RE: RE: Mapics data extract -- MAPICS-L

Mapics has invested both time and money to create those 4600+ PTFs.  I
find that commitment preferable to another company that has only a few
PTFs and worse support.  No application is perfect, nor ever will be -
that is the reality of software development.  You say 4600+ PTFs like
it's a bad thing <g>.

Just my $.02,
-Greg

Gregory Novak
Manager North American Technical Services
Momentum Utilities Pty Ltd
(630) 985-1736
gnovak@xxxxxxxxxx
www.jacana.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Konrad Underkofler [mailto:kdunderk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 7:49 AM
To: 'MAPICS ERP System Discussion'
Subject: RE: RE: Mapics data extract


Oh well, I just have to Paola...

> It is a good solid product
  PTF 4600+ and counting. R7 dead in water. We just had to download Rev
33 of the client so we could delete an item in EPDM! This is a product
that has been out for several years, how can it not delete items? 

> and is continually being updated as business needs change.
  I think I missed that. COM needs a complete rethink and rewrite. The
last real MAPICS app was REP done back in 90 or 91? Otherwise the
functionality is the same as it was this past decade. Most of the
goodness resides in the Mfg area, but flexibility is not included.

> On the other hand, with MAPICS you have a full customer support team 
> to
help guide you through problems, training, and issues.  So even though
you have employees coming and going over the years, you still have the
support team at MAPICS to help support your users. 

If they have not been laid off yet. MAPICS XA is clearly not MAPICS Inc
strategic application set anymore following years of effort, all
semi-successful to get off green screen AS/400 and its associated costs.
I believe most MAPICS development is being done in India now. 

So, in answer to the data extract question. 

1) Whatever version of MAPICS you have is probably just like the current
one in function with the exception of COM replacing OEI. My advice stick
with it. Depending on what release you are on, the upgrade path may be
brutal. In any case the older versions (ie pre COM) are good efficient
machine users and do not require outlandish CPW ratings to function.

2) Extracting data is more practical if you just get the customer and
items (ie CUSMAS and ITEMAS) and then cut over and start again. Run the
existing system till all transactions have cleared while bringing up the
new one merging the results on paper. 

3) Custom programs are far easier now than they used to be if you
requirements don't fit MAPICS well. You will easily spend enough in
license fees, upgrades, mods, consulting to make the custom solution
doable in a lot of cases. 

Regards

Konrad