ERP System Selection for CPLS

This assignment examines the process of choosing an appropriate Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for CPLS, a Community Partnering for Literacy (CPLS) organization facing financial constraints. It emphasizes the need for a cost-effective yet scalable solution that can handle CPLS's growth while considering ethical considerations and potential discounts from vendors recognizing their social impact. The analysis focuses on top ERP brands like Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAGE, SAP Business One, Infor Global Solutions, NetSuite, Lawson Software, and highlights the importance of selecting a system with upgradability for long-term value.

1/24/2018
Student Name
Adopting ERP for Chris and Patricia's Legal support (CPLS) services

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Executive summary
Corporate social responsibility is increasingly being practiced among organizations today and
many organizations are contributing towards social needs. CPLS is also offering similar services
by delivering free legal advice and services to under privileged members of society. But to
remain active and competitive the organization also need incorporate modern technologies to its
operation which will ensure smooth and effective operations. To help CPLS improve its
operation the inclusion of an ERP system is critical thus the report shall focus on areas CPLS
must focus on while considering the purchase of an ERP system.
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Overview of the ERP purchase process and considerations on requirements..............................................3
Vendor research and information gathering.................................................................................................4
Detail evaluation of short-listed vendors / ERP systems.............................................................................4
Top vendor / ERP system............................................................................................................................5
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................5
Recommendation.........................................................................................................................................6
References:..................................................................................................................................................7
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Introduction
Chris and Patricia have come up with an innovative idea whereby they offer free legal services
and advice to needy people. The ideas have registered a high rate of success and constantly
attracting more volunteer legal practitioners who are joining the initiative and offering their legal
services for free to needy citizens. Despite of being a free service, it’s important that CPLS
services are deliver high quality services to ensure justice is delivered despite the citizen's
financial stature. As the number is volunteers joining the organization increases the need to
monitor and manage the operations it also growing. CPLS has approximately 50 volunteers
distributed in three branches, but many more volunteers are joining each year. The number is
underprivileged clients is also increasing at the same time making it important that a digitalized
management system be put in place. This has made it important to incorporate an Enterprise
resource planning (ERP) system which would allow the organization to better coordinate its
operations and improve performance (Leon, 2013). With over 50 members distributed across
three branches and several dozen clients, the need to have an effective management system in
place is critical towards the organization smooth operations. To help select an effective ERP
system to install to the organization, it's important the certain points related to the ERP are first
evaluated thus delivering better clarity regarding the ERP and how as well as whom it will
benefit once added to the organization's management system.
Overview of the ERP purchase process and considerations on requirements
The first point to take into consideration is that CPLS is a volunteer legal advisory and
representation organization which means the organization does not have any source of income
from services offered. All legal volunteers only offer their legal services and expertise with no
financial assistance. CPLS has been received funding from an anonymous donor thus making it
important for the organization to carefully plan the fund's utilization with the objective of
improving CPLS operations. With the number of operations increasing, having an ERP has been
identified as being a necessity for CPLS to integrate to its operations as this system would allow
CPLS to manage its operations in a more synchronized manner and improve its operations
(Magal & Word, 2011). With the help of the ERP, the organization can manage all its operation
online via cloud services thus making the operation more efficient for the volunteers as well as
clients seeking legal advice.
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Vendor research and information gathering
With the decision related to acquiring ERP having been finalized, it’s important for CPLS to turn
its focus towards the research and information gathering related to the ERP before a final
decision on the ERP model can be made. Once again it’s important to keep in mind that CPLS is
dependent on volunteer and donations which come randomly and thus cannot be planned for.
With only a single donor promising to donate $25,000 per year, the ERP being considered must
have certain characteristics which ensure the ERP remains viable and operation over the next few
years (Satzinger et al., 2008). This is important due to technology having a tendency to be
upgraded rapidly over short periods of time thus the ERP must also have certain attributes such
as being upgradable rather than needing replacement. This will ensure CPLS’s ERP system
remains functional over the longest possible period without requiring the can organization to
replace the system (Gunasekaran, 2009). It’s also important for CPLS to consider contracting an
affordable ERP maintenance team who would be responsible for managing the Enterprise
resource planning system.
Detail evaluation of short-listed vendors / ERP systems
Vendor selection also requires proper planning and management due to CPLS having a limited
amount of funding. This makes it important for CPLS to approach reputed brands known for
delivering high-quality ERP systems as well as after-sales services for an x number of years. It is
advisable to approach reputed brands as the brands are also likely to consider CPLS current
situation with regard to its limited financial backing and be able to offer some attractive offers as
part of the brand's contribution towards the cause. Today many major organizations are
contributing towards community development programs thus is also capable of benefiting from
this program which falls under corporate social responsibility (Bradford, 2015). Microsoft,
Oracle, and SAGE among many other major ERP developers are all major contributors towards
CSR thus increasing the likelihood of the organizations offering attractive discounts and value-
added services to CPLS on purchasing the ERP from the organization due to the social
contribution CPLS is offering to underprivileged members of the society.
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Top vendor / ERP system
CPLS is a small to medium size organization which is demonstrating an aggressive growth rate
thus it’s important for the organization to look beyond its current size and focuses on the
organization size in the coming 5yearperiod. This is important as it would help the management
determine the organization's size thus allowing CPLS determine the best brand and model of
ERP they need to invest on (TechnologyAdvice, 2017). As mentioned earlier CPLS does not
have a constant or definite source of income or investment thus it’s vital for the organization to
invest in the very best and upgradable ERP system with available funds which will ensure future
up gradation as well as be able to handle the increased workload. With these points in mind,
CPLS will have to focus their attention towards purchasing an ERP system from the following
brands which are top rated on the global ERP market.
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Oracle E-Business Suite
• SAGE
• SAP Business One
• Infor Global Solutions
• NetERP from NetSuite
• Lawson Software
Remaining with reputed ERP developers and systems will ensure CPLS invests on a system
which remains operational over a long-term period and capable of up gradation thus allowing the
system to remain operations and handle the workload as the number of volunteers and clients
increases.
Conclusion
While CPLS has several restrictions limiting its purchases, it’s important to keep in mind this
approach related to investment in an enterprise management system or asset must be followed by
all organization. It’s important for every organization to follow a similar evolution and
scrutinizing system as that followed by CPLS as this will ensure the organization make the
wisest investment which will ensure long-term returns with the least reinvestment occipital thus
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
delivering the highest rate of return on the investment and reduces the overall cost of the
investment
Recommendation
It is vital the CPLS consider each element linked to investing on an ERP system which will
remain functional over a long term perspective. The system must be the latest version available
on the market as well as upgradable thus allowing the organization to utilize the equipment over
the longest period of time. This will also help limit the expenses incurred by the organization
thus helping relieve the final constraints experienced by the organization
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
References:
Bradford, M., 2015. Modern ERP: Select, Implement, and Use Today's Advanced Business
Systems. 3rd ed. Lulu.com.
Gunasekaran, A., 2009. Organizational Advancements through Enterprise Information Systems:
Emerging Applications and Developments: Emerging Applications and Developments. Hershey:
IGI Global.
Leon, 2013. Enterprise Resource Planning. 3rd ed. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
Magal, S.R. & Word, J., 2011. Integrated Business Processes with ERP Systems. Wiley.
Satzinger, J.W., Jackson, R.B. & Burd, S.D., 2008. Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing
World. Boston: Cengage Learning EMEA.
TechnologyAdvice, 2017. Best ERP Software Vendors 2017. TechnologyAdvice.
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