Best of Breed ERP: A Dashboard for Strategic Decision Makers

Abstract

The success of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is measured by the Return On Investment (ROI) it brings about to a business. Data is the core of an ERP system regardless of whether the ERP system is a full suite, or an incorporation of multiple best of breed vendors. Strategic decision makers usually make use of KPIs and other performance indicators which improve their insight into the operations of a business at a higher level. Best of Breed (BOB) solutions usually made up of custom tailor-made modules, lack a central point for monitoring of data in an aggregated manner. This paper reviews and discusses how BOB solution users could gain convenience and ultimately a better ROI through a central point of data. A proposed design in the form of a centralized portal that would provide vital information using a dashboard is discussed. The paper also discusses the expectations of an ERP system vs. the reality of what is expected when BOB solutions are involved.