Introducing an information technology structural change such as Oracle's JD Edwards to a company that has been doing business their way for so many years can be problematic at first. Employees may at first have a hard time accepting changes, even if it will make their lives easier. Certain positions that are no longer required because of the technology will be removed completely and on some level computer interaction will replace the human touch. The benefits of increased efficiency that can be gained throughout the entire company can have a huge impact on the overall success. "ERP vanquishes the old standalone computer systems in finance, HR, manufacturing and the warehouse, and replaces them with a single unified software program divided into software modules that roughly approximate the old standalone systems." "(Koch, 2007)". This was the case with FW Murphy, a manufacturing company established in 1939. Because of its long history, it had to make significant operating changes to remain competitive and keep their customers happy.
C.F. Murphy and W.H. Fitzpatrick (LOC)
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Murphy EngagementChanges occurred to the sales department, customer relations, shipping, manufacturing, and executive and management levels.
It is important that other departments at FW Murphy that are not related to production benefit from the changes introduced by Oracle. In this case the entire company seems to have adapted and benefited by doing away with their old processes and embracing the new system. Perhaps it was the sales department that gained the most from the change as they were able to make significant changes to their environment. Previously sales managers did not have control over their representatives. Individuals would set discounts for their own accounts without any oversight by management. With the new system in place product and customer information is consolidated in one place, therefore discounts be controlled at a company level. "Excellent customer service...