ERM Enterprise Resource Management

1) ERM  describes software that lets an enterprise manage user access to its network resources efficiently. ERM software generally lets a user sign on to different enterprise systems and applications using the same password. ERM software makes it easy for the enterprise to control and keep track of which systems and resources each user has access to, and provides consistent standards for creating and changing passwords. One system administrator can usually manage user access to all platforms - UNIX, mainframe, Windows NT, and so forth - and to the applications on these platforms that require controlled access.

2) ERM  also describes software that manages all of a company's assets and resources, including such basic applications as general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, as well as manufacturing, inventory, and human resources.

Enterprise Resource Planning

Short for Enterprise Resource Planning software. Software systems designed to manage most or all aspects of a manufacturing or distribution enterprise (an expanded version of MRP systems). ERP systems are usually broken down into modules such as financials, sales, purchasing, inventory management, manufacturing, MRP, DRP. The modules are designed to work seamlessly with the rest of the system and should provide a consistent user interface between them. These systems usually have extensive set up options that allow you some flexibility in customizing their functionality to your specific business needs.

Enterprise Spend Management

In an enterprise, spend management is managing how to spend money to best effect in order to build products and services. The term is intended to encompass such processes as outsourcing, procurement, e-procurement, and supply chain management. Since the "spend manager" could have a significant impact on a company's results, it has been advocated that this manager have a senior voice in running the company.

Ariba is considered the leader in selling software for spend management. It says that its Enterprise Spend Management (TM) Suite encompasses analysis, sourcing, buying, contracting, invoicing, and managing the workforce.