Born-again systems

摘要

Last year many commentators said Enterprise Resource Planning would by now be as defunct as its near-namesake, Wyatt of OK Corral fame. But they may have to think again, because ERP looks defiantly resilient in its role as the bedrock of business systems, thanks in no small part to an increased interest among smaller companies. At the beginning of 2000 ERP's role in the brave new world of e-business was uncertain. With the internet set to allow companies to do business across the globe at the click of a mouse, ERP — with its emphasis on efficiency 'within four walls' — seemed lame.