Re: Decision to buy XA
"Steve Sandy" <[email protected]>
| Newsgroups | gmane.comp.systems.as400.mapics |
|---|---|
| Message-ID | <000d01ca2c24$fc60af40$f5220dc0$@com> |
Jim... I have 15+ years experience on XA (from 2 to 7.7) and switched employers back in July 2007. When I changed jobs, I did so because of an opportunity to bring 11 different service and manufacturing sites onto an ERP system which turned out to be Syteline. I have 4 out of 11 sites up and running on Syteline 8, all in the last 12 months. The other 7 sites are coming on-line from now till the end of 2010 and one of our sites does injection molding. If you would like an unbiased opinion about Syteline vs XA, give me a call. I sent an email to your personal email address but in case a spam filter caught it, here is my information again. Steve Sandy Director of IT Cook Compression Louisville, KY 40203 502-515-6912 -----Original Message----- From: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] [mailto:mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]] On Behalf Of mapics-l-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 11:33 AM To: mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Subject: MAPICS-L Digest, Vol 7, Issue 144 Send MAPICS-L mailing list submissions to mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to mapics-l-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] You can reach the person managing the list at mapics-l-owner-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of MAPICS-L digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Decision to buy XA (LeLeux, James) 2. Re: Decision to buy XA (Jim Happ) 3. Guidelines for MAPICS-L mailing list (mailman-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]) 4. Re: Decision to buy XA ([email protected]) 5. MTHACTE (Tom E Stieger) 6. Re: MTHACTE (Kevin.Gerard-IaJHbxZe/[email protected]) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- message: 1 date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:04:28 -0400 from: "LeLeux, James" <[email protected]> subject: Re: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA Jim, Believe it or not you're asking a tough question. Why - because many of us have been using MAPICS for a very long time, and that presents two problems: 1. Our experience with other ERPS is limited and/or very dated. 2. Many of us work for conservative companies and our MAPICS implementation may not be what a new MAPICS customer would get today. I know both are true for me. Although I work at another plant that uses QAD - character based. And another plant that uses Avante by Epicor. So my QAD experience is not relevant, but I've seen the new version and it is slick. Avante is interesting, but I think it has a lot lacking on the backend and especially in the SOX arena. Our MAPICS implementation heavily leverages Browser/Integrator, with and without external programming. We have done some really cool things with the product. But what is very critical, I think, is your reference to injection molding and value added. That makes me think of formulas and batching that may not be a strong suit of MAPICS. Maybe others could comment on that? You will also want to explore the web-enablement (supply chain / sales) side of MAPICS to make sure it includes what you need. I am lacking in this area, so I'm not the best to comment on the current product. I very much like the MAPICS product (warts and all) and enjoy the stability of the 400. I feel that Browser/Integrator has made the users more self-sufficient, where other companies had to develop their own data warehouse just to look at their own data. Hmm, build a DB to analyze the contents of another DB - something weird about that. I would very much like to learn more about Syteline. I suggest you do the same. If I really had the opportunity, I would check in with the open source community to see where Compiere and OpenBravo stand. Are they ready for prime time? Now you've got two California XA replies - who says mfg is dead in CA? Disclaimer: Insert Infor XA and ISeries where applicable! -----Original Message----- From: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] [mailto:mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Happ Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 7:59 PM To: mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Subject: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA I am a long time user of MRP software and used Mapics from 1982 - 1991. I have subsequent 18 years with ASK, Data Works and DTR. Does XA compare well with other ERP solutions for mid size companies? Is XA a good fit for injection molding with extensive value added? _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. ------------------------------ message: 2 date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:55:37 -0700 from: "Jim Happ" <[email protected]> subject: Re: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA Thank you very much for the reply. Given my experience with four different packages, I thought that Mapics was the best package overall for running a manufacturing company. I am not worried about formulas and batching as much as changing the capacity available constantly with blocked off cavities and situations such as molds down for unscheduled repair as opposed to scheduled maintenance. I've used Mapics with molding once before but we only had 10 machines and I just built unlimited capacity and micromanaged the schedules on those 10 machines. We have 60 machines and 140 molds that we run 24/7 so we need a system to help us schedule and cost while still being strong in all other aspects of the business. We are asking for a site visit that reflects as complex a production environment as we represent before making a final decision. We will take a look at the other packages you mentioned. Thank you again and I appreciate any other insights you may have. Jim Happ -----Original Message----- From: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] [mailto:mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]] On Behalf Of LeLeux, James Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 6:04 PM To: MAPICS ERP System Discussion Subject: Re: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA Jim, Believe it or not you're asking a tough question. Why - because many of us have been using MAPICS for a very long time, and that presents two problems: 1. Our experience with other ERPS is limited and/or very dated. 