ABC software is a critical component of an ABC system implementation. ABC software produces the results that will be used by decision makers. Thus, the capabilities of ABC software are extremely important. The choice of ABC software can have a dramatic effect on the success or failure of an organization's ABC initiative.

Non-ERP companies may choose stand-alone ABC software packages. Depending on the size of the application, PC software may be adequate.

The emergence of ERP systems (and, of course, ERP software) is also having an effect on ABC software selection. ERP companies will not usually choose stand-alone ABC software. Essentially, ERP systems demand some form of integration. Two choices are available for achieving this integration:

An ERP system that has an add-on module.

ABC software that has linking and importing capabilities to establish a bridge between the two systems.

Required:

Using an Internet search, describe when it would be best to use specialized ABC software instead of an ABC module of an ERP package.