Comparative study of Enterprise Resource Planning Vendors

It is therefore key to understand the strengths, weaknesses and tradeoffs that each system presents to its target market. This paper is an analysis of these three key Enterprise Resource Planning Vendors. The study is focused on their features and functionality. Keywords: Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, SME Introduction Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) are integrated information systems that backs up the trade within different organizational functionalities. Oracles, SAP and Microsoft are the leading vendors. Its customizability further built its brand image (Junnarkar and verma 2016). Oracle was established in the year 1977. Initially, it was known as Software Development Laboratories. Though it was not ‘officially’ launched, its foremost database was in assembly language. The program could only be run on PDP-11. It utilizes a 3-layer model constituting of the database layer, the application layer and the presentation layer.

It is written in its own proprietary language known as ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming). It is a fourth-generation language structured towards providing a powerful yet simplified program. SAP R/3 gives room for its developers to modify the functionalities. ABAP interacts with the database system through open SQL statements. It automates financial supply chain management and backs corporate-governance mandates such as Sarbanes-Oxley and Basel II. All these is possible through the SAP ERP Financials. SAP supports the entire performance management life cycle through customized metrics and measurements for business insights that eventually guide the management decisions, real-time delivery and performance management. It supports staff, operations and financial analytics. It also helps in financial planning, budgeting, projections, strategy, scorecards and risk management.

The enterprise edition comes with variety of applications stored in a single server for enterprises of all sizes. The standard edition works for mid-sized companies. The standard edition works for a minimum of five users. Express edition is smaller and free, designed for students studying coding of oracle applications whereas Lite works on mobile devices only (Weissmann et al. Through the Enterprise Performance Management financial, strategic and operational management processes are supported. The transportation suite ensures flexible, timely and cheaper shipment. It also indirectly improves assets utilization, customer service and global solutions (Weissmann et al. Ideally, Oracles has more applications. Microsoft manages general analytical accounting, ledgers, sales, inventory, cash flow, fixed asset, receivables, payables, collections and bank reconciliations. It allows management of staff information such as benefits, payroll, skill description, registration, recruitment and skills development.

Conclusion With more vendors in the market it is upon the customer to decide on the best program depending on the organization or company structure. From the above discussion, it is evident that the SAP database fits all organization profiles in terms of size compare to the Oracle which provides solution restricted on size and functionality. All the three vendors have numerous applications. At the same time as they offer their solutions, there are strengths, weaknesses and tradeoffs that have come out openly in the analysis. This together with likely venture into software in the future determine the choice of a potential customer. , Sharma, M. , Kulkarni, A. A. , Hegde, N. , & Sharma, M. Nordic Journal of Business, 65. Lerenc, V. U. S. Patent No.