Enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrates all departments and functions within an organization into a single IT system. ERP serves as a cross-functional backbone that automates many internal business processes. The core components of most ERP systems include accounting and finance, production and materials management, and human resources. Extended ERP components focus more on external operations and include business intelligence, customer relationship management, supply chain management, and e-business. ERP provides benefits such as integrating financial and customer order information, standardizing manufacturing processes, and reducing inventory.