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Transitioning from Legacy Systems to an Enterprise Resource Planning System:

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Transitioning from Legacy Systems to an Enterprise Resource Planning System:
Transitioning from Legacy Systems to an Enterprise Resource Planning System:
Benefits and Challenges

William Ward Lewis

CIS 537

Prof. R. Shi

June 16, 2008

Abstract:

As a result of technological advancements, modern businesses seek new and improved methods of conducting their business processes. Systems have been designed to augment and manage core business functions such as production, accounting, procurement, and human resources. However, even with these systems in place, information is unreliable and inconsistent if they are on disparate platforms. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software tackles this problem by integrating business processes into a centralized system. This paper assesses the stages involved in transitioning form legacy systems to an ERP system. It highlights ERP benefits to businesses, as well as the success and challenges associated with its implementation. Table of Contents

Part 1: DEFINING ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSYTEMS
Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
What is an ERP system? ---------------------------------------------------------------5
History of ERP Systems----------------------------------------------------------------7

Part II: THE ERP SYSTEM DESIGN PROCESS
Planning----------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Requirements Analysis-----------------------------------------------------------------11
Design-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Detailed Design--------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Implementation-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Maintenance and Continuous Improvement---------------------------------- -------14

Part III: ERP BENEFITS
How ERP Benefits the



References: Champy, J. (2005). Get ERP right—the first time. Retrieved 6/10/2008 from http://searchcio.techtarget.com/news/column/0,294698,sid182_gci1065204,00.html Kimberling, E. (2006). 7 Critical Factors to Make Your ERP or IT Project Successful. Retrieved 6/12/2008 from http://blogs.ittoolbox.com Maurer, R. (2006). Challenge of ERP Implementation Q & A. Retrieved 6/12/2008 from http://www.webpronews.com/expertarticles/2006/10/30/challenge-of-erp-implementation-q-a Smith, R. (2007). Integrating CRM and ERP: Why it Makes Sense to Unify Now. Retrieved 6/10/2008 from http://www.destinationcrm.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=7327 Sumner, M (2005). Enterprise Resource Planning. New Jersey: Person Education, Inc. Wikipedia (2008). Enterprise Resource Planning. Retrieved 6/10/2008 from http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_resource_planning

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