Information Technology

ERP/MRP and Business System Software

Most manufacturers are realizing that to remain competitive in today's expanding marketplace means automating and integrating data and information so they can make the right decision faster; thus, improving productivity, allocation of resources, order to delivery speed, customer relations and much more. Enterprise Resource Planning and Material Requirements Planning systems are powerful software programs that organize, integrate and make available vast amounts of data from all your businesses' functional processes. From the moment demand is first created to the time the shipment is received by your customer, detailed data and status is instantly visible in a time-space relationship with all other orders. The Internet is taking this functionality to yet another level increasing the benefit to many in the supply chain.

There are hundreds of software packages available ranging in capability and cost. It can be a confusing if not a daunting task to select the best fit for your company and its conditions. If your company is employing business wide computer software solutions for the first time or replacing or upgrading existing systems, UMMAP's process can help you make an informed business decision and feel confident about the choice and your investment. The process incorporates a sophisticated software tool, SoftSelect "Requirements Builder", that matches detailed user functional requirements with an extensive database of commercially available system products. Company size, products, processes and budget constraints are taken into account.

A modest fee-for-service that includes costs for the detailed report varies depending upon company size, business system complexity and duration of engagement. Optional services include a cost benefit analysis for the anticipated investment, benchmarking your current system capabilities and determining current system utilization.

Software System Selection

The 9-step process generally requires five to twelve months depending upon the amount of concentrated effort the company can dedicate. At the outset, UMMAP consults with senior management to determine strategic direction and prospects for business growth. Also important at this time are clear expectations about how business performance will improve as a result of implementing new or upgraded systems. A company should not proceed without this perspective.

The SoftSelect "Requirements Builder" records a comprehensive set of functional requirements, which produces a report identifying a list and detailed back-up of the 10 packages best satisfying your requirements. Further analysis narrows the list of software vendor candidates for on-site demonstrations and eventual selection. Other special services include benchmarking your current system capabilities and determining current system utilization.

Links

• www.apics.org
  APICS—The Educational Society for Resource Management

• www.managingautomation.com
  ERP/MRP Software Information—Buyer's Guide for ERP software

• www.masg.com
  Managing Automation—Software selection guides and detailed database of enterprise application and manufacturing point solutions and services.

• www.manufacturingsystems.com
  Manufacturing Systems—Online magazine for Information Technology for Manufacturing Managers

For additional links, see the Useful Links section of this web site.

Contact Us

Please contact Robert Barazotto, for more details on how your company can benefit from this assistance.