Companies Using Enterprise Applications To Grow

Starbucks 

Following a chain business model, Starbucks is the worlds largest coffee house chain with most of its revenue coming from company-operated stores. The company follows a broad differentiation approach to help get a competitive advantage in the coffee industry through an excellent customer experience and quality specialty coffee. 

The ERP system Starbucks uses is Oracle ERP. The chain implemented Oracle in 2002 to help manage its growing business. It does this by automating day-to-day business activities. The business management software provides great help to supply chain management, project management and procurement within Starbucks. It also provides great analytical information that helps the brand research and develop new products. As I mentioned earlier Starbucks follows a broad differentiation strategy so this is a key component separating themselves from the rest. I think this speaks volumes as to why 21 years later Starbucks is still using this ERP system.

Amazon

 Another innovative business that uses ERP systems to support their business strategy and business model is Amazon. With a unique business model of providing a two-sided marketplace for buyers and sellers for such a vast range of goods Amazon manages the packaging, shipping and delivery for its customers at the best possible price with excellent customer service and outstanding delivery times. The company's business strategy all centres around the customer and uses

the SAP ERP system to help achieve this customer satisfaction.

Amazon started using SAP in 2008 as the company felt it could not meet its long term goals with the system installed at the time. Amazon implemented SAP to several departments which include financials, purchasing, inventory control, order management etc. Just a few of the SAP modules that carry out these functions include SAP Business Suite, SAP Business Objects and SAP Mobility. Since its implementation SAP has provided great benefit to Amazon creating cost savings, making them more reliable and giving their data more security. This helps the company achieve the business strategy goals of high customer satisfaction.

Apple 

American multinational Apple follows a business model that is centred around innovation and creating consumer-centric devices. Apple's business strategy consists of focusing on product design and functionality, strengthening the Apple ecosystem and improving the customer service experience. 

Apple partnered with SAP in 2016. Since implemented SAP has helped boost Apple's business model (innovation). Apple uses SAP for a number of different functions, these range from their services like the App Store, iTunes and online store all the way to different departments within the company like financial and human resources. SAP has enabled Apple to become even closer with its customers through its use for the services and has helped the company develop stronger relationships with customers. With SAP's use in Apples departments however it has helped streamline processes and has aided in the automation of workflows. Ultimately providing great benefit to the tech giant since its introduction. 

Though all three of the above companies operate in different industries they all benefit greatly from the successful implementation of ERP systems.