipulations and criterions to be met. A team will take care of this, who will report to the person of the top hierarchy in the organization. Gap Analysis This stage helps the company to find the gaps that has to be bridged, so that the companys practice becomes akin to ERP environment. This procedure has been reported as an expensive but it is inevitable. The company will decide to restructure the business or make any other alterations as suggested by gap analysis in order to make ERP user friendly. Click here for a detailed study on gap analysis. A choice is to be made from ERP implementation models. Business Process Reengineering Modification in employee rolls, business process and technical details find place in this phase of restructuring most popularly referred as business process engineering. Designing the System This step requires very careful planning and deliberate action. This step assists the company to decide and conclude the areas where restructuring have to be carried on. A choice is to be made from ERP implementation models. In-House Guidance This is regarded as a vital step in ERP implementation. The employees in the company are trained to tackle crisis and make minor corrections as well because the company can neither be at liberty nor afford the bounty to avail the services of an ERP vendor at all times. Checking This stage observes and tests the authenticity of the use. The system is subjected to the extreme tests possible so that it ensures proper usage and justifies the costs incurred. This is seen as a test for ERP implementation. The Real Test At this stage the replacement takes place through the new mechanism of operation and administration takes over the older one. Preparing the Employees to use ERP The employees in the organization will be taught to make use of the system in the day to day and regular basis. This makes sure that it becomes a part of the system in the organization. Post Implementation

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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The process of implementation will be significant only when there is regular follow up and proper instruction flow thereafter and through the lifetime of ERP. This consists of all the efforts and steps taken to update and attain better benefits once the system is implemented. Hence an organization has to perform ERP implementation safely and correctly. Q5.Discuss briefly about JD Edwards and PeopleSofts applications and their various modules? People Tools is an integrated set of client/server business application development and customization tools from PeopleSoft. These tools enable customers to implement, modify, and maintain PeopleSoft applications as well as to extract, analyze and manipulate data. People Tools includes several tools for reporting, customization and workflow. PeopleSoft continually adds and refines technology to optimize their customers information systems. They help customers take advantage of new and emerging technologies, giving them more choices and freedom to develop their own innovative business processes. Some of them are given below Self-Service Applications Helps to improve productivity throughout the organization. PeopleSoft focuses on providing the occasional user with easy access to information and functionality specific to their role. They have developed a set of self-service applications to help companies quickly and cost-effectively distribute functionality throughout the enterprise over the Internet, and intranets. Built with a spontaneous interface based on a standard Web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer. These Java-based, cross-platform applications enable employees, customers, suppliers, and other occasional users to perform self-service administrative tasks easily. Self-service applications are linked to PeopleSoft core product lines. Such as PeopleSoft Accounting and Control, Human Resources Management, and Materials Management. Web Client Self-service applications use the PeopleSoft Web Client. The Web Client is downloadable on demand and runs on a Web browser across multiple platforms. Its affordability, open architecture and simplicity provide an ideal framework for delivering enterprise solutions to a large number of people. Applications dont need to be installed at every desktop ; they are accessed easily through a browser. In addition to supporting self-service applications, the PeopleSoft Web Client has a Work list and Query interface. This improves the flow of the companys business processes and improves access to information for occasional users. Furthermore, all data transmitted between the Web Client and the application server is coded for added security. Because the Web Client takes advantage of People Tools, self-service applications can be deployed across the Internet or existing corporate intranets with common business rules workflow logic and security features. Multi-layer Transaction Processing The ability to support large numbers of parallel users, while maintaining reliable, and superior performance, is critical to enterprise-wide data processing. PeopleSoft works in a variety of settings over Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Network (WANs), throughout organizations. In the latter, the application logic runs on an application server instead of the client. The application server is designed to relieve the client from processing intense SQL transactions, thereby reducing LAN traffic and improving performance across WANs. Three layered architecture also provides increased scalability to accommodate high volumes of parallel users while maintaining a consistent and reliable performance level. PeopleSoft continues to support its traditional two layered architecture as well. Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) Companies must be able to quickly extract and analyze the information they require for effective decision-making. OLAP, or online analytical processing, is a powerful method for interactively analyzing data online. PeopleSoft integrates popular OLAP tools including CognosPowerPlay and Arbor Essbase that enable users to easily share multidimensional data stored in various locations. With the Cube Manager application, users can define the data they want to extract into an OLAP cube. It enables them to quickly view information from all different angles to test conclusions, conduct what-if scenarios and compare alternative strategies. With multidimensional information presented in quick-read formats, managers can make better decisions, react faster to competitive threats and identify inefficiencies. Workflow

