ERP Systems (Essay Sample)

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One aspect usually overlooked in respect to ERP systems is the grave importance of having a solid and reliable hardware framework on which the software runs. Performance, stability and manageability of ERP systems are dependent on the hardware. Before deciding on the type of hardware to put in place so as to ensure smooth running of ERP systems, a number of aspects should always be considered. ERP’s are considered as bulky software’s that would most likely fail to work properly on old hardware platforms. Also, regular updates on ERP software’s means that one has to employ use of up to date hardware merchandise that can accommodate these regular changes.
A suitable hardware should be able to allow for smooth access of information from the ERP system by many users at the same time. There shouldn’t be a situation whereby the system ‘freezes’ when multiple users try to access it. This brings us to a conclusion that when selecting a suitable hardware, one needs to know how often or frequently, or in other words, the usage of the system. Is it light or heavy? Also, one has to know how many other functions they intend to run on the server alongside the ERP system and the number of other software’s that run on the same machine with the ERP. Knowing this allows one to choose a hardware option that will perform to optimum according to the intended purposes.
One aspect that strikes out in a suitable hardware is the availability of a reliable network. Usually, a large number of files are opened simultaneously in ERP systems. This consequently causes heavy network traffic that might slow down the speed at which information is accessed in a hardware system that is not suitable. (Altekar, 2004) explains that hardware systems should have gigabit network cards that are in fact quite affordable and heavily reliable. Also, network hardware that uses switch rather than hub is advantageous since it ensures traffic is directed to multiple parallel ports. Such hardware should be certified by a professional so as to certify their reliability.
In terms of computers or workstations, recommended CPU’s must use either Intel or AMD processors. The CPU’s should preferably have two or more processors with speeds of 2.5GHz and above, over 2GB of RAM and approximately 1GB/s internet speed or more. Such a computer/workstation is suitable for optimum functioning or ERP systems as it has all the minimum requirements for performing tasks through an ERP syst...