Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions and software form the backbone of most organizations' information technology (IT) infrastructures. ERP software creates a single resource of information about customers, products, performance, processes and resources that can be shared by everyone in the business.

Bottom line; "IF IMPLEMENTED" correctly, an ERP solution enables companies to move from standalone departmental systems to enterprise wide applications that look the same, feel the same, and share the same single version of the truth.

Yet it is up to the executive staff to reduce the risk of failure in ERP implementation projects. It must analyze current and future business processes and decide on a strategic plan of action, before ever tempting to implement an ERP project. After the strategic plan and business requirements have been developed, they must map to the capabilities of the ERP package you have chosen.

Finally the strategic plan and ERP project must be presented and SOLD to the employees, for it is the employees who input data into and manage the new ERP system. It is they who must be comfortable with it, believe it is making their jobs easier and is helping the company gain a competitive edge.

Then and only then will your company be on its way to using technology as a tool to help you meet today's business challenges.