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PREFACE

Enterprise systems include enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management
(SCM), customer resource management (CRM), and other enterprise-level systems that are critical
to all dynamic, globally aware companies. ERP systems are important factors in the success of
corporations today. With a diversified global market, technology is utilized to overcome distance,
language, and culture. Today’s information systems have permeated well beyond the traditional
functional applications, and even the more technologically current client–server applications, to
mission-focused enterprise systems.
This second edition of the book describes the components of an ERP system and provides
an introduction to the process of implementing a successful system in today’s organizations.
Because ERP systems are complex, they often require a large investment of money and time. An
ERP implementation impacts a large number of people, both inside and outside the organization.
It also requires both carefully crafted business needs and a comprehensive change management
strategy. Enterprise systems extend from the back-end supply chain operations to front-end
customer-facing services that extend beyond the boundaries of the enterprise. As such, the
implementation process is increasingly expensive, intense, and prone to failure than were tradi-
tional information system implementations.
Organizations considering an investment in enterprise systems should be educated on
enterprise systems components and architecture, as well as both their short- and long-term impacts
on the organizational business processes. Management needs to be prepared to address the technology
issues of enterprise systems and, more importantly, the business processes, corporate policies, change
management, and people expectations. The goal of this book is to educate students on these issues
and on the value that enterprise systems add to today’s companies. Students will learn how enterprise
systems can remove structural and functional barriers to make organizations more cross-functional
and productive. Students will also learn about the enterprise system’s technology and implementation
life cycle and develop an understanding of the impact on processes and people in an organization.
This book places major importance on the strategic role of ERP systems in providing a platform for
improved business operations and productivity.
In addition, the book emphasizes both business and managerial aspects of enterprise
systems from planning to postimplementation. This edition specifically
•provides several examples of real-world company issues that occurred while implementing
enterprise systems;
•provides a step-by-step learning process for students, using organized materials, and learning
about enterprise system implementations;
•focuses on a pedagogy that lays out concise learning goals and reinforces the concepts
learned using cases, discussion questions, and exercises; and
•highlights issues within the implementation process that have implications for management.
The widespread implementation of enterprise systems in large to small organizations has created
a tremendous demand for employees with a strong knowledge foundation in both the technical
and organizational aspects of enterprise system and the implementation process. This book can be
used for an enterprise systems course in both graduate (MBA program) and undergraduate courses
(MIS program) at a business college. It is written to provide students with a comprehensive source

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