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160 Chapter 5 • Implementation Strategies

Hardware Software
Application servers Operating system
Database servers Database management system
Web servers ERP system
Personal computers Software development
Storage devices System performance
Printers Virus protection
Networking equipment Report distribution
Uninterruptible power supply Batch run control
Software version control

Exercises

1. Many companies that implement ERP systems 2. There are several different methodologies for
are worldwide. Research two companies that implementing an ERP system. Research two com-
have implemented an ERP system: one in a cen- panies that used different methodologies and find
tral fashion and the other in a decentralized fash- out the following:
ion. Compare and contrast the implementation a. Why they used their methodology?
issues as they relate to risk, access, costs, and b. How they chose their methodology?
data consistency. c. The level of success they had with it.

Review Questions

1. What are the components of an ERP system? 5. What are the pros and cons of implementing a system
2. Why would a company choose to implement an without customization?
ERP? 6. Why are there differences between a transactional
3. What are third-party products and why are they and reporting database?
needed?
4. What is an implementation methodology and why
is it important in ERP implementations?

Discussion Questions
1. Governance and methodology are important for 2. When ERP implementations are addressed, the
ERP implementations. Discuss the merits of each infrastructure also needs to be addressed. Describe
and how each of them was implemented in the U.S. the infrastructure components and what is involved
Army case. in choosing and installing the components.