Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a type of business management software that allows organizations to use a system of integrated applications to manage important business processes like manufacturing, supply chain, customer relationship management, and finance. ERP aims to integrate all departments and functions within a company onto a single computer system. This consolidation provides advantages like easy sharing of information between departments, automated workflows, reduced communication gaps, lower inventory costs and lead times, and standardized business processes. Major ERP software packages include SAP, Oracle PeopleSoft, and JD Edwards. SAP is one of the largest ERP providers and its various modules allow companies to effectively manage finances, materials, production, quality, maintenance and human resources.