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ERP Strategy

Computer Systems Validation – Key Questions Answered

When working with ERP systems in the life sciences sector there are two key questions in relation to computer systems validation (CSV) which clients always ask. Which parts of the pharmaceutical value chain are subject to CSV? Which modules of an ERP system need to be validated?

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ERP in Retail: What are the key requirements?

If you ask any knowledgeable buyer for the most important characteristic of a ‘retail’ ERP system, their response is more than likely to be speed. Speed is indeed fundamental but you will need to think seriously about the functionality also. Not all ERP systems will have the right functionality and, certainly, not all ERP systems will have the right functionality at the requisite speed.  

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ERP versus Best of Breed

It seems reasonably straightforward: select and implement a new ERP system to replace those legacy systems that simply have to go. “ERP is a one-stop shop,” you’ve been told. “ERP will do everything you need.” But what about that system you’ve just read about that provides amazing functionality for one specific part of your operation and has features that could be invaluable to your business? Will ERP systems be able to provide the same depth of functionality? Maybe 100% ERP isn’t the answer? What should you do?

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ERP in Service Industries - what are the available options?

In recent years we have seen much of the traditional manufacturing industries in Europe relocate to the lower cost economies such as those in Asia. Governments across Europe are looking to the Services sector to replace the jobs which are being lost. Leaders speak of the “Knowledge Economy” or the “Smart Economy” as the way forward. This Opinion considers how service companies can have sophisticated and effective IT systems with affordable total cost of ownership.

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Map the Business to the ERP System or Vice Versa

So, the big decision has been made. The company is going to purchase an ERP system. You have got the backing of the MD, the CFO and the majority of the Board (there is always one!). All you have to do is “install it”. There are no more big decisions and no need to keep bothering the executives with any more big decisions on this matter, Right? Actually, the process has just started and there are a multitude of big decisions to make and you will certainly need the support of the executives in one crucial choice: Do you change some or all of the business processes to accommodate the new software or do you modify the software to fit the existing company processes?

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Budgeting for ERP

One of the criteria used for measuring ERP project implementation success is budget versus actual. Achieving this goal starts before the project does, with the creation of a thorough and realistic budget.   

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ERP in Pharmaceutical Distribution

The relationships between the drug manufacturers, distributors and end customers are complex and taken with some of the physical characteristics of the pharmaceutical value chain introduce a number of challenges for ERP systems.

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Open Source ERP - Pros & Cons

Traditionally, companies looking for enterprise applications such as ERP have had to choose between bespoke systems (building the applications in-house) or buying commercial packages from software vendors.  Open source, potentially, offers a third alternative.

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Big Bang Versus Phased ERP Implementations

You’re planning to implement ERP, but how do you decide if you should introduce the new system in a ‘phased’ manner or go for the ‘big bang’ approach?

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ERP Package versus Bespoke

Some organisations, when faced with the need to implement new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, have to decide between a packaged system and a bespoke development approach. What are the factors in making this decision?

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