ERP Systems Software - Brief Article

Automotive Finishing, Winter, 2000

According to the manufacturer, ERP systems are affordable and applicable to small to medium-size manufacturing and distribution companies via open systems, whether migrating from an existing mainframe or just getting started with ERP.

DMACS software is an acronym for distribution, manufacturing, accounting, cost and simulation--the enterprise disciplines of ERP. It is a "suite" of software modules that serve various business functions. These modules are completely integrated and are designed to input and extract information from the same "enterprise" database so that the entire organization can work from continuously updated information. For example, when goods are shipped from the warehouse the enterprise database is updated and the data is current whether you want accounting information, a forecast balance or to track an order or pay sales commissions. The "Manufacturing Suite" consists of four core business disciplines: sales and marketing, financial accounting, warehouse management and manufacturing management. Nearly 30 related modules, such as sales analysis, accounts receivable and inventory control, integrate and provide for the specific applications wanted with any suite. According to the manufacturer, the investment costs for the system are relatively low, in terms of both software acquisition and implementation. The UNIX "open system" version of the software allows users to share data more widely, and to develop applications more quickly than on the mainframe, improving response time and communication between sales and production.