Definition

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a single source of operational truth — a shared data model and workflow layer that connects departments which would otherwise maintain disconnected records.

Common implementations

• Odoo (open source)
• SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics (commercial)

Architecture pitfall

Most ERP implementations begin with configuration. The durable ones begin with an operating model. Decisions made about the data model at go-live become structural constraints — and the problems they create compound with every additional user and process.