List of 7 ERP Interview Questions With Example Answers

Updated 1 March 2023

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system offers the automation, integration and intelligence necessary to conduct all daily business processes effectively. There are several jobs related to ERP and it helps to be ready for the types of questions potential employers may ask during a job interview. Preparing your responses by becoming familiar with possible interview questions and practising your answers can help you impress your interviewers. In this article, we review several ERP interview questions with example answers and provide some tips to help you prepare.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

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7 ERP Interview Questions With Example Answers

The following are some potential ERP interview questions along with sample answers to help you prepare for your own interview:

1. What is SAP and why is it important?

This is one of the most basic questions that interviewers may ask. Companies that use SAP as an ERP are likely to evaluate candidates based on how well they understand the fundamentals of SAP. You can briefly describe SAP's core values, key attributes and business applications to respond to this question.

Example answer: SAP stands for systems, applications and products in data processing. It offers many fully integrated modules that address almost every facet of corporate management. Employing SAP software enables businesses to possess a centralised system that effectively connects all departments and provides access to shared data. It covers all aspects of business management via completely integrated modules of SAP software.

2. Can you describe an ERP? What are the different components of ERP?

This is one of the most fundamental questions that hiring managers are likely to ask you to determine your familiarity with the structure and use of ERP systems. This question also helps them assess your skill in explaining complex subject matters in simple terms. Giving a clear and concise explanation of ERPs helps reassure the interviewer that you comprehend the business applications for them.

Example answer: ERP stands for enterprise resource planning. Most businesses implement ERP systems to manage routine tasks such as project management, accounting, human resources, supply chains, manufacturing and purchasing. These technologies offer a seamless data flow across various corporate operations and aid in their coordination. Every ERP system includes a transactional database, management view, data analytics and tools for configurable reporting. This is in addition to workflow management features for streamlining and automating business processes. Components may include modules for customer relationship management (CRM), inventory control, and supply chain management (SCM).

3. How may you persuade a business to adopt an ERP system if they are not using one currently?

Interviewers may ask a candidate to describe the advantages of using an ERP system to determine if they possess a practical understanding of the systems and the features they offer. Without going into detail about each of the various components, concentrate on a few major advantages that implementing an ERP system can bring to a company while responding to this question. By doing so, you can discuss the most important points while showcasing your depth of expertise.

Example answer: The use of an ERP system can affect a company's performance by increasing the efficiency of its operations. An ERP system gives a business a consolidated database for information, which increases access to information and makes it simpler for employees and departments to coordinate work with one another. ERP systems make improved performance and output analytics possible, allowing you to optimise operations inside the organisation. Customers are usually happier as a result, and items are of greater quality. All of this comes together to increase a company's profitability.

4. What is the standard practice for using ERP systems and why?

Potential employers may ask this type of technical question during an interview, so you can show the depth of your technical expertise. The most used protocol for internal communication in an ERP system is transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). It is necessary to understand technical material like this and be able to convey your understanding when applying for a job.

Example answer: Most ERP systems use TCP/IP protocol. It is the industry standard because of its simplicity of use and high performance levels. TCP/IP is a very secure protocol, making it a useful tool for securing data sent between a business and its customers. Its scalability also makes it applicable to businesses of all sizes and in a variety of industries, allowing it to adapt to changes in a business. It is a cross-platform protocol and usable with all the popular operating systems, which enables it to support devices made by a variety of vendors.

5. Do you possess any expertise in handling employee training for new ERP systems?

A prospective employer may aim to learn more about your work history by asking you about your prior employment. When applying for a position as an ERP specialist, experience in training other employees may be a useful asset. When implementing a new system, a large section of the workforce may experience disruptions to their routines. A company can profit from the ERP system more rapidly with effective training that reduces the amount of time personnel spend learning new systems and practices.

Example answer: My previous employer wanted me to implement an ERP system within a company that had never used one. For the employees of the company, this required considerable changes. I assumed the project's leadership position and led a group of three team members in creating training materials for all staff members to help them better comprehend the new system. We also worked with them individually by delivering lessons and addressing questions to help personnel get used to the latest techniques more quickly. This worked well for my employer.

6. What are data dictionaries and how do they help a business?

Hiring managers may ask this question to determine your expertise in handling data dictionaries. Consider explaining what data dictionaries are along with their uses and importance. Try to provide a detailed answer that makes the interviewer understand that you are a competent ERP professional.

Example answer: Databases or information systems employ or collect data components, and data dictionaries are collections of metadata which include names, definitions and attributes associated with those data pieces. For example, if the ERP system keeps information on job candidates, each record can include the candidates' names and addresses as text strings and their phone numbers as numerical values.

Data dictionaries are important for cross-functional initiatives such as ERP implementation because they make it possible for business processes to integrate more seamlessly. Users who are unfamiliar with the system can still submit data correctly with the help of data dictionaries. They aid development teams in reaching a consensus with business units around data requirements.

7. What is an application, presentation and database server in SAP R/3?

Interviewers may ask experienced candidates this question to test their knowledge of SAP R/3. Try to reply to this question in simple and concise terms that give them an overview, without elaborating. You might also consider providing a brief explanation to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in every element of an ERP system.

Example answer: Application servers and message servers make up an R/3 system's application layer. Application servers operate the application programs in an R/3 system. The application servers communicate with the database, the presentation components and one another through the message server. A database server is a centralised server where we can store all the data.

Tips To Prepare For An Interview

Here is a list of tips to help you prepare for your own interview:

Review your knowledge

Take some time to review major concepts related to the role in which you are interested. Before going into an interview, take some time to organise your thoughts. This can help you feel more at ease and speak with more confidence, making a better impression on the hiring manager.

Prepare your answers

Plan your answers in point form. When preparing your answers to questions you might encounter, consider the key ideas you want to cover rather than exactly what you want to say. This enables you to cover important information while also appearing more authentic than if you were reading from a script.

Practise answering ERP interview questions

Attend mock interviews to help develop your skills in answering interview questions. When you practise with someone else, you can become more self-assured when speaking with others. Additionally, it enables the person you practise with to evaluate your performance and give you tips on what works well and where you can improve.