Choosing a software system for the business can be an extremely hard task because a lot depends on the choice made. It does not just stop at selecting the right package for the business; it also extends to doing it a way that gains favor with those who will be using the software system. While deciding on the software system to purchase for the business, it is important to consider some factors. For instance, the ability of the software system to meet the current and future needs is of paramount importance. Other factors include the costs incurred, the usability of the software system and its compatibility with the operating systems and other software that one is already using. (Turban et al. 2008)
In order to select the best software packages for PPQ Parts manufacturing company, I am going to review six software packages designed to meet the needs for material requirements planning, capacity requirement planning and enterprise planning. The review will encompass the pros and cons with information on compatibility with the current systems, cost, functionality, end user support, ease of use and work flow process. Finally, I will make a recommendation on the best software packages for the needs of the manufacturing company.
Software Packages
1.
E-Z-MRP Software
The E-Z-MRP is a software system that was designed to provide solutions to the problems experienced by small and medium sized manufacturing companies during production planning. The software system aids in the planning of the products to manufacture, how much to buy and when to make the purchases. The initial cost of buying the software package is relatively low when compared to the other software systems for the same needs. The software package comes in two low cost versions. The E-Z-MRP basic version is cheaper that the unlimited version. However, it has a capacity of 500 part numbers compared to an unlimited part number for the other unlimited version.
Another advantage of the software package is the extremely low running costs. The software package does not require consultation fees or training of the employees before the implementation. It does not require on-site or off-site training and can be implemented by following the instruction manual. This cuts down in the costs on hiring a consultant to help with the installation. The software package is effective and easy to use. This has been proven by many users in its long history that spans over twenty five years.
The software package is compatible with other software which is readily available in office computers. The software is specially designed to eliminate the requirements of other software by through its run-time. The work flow process of the software package is immaculate in that it categorizes all company data into two broad categories of supplies and demands. This offers a method of input and analysis that is powerful, fast, highly organized yet simple. On the flipside, the software was developed a long time ago. This implies that it may not capture future needs effectively. This is because of growing technological advancements that come up with complex situations that require today’s technology. (James, 2011)
2.
S2K Enterprise manufacturing software
This is a software package that provides an array of manufacturing applications that help optimize on costs and profitability. The software can be used for both material requirements and capacity requirement planning. The software has an impeccable work flow process. It has work flow triggers that help in controlling and enforcing work practices related to design and manufacturing throughout the enterprise. The software does this by sending the management conditional emails that notify them of critical issues.
The software is compatible with common systems in manufacturing companies. It is tightly integrated with modules designed for keeping inventories, purchasing, sales analysis, customer orders and manufacturing. Its data entry system is also exquisitely designed to support hand held scanners and RF devices. The software package also has an increase in functionality in that it encompasses a seamless integration of components, something that allows one to carry out and monitor the business in real-time. (Turban et al. 2008)
On the flipside, the software is much more expensive when compared to the other software in its class. The software is also not easy to use thereby requiring training of the employees after installation. This will by far increase the running costs.
3.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV
This is an enterprise resource planning software designed by Microsoft. The software comes in many versions that give a wide array of choices in meeting their business needs. The product also offers administrators the option native database servers or the Microsoft SQL Server. This is an advantage in that although the Microsoft SQL Server is able to handle large database sizes, it comes with the extra cost of more maintenance. The small companies that do not have large databases can opt for the relatively cheaper native database server.
The software designers used the Pascal-like design language. This means that the software can be easily and rapidly customized to better fulfill the user's needs The software package comes in two user variants. One of the variants does not come with functionality meaning that it has to be purchased separately. However, the designers offer reprieve in that the other user variant comes with full functionality. The software’s functionality supports a wide array of other functions above material requirements planning, capacity requirement planning and enterprise planning.
The software has ad-ons that help increase the functionality of the software system. These ad-Ons supplement the software package in order to make it applicable to different business spheres. On the flipside, the initial cost of obtaining the software is relatively high. When this is coupled with the running costs of training the employees and purchasing the ad-ons and utilities, it becomes an expensive venture.
4.
