Discuss the importance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Lean: Operations Management Assignment, DCU

Operations Management Assignment Brief:

Discuss the importance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Lean in operations management.

Please follow the following guidelines in your discussion:

 1. ERP

• Explain ERP, how it works, its advantages, etc.
• Discuss its role in the organization in terms of coordination of data, enhancing the decision-making process, systems integration, etc.
• Consider how it enhances operations management

2. Lean

• Explain the Lean concept, important principles of Lean and how it helps achieve the quality output
• Consider why it is a continuous cycle of Quality management in seeking perfection
• Discuss how it enhances operations/production, reduces waste and costs, and delivers profit.

3. Competitive Advantage

• Explain how ERP and Lean can work together to improve operations management and enhance competitive advantage (e.g. stock ordering systems and inventory management, improved joined-up thinking and decision making on quality with integrated IT systems, etc.)
• Consider how ERP & Lean can improve capacity management when it comes to supply and demand of products/services (e.g. responding to demand fluctuations)