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

Joan,

Rewrite of client from Small Talk to Java on the Client, Synon code converted 
to RPG on the host.  This may be old news and they may have changed their 
direction since I was let go a year ago.  It would be best to check with your 
affiliate for the latest information or plan to attend the User Conference this 
spring.

Paola Groeber
MAPICS Consultant
770-490-3297 (cell)


> 
> From: "McCready, Joan" <Joan.McCready@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: 2003/03/31 Mon AM 09:32:41 EST
> To: "'MAPICS ERP System Discussion'" <mapics-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: RE: RE: Mapics data extract
> 
> Everyone,
> 
> The last I heard, COM IS being completely re-written, from Synon to Java, by
> an India software house. Now if it actually IS a re-write, instead of a
> conversion...
> 
>           -- Joan
> 
> Joan McCready, IS Manager      phone:  636-479-4499
> MetalTek International         fax:  636-479-3399
> The Carondelet Division        www.metaltekint.com
> 8600 Commercial Blvd
> Pevely, MO  63070                      
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Konrad Underkofler [mailto:kdunderk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
> Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 8:52 AM
> To: 'MAPICS ERP System Discussion'
> Subject: RE: RE: Mapics data extract
> 
> 
> Michael,
> 
> I agree that a PTF doesn't necessarily mean a fix anymore. The practice of
> shipping enhancements as PTF's is one of the things I do not agree with,
> since some of the enhancements are mandatory and do change function. This is
> what release levels are for. Unfortunately the last MAPICS releases have
> been a means of shipping database changes for new third party applications,
> not enhancing current code.
> 
> That along with the numerous bad fixes make for a very difficult support
> strategy. You either examine and download lots of fixes or apply the cd and
> cross your fingers and hope to keep running. Plus there are many things they
> just don't fix, lots of them in COM. MAPICS COM cannot accurately calculate
> a ship date. What other ERP systems shares this problem? 
> 
> I really did not claim that OEI was better than COM, simply that COM is the
> main cause of system upgrades. OEI is a batch driven antique. COM is the
> spawn of an obsolete development tool.
> 
> Why does COM need a rewrite?
> 1) BUGS, BUGS, BUGS, BUGS
> 2) Additional function shipped as API's and user exits? Wassup with that?
> 3) Difficult use, high support requirements.
> 4) Missing function...kits, serial number support, commissions, taxation,
> superceded items, substitution items.
> 
> I don't have any problems with EC as a product. I am sure for some subset of
> companies it makes sense. We looked at it and felt the cost/benefit of PC
> products was far better. It does bring up the MAPICS pricing issue, tied
> into the AS/400 pricing issue that has hampered MAPICS and IBM for quite
> some time.
> 
> Regards
> 
> Konrad
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: michael.franchino@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:michael.franchino@xxxxxxxxxx] 
> Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 9:07 AM
> To: MAPICS ERP System Discussion
> Subject: RE: RE: Mapics data extract
> 
> 
> Konrad,
> 
> First of all, a PTF doesn't necessarily mean a fix (obviously most of them 
> are fixes to issues). Some PTFs are actually new function that has been 
> added to the product. EC is constantly adding new functions or enhancing 
> functions in our product where business requirements nessistate. 
> 
> EC is a REAL app that was designed and coded in 94-95 time frame and has 
> been enhanced with every release. We don't support everything, but we hit 
> many of the major transactions that the MAPICS customer base needs to do 
> their job.
> 
> Why do you think that COM needs a MAJOR rewrite.  Obviously there are 
> issues with COM in certain areas and a rewrite would be a welcome sight, 
> but that is definetly not the direction of the company as you have already 
> said. 
> 
> To say that OEI is better than COM is a little ridiculous. If you don't 
> need the features that COM provides (Enhanced Pricing, Blanket order 
> processing, Packing, integrated EDI solutions, expanded ship-to support, 
> User Exit support, etc.) then staying with OE&I makes sense.
> 
> 
> Michael Franchino
> Custom Systems Corporation
> http://www.cussys.com
> (973) 726-0202 X214 (Phone) 
> (973) 726-4552 (Fax)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Konrad Underkofler <kdunderk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent by: mapics-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> 03/28/2003 08:49 AM
> Please respond to MAPICS ERP System Discussion
> 
>  
>         To:     "'MAPICS ERP System Discussion'" <mapics-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>         cc: 
>         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
> 
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