MIE Trak software
The MIE Trak software is a package that is designed for enterprise resource planning. The software package is remarkably efficient therefore saving on time significantly. This is the ideal software for companies that seek international certification as it supports ISO certification. The software is exceptionally easy to implement and very user-friendly. The software package has a flexible design that supports one’s specific needs. (Singleton, 2012)
The software package has a wide array of other benefits including infinite and finite scheduling, operation schedules, backward and forward scheduling, capacity planning simulation, analytics and reporting. On the flipside, the initial cost of purchasing the software is relatively high when compared to the other software in its class.
5.
ERPNEXT
This is an enterprise resource planning software package with modules for many activities carried out in a manufacturing company. The software does not necessitate license fees, an added advantage when compared to the other proprietary enterprise resource planning software. The program also allows for modifications to suit customer requirements provided that the terms agreed upon in the license are adhered to.
The design of the software package incorporates a model-view-controller type of architecture. It also includes metadata modeling tools that help increase the flexibility of its users. This implies that the users are able to adapt the software package to meet unique purposes and needs without necessarily programming. The software package also has a user interface that incorporates usability enhancements that are specially designed to improve user productivity and ease of use. (Singleton, 2012)
On the flipside, the software package does not enjoy enough automated testing. In addition, the software’s user documentation is weak in that the application does not borrow from any standards for data modeling that are documented.
6.
Compiere
This software package encompasses enterprise resource planning functionality though organized differently in order to avoid any need for synchronization and duplication of information. The software package follows any changes in the business and presents the information as views that can be altered to meet business needs. The software package can be reprogrammed to better serve the business needs. This is because the source code of the software can be edited. On the flipside, the software package is not wholly and purely an open source product. This is because of its dependence on the Oracle database. (SAP AG, 2001)
Analysis of the pros and cons
The E-Z-MRP Software offers a method of input and analysis that is powerful, fast, highly organized yet simple. Although the software might not capture the future needs of the company effectively, the initial purchase cost is remarkably affordable. In addition to that, there are very minimal running costs since the software is very user friendly thereby eliminating training expenses. The software has been in use for over twenty five years thereby has many loyalties. S2K Enterprise manufacturing software has a wide variety of modules for use in a manufacturing company. However, its initial cost is relatively high when compare to E-Z-MRP software. Its data entry system is also exquisitely designed to support hand held scanners and RF devices.
However, the software has high running costs emanating from the training expenses for the employees. Microsoft Dynamics NAV shows promise in that it is compatible with common operating systems. The programming language used can also be customized to suit the needs of the business. However, the less expensive variant of the software cannot handle large databases. The other variant has very high maintenance cost which would eat onto the profit margins of the company. The MIE Trak software is very easy to implement and very user-friendly. It also supports international certification and has a flexible design that supports one’s specific needs. However, the initial cost of purchasing the software is relatively high when compared to the other software in its class.
The ERPNEXT software does not necessitate license fees, an added advantage when compared to the other proprietary enterprise resource planning software. The program also allows for modifications to suit customer requirements provided that the terms agreed upon in the license are adhered to. However, the software package does not enjoy enough automated testing. In addition, the software’s user documentation is weak in that the application does not borrow from any standards for data modeling that are documented. Compiere software package follows any changes in the business and presents the information as views that can be altered to meet business needs. The software package can be easily customized according to the needs of the business. However, it is not purely an open source product.
Recommendation
I recommend that PPQ Parts manufacturing company purchase the E-Z-MRP software. The expose and subsequent analysis will show that the software is reliable. It has a low initial cost coupled with even lower running costs. The software is easy to implement and use with a functionality that serves the needs of the company.
Conclusion
It is important to underscore the importance of choosing the right software package for ones business. Quality software will work on multiple platforms and remain compatible with currently popular software applications on legacy systems. With a history spanning over twenty five years, E-Z-MRP has proved itself quality software.
Turban et al. (2008). Information Technology for Management, Transforming Organizations in
the Digital Economy. Massachusetts. John Wiley & Sons.
James, O. (2011). Management Information Systems. New York: McGraw-Hill
Singleton, D. (2012). Top 10 Most Recommended Systems. Retrived from http://www.software
advice.com/ manufacturing/
SAP AG, (2001). Material Requirements Planning(PP-MRP). Retrieved from http://help.sap.com
/printdoc u/core/pri nt46c/en/data/pdf/ppmrp/ppmrp.pdf
