An ERP (enterprise resource planning) system allows different departments within a company to share information and data in an integrated software program. It replaces separate software programs for functions like finance, HR, manufacturing, and inventory. ERP provides benefits like eliminating the need to synchronize changes between systems, improving quality and efficiency, protecting sensitive data, and providing managers with critical decision-making information. The main goal of ERP is to help a business organize its resources to maximize profit through increased productivity and efficiency.