ERP implementation for an administrative agency as a corporative frontend and an e-commerce smartphone app

This document contains all the descriptions, arguments and demonstrations of the researches, analysis, reasoning, designs and tasks performed to achieve the requirement to technologically evolve an managing agency in a way that, through a solution that requires a reduced investment, makes possible to arrange a business management tool with e-commerce and also a mobile application that allows access and consultation of mentioned tool. The first part of the document describes the scenario in order to contextualize the project and introduces ERP (Enterprise Resources Planning). In the second part, a deep research of ERP market products is carried out, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each one of the products in order to finish with the choice of the most suitable product for the scenario proposed in the project. A third part of the document describes the installation process of the selected product carried out based on the use of Dockers, as well as the configurations and customizations that they make on the selected ERP. A description of the installation and configuration of additional modules is also made, necessary to achieve the agreed scope of the project. In a fourth part of the thesis, the process of creating an iOS and Android App that connects to the selected ERP database is described. The process begins with the design of the App. Once designed, it is explained the process of study and documentation of technologies to choose the technology stack that allows making an application robust and contemporary without use of licensing. After choosing the technologies to use there are explained the dependencies and needs to install runtime enviornments prior to the start of coding. Later, it describes how the code of the App has been raised and developed. The compilation and verification mechanisms are indicated in continuation. And finally, it is showed the result of the development of the App once distributed. Finally, a chapter for the conclusions analyzes the difficulties encountered during the project and the achievements, analyzing what has been learned during the development of this project

Designing and managing ERP systems for virtual enterprise strategy:a conceptual framework for innovative strategic thinking

The business environment today is transforming towards a collaborative context compounded by multi-organizational cooperation and related information system infrastructures. This chapter aims to examine Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems development and emerging practices in the management of multi-organizational enterprises and identify the circumstances under which the so-called ‘ERPIII' systems fit into the Virtual Enterprise paradigm; and vice versa. An empirical inductive study was conducted using case studies from successful companies in the UK and China. Data were collected through 48 semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Grounded-Theory based Methodology (GTM) to derive a set of 29 tentative propositions which were then validated via a questionnaire survey to further propose a novel conceptual framework referred to as the ‘Dynamic Enterprise Reference Grid for ERP (DERG-ERP)'; which can be used for innovative decision-making about how ERP information systems and multi-organizational enterprises – particularly the Virtual Enterprise may be co-developed

Un sistema ERP para las pyme en América Latina: Revisión de literatura

Introduction: This article is supported by the research and bibliographic review carried out during February and April 2020 in the Industrial Engineering program of the Fundación Universitaria de Popayán C.Problem: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are faced with various challenges, to the extent that they do not have technological systems that allow them to administer and manage the information that each area can generate in a timely and practical manner, preventing them from effectively planning for the future.Objective: The Bibliographic review aims to establish what type of ERP system would serve SMEs in Latin America, so that they can be combined with the organization’s strategies, seeking to optimize and improve production processes.Methodology: The bibliographic review was carried out applying Kitchenham’s guidelines, which proposes three fundamental stages: (1) planning the review, (2) development of the review, and (3) publication of the review results. Results: For SMEs, cloud-managed openERPs represent a viable option, since implementation costs are signi-ficantly reduced, as well as the issue of maintenance and technical support.Conclusion: OpenERP systems managed in the cloud represent the most feasible option, due to costs, prac-ticality, flexibility and lower operational requirements when implementing the implementation of the system.Este es un artículo de revisión de literatura, donde se consultaron las siguientes bases de datos: Google Scholar, EBSCO, IEEE Explore y ScienceDirect, obteniéndose un total de 100 coincidencias de búsqueda, con el objetivo de determinar la factibilidad que involucra la implementación de un sistema ERP en PYMES. De estos artículos encontrados se realizó un filtro teniendo en cuenta una serie de criterios, quedando un total de 61 artículos, de los cuales a los que abordaban algún tipo de sistemas ERP, se le analizaron factores como: costos, tiempo de implantación, flexibilidad y adaptabilidad. Con base a los resultados encontrados se pudo determinar teniendo presente también puntos de vista de varios autores, que el sistema tecnológico que más le conviene a las PYMES en América Latina, es el sistema Open ERP ODOO que sea gestionado por la nube, ya que permite ahorrar dinero, tiempo en la implementación y se puede ajustar a las necesidades de la empresa

