a) Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a process used by companies to manage and integrate the

important parts of their businesses. Many ERP software applications are important to companies
because they help them implement resource planning by integrating all of the processes needed
to run their companies with a single system. An ERP software system can also integrate
planning, purchasing inventory, sales, marketing, finance, human resources, and more.

b) The below figure shows the conceptual model on which ERP theory is based. ERP defines the
five measures that govern business policies:
1. Process-based flat organization
2. Assemble-to-order or Make-to-order philosophy
3. Empowered employees
4. Customer and supplier integration
5. Sophisticated IT systems

These business policies lead to critical elements for the ERP system. The success of ERP depends on
the level of its adoption in the organization.
ERP can be defined in the following ways by keeping the above-mentioned concept in mind :
1. It is a planning methodology or philosophy that is based on the smooth integration of all the
business processes of an enterprise.
2. It is a set of software casing major business areas e.g. economics, plans, sales, materials,
manufacturing, distribution, all so tightly integrated with one another that any business activity
recorded at one place is immediately reflected in all other places.
3. It is the finest expression of the consistency of Info-tech and business. An enterprise-wide
system with enabling technology and effective managerial tool for integrating all the levels and
improving report ability.
The above definitions explain the fundamental design feature of ERP as a system-based business
solution. ERP integrates the various departments and functions throughout the organization. It attempts
to comprehend everything into a single system that can serve every department and functional needs.
While doing so, it focuses on the business plan areas and addresses those problems with an integrated
planning approach.
System :
 In the present context, we can say that ERP is a system for a specific set or arrangement of elements
that are organized to accomplish a pre-defined goal through the processing of information. This goal
invariably could be to support an existing business function, improve the transparency of data, improve
efficiency in business, improve decision-making, and provide improved customer satisfaction. The key
resource elements of such a system are hardware, software, users, databases, etc.
Solution  :
A business solution can be explained as a framework encompassing strategy, organization structures,
key performance indicators, measurements, and IT, which must be aligned to the business processes.
Conventionally, there are three kinds of business processes- acquiring and paying for input resources,
converting inputs into finished goods and services provided.
   Thus ERP as a combination of system and business solution provides the user with a productive
planning tool.

c) An ERP system integrates many functions across the business, such as financial
management, human resources, sales and manufacturing, to deliver benefits such as
increased productivity and efficiency. ERP implementation describes the process
of planning, configuring and deploying an ERP

A typical ERP implementation plan can be divided into six phases, each with specific
objectives

1. Discovery & Planning

All ERP projects start with a discovery and planning phase, which includes researching and
selecting a system, setting up a project team and defining detailed system requirements.

The project team will handle a broad range of roles related to the implementation, including laying
out the project plan and target dates, ensuring adequate resources are allocated, making product
and design decisions, and day-to-day project management

2. Design
The design phase works from detailed requirements and an understanding of current
workflows to develop a detailed design for the new ERP system. This includes designing
new, more efficient workflows and other business processes that take advantage of the
system.
3. Development
Armed with clear design requirements, the development phase can begin. This involves configuring
and, where necessary, customizing the software to support the redesigned processes. 

4. Testing
Testing and development may occur concurrently. For example, the project team may test specific
modules and features, develop fixes or adjustments based on the results, and retest.

5. Deployment
This is what you’ve been striving toward: the day the system goes live. Be prepared for potential
issues, since there may be a lot of moving parts and possibly some befuddled employees, despite
your best efforts to prepare them for the change. 

6. Support & Updates

Nurturing your ERP implementation after deployment helps to keep users happy and ensure the
business achieves the desired benefits.