ASSIGNMENT

Assignment: Task 2 & 3

Task 2: Information Systems

Benefits of implementing the SAP systems at Unicorn Products

Enterprise Resource Planning is a popular software application. The primary purpose of this application is to assist in business management. There is no restriction on the type of business. Therefore, ERP has a significant value for all size of enterprises. Unicorn Products needed ERP more than any one. It is because the company deals with operations of imports, exports, and manufacturing. The company is relatively small in size. Therefore, cost was an obvious constraint. They buy sports goods from a distinct location & deliver them to a place. Sometimes, the company does not have to import good to UK. Such operations involve multi-currency. For that matter, SAP provided an efficient framework for managing the complex accounting. Moreover, the company was able to align inventory control & logistic management through SAP MRP (Material Resource Planning). The application provided them the benefits of serving the customers in a better way. It assists the process of stocking & delivery of goods. Through MRP, staff can now work better.

MRP integrates the process of manufacturing & shipping (Wolfgang, 2009, p.19). In this way, Unicorn Products is able to implement a single solution at an affordable cost. Unicorn is able to avoid the unavailability of the material goods. MRP makes purchase requisition through procurement considerations. Unicorn Products can now plan orders with appropriate material quantity & other requirements. The company can enjoy the benefits of automated lot sizing procedure (Guha, 2002, p.3). Initially, the tasks required a number of staff to decide about material planning. With MRP, Unicorn is able to manage the complexity of its business model in an efficient manner.

Evaluation of the Implementation Approach

Unicorn Products wanted to change their business process. The earlier system had a number of short coming; therefore, the system could not stay up to Unicorn's business requirements. Business organisations often adopt transitional approach to implement a new technology. They prefer to evolve in a systematic manner. The fear of internal rejection restrains them from administering a drastic change. It is because the staffs may take time to get their hands on the new system. They need some time to grasp a new technology, depending upon the complexity level. Upon examining Unicorn's approach, one may comprehend that the company adopted a non-aggressive approach with the first upgrade. Unicorn Products did not request for a quick update; rather, the company utilized the benefits of MRP for years. The company took its time in evaluating the benefits. The company upgraded its system to the latest SAP ERP. Unicorn took help from the Intelligent Business Solutions, in order to ensure a smooth transition. This seems to be a rightful approach. Further, Unicorn personnel stayed in line with the IBS people, which is the appropriate approach. The company took three months in planning & a week in system implementation. It is due to the collaborative planning that there were no interruptions in the implementation ...