Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

What is ERP?
- Definition, purpose, and benefits of ERP
- History and evolution of ERP systems
- Types of ERP software (on-premise, cloud-based, hybrid)
ERP vs. Legacy Systems
- Key differences between ERP and traditional systems
- The need for ERP in modern business environments
ERP Architecture
- Core components and layers of an ERP system
- Centralized vs. decentralized ERP
- ERP modules and their integration
ERP Vendors and Market
- Leading ERP vendors (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)
- Selection criteria for ERP systems

Pre-Implementation Planning
- Understanding business requirements
- Defining the scope of the ERP project
- Project planning and resource allocation
ERP Software Selection
- Choosing the right ERP solution
- Cost-benefit analysis of ERP options
System Design and Customization
- Customization vs. configuration
- System design based on organizational needs
Data Migration and Integration
- Data preparation and cleansing
- Integration with other enterprise systems (CRM, SCM, etc.)
Testing and Deployment
- Testing the ERP system (unit testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing)
- Deployment strategies (phased, parallel, big bang)
Post-Implementation Support
- ERP system maintenance
- User training and support
- Continuous improvement and upgrades

Finance and Accounting Module
- General Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable
- Fixed Assets Management
- Financial Reporting and Compliance
Human Resource Management (HRM) Module
- Employee information management
- Payroll and Benefits administration
- Recruitment, training, and performance management
Sales and Distribution (SD) Module
- Order management, pricing, and invoicing
- Shipping, delivery, and customer relationship management (CRM)
Procurement and Supply Chain Management (SCM) Module
- Supplier management and procurement process
- Inventory management and warehousing
- Logistics and supply chain optimization
Manufacturing and Production Module
- Production planning and scheduling
- Bill of Materials (BOM) and work orders
- Quality control and maintenance management
Project Management Module
- Project planning, tracking, and resource allocation
- Cost tracking and financial control
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Module
- Customer data management
- Sales forecasting and marketing automation
Business Intelligence (BI) Module
- Data analysis and reporting
- Dashboards and decision support systems

ERP in Manufacturing
- Industry-specific requirements and customization
- Lean manufacturing and ERP integration
ERP in Retail and Distribution
- Inventory management, point of sale, and supply chain integration
ERP in Services (Healthcare, Education, etc.)
- Tailored ERP applications for service industries
- Specialized workflows and data management

Basic Configuration Settings
- Organizational structure setup
- User roles and permissions management
Process Configuration
- Configuring core business processes (sales, procurement, finance)
- Customizing workflows and automation
Reporting and Analytics Configuration
- Setting up reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Business intelligence and data visualization tools

Introduction to BPR
- The role of ERP in business process improvement
- Aligning ERP with business strategy
Process Optimization with ERP
- Streamlining operations through ERP automation
- Best practices for process reengineering with ERP
Challenges and Risks
- Overcoming resistance to change
- Managing process and organizational changes

System Updates and Upgrades
- Version management and patching
- Managing system upgrades and migrations
Troubleshooting and Support
- ERP troubleshooting techniques
- Handling system errors and issues
User Training and Support
- Developing training programs for end-users
- Knowledge management systems for ongoing support

Cloud ERP
- Benefits of cloud-based ERP systems
- Key considerations for adopting cloud ERP
Artificial Intelligence and ERP
- Machine learning and predictive analytics in ERP
- Automating business decisions with AI
IoT and ERP Integration
- Real-time data collection and monitoring via IoT
- Integration of IoT devices with ERP systems
Mobile ERP
- ERP applications on mobile devices
- Mobile ERP functionality and challenges
Blockchain and ERP
- Use of blockchain for data security and transparency in ERP systems

ERP Implementation Case Studies
- Success stories and lessons learned from major ERP implementations
ERP Failures and Challenges
- Common reasons for ERP failures
- Risk mitigation strategies in ERP projects
Industry-Specific ERP Examples
- Case studies of ERP systems in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and more

ERP Certification
- Overview of ERP certification programs (e.g., SAP Certified, Oracle ERP Certification)
- Benefits of ERP certification for career advancement
ERP Project Management
- Skills and knowledge required for managing ERP projects
- ERP consultant roles and career paths

Practical Implementation Project
- Hands-on ERP implementation project, including all phases: planning, configuration, and deployment.
- Group projects or individual assignments to design an ERP system for a fictional company or real-world scenario.