What is the primary goal of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems?

• A. To reduce employee turnover
• B. To integrate core business processes to streamline operations
• C. To enhance customer satisfaction
• D. To improve marketing strategies

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is to integrate core business processes to streamline operations. ERP systems serve as a centralized platform that combines various functions across an organization, such as finance, human resources, supply chain management, and production. By integrating these processes, ERP systems allow for better data flow and communication within the organization, which ultimately leads to increased efficiency and reduced operational silos. This integration facilitates accurate reporting, enhances decision-making, and enables organizations to respond more effectively to changing market conditions.

While enhancing customer satisfaction and improving marketing strategies are important objectives for businesses, they are more tactical outcomes that can result from effective ERP implementation, rather than the primary goal of the systems themselves. Similarly, reducing employee turnover may be aided by improved processes and communication enabled by ERP, but it does not encapsulate the overarching aim of these systems, which focuses on integrating and streamlining core business operations.