The first MRP system was developed by J.I. Case together with IBM in 1960. Today's ERP systems therefore began as systems for planning material (MRP).
As the functions of MRP systems grew, the 1970s brought a second version called MRP II. It coordinated the individual production areas better, which meant better control of stock levels, better stock planning and so on.
In the 1980s, the extension of MRP II added functions for human resources, finance and accounting, which was pioneering at the time. Production costs began to be evaluated more accurately than ever before.
In the 1990s, Gartner introduced the term ERP system to the software market. An ERP system became a single database, and that step increased the connectedness and efficiency not only of the production department but also of sales, accounting, purchasing and the warehouse. It laid the foundation stone for today's ERP systems.
The year 2000 was not only a milestone of the new millennium; it also brought the ERP II concept, which integrated the new trends of the time – web browsers, online access to data and systems open to integration with other platforms.
Since then the technology has moved forward in great strides and keeps bringing new trends: the cloud, artificial intelligence, open integration with other applications and new ways of running a company. New modules and functions appear to support the company's secondary processes. ERP systems today are not only for manufacturers; there are systems for public administration, project management, service management and many other kinds of organisation.
There is no single right answer to how to choose an ERP system today. In any case, the QI ERP system will be a good choice if you put it on your shortlist.