4 July 2004
DUBAI - Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in the local manufacturing companies are likely to boom, setting a trend as more firms get on board with the progressive technology.
This chain-reaction would bring the expansion of ERP firms' product offerings and implementation methodologies, the reduction of ERP software and implementation costs, introduction of multi-site software licenses and the involvement of ERP companies in UAE market. Industry observers also hope to see greater outsourcing of information technology functions in the manufacturing industry that are mainly owned and operated by UAE nationals.
Dubai-based Farook International Stationery (FIS), the biggest stationery manufacturer in the Gulf specialising in office and school papers, is pioneering the use of ERP in its industry. FIS expects to boost its financial foothold and to enlarge its core competency with ERP solutions. EMPA Middle East FZCO will implement the use of ERP system.
"Our ERP project consists of software applications that have organisation-wide impact in every single FIS unit. ERP will enable us to manage our operations in more than 65 countries automatically and more efficiently," said Rami Farook, Vice President of FIS.
ERP systems, fundamentally, integrate the different processes necessary in a business into a centralized pool that facilitates data sharing and eliminates redundancy. Major benefits of the system include on-line/real time information throughout all the functional areas of an organisation, data standardisation and accuracy across the enterprise, 'best-practices' included in the applications, the efficiency they force an organisation to undertake, and the analysis and reporting that can be used for long term planning. "We are counting on its computerised planning capability which aids in improving strategic decision-making process in the company as a whole through a more systematic and automated way," adds Farook.
BY A STAFF REPORTER
© Khaleej Times 2004
