ERP systems are generally designed around a single, comprehensive, well-defined set of data structures within a common database. This approach ensures that all data used across an enterprise is consistent, validated, and based on common definitions and shared user experiences. Essentially, ERP defines a set of constructs for business information so that business workflows work properly and predictably across business departments. Primarily, ERP serves to enable, simplify, and standardize business processes. This explains how finance, human resources, IT, marketing, and operations can exchange valid, compliant data, and how people and systems in those departments can work together well. Simply put, ERP helps people collaborate and ties business processes and technologies together across their organization.