Proposal Final

BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

1. INTRODUCTION The title of our project is “implementation of Open Source ERP system for Grace Group of Colleges”. The Grace Group desires a scalable, reliable, efficient, low-cost, web-based client server solution for the integration of their geographically dispersed braches administrative and financial data. For this purpose we propose the adoption of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technique which fulfills the GraceGroup requirements/ needs. With the proper implementation of our system the Grace Group of colleges will get the following advantages: 

After the successful implementation of our proposed system the grace group manage their resources like Staff, Stocks, Purchases, Sales and admissions etc. very easily and fastly.

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The proposed system provides a security so that no one can enter into the grace group database via proper login and passwords.

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The solution which we are proposing can be implemented in a very low cost. The grace group did not require paying any cost for purchasing license software’s or implementation, customization, support and hosting of proposed system.

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The proposed solution will using such a techniques (like OS ERP etc.) which makes it scalable so that it can handle growing amounts of work in a very graceful and mature way.

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The time and effort to implement this system is much more less as compare to the other software solutions.

2. PURPOSE The purpose of our project is to provide a scalable, efficient, fast, reliable, mature and a low cost ERP solution for the Grace Group of Colleges to tackle their administrative and financial issues of multiple geographically dispersed branches. 3. SCOPE The scope of our project is to develop web based, client server application for Grace Group of Colleges which will uses the features of Open Source ERP system for integrating of its multiple branches. In our project we will only focuses on the implementation of two modules a) financial and b) Administrative. Page No 1 of 9

BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

4. PROBLEM STATEMENT The problem statement of the project is to develop a low cost client server and web based solution for GGC to handle their financial and administrative issues effectively.

5. PROPOSED SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

Figure 1: Proposed System Architecture

Our open ERP software will be deployed at the Database Server(PostgreSQL) side and the interfaces will be shown on the Application Server(Open ERP/Tiny ERP). Integration will be done on the web server through HTTPs and different encryption algorithms can be used for the security purpose. However the use of encryption algorithms is optional in our project implementation. In a client server system a number of client devices operated by end users such as desktop PCs request services from application servers, which in turn get the requested service-related information from the database servers. The requests may be simple data files, data values, communication services, transaction processing or master file updates.

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BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

The client/server system functions are performed following three layers of logic:

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Presentation Layer: Graphical user interface (GUI) or browser for data entry or accessing system functions

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Application Layer: Business rules, functions, logic, and programs acting on data received/transferred from/to the database servers

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Database Layer: Management of the organization’s operational or transactional data including metadata; mostly employs industry standard.

6. HISTORY/BACKGROUND The contribution of information technology systems to the competitiveness of modern enterprises becomes ever more visible in modern business. Systems to automate and treat repetitive operations are necessary tools to guide and optimize daily tasks. Today, completely integrated software applications are becoming a necessity to stay ahead of competition. The integration of different processes, the sharing of information between different departments and different levels of people such as technicians, salespeople, accountants and logistics will result in efficiency improvements. A common language, defined workflows and procedures, and structured approach in all departments and inter department activities are a must. All these tools are defined and included in an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. It was introduced by research and analysis firm Gartner in 1990. ERP systems now attempt to cover all basic functions of an enterprise, regardless of the organization's business or charter. These systems can now be found in non-manufacturing businesses, non-profit organizations and governments. Open source ERP system utilized by large as well as small and medium enterprises. OpenERP is the most powerful and flexible Open Source ERP. It deals with each kind of industry, from accountancy to stock management, or project management. More than 250 modules are available. It suits very well to every kind of company: from very small companies to bigger one (with many shops or warehouses). An ERP system is based on a common database and a modular software design. The common database can allow every department of a business to store and retrieve information in realtime. The information should be reliable, accessible, and easily shared. The modular software design should mean a business can select the modules they need, mix and match modules from Page No 3 of 9

BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

different vendors, and add new modules of their own to improve business performance. Ideally, the data for the various business functions are integrated. In practice the ERP system may comprise a set of discrete applications, each maintaining a discrete data store within one physical database. Prior to the concept of ERP systems, it was not unusual for each department within an organization - such as human resources, payroll and financial - to have its own customized computer system. Typical difficulties involved integration of data from potentially different computer manufacturers and systems. After: ERP software combined the data of formerly separate applications. This simplified keeping data in synchronization across the enterprise as well as reducing the complexity of the required computer infrastructure. It also contributed to standardizing and reducing the number of software specialties required within IT departments. The five dominating ERP software suppliers are SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Baan and J.D. Edwards. Together they control more than 60% of the multibillion dollar global market. During the 1990s, companies focused on the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to solve integration problems. However, ERP systems automate core business activities without solving underlying business structures and processes. During the 1990s ERP vendors added more modules and functions as “add-ons” to the core modules giving birth to the “extended ERPs.” These ERP extensions include advanced planning and scheduling (APS), e-business solutions such as customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM).

Figure 2: ERP Evolution

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BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

7. LITERATURE REVIEW

We have studied the various research papers and conclude that for the integration of dispersed applications three types of techniques is widely adopted. 1. Simple web based application 2. Distributed applications 3. ERP’s When these three possible solutions are compared, ERP’s would the first choice from business perspective. Distributed DB

Web based Application

ERP

Cost

high

high

low

Better features

less

less

more

Flexible and Adaptable

less

less

more

Technology

poor

poor

better

Poor/slow

Poor/slow

fast

Support cost

high

high

lower

Security

low

low

high

Compared Features

Efficient/Speed

Table 1: Comparison of ERP with other software solutions

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BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

8. PROPOSED PROJECT METHODOLOGY We will use Rapid Application Development approach for the development of our project Study and Research

Analysis

Integration

Customization and Development

Implementation Figure 3: Flow chart of Proposed project Methodology

We have studied the existing system and issues of related organization thoroughly and after a detailed analysis we have chosen the ERP technique to use in our project. After doing the detail study and analysis of Grace Group requirements the next phase will come which is integration. Integration is an extremely important part of our proposed project. The main goal of our proposed project is to integrate data and processes from all areas of an organization and unify it for easy access and work flow. The ERP technique which we will using usually accomplish integration by creating one single database that employs multiple software modules providing different areas of an organization with various business functions. Customization Services involves any modifications or extensions that change how the out-ofthe-box ERP system works. We will do customization AS-IS analysis and TO-be analysis. We will implement our project in Python, and PostgreSQL34 programming languages.

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BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

9. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES/ SW-HW For the proper development of our proposed project we focuses on following tools and techniques Tools: 

XML defined forms and workflow

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Data PostgreSQL34

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Programming Language Python

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Rational Rose

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Visio

Techniques: 

OS ERP

10. WORK PLAN Deliverables

Time

Project Proposal

3/2/2009

Software Requirement Specifications

3/13/2009

Function Specifications

4/10/2009

Software Design Specifications(SDS)

5/8/2009

Project Management Plan

5/15/2009

Configuration Management Plan

5/29/2009

Test Plan

6/5/2009

Project Documentation and Presentation

7/11/2009

Evaluation

7/18/2009

11. DELIVERABLES. At the end of our project we will deliver our project software and hard copy.

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BS (CS) Final Project Proposal

Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

12. REFERENCES 

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Ajila, S.A., Wu, D. (2007), "Empirical study of the effects of open source adoption on software development economics", Journal of Systems and Software, Vol. 80 No.9, pp.1517-29. Botta-Genoulaz, V., Millet, P.A., Grabot, B. (2005), "A survey on the recent research literature on ERP systems", Computers in Industry, Vol. 56 No.6, pp.510-22. Boulanger, A. (2005), "Open-source versus proprietary software: is one more reliable and secure than the other?", IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 44 No.2, pp.239-48. Brown, D.H., Lockett, N. (2004), "Potential of critical e-applications for engaging SMEs in e-business: a provider perspective", European Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 13 No.1, pp.21-34. Bruce, G., Robson, P., Spaven, R. (2006), "OSS opportunities in open source software – CRM and OSS standards", BT Technology Journal, Vol. 24 No.1, pp.127-40. Chiasson, M.W., Green, L.W. (2007), "Questioning the IT artefact: user practices that can, could, and cannot be supported in packaged-software designs", European Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 16 No.5, pp.542-54. Danielsson, L. (2007), Öppen källkod dubblar lönen. Computer Sweden, available at: www.idg.se/2.1085/1.135393 (accessed December 10, 2007), ERP FAQ's (2007), "Mosaic data solutions", available at: www.mosaic21.com/faq.htm (accessed November 15, 2007), . Economides, N., Katsamakas, E. (2006), "Two-sided competition of proprietary vs open source technology platforms and the implications for the software industry", Management Science, Vol. 52 No.7, pp.1057-71. Esteves, J., Pastor, J. (2001), "Enterprise resource planning systems research: an annotated bibliography", Communications of AIS, Vol. 7 No.8, pp.1-51. Goode, S. (2005), "Something for nothing: management rejection of open source software in Australia's top firms", Information & Management, Vol. 42 No.5, pp.66981. Hars, A., Qu, S. (2002), "Working for free? Motivations for participating in opensource projects", International Journal of Electronic Commerce, Vol. 6 No.3, pp.25. IEMC (2002), "Challenges on a global implementation of ERP software", paper presented at Engineering Management Conference: IEMC 2002, August 18-20, . Ifinedo, P., Nahar, N. (2007), "ERP systems success: an empirical analysis of how two organizational stakeholder groups prioritize and evaluate relevant measures", Enterprise Information Systems, Vol. 1 No.1, pp.25-48. Jutras, C. (2007), "The total cost of ERP ownership in large companies", Aberdeen Group, available at: ww.aberdeen.com/summary/report/sector_insights/4363-SI-erpcost-large.asp, . Karimi, J., Somers, T.M., Bhattacherjee, A. (2007), "The impact of ERP implementation on business process outcomes: a factor-based study", Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol. 24 No.1, pp.101-34. Kocakulah, M.C., Embry, J.S., Albin, M. (2006), "Enterprise resource planning (ERP): managing the paradigm shift for success", International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education (IJIOME), Vol. 1 No.2, pp.125-39.

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Implementation of Open Source ERP in Grace Group of Colleges

Koch, C. (2001), ERP-systemer: Erfaringer, Ressourcer, Forandringer, Ingeniørenbøger, København, Kumar, K., van Hillegersberg, J. (2000), "ERP experiences and evolution", Communications of the ACM, Vol. 43 No.4, pp.22-6. Lengnick-Hall, C.A., Lengnick-Hall, M.L., Abdinnour-Helm, S. (2004), "The role of social and intellectual capital in achieving competitive advantage through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems", Journal of Engineering & Technology Management, Vol. 21 No.4, pp.307-30. Levenburg, N.M. (2005), "Does size matter? Small firms' use of e-business tools in the supply chain", Electronic Markets, Vol. 15 No.2, pp.94-105. Maccormack, A., Rusnak, J., Baldwin, C.Y. (2006), "Exploring the structure of complex software designs: an empirical study of open source and proprietary code", Management Science, Vol. 52 No.7, pp.1015-30. Møller, C. (2005), "ERP II: a conceptual framework for next-generation enterprise systems?", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 18 No.4, pp.483-97. Raymond, L. (2005), "Operations management and advanced manufacturing technologies in smes: a contingency approach", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 16 No.8, pp.936-55. Raymond, L., St-Pierre, J. (2005), "Antecedents and performance outcomes of advanced manufacturing systems sophistication in SMEs", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 25 No.6, pp.514-33. Raymond, L., Bergeron, F.O., Blili, S. (2005), "The assimilation of e-business in manufacturing SMEs: determinants and effects on growth and internationalization", Electronic Markets, Vol. 15 No.2, pp.106-18. Riehle, D. (2007), "The economic motivation of open source: stakeholders perspectives", Computer IEE Computer Society, Vol. 40 No.4, pp.25-32. Rolland, C., Prakash, N. (2000), "Bridging the gap between organisational needs and ERP functionality", Requirements Engineering, Vol. 5 No.3, pp.180-93.

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