KAVON International, Inc.'s Val Novak gave a talk on the role of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) within an ISO 9001:2000 business framework and a World Class Company. Val?s presentation was sponsored by the Kent State University Trumbull Campus as part of their monthly ISO/TS network meeting.

During the talk Val covered a wide range of ERP from an understanding of terms through implementation. A key part of the presentation demonstrated how ERP provides the tools necessary for gathering data and turning it into decision making information to support the continual improvement efforts required in ISO 9001:2000.

The following key components of ERP were described individually in terms of their role in managing the resources of the organization: Financial, Network, Human Resources, Distribution, Custom Development, Office Products, Internet, and Manufacturing. The question of why use an ERP system was addressed during this discussion.

Val discussed implementation strategies as part of a transition plan from the current systems which are in place. This included the transition costs as well as the implications for the employees.