Managing enterprises and ERP systems:a contingency model for the enterprization of operations

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems development and emerging practices in the management of enterprises (i.e. parts of companies working with parts of other companies to deliver a complex product and/or service) and identify any apparent correlations. Suitable a priori contingency frameworks are then used and extended to explain apparent correlations. Discussion is given to provide guidance for researchers and practitioners to deliver better strategic, structural and operational competitive advantage through this approach; coined here as the "enterprization of operations". Design/methodology/approach: Theoretical induction uses a new empirical longitudinal case study from Zoomlion (a Chinese manufacturing company) built using an adapted form of template analysis to produce a new contingency framework. Findings: Three main types of enterprises and the three main types of ERP systems are defined and correlations between them are explained. Two relevant a priori frameworks are used to induct a new contingency model to support the enterprization of operations; known as the dynamic enterprise reference grid for ERP (DERG-ERP). Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on one longitudinal case study. Further case studies are currently being conducted in the UK and China. Practical implications: The new contingency model, the DERG-ERP, serves as a guide for ERP vendors, information systems management and operations managers hoping to grow and sustain their competitive advantage with respect to effective enterprise strategy, enterprise structure and ERP systems. Originality/value: This research explains how ERP systems and the effective management of enterprises should develop in order to sustain competitive advantage with respect to enterprise strategy, enterprise structure and ERP systems use

Robotic process automation and artificial intelligence in industry 4.0 : a literature review

aking into account the technological evolution of the last decades and the proliferation of information systems in society, today we see the vast majority of services provided by companies and institutions as digital services. Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution where technologies and automation are asserting themselves as major changes. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has numerous advantages in terms of automating organizational and business processes. Allied to these advantages, the complementary use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and techniques allows to improve the accuracy and execution of RPA processes in the extraction of information, in the recognition, classification, forecasting and optimization of processes. In this context, this paper aims to present a study of the RPA tools associated with AI that can contribute to the improvement of the organizational processes associated with Industry 4.0. It appears that the RPA tools enhance their functionality with the objectives of AI being extended with the use of Artificial Neural Network algorithms, Text Mining techniques and Natural Language Processing techniques for the extraction of information and consequent process of optimization and of forecasting scenarios in improving the operational and business processes of organizations.5311-8814-F0ED | Sara Maria da Cruz Maia de Oliveira PaivaN/

Managing enterprise resource planning and multi-organisational enterprise governance:a new contingency framework for the enterprisation of operations

