Module 01: Review Questions

1. Among all the ERP components listed in the chapter, which component is most critical in
the implementation process and why?
The most critical component in the implementation process is the people/user
because they are the one who’s implementing the system. They are the one who’s
manipulating the everything – the hardware, the software, the database, and even the
whole process.

2. Why is the design and selection of ERP architecture crucial for the implementation
project? What are the long-term implications of selecting a wrong architecture?
Adaptability is necessary in an ERP system. Changes in the business, as well as
the business itself, must be made to accommodate new markets, new goods, new
business units, and the sale of other items. In order to quickly respond to those changes,
the ERP system must be designed in such a way that it can adapt quickly. A system that
can’t adapt to change as your business changes will become unstable and
unmanageable as you’re forced to build and integrate add-on software solutions to
compensate for the ERP's deficiencies.

3. Discuss the criteria for selecting ERP vendors. Which is the most important criterion and
why?
Consider the ERP vendors’ specialties as well as the types of businesses that
their software can handle. There's also the vendor’s reputation, how successful their
installations have been, and their long-term perspective. Other things to think about
include their customer service, total cost of ownership, software requirements, and the
capacity to integrate third-party applications.