Editorial Pointers

Enterprise resource planning systems promise to integrate a wide array of business functions within an organization, everything from inventory control, to sales, production, purchasing, finance, human resources, and more. It all sounds pretty straightforward, and it would be, if all companies followed the same straightforward path.

Fortunately, ERP systems have become far more flexible and configurable in recent years, and implementations less traumatic. The late 1990s proved a boon to ERP vendors thanks, in good measure, to Y2K and the theory it’s more sensible to implement ERP initiatives than design Band-Aids for existing functions. This month’s special section paints a detailed picture of ERP technology today.

Guest editors Kuldeep Kumar and Jos von Hillegersberg are natives to the ERP terrain. Both have worked together in a number of ERP projects and both currently conduct research into ERP implementations and architectures. Their experiences inspired the creation of this section and served to draw many of their colleagues to share their own stories with us. The authors provide an expertly woven collection of articles depicting the strengths, the challenges, and most importantly, the realities of ERP.

You will read of project successes and failures, as well as current implementation techniques, enterprise modeling, cultural differences, and the intricate fit between ERP, corporate tactics, and IT strategies. You will also learn where ERP is headed as we move further into a multimedia, Web-based world. Kumar and von Hillegersberg contend ERP is now the price of entry for running a business. Therefore, we hope you find this information extremely valuable.

This edition also features a diverse group of articles and columns spotlighting thought-provoking technologies and commentaries. Justine Cassell introduces a fascinating conversational agent named Rea, who is capable of holding up her side of a discussion with a user. Albert Semtner presents some remarkable feats in modeling ocean currents and climate patterns thanks to the latest advancements in parallel computing. Jonathan Bowen examines the ethical challenges of developing software for safety-related systems, and Tim Bass details the tools required to build a cyberspace situational awareness environment.

In "Staying Connected," Meg McGinity grapples with the policies and political agendas that abound—but really do not affect—the slow erosion of our personal privacy in today’s e-world. And in "From Washington," Neil Munro traces how technology legislation is sewn together in a patchwork of persuasion from the more vocal industry factions. (Steve) Case in point: AOL’s numerous, and successful, lobbying campaigns.

Diane Crawford, Editor

COMING NEXT MONTH: A special section on embedding the Internet. Also, look for articles that explore universal usability, e-catalog systems, enduring business themes, and the benefits of pair programming.