2. Many of us work for conservative companies and our MAPICS implementation may not be what a new MAPICS customer would get today. I know both are true for me. Although I work at another plant that uses QAD - character based. And another plant that uses Avante by Epicor. So my QAD experience is not relevant, but I've seen the new version and it is slick. Avante is interesting, but I think it has a lot lacking on the backend and especially in the SOX arena. Our MAPICS implementation heavily leverages Browser/Integrator, with and without external programming. We have done some really cool things with the product. But what is very critical, I think, is your reference to injection molding and value added. That makes me think of formulas and batching that may not be a strong suit of MAPICS. Maybe others could comment on that? You will also want to explore the web-enablement (supply chain / sales) side of MAPICS to make sure it includes what you need. I am lacking in this area, so I'm not the best to comment on the current product. I very much like the MAPICS product (warts and all) and enjoy the stability of the 400. I feel that Browser/Integrator has made the users more self-sufficient, where other companies had to develop their own data warehouse just to look at their own data. Hmm, build a DB to analyze the contents of another DB - something weird about that. I would very much like to learn more about Syteline. I suggest you do the same. If I really had the opportunity, I would check in with the open source community to see where Compiere and OpenBravo stand. Are they ready for prime time? Now you've got two California XA replies - who says mfg is dead in CA? Disclaimer: Insert Infor XA and ISeries where applicable! -----Original Message----- From: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] [mailto:mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Happ Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 7:59 PM To: mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Subject: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA I am a long time user of MRP software and used Mapics from 1982 - 1991. I have subsequent 18 years with ASK, Data Works and DTR. Does XA compare well with other ERP solutions for mid size companies? Is XA a good fit for injection molding with extensive value added? _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. ------------------------------ message: 3 date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 06:30:16 -0500 from: mailman-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] subject: [MAPICS-L] Guidelines for MAPICS-L mailing list Monthly posting of the guidelines for participation in the MAPICS Mailing List. 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The opinions expressed here are strictly those of their authors, and in no way reflect the opinions or statements of direction of the aforementioned companies. -- $Id: MAPICS-L,v 1.5 2009/08/31 17:47:38 david Exp $ ------------------------------ message: 4 date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 08:17:26 -0400 from: [email protected] subject: Re: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA If you are looking at a new installation, you should check out the advanced planning module they have added to XA and the paperless MES package. If XA has a downfall for us it is the collection of data from the floor and the scheduling control. We have molding, metal stamping and assembly in our plants. Overall cost and ease of use XA is hands down the best I have seen, but I should say that I agree with a prior post that stated most of us have used XA for a long time (20 years) and have had only some exposure to other packages. "Jim Happ" <[email protected]> Sent by: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] 08/31/2009 11:19 PM Please respond to MAPICS ERP System Discussion <mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]> To "'MAPICS ERP System Discussion'" <mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]> cc Subject Re: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA Thank you very much for the reply. Given my experience with four different packages, I thought that Mapics was the best package overall for running a manufacturing company. I am not worried about formulas and batching as much as changing the capacity available constantly with blocked off cavities and situations such as molds down for unscheduled repair as opposed to scheduled maintenance. I've used Mapics with molding once before but we only had 10 machines and I just built unlimited capacity and micromanaged the schedules on those 10 machines. We have 60 machines and 140 molds that we run 24/7 so we need a system to help us schedule and cost while still being strong in all other aspects of the business. We are asking for a site visit that reflects as complex a production environment as we represent before making a final decision. We will take a look at the other packages you mentioned. Thank you again and I appreciate any other insights you may have. Jim Happ -----Original Message----- From: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] [mailto:mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]] On Behalf Of LeLeux, James Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 6:04 PM To: MAPICS ERP System Discussion Subject: Re: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA Jim, Believe it or not you're asking a tough question. Why - because many of us have been using MAPICS for a very long time, and that presents two problems: 1. Our experience with other ERPS is limited and/or very dated. 