Future platform of ERP + SOA

ERP is no longer a simple high-tech product with software technology as the core. It has become an indispensable means of modern enterprise management.

In addition to standardizing enterprise processes and making management and finance more transparent, the competitive environment of modern enterprises puts forward higher requirements for ERP standardization, scalability, maintainability and interoperability. In fact, the core of ERP is not the technology, but the management ideas extracted by a large number of consulting and enterprise practitioners.

Platform-based

Enterprises can establish their core business and development platforms through ERP, which has become an important trend of ERP development. SAP has built the ABAP development language in the system since very early on (in fact, SAP's business applications have basically been developed in this language ), in addition to configuring, enhancing, and changing standard programs, the business definition can complete most personalized business and report development through the built-in development platform.

With the release of the NetWeaver platform based on SOA standards, SAP also introduced the Java language (with the built-in Java Development Tool eclipse) in the development platform ). Although the two languages are not supported by the same running server, they can complete all the development functions of ABAP. SAP adopted a framework similar to. NET Framework before Microsoft in the planning and construction of the Development Platform, and separated the upper-level advanced development language from the enterprise's underlying applications through the underlying compiler.

Compliant with SOA standards

Whether the built-in development platform that complies with SOA standards and supports multiple languages is built on this platform. All application modules in ERP are built on this platform, which is a watershed for distinguishing the ERP Technical Architecture. Many ERP manufacturers in China have launched their own middleware Products and built their own ERP technology platforms on this basis. Gradually penetrating other enterprise applications through the ERP built-in development platform is one of the development trends of ERP technology.

In this regard, many vendors have their own unique advantages. The new versions of CRM, PLM, and SCM launched by SAP have been fully integrated with ERP from the interface to the background technology. Oracle also plans to use fusion technology, integrate the acquired Siebel CRM and PeopleSoft HR.

In addition, through portal technology, the pace of ERP's gradual penetration into enterprise portals has not been stopped. online customization by Dell, Sony, and Lenovo and online mall are successful cases.

Separation of technology and business

For the development of ERP, the separation of technology and business is also one of the trends. ERP technology provides a general implementation, configuration, and development platform, and the import of industry solutions through similar plug-ins (configuration data) has become a necessary guarantee for rapid implementation. In terms of erp r & D investment, the investment in technical platforms often only accounts for about 30% of the total cost, and the research on industry solutions accounts for 70%.

For a mature ERP product, in the long term, the proportion of investment in industrial solutions is usually higher. In terms of technical architecture, ERP in China is not necessarily inferior to that in other countries, but its stability is slightly inferior due to insufficient investment in testing.

In-depth Industrial Application

The main gap between domestic ERP and advanced foreign ERP is in the research and investment of industry solutions. The promotion of SAP's best practices for enterprises over the years is worth learning from. This is not a technical issue, but a management issue. Domestic ERP mainly occupies the market share of small and medium-sized enterprises, but with the deep promotion of sap sbo (SAP Business One, SAP's ERP solution suite for small and medium-sized enterprises) and other small and medium-sized enterprise solutions in China, domestic ERP manufacturers keep fewer and fewer advantages by virtue of localization. It is a question for domestic ERP vendors to think about how to make an impact on the high-end ERP market while maintaining the existing market share of ERP. The foreign ERP giants provide a new way of thinking for the research and summarization of industry subdivision solutions.

Keeping an eye on and judging new technologies is one of the foundations to ensure the vitality of ERP. ERP vendors must seize the opportunities brought about by every major technological upgrade, just like the previous relational databases, large databases, and C/S (B/S) three-tier/multi-tier architecture, cross-platform technology (earlier than the emergence of Java), middleware, SOA, and so on. If good ERP vendors cannot lead the ERP technology direction, they must at least make a correct judgment on the Development Trend of ERP technology. Otherwise, they will lose good development opportunities.

China Computer news published on wednes2007.08.08!

Link:Http://www.ciw.com.cn/epaper/Ema.asp? Emaid = 1168941