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Category: ERP systemsEnterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP Business One, are useful across an entire company’s processes, one specialist has suggested.

Director of advisory services at the National Computing Centre (NCC) Michael Dean said that programs such as this are often used for human resources, billing, accounting, stock ordering and marketing operations.

Mr Dean pointed to this as a reason for why some firms may see the installation of ERP systems as problematic.

"ERP is complex because it can impact every part of an organisation," he remarked. "Implementation will never be easy."

However, according to the expert, organisations that have increased their investment in software of this kind could hold a distinct advantage over their competitors.

He added that ERP systems can help a business to boost its performance, provided they are supported by good-quality management.

A survey by the NCC published in November found that 29 per cent of enterprises intend to maintain their current level of investment in ERP, while six per cent are looking to increase expenditure in this area.