The tradeoff between functionality and ease of integration is no longer as simple as it once was. Over the generations, ERP has continued to expand, blurring the boundaries of core functionality. The number of modules and the extent of functionality offered in the ERP suite have steadily grown. At the same time, consolidation within the software industry is having a broad effect beyond ERP itself. ERP companies like Infor, Oracle, Sage and SAP have been gobbling up pure-play vendors that offer extensions to core ERP. This is profoundly affecting the application vendor landscape and how ERP vs. "best of breed" decisions are made.
A new Aberdeen report, "Best Practices in Extending ERP," further explores the dimensions of these decisions.
"The three most important factors to consider in extending ERP are functionality, integration, and the ability to upgrade to new releases," said Cindy Jutras, vice president, manufacturing and ERP research. "While business functionality is of primary importance, also evaluate technology architectures, integration capabilities, delivery models, partner status, support approaches, and ownership and maintenance of customized integration."
More than 1,200 companies participated in the original study, including Kraft Foods, Johnson Controls, Schlumberger, Tyco Electronics, Sonoco Products, Ford and Lockheed Martin.
To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=3686
This study is made available to the public through the underwriting of CapGemini and Netsuite Inc.
