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M experts, the fact remains that organizations are migrating to these platforms more and more each day. Implementation of ERP and eSCM is difficult when one considers the complexities of their systems processes (See Figure 7).

Tarn et al (2002) are of the view that ERP and eSCM integration is difficult, but not impossible. The benefit perhaps outweighs the problems inherent therein. For example, they are of the view that SCM provides a framework for collaborative efforts, integrated processes, and streamline the supply chain through improved and efficient technologies. There are broad scopes for eSCM as its progress is still at the development stage. eSCM systems functions include support for demand and supply, business to business communication, planning, and curbing uncertainties. Since eSCM is based on a wider framework of value chain partners, it has to be flexible to adapt to change. eSCM applications are still dominantly in the sphere of manufacturing (Tarn et al 2002).

On the other hand, ERP systems can be organizational-specific or industry-specific, depending on the type of products the enterprise is selling. ERP systems are at a mature stage today, with specialized technologies provided by specialist vendors. Despite these facts, ERP system implementation faces a multitude of problems such as data quality (Nord et al 2002), cost, technical compatibility, business process integration, training and information structure change. The difficulty lies in choosing a compatible platform that would match with other partners in the supply chain (Gupta et al 2004).

Critical success factors in implementing ERP depend on the training, top management support, communication among business and IT departments, change management initiatives, employee relations, and control (Nord et al 2002). Moreover, implementation and integration of ERP and SCM depend largely on the flexibility, inter-changeability and compatibility between the software packages of the two. To integrate information systems means to allow communication flow, data interchange and organizational integration. Since ERP and SCM operate on the similar framework of Intranet, extranet and EDI, it is feasible to integrate the two. There are three methods for integrating SCM and ERP:

a. through system conformity

b. through middleware

c. through specialized integration software (SIS) (See Figure 8)(Tarn et 2002)

This is the reason why Web-based ERP is thought to be the best option for organizations endeavouring/transitioning to eSCM. The future of ERP systems is inherent in improving the supply chain in fostering collaborative multiple enterprise systems, operations, financial, logistics and financial systems (Tarn et al 2002; Alsene 2007).

3.8 SAP

SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in data processing) is an integrated business system package that has evolved by five former IBM systems engineers in the 1970s. They designed a software package that provides businesses with an effective and efficient framework for organizations' deployment of ERP. SAP R/3, at the co本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。