This system is, in contrast to the open system data (front office), which creates an administrative relationship of the consumer or customer service (CRM), a system that deals directly with customers, or the eBusiness systems such as electronic commerce, electronic government, electronic communications and e-finance, it is also a system that deals directly with suppliers, providing not only administrative relationship with them (SRM). ERPs are working extensively in all types of modern business. All functional departments that are involved in the operation or production are integrated into a single system. In addition to the manufacture or production, storage, logistics and information technology, also include accounts, and typically include a system of and marketing tools and strategic management ERP systems typically handle manufacturing, logistics, distribution, inventory , shipments, invoices and accounts of the company. However, Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP software can intervene in the control of many business activities such as sales, deliveries, payments, production, inventory management, quality management and human resource management.

We added that ERP systems are integrated management systems for the company. They are characterized by being composed of different parts into a single integrated application. These parts are of different use, such as production, sales, purchasing, logistics, accounting (several types), project management, GIS (geographic information system), inventory and warehouse control, ordering, payroll, etc.. We can only define an ERP as the integration of all these parties. The opposite would be like considering a simple billing program as an ERP for the simple fact that a company integrates only that part.