ERP (enterprise resource planning) has become a prominent part for most companies’ operational life because at the very core, it is all about better management of existing and new resources.
Companies, especially software players are now realizing that it is best to adopt a strategic approach to the implementation, to help them rationalize customization.
Oracle: Class Personified
The very mentioning of the name ‘Oracle’ conjures up the image of a company that is associated with classiness, efficiency, flawless deliverability and global reach. Founded back in 1977, the company has gone on to become one of the largest and the most respectable technology player globally.
At a time when technology investment and IT innovation was considered as a futile, impractical concept, Oracle, along with few other technologies, completely changed the rules of the game to bring about a paradigm shift in the domain of IT services.
Core applications
The application services of Oracle encompass practically every industry,regardless of their size and scale, to solve their business problems.
These include but are not restricted to CRM (customer relationship management), ERP, transportation management, financial management, and supply chain management, among several others.
Oracle ERP: A worthy extension of its long-term business objective
Oracle has emerged as one of the biggest ERP software companies in the world which thrives on its strong suite of efficient, customizable solution for its clients.
Having made a number of pioneering strategic takeovers over the past decade, the technology player has systematically created a portfolio comprising of an array of business applications to complement its existing forte of database solutions.
It currently serves well over 65,000 customers globally. This goes a long way in reinforcing the fact that even seemingly debatable decisions, when made proactively, can yield long lasting results.
Oracle currently offers around a dozen enterprise software products that serve a variety of purposes. Its ERP lines include:
- Oracle E-Business Suite.
- Oracle Fusion Applications.
- PeopleSoft Enterprise and JD Edwards Enterprise One.
Redefining the concept of ERP
It is a known fact that every business needs to be smart about handling data with care to sustain and develop their businesses. Gone are the days when ERP solutions used to be confined to back office predicaments like accounting and financial management.
A cut throat competitive environment that has engulfed all major IT players has prompted them to figure out creative ways of enhancing the scope of their ERP solutions.
In other words, ERP solutions these days are expected to be nothing short of a totally integrated worldwide enterprise system that effectively takes care of all your business processes.
Oracle realizes this and offers a gamut of Next-Gen ERP solutions for medium-sized to large enterprises at competitive prices. Its ERP solutions have been widely accepted as technologically sound, flexible and measurable, that serves the purpose of its customers who invariably end up getting a good return on their investments. Furthermore, these applications also enjoy seamless integration with Oracle’s other applications, as well as few third party solutions.
To implement the solution rapidly, Oracle also makes use of ‘Oracle Business Accelerators’ system.
Key advantages
Customization
Those who don’t can simply select their preferred solution through a modular format. Appropriate selection of a system is of paramount importance, which is why customization is such a big advantage.
Interface
The UI (user interface) of these solutions are extremely user friendly and simple to understand.
The interfaces with Oracle forms are convenient enough for new managers to make financial transactions.
Functionality of integration
Many organizations can use the Oracle Self Service Application to meet their business goals. An end-to-end viewpoint cutting across the business lines are offered.
Security of database
For any business entity, the security of its database assumes great significance. Understanding the broader ramifications of data security, Oracle ensures that database security is role based, which means that it cannot be breached easily.
Oracle is one company that has been known to spend a lot of time taking care of the security aspect of its solutions.
Providing a control center
This 'control centre' that has garnered a lot of attention from the entire industry performs multiple functions. It collects status information from various departments and shares it with others to expedite decision making.
This information can also be updated in real time and accessed easily by those who need it.
Legal standard conformity
Oracle’s ERP solutions also are able to adapt quickly to the changing legal and regulatory standards. This helps you steer clear of any legal or technical issues.
Quality of Reports
The Company prides itself on the sheer quality and efficacy of its reports that are both insightful and implement able. The reports provide you with a wide array of choices on a host of different parameters.
Few challenges of Oracle ERP
Lack of attractiveness
As mentioned above, the UI of oracle ERP solutions do have their advantages. However, one of the complaints made against them is that they are not as interactive or ‘good looking’ as a Windows UI.
For example, multiple window interface and drag/drop features are sorely missing.
Database Connectivity
This is another challenge confronting Oracle ERP solutions. Not many external databases can be connected by Oracle forms, which results in certain limitations.
Implementation duration
Unlike Microsoft and a few other ERP competitors, the implementation time of Oracle ERP solutions is a bit on the higher side. However, it makes up by reducing its risk factor from the going-on-live phase.
Staying true to the essence of ERP
In the end, it is safe to assume that Oracle justifies the role of ERP solutions in contemporary businesses, which is to integrate/automate the numerous business practices pertaining to production, operational and developmental aspects of an entity.
Oracle recognizes the fact that the best way of succeeding in the domain is to make its customers succeed.
By addressing their concerns/goals; concerns in a way that they suit their innate needs, Oracle ERP solutions appear to be heading in the right direction because they not only augment the quality of products while taking care of cost escalation, but also support business excellence.