ERP AND IT ARCHITECTURE

IT architecture
• The formal definition of a computer architecture is
the fundamental concepts or properties of a system
in its environment embodied in its elements,
relationships, and in the principles of its design and
evolution [IEEE, 2011, p. 2].
The logical architecture of an
ERP system
The logical architecture of an ERP system has three elements:
1. the interaction
the interaction, takes care of the exchange of information between the
ERP system and its environment. An example of such interaction is data
entry by a human user of the system. The interaction element also
looks after the exchange of information with other systems, such as the
Electronic Fund Transfer with the computer system of a bank. The
interaction in such cases is often based on messages that are coded
with the EDI or XML standards mentioned in the previous chapters.
2. the database element
the ERP database, takes care of the storage of all data that are required
for the correct functioning of the ERP system. All data-related
operations, which are designing, adding, updating, selecting and
deleting data, are managed by the ERP database [Weber, 1999].
The logical architecture of an
ERP system
3. the business logic
the business logic, makes sure that business processes are
properly supported by the ERP system. This element consists of a
large number of best practices, that are either programmed in the
system or can be configured.
The elements of a physical IT
architecture
Physical architectures for IT systems uses a simple classification that
exists of six elements:
1. permanent storage (mostly disk space),
secures that data are kept without the need for electricity or
other power sources. In general, data are stored on disks, but
tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and USB devices are also suitable for
permanent data entry.
2. temporary storage (also known as internal memory)
consists of memory cards. When compared to permanent
storage, internal memory is fast, but also expensive. It is also
more vulnerable for intentional and unintentional power
interruption, as the data are lost when the computer is powered
down.
The elements of a physical IT
architecture
3. the central processing unit (or: CPU)
A CPU processes information by applying calculations to it or by
rearranging it. CPU’s consist of semiconductors on silicon wafers.
4. data entry devices
Keyboard
5. data output devices
Monitor
6. the data transportation network
When the various elements of a physical IT architecture are on
different locations, information has to be transported between
those locations. Data networks take care of this.
ERP on a mainframe architecture

A mainframe architecture is characterised by maximal centralisation of the

elements of the architecture, with minimal decentralised elements and
limited network traffic. The mainframe itself is a large central computer, that
is based in the data centre of the organisation. The mainframe houses all
disk space, internal memory and processing power
ERP on a mainframe architecture
advantage and disadvantage of a centralised mainframe architecture for
ERP
• Advantage
The main advantage of a centralised mainframe architecture for ERP is
the ease with which the database and the business logic can be shared.
When for instance a change in the business logic is required, either via
configuration or via a new version of the software, these change can be
installed centrally and will be available instantly for all users
• Disadvantage
The main disadvantage is the susceptibility to peak usage. When all
users request access to the same element at the same time, an
overload may occur, and the mainframe may become the bottleneck in
the organisational processes.
ERP on a client-server
architecture
A client-server architecture is therefore also known
as a distributed architecture. Because of the
distribution of elements, performance bottlenecks
can be resolved and network traffic, which was still
relatively expensive in the last century, can be
limited.
In this architecture, the client is the user’s
workstation and The server is a powerful computer
that offers large-scale data storage to the clients.
ERP on a browser architecture

The ERP database and ERP business logic are installed on a server, and this server is made
accessible through a network. This network can be public Internet, a private company-owned
network, or a combination of both. When public Internet is used, this is also called cloud
computing Users can activate the interaction by starting their browser, connecting to the
web-page from which the ERP server can be reached and logging in to the ERP system
ERP on a browser architecture
advantage and disadvantage of browser architecture for ERP
• Advantage
The main advantage of a browser architecture is the ease with which
users can gain access to the ERP database and the ERP business logic.
The maintenance and version management of the database and the
business logic only have to be carried out on one server. Via the
browser, users always have access to the most recent version.
• Disadvantage
The browser architecture also has a few disadvantages. Firstly,
working from various locations requires a high security awareness
from the users. The second disadvantage is the complete
dependence on the network: without a network connection the ERP
system cannot be reached.