Question { Satyam, 19113 }

What is SAP R/3?

Answer

SAP R/3 is SAP's integrated software solution for
client/server and distributed open systems. SAP's R/3 is
the world's most-used standard business software for
client/server computing. R/3 meets the needs of a customer
from the small grocer with 3 users to the multi-billion
dollar companies The software is highly customizable using
SAP's proprietary programming language, ABAP/4. R/3 is
scalable and highly suited for many types and sizes of
organizations.

The R/3 architecture is comprised of application and
database servers. The application servers house the
software and the database servers handle document updates
and master file databases. The system can support an
unlimited number of servers and a variety of hardware
configurations.

SAP R/3 is based on various hardware and software
architectures, running on most types of UNIX, on Windows NT
and OS/400.

Question { 12361 }

Name some drawbacks of SAP?

Answer

There are many benefits to implementing an integrated
solution such as SAP.

Commercial benefits would include having a single source
for your financial information. Capturing your business
transactions in one location allows you to easily review
inventory, customer and vendor activity.

On the technical side, a solution on a single platform will
enable easier maintenance and support, reducing costs.
Having a consolidated system means fewer interfaces to
support. By having a single system of record your human
resources will become familiar with terminology associated
with this data and the standard processes. This may improve
communication and create a work force that is easier to
transfer between roles.

Any drawbacks to such a solution would depend on the amount
of restrictions you choose to place on your environment.
New business solutions may have to fit within the current
system, technology must be compatible and human resources
must adapt to handle data in certain standard processes.