The e3 architecture is an example of what EDS calls 'supply chain event management' technology. "We are seeing a breed of software applications that sit on the Internet and pull information from disparate platforms, and present them in a single, integrated view," says Paul Turner, a senior consultant with EDS. "They plug the gaps between ERP systems and other enterprise applications on the supply chain. It means that for the first time it really isn't necessary to have SAP in order to get real-time information."
Supply chain event management
Similar software packages are available from a number of independent software developers. For example, ERP vendor Strategix has developed a series of Microsoft COM business objects that represent particular functions -- such as customer specific pricing or invoice processing. Customers can use some or all of the objects to integrate their ERP systems into existing applications in real time. The idea is that users can access CRM data and functionality through the Strategix ERP software.
When Virgin Mobile rolled out Strategix, the phone company already had a CRM system in place. Real-time integration between the two was vital because the mobile phone market is so competitive and fast-moving. Call centre agents needed real-time access to stock availability and delivery data on the desktop, and new orders also had to be entered into the ERP system in real time. Strategix sits on the desktop alongside the CRM application and pulls out data in real time. "The user doesn't know the difference, but Strategix has effectively opened an account for a customer in the ERP system that mirrors the CRM," says Peter Lusty, Strategix chief executive.
At Virgin Mobile, the integration and rollout took under four months, but that's still a good deal of upfront work for the IT department. This can make real-time supply chain projects extremely costly, and businesses should approach them with care. The key to success is asking customers why they need real-time information and whether the benefits will justify the integration costs involved. "I think a case can be made for real-time data in most industries, but you have to look for right-time information too," says Norcross. In other words, look for the vital metrics and data sets that can provide real operational advantage if captured, measured and managed in real-time. "One of the reasons so many firms find moving to the real-time enterprise so difficult -- they try to get everything in real time," Norcross says. "Decision makers need to make a call on what data is important and what data is less important for their real-time initiative."
