Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Karl Kurbel

Description

The course "Enterprise Resource Planning and Beyond" covers the major concepts underlying standard business software such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. ERP systems are the backbone for information processing in almost all large companies and in an increasing number of small and medium-size firms. In this course, we take a process-oriented perspective, looking at business processes within and beyond the boundaries of a company.

The main functionalities of ERP systems are based on previous approaches such as MRP (material requirements planning) and MRP II (manufacturing resource planning). The functionalities of MRP and MRP II systems are explained and the reasons why ERP systems are so important today are discussed. Examples and exercises are based on the market leader's ERP system, i.e. SAP ERP (formerly known as SAP R/3).

However, ERP systems are not the "silver bullet" for solving all logistical problems. Weaknesses of ERP systems are discussed and used as a starting point to look "beyond ERP systems". While ERP systems are the backbone of information processing in any industry today (i.e. manufacturing, banks, insurance companies etc.), SCM systems play an outstand­ing role in manufacturing and distribution. This is increasingly important in today's globally networked economies where supply chains extend across countries and continents.

Outline

1. Introduction and Motivation
2. Evolution of Planning and Control Methods in Manufacturing Companies
   2.1 MRP (Material Requirements Planning) 
   2.2 MRP II (Manufacturing Resource Planning)
   2.3 Master Data of MRP and MRP II
3. Enterprise Resource Planning
   3.1 Integrated Information Systems
   3.2 Business Processes in ERP
4. ERP Systems
   4.1 Application Modules of SAP ERP
   4.2 Functions vs. Processes
   4.3 Customizing an ERP System
5. Supply Chain Management
   5.1 Supply Chain Management and the SCOR Model
   5.2 Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems (APS)
   5.3 Supply Chain Execution and Supply Chain Controlling
   5.4 SAP SCM
6. Wrap-Up and Outlook

Literature

1. Hamilton, S.: Maximizing Your ERP System, A Practical Guide for Managers; New York et al.: McGraw-Hill 2003, ISBN 0-07-140611-5.
2. Knolmayer, G., Mertens, P., Zeier, A., Dickersbach, J.T.: Supply Chain Management Based on SAP Systems - Architecture and Planning Processes; Berlin et al.: Springer 2009; ISBN 978-3-540-68737-5.
3. Magal, S.R., Word, J.: Essentials of Business Processes and Information Systems; Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons 2009; ISBN 978-0-470-23059-6.
4. Ptak, C.A., Schragenheim, E.: ERP - Tools, Techniques, and Applications for Integrating the Supply Chain; 2nd ed., Boca Raton et al.: St. Lucie Press 2004; ISBN 0-57444-358-4.
5. Schoensleben, P.: Integral Logistics Management: Planning & Control of Comprehensive Supply Chains; 2nd ed., Boca Raton et al.: St. Lucie Press/APICS 2004; ISBN 1-57444-272-4.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course successfully, students can expect to

1. understand the basic functionalities of an enterprise resource planning system,
2. know the main approaches to material requirements planning, manufacturing resource planning, enterprise resource planning and supply chain management, 
3. understand the value added by cooperation and collaboration in supply networks,
4. know about optimization methods and heuristics implemented in advanced planning and scheduling systems,
5. understand why customization is a major issue in the implementation of an ERP system in an organization, and
6. understand the integration needs between different information systems.

Method of teaching

This is a video-based course providing recorded lectures. Each lecture is accompanied by a sequence of Powerpoint slides embedded in the video presentation.

The course is divided into lessons and exercises. Lectures are given once a week, followed by exercises to be submitted one or two weeks later. Exercises include working online with the SAP ERP system. A number of online tests are included for evaluation of student performance.

Requirements

No formal prerequisites. However, active participation is indispensable. Homework is assigned regularly and graded.

Credits

6.0 credit points