RE: Mapics Browser -- MAPICS-L

Regina,

We use the same array of XA6 modules and have had Browser installed for
a little over two years and there is still a certain amount of
learning-curve and on-going 'discovery' issues.  The interface is
appealing to the users, but certainly a challenge to administer and
manage.

Several points to consider:
1) If you 'upgrade' PDM/PDM+ to EPDM, maintenance of Item
Master/Revision and Bills of Material is restricted to Browser ONLY; the
green-screen features are forever disabled [although inquiries are
supported through a support add-on].
2) COM is somewhat enhanced by allowing a greater volume and choice of
information-per-panel and can be easily tailored for both your company's
and individual usage of specific data elements, but there is no support
for Picking/Shipping activity. Our user-base has also expressed their
frustration with Order Entry/Maintenance with Browser, leading to a
dual-use of green screen for order entry/maintenance and Pick/Pack/Ship
functions and Browser for inquiry/analysis.
3) If you have 'problems' with your user-base downloading MAPICS
information to personal spreadsheets for reporting and distribution,
Browser will only make things worse, as this feature is listed as one of
Browser's benefits.
4) Customized Views/Subets/Sorts can certainly be a great improvement
for the user-base, but caution MUST be excercised, as the out-of-the-box
MAPICS definitions can create more confusion than provide clear answers.
The MAPICS database is not always represented in it's clearest and most
usable form and a non-technical user can often make incorrect assumtions
if the data is selected incorrectly or from the 'wrong' source.
5) If you consider deploying Browser to your users, invest in Integrator
to support the list of modifications and enhancements that will be
forthcoming. Not only is Integrator useful in bringing-in data from
non-MAPICS Sources, but also to re-define and enhance some of what I
consider to be shortcomings of the Browsers use of the MAPICS database.

This product was intended to move data analysis away from IT-support and
distribute this function to the users, but a strong group of
'power-users' with a clear understanding of the MAPICS workflow, logis
and [ideally] the database is still a requirement.

I would be glad to discuss any additional questions that you may have
either through this posting or off-line via direct email.

Thomas Ashworth
Business Applications Manager
Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.

** Any opinions expressed are solely my own and do not reflect the views
that may be held by other members of Altec Lansing or our business
partners.

-----Original Message-----
From: mapics-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mapics-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Walter, Regina
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 11:17 AM
To: 'mapics-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: Mapics Browser


We are currently using Mapics XA6 modules COM, PUR, IM, PDM, PDM+, CRP,
PCC, MRP, and IFM.  We are considering purchasing the Mapics Browser but
would like information about its functionality, productivity gains,
support issues, etc. that does not come from a Mapics affiliate's sales
pitch. We're particularly interested in pros and cons of using it over
COM.

Please let me know what you think of the product and over which modules
you are using it.  I am also interested in lessons learned on the
installation, training, and maintenance of the Browser.

Thanks, 
Regina Walter
Senior Programmer/Analyst

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