Generic - Exploration of ERP Modules in Oracle E-Business Suite

Exploration of ERP Modules in Oracle E-Business Suite ERP stands for enterprise resource planning. It refers to the systems and software packages used by organizations to manage day-to-day business. Oracle E-Business Suite is one of the most reputed ERP product which is currently available in the market – developed by Oracle. In the world of enterprise resource planning, very few software products have really made to the top ranks when it comes to worldwide implementations. Based on market share – SAP, Microsoft Dynamics are the close vendors who try to get the ERP share in almost all the regions. What is Oracle E-Business Suite? Oracle’s E-Business Suite (also known as Applications/Apps or EB-Suite/EBS) consists of a collection of enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and supply-chain management (SCM) computer applications either developed or acquired by Oracle. Top Vendors in the market Based on market share – SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics are the key vendors who are the leaders in major international markets like North America and Europe. Many industry experts / Chief executive officers who wish to implement new ERP software in Fortune 500 companies will most probably end up considering industry’s two biggest leaders: SAP or Oracle. While both ERP providers are clear market share dominators and have very well-established product lines, the strengths, weaknesses, risks and product roadmaps of these two vendors couldn’t be more different. Either of the product is likely to get the job done! so the question becomes: Which will help you get the job done for your organization?. Marketing Vs Services Generally, we have manufacturing and services industries which have two diverse requirements. SAP has a strong grip in the manufacturing sector and European markets for a long while. When it comes to Oracle, it has a strong hold on services industry. The market has evolved a lot and in the same way, even the software has changed drastically. Thanks to their upgrades and version changes. If you look at Oracle ERP suite, it started off with Oracle D2K, Oracle 11i, then Oracle E-Business Suite and currently Fusion software. Why Oracle? Oracle Corporation (Oracle) provides a comprehensive range of IT solutions. Wide product portfolio and cloud business and strategic acquisitions are likely to offer growth opportunities to the company. Oracle R12 (a version name) has a history of improving global decision making by supporting various types of Reporting/Analysis. Also, transaction processing happens in Financials, Supply Chain, Projects, PLM, Sales & Marketing, HR, Services. What do you mean by Oracle Apps? Oracle Applications means software that helps you run your enterprise businesses such as Accounting, Humans Resource, or Financials. However, Oracle Applications Server is the technology that, mostly installs on the server, integrates with others software’s to work together. It can be called Middleware. Why so Many Modules? Every business enterprise has their own requirements and needs. A high-tech consulting company is not going to have the same procurement needs as that of a high-tech manufacturing firm. That is why EBS has a lot of features which are both manual and automated. Since, no solutions fit all problems, in the same way – no particular product can help you all. There is a practice of mix and match of software vendors bundled together to provide a most suitable customized product for your organization. In this regard, it is to be noted that – each application is licensed separately so companies can select the combination that is suitable for their business processes. Let us go through some of the major Modules – Customer Relationship Management The Oracle CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a set of applications that gives you information-driven sales, service, and marketing. Oracle CRM is built on an open, standards-based architecture that streamlines business processes, improves data quality, and allows all your key divisions to draw from the same source of data. With Oracle CRM, your company owns the single best tool for customer success—accurate information. Services Oracle’s E-Business Suite family of Service Applications provides true information-driven customer service. It enables an organization to meet and exceed customer expectations by empowering them with information that is consistent, accurate, and actionable. Financial The Oracle Financials application includes General Ledger, Cash Management, Payables, Receivables, Fixed Assets, Treasury, Property Management, Financial Analyser and a self-service expenses function. Oracle Human Resource Management The Oracle Human Resource Management System (HMRS) module helps companies manage the entire recruitment process and provides a real-time view of all HR activities such as recruitment, training, benefits, and payroll. The HRMS suite fully integrates with all E-Business Suite applications and offers users an analytics package that allows for easy extraction of HR data. Oracle Project Oracle Projects Portfolio of applications supports the full lifecycle of project and portfolio management. It provides a single, accurate view of all project-related activities. It allows users to select the best portfolio of initiatives, execute projects in adherence with methodologies, assign the right global resources, proactively streamline project delivery, and track profitability via accurate budgeting, forecasting, and Billings/charge-backs. Supply Chain Management The Oracle Supply Chain applications allow organizations to predict market requirements, innovate in response to volatile market conditions, and align operations across global networks. There are several industry-specific solutions available that incorporate demand management, sales, and operations planning, transportation management etc. Procurement Oracle Advanced Procurement is an integrated suite of applications that dramatically cuts all supply management costs. The solution helps you to reduce spending on goods and services, streamline procure-to-pay processes, and drive policy compliance. Value Chain and Planning Oracle’s Value Chain Planning solution enables companies to become more information-driven with best-in-class supply chain planning applications built around a core of optimization, sales and operations planning, and performance management. Oracle Transportation Management Transportation management (TMS) provides transportation planning and execution capabilities to shippers and third party logistics providers. It integrates and streamlines transportation planning, execution, and freight payment. The TMS function delivers functionality for all modes of transportation, from full truckload to complex air, ocean, and rail shipments. The benefits of the TMS function include reduced transportation costs, improved customer service, and greater asset utilization. Oracle Warehouse Management Systems Oracle’s Warehouse Management System allows coordinated movement of goods and information throughout the extended distribution process. The module provides business processes that can deliver efficient utilization of employees, equipment, and space in the distribution process. Benefits include an acceleration of the flow of products through the supply chain while reducing lead times and releasing working capital, real-time inventory management, cross-docking, pick-by-line, advanced ship notices (ASN), inbound planning and yard management. Configure, Don’t Customize Highly configurable global system lets you tailor the system without programming. List of some of the key applications are: Oracle HRMS Oracle Payroll Oracle CRM Oracle Financials Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Management Oracle Order Management Oracle Procurement Oracle Project Portfolio Management Oracle Quotes Oracle Transportation Management Oracle Enterprise Asset Management Product Life Cycle Management Manufacturing Strengths of Oracle compared to its Competitors Oracle is very good in database and backend. It does have a good market in middle-east and a decent presence in North American markets. Due to its reputation in financials module, it has won several accolades from its clientele which has given scope for newer modules. How has Oracle been building its Empire? The company has been in the buying spree in the last decade due to which many related technologies are into its mold. For example, PeopleSoft is one product which was good for a Human resource which is now a part of Oracle. In the same way, Siebel CRM is a part of Oracle. In this way, Oracle Corporation has got a sizeable market presence with an extremely good acquisition strategy. This has given good dividends for their existing clients and for prospective customers who are looking to buy Oracle suite of products.