ERP systems are typically built on a three-tier architecture, which provides scalability, flexibility, and maintainability. This structure divides the system into three layers: the Database layer, the Application layer, and the User Interface layer. Let’s delve deeper into each of these layers:
- FunctionThis is the foundational layer where all the data related to the ERP system is stored. It contains the databases and ensures data integrity, consistency, and security.
- Components
- Relational Databases: Most ERP systems use relational databases (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL) to store, retrieve, and manage data efficiently.
- Database ServersPhysical or virtual servers that host the database system and handle database operations.
- Storing transactional data.
- Maintaining data relationships.
- Ensuring data backup and recovery.
- Providing concurrency controls and data security.
- FunctionThis layer contains the business logic, processes the data, and controls the application’s functionality. It acts as a mediator between the user interface and the database.
- Components
- Application Servers: These servers host the ERP application and business logic. They process client requests and perform operations on the data.
- Business LogicSet of rules, workflows, and algorithms that the ERP system follows to process data and execute tasks.
- Handling business processes like calculations, data processing, and rules enforcement.
- Ensuring integration with other systems or modules.
- Managing transactions and ensuring data consistency.
- Scalability and load balancing.
- FunctionThis is the layer with which end-users directly interact. It provides a visual interface to access the ERP system’s features and data.
- Components
- Client Software: Could be web browsers (for web-based ERPs) or specific client software installed on user devices.
- Graphical User Interface (GUI)Provides a user-friendly environment where users can input data, execute tasks, or retrieve information.
- Displaying data to users in a comprehensible format.
- Capturing user inputs and requests.
- Ensuring a responsive and interactive user experience.
- Providing navigation, help features, and customization options.
In summary, the three-tier architecture of ERP systems is designed to separate the concerns of data management, business logic processing, and user interaction. This separation provides several benefits: it ensures the system is scalable (each tier can be scaled independently), maintainable (changes in one tier don’t necessarily affect the others), and flexible (different tiers can be hosted on different machines or even in different locations). This architecture plays a crucial role in the efficiency and robustness of ERP systems.
Key terms in plain language
Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.
Cloud Computing
Computing resources—such as applications, servers, storage, or databases—delivered from remote infrastructure and scaled as requirements change.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud-based servers, storage, and networking that customers configure and manage without owning the underlying data-center hardware.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software accessed as an online service instead of being installed and maintained entirely on the customer’s own computers or servers.
Disaster Recovery (DRaaS)
A plan and service for restoring applications, data, and operations after an outage or disruption. DRaaS provides recovery infrastructure through a managed cloud service.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The systems and policies that determine who a user is, what resources they may access, and how that access is authenticated and reviewed.
API
An application programming interface is a defined way for software systems to exchange data or request functions from one another.