This research has been undertaken to determine how successful multi-organisational enterprise strategy is reliant on the correct type of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) information systems being used. However there appears to be a dearth of research as regards strategic alignment between ERP systems development and multi-organisational enterprise governance as guidelines and frameworks to assist practitioners in making decision for multi-organisational collaboration supported by different types of ERP systems are still missing from theoretical and empirical perspectives. This calls for this research which investigates ERP systems development and emerging practices in the management of multi-organisational enterprises (i.e. parts of companies working with parts of other companies to deliver complex product-service systems) and identify how different ERP systems fit into different multi-organisational enterprise structures, in order to achieve sustainable competitive success. An empirical inductive study was conducted using the Grounded Theory-based methodological approach based on successful manufacturing and service companies in the UK and China. This involved an initial pre-study literature review, data collection via 48 semi-structured interviews with 8 companies delivering complex products and services across organisational boundaries whilst adopting ERP systems to support their collaborative business strategies – 4 cases cover printing, semiconductor manufacturing, and parcel distribution industries in the UK and 4 cases cover crane manufacturing, concrete production, and banking industries in China in order to form a set of 29 tentative propositions that have been validated via a questionnaire receiving 116 responses from 16 companies. The research has resulted in the consolidation of the validated propositions into a novel concept referred to as the ‘Dynamic Enterprise Reference Grid for ERP’ (DERG-ERP) which draws from multiple theoretical perspectives. The core of the DERG-ERP concept is a contingency management framework which indicates that different multi-organisational enterprise paradigms and the supporting ERP information systems are not the result of different strategies, but are best considered part of a strategic continuum with the same overall business purpose of multi-organisational cooperation. At different times and circumstances in a partnership lifecycle firms may prefer particular multi-organisational enterprise structures and the use of different types of ERP systems to satisfy business requirements. Thus the DERG-ERP concept helps decision makers in selecting, managing and co-developing the most appropriate multi-organistional enterprise strategy and its corresponding ERP systems by drawing on core competence, expected competitiveness, and information systems strategic capabilities as the main contingency factors. Specifically, this research suggests that traditional ERP(I) systems are associated with Vertically Integrated Enterprise (VIE); whilst ERPIIsystems can be correlated to Extended Enterprise (EE) requirements and ERPIII systems can best support the operations of Virtual Enterprise (VE). The contribution of this thesis is threefold. Firstly, this work contributes to a gap in the extant literature about the best fit between ERP system types and multi-organisational enterprise structure types; and proposes a new contingency framework – the DERG-ERP, which can be used to explain how and why enterprise managers need to change and adapt their ERP information systems in response to changing business and operational requirements. Secondly, with respect to a priori theoretical models, the new DERG-ERP has furthered multi-organisational enterprise management thinking by incorporating information system strategy, rather than purely focusing on strategy, structural, and operational aspects of enterprise design and management. Simultaneously, the DERG-ERP makes theoretical contributions to the current IS Strategy Formulation Model which does not explicitly address multi-organisational enterprise governance. Thirdly, this research clarifies and emphasises the new concept and ideas of future ERP systems (referred to as ERPIII) that are inadequately covered in the extant literature. The novel DERG-ERP concept and its elements have also been applied to 8 empirical cases to serve as a practical guide for ERP vendors, information systems management, and operations managers hoping to grow and sustain their competitive advantage with respect to effective enterprise strategy, enterprise structures, and ERP systems use; referred to in this thesis as the “enterprisation of operations”

Beyond "dependent development" in a high-tech industry? The interplay between domestic institutions and transnational sectoral governance in the trajectories of emerging Polish IT firms

