Question
(a) (i) What are the main characteristics of an ERP system?
(ii) List FIVE benefits and FIVE disadvantages of implementing an ERP system.
(b) Assume you are the salesperson calling on your local grocery store. You just started this job, and are nervous about meeting your customer for the first time.
(i) Describe all the problems you might encounter, using the old Paper Based Process, when taking and filling the order.
(ii) Now assume you have an ERP system in place. Describe the sequence of events in selling your products to your local grocery store with the new system in place. The sales and order process is define briefly below:
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Process
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Manual System
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Sales Quotes and taking orders
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1. Quotes and Orders are first recorded by hand, on a three-part forms.
2. Quotes and orders are faxed to the head office
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Inventory Sourcing
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No coordination between marketing and production
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Invoicing
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Data about sales are sent to Accounting on Floppy Disk three times a week for Invoicing Purpose
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Recording payment
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Customers are supposed to send a paper copy of their invoice in with their payment.
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