Dictionary.net

(ERP) Any software system designedto support and automate the business processes of medium andlarge businesses. This may include manufacturing,distribution, personnel, project management, payroll, andfinancials.ERP systems are accounting-oriented information systems foridentifying and planning the enterprise-wide resourcesneeded to take, make, distribute, and account for customerorders. ERP systems were originally extensions of MRP IIsystems, but have since widened their scope. An ERP systemalso differs from the typical MRP II system in technicalrequirements such as relational database, use of objectoriented programming language, computer aided softwareengineering tools in development, client/serverarchitecture, and open system portability.JBOPS are the major producers of ERP software."ERP Systems - Using IT to gain a competitive advantage",Shankarnarayanan S. (http://expressindia.com/newads/bsl/advant.htm).