ERP Interview Questions

ERP systems is a set of techniques that help to drive the fundamental business processes. It is a cross-functional enterprise that is completely used for integrated business management and improving the efficiency of companies. The optimum utilization of ERP in companies can be beneficial for planning, managing and supervising. The areas where ERP is used are production, financial markets, accounting, sales, manufacturing and services. So, ERP is a software tool that makes management simple for companies.

There are six main components in ERP.

• Transactional databases
• Management portals
• Human Resources
• Supply chain management
• Workflow management
• Customization reports

An ERP system is capable of integrating every department and their functions under one computer. This forms a platform for all departments to share information and communicate easily. All the departments in a company including the HR, production, design, supply chain management and finance can be integrated into software that is run by a single database.

The popular types of ERP preferred by companies are SAP, Oracle Financials, Microsoft Dynamics, PeopleSoft, BAAN, and JD Edwards. SAP is more successful than any other ERP because it has many advantages over all of them. There can be drastic improvements made if ERP is installed and maintained in the right way.

Today, many organizations have designed a complex system that contains multiple ERPs. Some companies develop their own system along with the available open system software. Thus, a candidate can answer this question according to the requirement of the company's system requirement.

The implementation process is the primary purpose of ERP systems. This involves installing the software, updating it with the financial data and then the users, processes are configured. After this, the users should become familiar with all processes and the software. There is a systematic way of implementing ERP in a company for effective utilization. Candidate can explain the objectives of how they implemented previously and how helpful it happened to be for the company.

Firstly, we must analyze the problem and define the objectives required. The infrastructure required for this should be checked too. Then we must clearly define its scope for the future. According to the present condition, we must evaluate the options in ERP for future improvement. This will identify the required ERP solution, so it can be updated with important and necessary data. The users should check on the system now and then; they can also customize it when required. Employees must be capable of using the right technology, knowledge of ERP and training should be conducted for them. In the end, the implementation process ends with project management and testing.

The parameters of a query that are not filled with values are called variables. These will not be defined with a value unless the query is inserted into workbooks. The types of variables in ERP are texts, characteristic variables, user entry, formulas, replacement path and hierarchy nodes.

Knowing many functional areas can be beneficial because we can comprehend the drawbacks that each department is facing currently. We can create a secured platform for all departments to coordinate and communicate together. This helps us to rectify and recover major flaws for improving the enterprise.

The major purpose of ERP is the integration of all departments of a company. Candidate can explain in which functional area they worked previously. They can also explain the process of integrating two different departments effectively using ERP. Also, explain how they managed to overcome errors and problems.

In ERP, the data dictionary is used to compile the internal structure of databases in its different iterations. This is the primary component that guides all the users after ERP is declared in a company. We have to develop good data dictionaries as it is helpful to everyone in the enterprise.

ERP requires multiple server connections to integrate all the departments in a company. It requires large hardware components and multiple workstations to set up ERP in an enterprise. The financial sector is also included under ERP, which means it makes long accounting processes for large companies simpler. However, many types of ERP software are available to meet the different company's requirement. Some of them are open source ERP, small business ERP, generalist, and vertical ERPs.

Mobile ERP is now available in the form of mobile apps on Apple, Windows and Android. Social ERP has evolved with which we can connect the social media data of the company with the customized ERP systems. There is a two-tier ERP that can be used for very large companies across countries. The first tier is designed for the main corporate office while the second tier is for the subsidiary level. These are some of the new trends that ERP is witnessing right now.

When the implementation of ERP is stable in a company, we can track every detail about the inventory in all departments. A customized transaction software can help users to make real-time inventory easily. So candidates who have developed one become more preferable. You can explain briefly of how and why you developed a customized transaction software.

Most ERP systems or programs use TCP/IP protocol for communication with clients. This protocol is considered safe and quick because it sends information in packets and then reassembles it to the user.