2. Many of us work for conservative companies and our MAPICS implementation may not be what a new MAPICS customer would get today. I know both are true for me. Although I work at another plant that uses QAD - character based. And another plant that uses Avante by Epicor. So my QAD experience is not relevant, but I've seen the new version and it is slick. Avante is interesting, but I think it has a lot lacking on the backend and especially in the SOX arena. Our MAPICS implementation heavily leverages Browser/Integrator, with and without external programming. We have done some really cool things with the product. But what is very critical, I think, is your reference to injection molding and value added. That makes me think of formulas and batching that may not be a strong suit of MAPICS. Maybe others could comment on that? You will also want to explore the web-enablement (supply chain / sales) side of MAPICS to make sure it includes what you need. I am lacking in this area, so I'm not the best to comment on the current product. I very much like the MAPICS product (warts and all) and enjoy the stability of the 400. I feel that Browser/Integrator has made the users more self-sufficient, where other companies had to develop their own data warehouse just to look at their own data. Hmm, build a DB to analyze the contents of another DB - something weird about that. I would very much like to learn more about Syteline. I suggest you do the same. If I really had the opportunity, I would check in with the open source community to see where Compiere and OpenBravo stand. Are they ready for prime time? Now you've got two California XA replies - who says mfg is dead in CA? Disclaimer: Insert Infor XA and ISeries where applicable! -----Original Message----- From: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] [mailto:mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Happ Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 7:59 PM To: mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Subject: [MAPICS-L] Decision to buy XA I am a long time user of MRP software and used Mapics from 1982 - 1991. I have subsequent 18 years with ASK, Data Works and DTR. Does XA compare well with other ERP solutions for mid size companies? Is XA a good fit for injection molding with extensive value added? _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. ** This message has been scanned for viruses ** ------------------------------ message: 5 date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 07:59:53 -0700 (PDT) from: Tom E Stieger <TEStieger-7y5+ka1ulstWk0Htik3J/[email protected]> subject: [MAPICS-L] MTHACTE In a follow up to a posting a few weeks ago, I was wondering who out there is using the MTHACT files to track sales activity. We are attempting to use MTHACTE to track are sales booking activity on the date of the transaction and keep finding errors in the data. There seems to be a lot of bugs lately with the updating of these files through CSM maintenance activities that don't show up when you are doing the same activity through COM. What are other people doing to make sure the data is accurate? Thanks for you input. -Tom Stieger Engineer California Fine Wire ------------------------------ message: 6 date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 10:26:56 -0500 from: Kevin.Gerard-IaJHbxZe/[email protected] subject: Re: [MAPICS-L] MTHACTE Tom, You are dead on w/ regards to bookings not reflected accurately in MTHACT.. I've found for shipping and invoicing it is pertty accurate. But never found this useful for bookings. The complexity of this is the fact a booking could be a change to an existing order, price, quantity, or cancellation. Just too many variables not reflected in here. You can look at the CSM Open order files as far as create dates, at line item and the order level but this does not reflect changes as well. Also, if an order is entered and shipped the same day it could be "lost" so you need to look at the respective shipping order files to identify these to include in your metrics (so not in one nice place). In theory one could use the MNHDTL if maintenance history if turned on to see changes to existing orders and reflect this in your booking numbers on top of looking at create dates on order/line items. But obviously messy. I'd love to hear any other ideas people have here. It has always been an issue. No good way to tap into this w/o some complex rules and programming. ------------------------------------------- Kevin Gerard, Senior Technical Consultant TriMin Systems, Inc. - Infor Channel Partner [1]kevin.gerard-IaJHbxZe/[email protected] Direct 309-932-3103 Mobile 309-883-1689 [2]www.triminmfg.com "We are committed to helping manufacturing companies improve their Visibility, Productivity, Growth and Profitability" -----mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] wrote: ----- To: "mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]" <mapics-l-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected]> From: Tom E Stieger <TEStieger-7y5+ka1ulstWk0Htik3J/[email protected]> Sent by: mapics-l-bounces-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Date: 09/01/2009 09:59AM Subject: [MAPICS-L] MTHACTE In a follow up to a posting a few weeks ago, I was wondering who out there is using the MTHACT files to track sales activity. We are attempting to use MTHACTE to track are sales booking activity on the date of the transaction and keep finding errors in the data. There seems to be a lot of bugs lately with the updating of these files through CSM maintenance activities that don't show up when you are doing the same activity through COM. What are other people doing to make sure the data is accurate? Thanks for you input. -Tom Stieger Engineer California Fine Wire _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) mailing list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: [3]http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at [4]http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. References Visible links 1. mailto:kevin.gerard-IaJHbxZe/[email protected] 2. http://www.triminmfg.com/ 3. http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l 4. http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l ------------------------------ _______________________________________________ This is the MAPICS ERP System Discussion (MAPICS-L) digest list To post a message email: MAPICS-L-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options, visit: http://lists.midrange.com/mailman/listinfo/mapics-l or email: MAPICS-L-request-Zwy7GipZuJhWk0Htik3J/[email protected] Before posting, please take a moment to review the archives at http://archive.midrange.com/mapics-l. 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