Enterprise Systems and Integration of Information Systems in Project Management

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Student's Name:
Institution:
Submission Date:
Enterprise Systems
Enterprise systems are defined as packaged applications that are developed to automate and support business operations as well as manage business information and data. The automation in business operations happens at every level of an organization; these levels include: accounting, finance, sales, inventory and manufacturing sections, and the human resources sector. Normally, enterprise systems have pre-implemented as well as customizable units that contain best practices for routine business operations. They are known for their complex business data integration and complexities in the way they affect business tasks and best practices in an organization. An enterprise system closely resembles routine operations that are carried out in a large organization. The components of an enterprise system include electronic documents normally utilized for conventional paper documents such as purchase and sale orders, invoices, and maintenance orders. However, the difference between enterprise systems and the traditional operations is automation. Today, enterprise systems have automated traditional operations in organizations; for example, enterprise systems transactions have automated previously manual tasks such as creating purchase as well as sale orders, verifying invoices, and in the generation of company reports. Indeed, almost all organizations rely on enterprise systems to carry out these tasks; there is usually very little variation in terms of task deviation from one organization to another.
The similarity in organizations' use of enterprise systems does not depend on the type of products or services offered; the use of such systems is in accordance with general activities that every organization requires in order to complete various business-related and legal requirements. For example, a hotel and a software company both require purchasing products as well as services from other places. The purchase of products and services can involve multiple steps such as purchase orders and invoicing; these steps require automation for effective business operations to be realized (Avison & Torkzadeh, 2009).
Importance of Enterprise Systems
Enterprise systems are very crucial in the effective and efficient running of any organization. They are the fuel needed in order for tasks and processes to be completed accurately and in time. The following are ways that enterprise systems can be of immense help to an organization: (i) effective management of the supply chains, (ii) planning ability, and (iii) focus on new strategies. The effective management of supply chains is one of the greatest benefits that enterprise systems offer to organizations. With enterprise systems, an organization can focus on its entire needs. By identifying suppliers with utmost integrity and best track record in terms of delivery, the organization can lower costs involved in dealing with unscrupulous suppliers. Moreover, companies that require products or services in bulk can immensely benefit from enterprise systems; such companies can utilize these systems to place bulk orders and get discounts in return. This saves money and time for the company.
The second...