The present study adds to the ongoing discussions on the economic and industrial change in postcommunist Central Europe by investigating in-depth the case of a relatively successful development of two large domestic IT firms from Poland. The case is theoretically interesting because it calls into question the dominant perspective on industrial transformation in the region which focuses on the role of foreign direct investment (FDI). The presented empirical analysis uses rich historical data to reconstruct the strategies of the two Polish firms regarding: sales market operations, corporate finance, and productive organization. The study's general assumption is that the relatively successful development of the two analyzed companies has been shaped by the interplay between home-country conditions and the governance structure of the transnational enterprise IT (EIT) industry. The conducted analysis indicates, first, that the firms have benefited from a well-functioning local capital market, the domestic supply of high-skilled labor, and some characteristics of the home country sales market. Second, the study reveals that the firms' development has been conditioned by the ongoing "modularization" processes in the EIT sector. In their initially home market oriented operations, the analyzed firms focused on the downstream segments of the EIT value chain while sourcing the more high-tech components (e.g. databases) from collaborations with foreign suppliers. In general, the results of the study suggest that a more nuanced perspective on the ongoing processes of industrial change in Central Europe than the one proposed in the existing literature is needed.Die vorliegende Studie untersucht eine relativ erfolgreiche Entwicklung von zwei heimischen IT-Unternehmen aus Polen und trägt dadurch zu aktuellen Diskussionen über den Industriewandel im Mitteleuropa bei. Der analysierte Fall ist von theoretischer Relevanz, da er die dominante Perspektive auf die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung in der Region, die eine Abhängigkeit von ausländischen Direktinvestitionen (FDI) in den Vordergrund stellt, problematisiert. Die Analyse baut auf umfangreichen historischen Daten auf, um die Strategien der zwei Unternehmen hinsichtlich Produktmarktpositionierung, Unternehmensfinanzierung und Produktionsorganisation zu rekonstruieren. Die leitende Annahme der Studie ist, dass die relativ erfolgreiche Entwicklung der beiden polnischen Firmen durch ein Zusammenspiel von länderspezifischen Kontextbedingungen und der Governance-Struktur der globalen Enterprise-IT-Industrie geprägt wurde. Die Analyse zeigt erstens, dass die Unternehmen von einem gut funktionierenden lokalen Kapitalmarkt, dem inländischen Angebot an hochqualifizierten Arbeitskräften sowie einigen Charakteristiken des Binnenmarktes profitiert haben. Zweitens zeigt die Studie, dass die Entwicklung der Unternehmen durch die Modularisierungsprozesse im globalen Enterprise-IT-Sektor bedingt war. In ihren anfänglich binnenmarkorientierten Strategien konzentrierten sich die analysierten Unternehmen auf Downstream-Segmente der EIT-Wertschöpfungskette, während sie die Hightech-Komponenten (z.B. Datenbanken) aus Kooperationen mit ausländischen Lieferanten bezogen. Die Ergebnisse der Studie weisen darauf hin, dass eine differenziertere Perspektive auf die laufenden Prozesse des Industriewandels im Mitteleuropa als in der vorhandenen Literatur erforderlich ist

The implementation of an open-source ERP online solution to support laboratory classes and students assessment in higher education during Covid-19 lockdown

Trabalho apresentado em 15th anual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2022), 7-9 novembro 2022, Sevilha, EspanhaThis article describes the implementation of an online Open-Source Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution to support the laboratory component of the theoretical/laboratory classes of the curricular unit “Information and Communication Technologies in Distribution and Logistics Management” of the degree in “Distribution and Logistics Management” and its contribution to the student assessment process, during the Covid-19 lockdown and resulting restrictions imposed to the normal functioning of presential classroom lessons in the period 2020-2022. The curricular unit's program foresees the use of demonstrative and experimental methods to illustrate the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) support to the fundamental area of the study cycle. An ERP software solution and a database from a simulation company are normally used in classroom-based classes to carry out laboratory exercises, where it is intended to highlight the role of ICT as a facilitator of supply chain processes and logistical activities. The objective of implementing this online solution was to continue to ensure the teaching of the laboratory component, which was initially limited to use in the classroom. It was thus possible to continue helping students to develop their knowledge and practical technical experience in accordance with the curricular unit ́s program. The technological implementation of the solution and the training of the teachers involved had to be carried out in a very short period. From a methodological point of view, an approach based on experiential learning was used and the ePortfolio, as instrument to assess the practical knowledge acquired. Demonstrations of the system with resolution of synchronous online laboratory exercises, online debate and clarification sessions, recordings with resolution of laboratory exercises for asynchronous viewing and the proposal of exercises to be integrated in the ePortfolio were used. This article details the laboratory structure that was developed, taught, and evaluated to the students of the 2nd year of the degree course, at the School of Business Administration of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, in Portugal. The results of the students assessment in the laboratory component were positive, and the proposed solution contributed to the conclusion of the curricular unit. The ERP OPEN-Source solution was also evaluated by the students through a survey, and the results revealed a positive impact of the approach in the acquisition of knowledge and practical technical experience.N/

