Integrated Case Study: Bandon Group, Inc. Essay

This account is the continuation of Bandon conclave Inc. merged case study. This part of the case study mines feasibility of an ERP system at Bandon Group and evaluate alternative ERP and CRM packages for Bandon Group and make recomm deathations for a solution which will meet their involve. feeling 8 Determining the feasibility of an ERP systemFrom the description of the executive managers of the years, it is pretty clear that Bandon Group has encountered whacking challenges with the current IT situation. M any(prenominal) of the issues discussed possibly will be solved by restructuring and re- locomotive engineering the organization, the business process and by placing the legacy systems with an ERP system. ERP provides the backbone for an enterprise wide knowledge system. A primary benefit of ERP is easier admittance to reliable, incorporate information. A related benefit is the elimination of redundant data and the rationalization of processes, which result in veritable cost savings (Lau, 2003).From the case study, we have learned that the co-owners are requesting eBusiness know-hows, on-demand reports that generates electronic reports, the need to acknowledgment for more than information for tactical and strategic management, the need to standardize business process and the need for more targeted merchandising (Sumner, 2005). The dilemma was to decide whether the system should be centralized or decentralized. The put throughation of the CRM parcels in the divisions were decentralized and the division mangers were seeking better managementinformation moreover they were encountering data relational difficulty. In general, when we look at the current IT situation especially the use and implementation of CRM and OMD application, it is intolerable. The problem get worse when the company plans to open its business with the existing situation. The answer for Bandon Group should pursue and EPR solution absolutely is yes.That would be my recommend ation. Basically ERP implementation requires organizations to re-engineer their key business in fundamental ways and restructuring the overall organization system because the ERP is there to address business issues and to place the company in a better competitive environment and position. Kumar (2010) emphasize that managers moldiness conduct a feasibility study of the current situation to assess the organizations needs by analyzing the availability hardware, software, database ad in house computer expertise and make the decision to implement ERP where integration is essential. To decide whether Bandon Group should purse for ERP solution, we should reconsider the benefits of implementing ERP. As Sumner (2005) outlines the benefits. Some of the main benefits ERP he mentioned. ERP maximizes throughput of informationMinimize response time to clients and increase interaction with customers, Increase interaction across the enterprise,Improve on-time delivery, cut off direct operating ex pense,Increase interaction with suppliers, etc.When we come to the Bandon Group practical case, integration problem was critical for all divisions. Some of the areas that ERP overcome are Coordination after implementing ERP, it has been confirmed that ERP has the ability to support coordination across business functions. Database by implementing ERP, it is possible to integrate data so that data will have the same(p) meaning across multiple functions. Process after implementing ERP, it has been realized consistent business processes which are base upon an information model. Information Pursuing ERP makes real-time information consistent Information system ERP has enabled stand-along systems to become integrated systems.Once again, it is my recommendation to Bandon Group to purse CRM solution. Like ERP, it is an integrated approach to managing relationships by focusing on customer retention and relationship development(Chen and Popovich, 2003) and CRM initiatives increases competiti veness. Adding to their notes, they said that CRM offers customization, simplicity, and convenience for completing transactions, regardless of the channel utilise for interaction. Sumner (2005) share their idea. The main characteristics he distinguished CRM facilitates customer contact and call list management,It maintains information on customer contacts in a database and forecast customers needs, It organizes marketing campaigns,Enables queries to a product marketing database,Delivers on-line systems that enables customers to configure products on-line, Handles customers services.It my recommendation to Bandon Group to implement EPR firs and CRM follows because ERP provides CRM software. Conceptually, ERP covers all the basic business process but CRM systems focus specifically on processes at the customer interface (Schubert, 2010). The current situation at Bandon Group is not limited to customer relationship or the problem of Bandon Group is not limited to lack of sales and m arketing data, the billing system, web enabled support system, better invoice or the integration of the software but the company and its process need overall business restructure and re-engineering because that is all about ERP. ill-treat 9 Determining ERP/CRM design issuesBusiness processing workloads are among the most demanding workloads in the enterprise. These include transactional workloads reflecting the engine of a business orders and sales, ERP workloads for managing workflows, and CRM for managing customer relationships and decision management solutions. These workloads need to be available to end users, end customers, and business partners. To achieve that goal, they are typically supported by a combination of hardware characteristics, such(prenominal) as built-in reliability and scalability features, and software characteristics, such as system management and support for gamey availability. In light of this, my recommendation of ERP and CRM packages for Bandon Group wou ld be implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The Microsfot Dynamics ERP and CRM is designed to help any organization acquire and retain customers (Microsoft, n. d). The software enables to perform and automate common business tasksincludingEasily access information about business records from one place. Schedule activities, track them, and send e-mail.Generate reports.Manage marketing lists.Track advertising and marketing campaigns.Sort customer responses to sales and marketing initiatives. Keep detailed notes and an performance history for each business record. Microsoft Dynamics CRM also can run from within Microsoft Office Outlook. On top of the other benefits and functionalities mentioned above, Rhodus and Paris (2013) said that Microsoft CRM and ERP helps the company in integration by creating one fascinate of customer experience, building stronger relationship and creating customer intimacy, improving management visibility, provide visibility and access to customer relationshi p, etc. I believe that Microsoft Dynamics is the best software solution for the current situation at Bandon Group.ReferencesChen, I, J. and Popovich, K. (2003) Understanding customer relationship management (CRM). People, process and technology. Business process management journal, Vol. 9 No 5. Retrieved from http//cis.csuohio.edu/ichen/CRM.pdf Kumar, P. (2010). Successful implementation of ERP in a large organization International journal of engineering intelligence and technology. Vol. 2(7), 3218-3224. Retrieved from http//www.ijest.info/docs/IJEST10-02-07-151.pdf Lau, K, L. (2003) Developing successful implementation plan for issues and challenges. Retrieved from http//iacis.org/iis/2003/Lau_ERP.pdf Microsoft (n. d) Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Users Guide. Retrieved from http//blogs.msdn.com/b/crm/archive/2008/07/21/crm-4-0-user-s-guide-now-available-in-pdf-and-word.aspx Rhodus, B. and Paris, E. (2013) CRM & ERP better together. Retrieved from http//www.bkd.com/docs/webinars/201 3/8-21-13-presentation.pdf Schubert, P. (2010) Realizing Benefits from Current ERP and CRM Systems Implementations An Empirical Study. Retrieved from http//www.uni-koblenz-landau.de/koblenz/fb4/iwvi/agschubert/publication/materialien/bled-23.06.2010 Sumner, M. (2005) Enterprise resource planning. Pearson Prentice hall, Upper consign river, New Jersey