The users of ERP software are workers of an organization, while ecommerce applications are open to general public. The differences in
end-users between the two types of applications have profound implications on systems integration. E-commerce applications have built
into the new generation of web-based ERP systems which may ease the integration.
Differences in User Interface Design
ERP software automates complex business processes and transforms the way workers interact. ERP users often go through lengthy training
sessions to learn how to user ERP systems. It is reasonable to design sophisticated workflow processes to best fit organizations'
business processes. The user interface design of ecommerce systems, however, has to very intuitive and easy to use. Training should not
be required for using ecommerce applications. While ERP users have no choice but to use their ERP systems, ecommerce users have go to
your competitors in a few clicks.
Differences in Requirements of System Uptime
The complexity of ERP system demands routine maintenance. It is possible to shutdown a ERP system on weekends or holidays to perform periodical
system maintenance and performance tuning since the primary users of ERP system are internal workers. Ecommerce applications (such as online
storefronts or B2B exchange), on the other hand, serves the general public and external partners, suppliers or distributors. They are required
to be available 99.99% of time.
Differences in Security Requirements
ERP systems and ecommerce applications have very different security requirements. Ecommerce applications are generally outside the firewall or
DMZ though the databases that support ecommerce applications are usually behind the firewall. Organizations take many security measures to
reduce the risk of exposing sensitive internal data to general public.
Related Topics
ERP Implementation Methodologies
Critical Successful Factors of ERP Implementation
ERP Integration - The Challenge for ERP Implementation
Cost of ERP - What does ERP really cost?
Causes of ERP Failures
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