Enterprise extension through extensible markup language

An extended enterprise is comprised of multiple linkages between and amongst a company and its suppliers, distributors, customers and others. Linkages are long term collaborative agreements based on synergies and the ability to create value. An extended enterprise eliminates wasteful transaction costs and removes redundancies, delays and inefficiencies from the supply chain. This is accomplished through the coordination of demand forecasting, production planning, deployment and transportation as well as creating organizational and process links with seamless information flows between them. Extended enterprise is enabled by developments in technology, especially information technology. Sharing information about sales forecast, production schedules, inventory, etc. makes an extended enterprise a win/win situation. Extended enterprise networks have used information technology systems such as electronic data interchanges, enterprise resource planning, and the Internet with different degrees of success. The Integrated Manufacturing Technology Initiative has identified several information technology criteria as critical to the success of future enterprises. Based on these criteria, this paper discusses XML’s contribution to the extended enterprise paradigm. Dell’s direct sale model is used to illustrate the role of XML in enterprise extension.Una empresa extendida está compuesta de varios enlaces entre una compañía y sus proveedores, distribuidores, clientes y demás. Estas uniones son acuerdos a largo plazo basados en la sinergia y en la habilidad de crear valor. Una empresa extendida elimina los costes de transacción innecesarios y retira las redundancias, atrasos e ineficiencias de la cadena de suministros. Esto se consigue mediante la coordinación de la demanda, la planificación de la producción, desempleo y transporte así como crear procesos organizativos y enlaces con información que fluye a través de estas partes. Una empresa extendida es posible gracias al Desarrollo en tecnología, especialmente la de la información. Compartir información sobre las ventas, el calendario de producción, el inventario, etc, permite a la empresa situarse en una situación de beneficio. Sus redes de trabajo han empleado la tecnología de la información como intercambios de datos electrónicos, planificación de recursos, y el internet con diferentes grados de éxito. La Iniciativa Artesana de Tecnología Hecha a Mano ha identificado ciertos criterios que resultan críticos para el éxito de las siguientes operaciones y empresas. Basados en estos criterios, este artículo discute la contribución de XML al paradigma de las empresas extendidas. El modelo de ventas directo de Dell se utiliza para ilustrar el papel de XML a la extensión de empresas

Digitizing the field: designing ERP systems for Triple-A humanitarian supply chains

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore what design principles need to be considered in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for humanitarian organizations (HOs) to enable agile, adaptive and aligned (Triple-A) humanitarian supply chain capabilities and digitize humanitarian operations. Design/methodology/approach: This study follows an embedded case study approach with ahumanitarian medical relief organization, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), which engaged in a multiyear ERP design at its humanitarian field missions. Findings: This research shows that ERP systems for humanitarian organizations should be designed asunique systems addressing humanitarian organizations' challenges and unique missions, their valuegeneration processes, and resource base in an effort to improve organizational performance. This study presents 12 general design principles that are unique for humanitarian organizations. These design principle sprovide a high-level structure of guidance under which specific requirements can be further defined and engineered to achieve success. Research limitations/implications: The results of this study are based on a single case study limiting generalizability. However, the case study was analyzed and presented as an embedded case study with five autonomous subunits using different business processes and following different adoption and implementation approaches. Therefore, the findings are derived based on considerable variance reflective of humanitarian organizations beyond MSF. Practical implications: This study recognizes that HOs have unique routines that standard commercial ERP packages do not address easily at the field level. The primary contribution of this research is a set of design principles that consider these unique routines and guide ERP development in practice. National and international HOs that are planning to implement information systems, private companies that are trading partners of HOs as well as vendors of ERP systems that are looking for new opportunities would all benefitfrom this research. Originality/value: This study fills the gap in the humanitarian literature regarding the design of ERPsystems for humanitarian organizations that enable Triple–A supply chain capabilities and it advances the knowledge of the challenges of ERP design by HOs in the context of humanitarian operations