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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An essential part of the solution, PeopleSoft workflow capabilities help communications companies achieve enterprise-wide integration of information, applications, and people. Workflow enables a company to automate many time-consuming clerical tasks, while putting useful data into the hands of users. With workflow, the companys PeopleSoft applications do more of the work. For example, if managerial approval is needed for a work order, the system automatically forwards the request. Workflow can also help the company track projects, by initiating a workflow message to the appropriate person when a project exceeds a predetermined cost. The company can even bring non-PeopleSoft users into the workflow process, using e-mail systems and the Internet for collecting, and distributing data. The different product modules available from JD Edwards are Foundation Suite Consists of Back Office, CASE Foundation, Environment/ Toolkit, Financial Analysis Spreadsheet Tool and Report Writer, World Vision GUI, Electronic Burst & Bind. Financial Suite Consists of General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, Financial Modeling and Budgeting, Multi-Currency Processing, Cash Basis Accounting, Time Accounting) Logistics/Distribution Suite Consists of Forecasting, Requirements Planning, Enterprise Facilities Planning, Sales Order Management, Advanced Pricing, Procurement, Work Order Management, Inventory Management etc.

Management Consists of Equipment Management, Transportation Management, Job Cost and Service Billing Services Suite Contract Billing, Subcontract Management, Change Management, and Property Management. Manufacturing Suite Consists of Configuration Management, Cost Management, Product Data Management, Capacity Planning, Shop Floor Management, and Advanced Maintenance Management) Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Mining and Real Estate Suite Consists of Procurement, Inventory Management, Equipment Management, Job Cost, Work Order Management, Subcontract Management, Change Management, Contract Management, Contract Billing etc. Energy and Chemical Suite Consists of Agreement Management, Advanced Stock Valuation, Sales Order Management, Bulk Stock Management, and Load and Delivery Management. Government, Education, and Not-for-Profit Solutions Consist of Financial Administration and Reporting, Budget Administration, Fund and Encumbrance Accounting, Grant and Endowment Management, Purchasing and Material Management, Warehousing and Central Stores Management, Human Resources Management, Service and Work Order Management, Capital Project and Construction Management, Contract Management, Plant, Equipment, and Fleet Maintenance.

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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Utility and Energy Solutions

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Consists of Customer Information System, Human Resources Management, Work Management, Regulatory Reporting, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Enterprise Maintenance Management. JD Edwards offers customers the means of achieving greater ongoing control of their businesses. It is enabled by their ability to define and redefine the way they do business as markets, customers and competitive conditions change. Behind this customer commitment is a twenty-two year history of listening to customers, understanding what they ask of business technology. At the same time learning the problems and requirements of their industry and developing solutions accordingly. By emphasizing solutions, relationships, and value, JD Edwards maintains its focus on what truly matters to its customers. Q6. What is BAPI? Why BIAP is considered as commanding tool in the SAP consultants toolkit? BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) is a set of interfaces to object-oriented programming methods that enable a programmer to integrate third-party software into the proprietary R/3 product from SAP. For specific business tasks such as uploading transactional data, BAPIs are implemented and stored in the R/3 system as remote function call (RFC) modules. BAPI is the most dominant tool in the SAP consultants toolkit. It is one of a set of tools for interfacing with an SAP R/3 system. The priority of BAPI is calling data in and out of SAP. For the SAP consultant, BAPIs are the small, powerful ships that keep these barges of data moving. SAPs R/3 system is now open by releasing the specifications for some 170 business a pplication programming interfaces (BAPIs). This helped third-party applications interact with R/3 directly. BAPIs can be called assets of methods that allow external applications to collaborate with specific R/3 business objects such as customers, accounts, or employees. As R/3 data is addressable through callable methods, BAPIs gives flexibility to the third party application vendors to build supporting applications for the R/3 system.

Name: B RUKMANGADA RAO Roll #: 511222719

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