Please Reply to the following Discussion?

                     Course – Information Systems ITC 5301

A furniture company that spans 20 stores in multiple states understands the “tyranny of distance” or the logistics and cost of transporting inventory. Also, the challenge of having the right kind of inventory at the right location at the right time can mean the difference between success and failure as a business. Traditionally this was handled by managers at various levels. An ERM would be able to pull data from each of the stores based on the inventory and lead time from manufacturing to create a just-in-time inventory system. This makes the business more efficient because cash is not tied up in inventory where it is not needed and may save excess purchasing.

           This efficiency comes at a cost. Choosing the software and the modules you need based on not just the initial cost but the recurring licensing fees is important. Also, the lifecycle management of the infrastructure if it is not cloud hosted. Another concern is the security of the system. For a small firm like the furniture business a cloud hosted solution would be the best solution because the security and keeping software for the system current is on the provider no the business.

           Another hurdle to overcome is populating the data from the stores into the system. Typically, this is handled in a phased approach where 10% of the stores would input the data and test the new capabilities to look for hiccups and iron out the process for the following. Even if the system is cloud hosted the data entry can be daunting. Inputting all the human resource info, inventory and financial information depending on the used modules will be time consuming for employees.