An ERP system unifies database input, processing and retrieval across business units. ERP applications are deployed across locations and have three areas: a centralized database, clients that input data and submit requests, and an application component connecting clients and database. Enterprise architecture translates business vision into effective enterprise change by defining models of the future state and evolution. The two main ERP architectures are two-tier, where the server handles applications and database, and three-tier client/server, where database and application functions are separated, requiring two network connections between client, application server and database server.