Final answer:
The core applications of an ERP involve financial accounting, materials management, and sales and distribution, making the correct answer 'all of the above'. ERP systems help in streamlining and integrating various business processes throughout an organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core applications of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system include several modules that integrate various business processes across an organization. Among these, the key areas are A. financial accounting, which handles accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and other financial transactions; B. materials management, which is responsible for procurement, inventory management, and logistics; and C. sales and distribution, which manages customer orders, pricing, shipping, and billing.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D. all of the above. By integrating these areas, an ERP system facilitates improved data flow and business insight, enhances process efficiency, and provides a unified view of business operations, which can be critical for informed decision-making and strategic planning within an organization.