You are a consultant that specializes in enterprise resource planning (ERP). You have been hired by a small start-up manufacturing company, with fewer than 500 hundred employees, that specializes in electronic devices.

Part -1

The CEO of the startup manufacturing company you are working with asked you to attend the executive steering committee meeting. The committee is looking to implement a new SCM system. The company does not currently have an SCM system and does believe there is a need for one. The lack of having one causes the company to have occasional operational issues, which results in a loss of revenue.

The executive steering committee has asked you to research the different SCM system software packages available and create a comparison chart of the different packages. They would also like you to provide a summary that will recommend what SCM system the organization should use.

Research at least four SCM system software packages.

Design a comparison chart for at least four SCM packages you researched that includes the following:

• Product
• Deployment
• Demand planning
• Import/export management
• Inventory management
• Shipping management
• Supplier management
• Transportation management
• Warehouse management
• Cost

Write a 2-page summary that will help the executives determine which SCM system and strategy to use that will ensure success. Be sure to include the following in your summary:

• The value of SCM and how it differs from CRM and ERP
• A high-level overview of the supply chain
• Why each step in SCM is important to the organization?
• How an SCM system will help the company succeed and correct the operational issues
• What are the tasks the IT department must do in setting up an SCM and for ongoing maintenance of an SCM?
• Why the selected SCM system is the best for their organization

Part – 2

The CEO of the manufacturing company you are currently consulting for has now asked you to look into implementing a CRM. The company currently uses spreadsheets to track sales calls and a paper address book to keep customer information. The CEO has asked you to research and recommend a CRM that will meet the company’s needs.

Research at least three CRM packages.

Use Microsoft Excel® to create a comparison table that compares the pros and cons of each package.

Select one product for the manufacturing company.

Create a 10- to 12-slide narrated, multimedia-rich Microsoft PowerPoint ® presentation for the CEO on why implementing the chosen CRM is prudent. Be sure to address the following:

• The value of CRM and how it differs from SCM and ERP
• Why the chosen package is most appropriate
• How this software will be an improvement over their current methods
• How the chosen CRM package will fit into the overall enterprise of the organization
• What are the benefits the customer can expect as a result of implementing the new software?
• What are the tasks that the IT department must do in setting up a CRM and for ongoing maintenance of an CRM?