If you’re starting your journey into ERP implementation, upgrade, or migration, you may be wondering what type of ERP system is right for your business. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are typically categorized into three tiers or levels based on their architecture and how they are deployed within an organization. These tiers are often referred to as “3-tier ERP” or “ERP architecture.”
What Are the 3 ERP Tiers?
The 3 ERP tiers represent different layers of processing, storage, and use of data. They are:
Tier 1: Presentation Tier
This is the top tier, also known as the presentation tier. It’s the user interface where end-users interact with the ERP system. This tier includes web browsers, mobile applications, and other user interfaces. It’s responsible for displaying information to users and receiving input from them. The presentation tier connects to the application server to retrieve and update data.
Tier 2: Application Tier
The middle tier, or application tier, is where most of the processing and business logic of the ERP system takes place. It includes the application server, which handles tasks such as data processing, validation, and business rules. This tier acts as an intermediary between the presentation tier and the data tier. It ensures that data is processed correctly and securely. The application tier often consists of multiple servers and services that distribute the processing load.
Tier 3: Data Tier
The bottom tier, also known as the data tier, is where data is stored and managed. It includes the database server or servers where all the data required for the ERP system is stored. This includes transactional data, master data, configuration settings, and historical data. The data tier is responsible for data storage, retrieval, and ensuring data integrity and security.
Do All ERP Systems Have 3 Tiers?
ERP systems can vary in their architectural design, and not all ERP systems are built with a 3-tier architecture. While the 3-tier architecture is common and widely used, there are instances of single-tier ERP systems and other variations as well.
Single-Tier ERP
In a single-tier ERP system, all components of the ERP (presentation, application, and data layers) run on a single server or platform. This architecture is often seen in smaller businesses or for specific purposes where the complexity and scale of a multi-tier system may not be necessary. Single-tier ERP systems are more straightforward to set up and manage but may have limitations in terms of scalability and flexibility.
Two-Tier ERP
Two-tier ERP systems are used in organizations that have a mix of legacy systems, acquired businesses, or different operational needs. In a two-tier ERP setup, the organization maintains its existing ERP system (often a single-tier system) at the corporate level and deploys a separate ERP system, often with more specialized functionality, at subsidiary or division levels. This approach allows for flexibility while leveraging the corporate ERP for financial and management reporting.
N-Tier ERP
Some large and complex organizations may have multi-tier ERP systems with more than three tiers, depending on their specific requirements. This could involve additional application tiers, web services, or specialized data tiers.
What ERP Tier Level Is Right for Your Business?
The choice of ERP architecture, whether it’s single-tier, multi-tier, or two-tier, depends on factors such as the organization’s size, complexity, industry, IT infrastructure, and specific business needs. While the 3-tier architecture is a common and versatile choice, organizations may opt for other architectures to better align with their operational and IT strategies. It’s important to choose an ERP architecture that best supports the organization’s goals, scalability, and performance requirements. If you’re still not sure, our ERP consulting experts at Godlan can help. Contact us today.
