Recognize common integration problems, use cases, and technical solutions17% of the exam
ERP, CRM and MDM enterprise systems
How to tell the common enterprise system classes apart: ERP for core back-office processes on one database, CRM for customer interactions, MDM for one governed reference point for master data, and the data warehouse for reporting, plus why each still needs integration.
Classify and describe the characteristics of common enterprise systems.
~6 min read · 3 practice questions ·
What the exam expects
- Classify a described system as ERP, CRM, MDM or data warehouse from what it does and what data it holds.
- Describe the scope of an ERP: modules for core functions sharing one database, so one transaction updates every affected area.
- Describe the narrower focus of a CRM on customer interactions, service and the sales pipeline.
- Explain what MDM adds: one governed reference point for master data drawn from many systems.
- Explain why none of these systems removes the need for integration.
Key terms:
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): business software that manages and integrates core processes in one centralized system.
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management): technology for managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers.
- Master data: data about business operations such as customer, product, geographical, employee and asset data.
- MDM (Master Data Management): the process of defining, managing and using master data so it is visible through a single reference point.
- Data warehouse: a store populated from operational sources for business intelligence and reporting over time.
Key facts
ERP structure
- Detail
- Modules for core functions, data connected in a single system
ERP transaction effect
- Detail
- A sales order updates inventory, financial records and production schedules right away
ERP and the cloud
- Detail
- Cloud ERP arrived in the 2000s, opening ERP to small and medium-sized businesses
ERP CRM module
- Detail
- Maintains customer data, handles service requests, monitors the sales pipeline
CRM scope
- Detail
- Interactions with current and potential customers across marketing, sales, ecommerce and service
Master data types
- Detail
- Customer, product, geographical, employee and asset data
MDM and integration
- Detail
- MDM cannot function properly without integration
Data warehouse purpose
- Detail
- Business intelligence over time, populated by ETL
- Which industry did ERP start in, and what did it first manage?
- Why does SAP Connector need extra planning before production use?
- When would a company sync Salesforce with its ERP in real time?
- Why is reference data such as currencies treated as master data?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
Keep reading with the MuleSoft Integration Foundations pack
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- All 37 lessons of the MuleSoft Integration Foundations guide, with reading progress
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