Enterprise resource planning case study

Case Study : Systems Integration

What are some of the system integration challenges faced by UPS

UPS faced numerous system integration challenges like any other large scale shipping company . One of its biggest problems was ensuring that packages were shipped to the correct address . Frequent errors in shipping proved expensive and time consuming . The source of the problems lied in the use of manual data entry systems and non-integration of data across multiple systems . Use of similar UPS product handles and a slow customer delivery tracking system led to inefficient customer service p

Discuss the systems integration solutions at UPS . How does it help UPS integrate new technologies

Systems integration is a significant contributor to the growth of UPS By creating two large datacenters , centralized data allows easy incorporation of a new business services into the current system Therefore , centralized data storage has not only helped in integration across different systems and services but also increased and improved the strategic options available to UPS i .e . to acquire other businesses /services

The use of finance and HR modules from SAP , an ERP solution , has allowed time and cost saving the finance module , for example , handles large amounts of information from hundreds of sellers in a very efficient manner . This efficiency was highly lacking before the use of ERP . Most importantly , the way in which UPS has created its technology infrastructure allows easy addition of new programs that do not require constant updating and maintenance from all remote locations all these programs can be managed by the system itself

Discuss the advantages of systems integration for UPS customers

Systems integration gave UPS what it already had been looking to do i .e to bridge the gap between physical product or services and access to electronic information . One of the biggest issues was the non existence of a real time tracking system . With the use of integration systems , UPS gave its customers access to a cost effective real time tracking system providing additional value added features such as auto-notification of rural addresses that may require additional delivery time and so on

NESTLE 'S ERP IMPLEMENTATION

Discuss the objectives of ERP implementation at Nestle USA . Did they achieve these objectives

Nestle wanted to take advantage of its large size and the information managed by individual business divisions . They wanted to use group buying power and information sharing to give their business an added advantage . The SAP implementation 's main objective was to create a unified structure of processes , systems and organization structure across its seven business divisions

Nestle achieved its objectives but at a great cost . In 2000 , lack of employee participation and an incorrect and incomprehensive approach towards system design led to a halt in SAP implementation

Discuss the benefits and limitations of ERP implementation at Nestle USA

The use of integrated databases allows for accurate demand forecasting for Nestle products . This has also led to reduction in inventory and distribution expenses . Nestle has already achieved a significant ROI which shows SAP implementation proved...