Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate internal and external management information across an entire organization, embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, customer relationship management, etc. ERP systems automate this activity with an integrated software application. Their purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders.

ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning ) include the following characteristics

• An integrated system that operates in real time (or next to real time), without relying on periodic updates.
• A common database, which supports all applications.
• A consistent look and feel throughout each module.
• Installation of the system without elaborate application/data integration by the Information Technology (IT) department.

Finance/Accounting
General ledger, payables, cash management, fixed assets, receivables, budgeting, consolidation

Human resources
Payroll, training, benefits, 401K, recruiting, diversity management

Manufacturing
Engineering, bill of materials, work orders, scheduling, capacity, workflow management, quality control, cost management, manufacturing process, manufacturing projects, manufacturing flow, activity based costing, product lifecycle management

Supply chain management
Order to cash, inventory, order entry, purchasing, product configurator, supply chain planning, supplier scheduling, inspection of goods, claim processing, commissions

Project management
Costing, billing, time and expense, performance units, activity management
Customer relationship management
Sales and marketing, commissions, service, customer contact, call center support

Data services
Various "self–service" interfaces for customers, suppliers and/or employees

Access control
Management of user privileges for various processes