ERP has become basic need for an industry now

BHOPAL: `ERP has become basic need for an industry now', said, Sulabh Sharma president Govindpura Industrial Association delivering the keynote address at a symposium on `Information Technology for Business Benefit' at Jehan Numa Palace Hotel here on Friday.

Cyber India Online Ltd (CIOL) in association with Microsoft Dynamics organized the symposium to inform the business houses in and around the capital about the latest technologies in IT sector viz., ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).

Keynote address was followed by a presentation on ERP by Sanjay Kumar Pal of Microsoft. Through his presentation, Pal provided detailed information on ERP, its usage, cost, application, etc.

This was followed by a panel discussion. The panelist included Uttam Ganguly, MD Bend Joints; Mahendra S Tyagi, Executive Director Nahar Spinning Mills Ltd.; and Sanjay Kumar Pal of Microsoft. Vipin Mullick MD Inspros Engineers Pvt Ltd. and CII president was present as panel moderator.

Participating in the discussion, Mullick underlined the importance of ERP. He said, `Indian IT industry has shown way to the world. IT is a great enabler. It can bring to the fore every force and synergy of products that the customers wants'. He said that ERP marries the science of planning. Further, Mullick observed that ERP helps in efficient and timely delivery and helps in better customer satisfaction. `As it helps by giving reminders, process capability analysis, maintenance, etc', he said.

While, drawing example from Mumbai dabbawalas, Uttam Ganguly said that probably the dabbawalas need IT as everyday they cater to lakhs of people. He also informed that he was the first person in Govindpura Industrial area to buy a computer. `But now computer has flooded everywhere'.

Participating in the discussion, Mahendra S Tyagi said that he is using ERP since last year. `You have to be ready for expenditure as the system needs constant up gradation. At initial level the expenses would be on license, training of staffs, computers and others'. He added that ERP system helps as it reduces manpower, stationery is eliminated and increases the efficiency among several others. However, he said that ERP needs a person to change his or her mindset, and requires time for customization.

In this regard, Sanjay Pal informed that current ERP annual growth is 36 percent. `All the top 500 companies as per Economics Times are using ERP now'.

On the occasion, Ramson India Ltd was conferred the award of `IT Power User'. It is one of the 20 winners selected across the country. Besides, lucky draw of the participants at the symposium was also taken out.