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Question

Software for medium sized business?

Aug 18, 2014 6:23AM PDT

Hi,
I manage a medium-sized manufacturing business (about 200 employees) and I'm looking to implement a series of softwares (accounting, HR, production, quality control, etc.) in order to make my business more standardised and efficient. Ideally, I want softwares that work well together and create a decent communication between different departments. Do you have any software that you recommend?
If so, please explain why.
Thank you very much!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
What do you use now?
Aug 18, 2014 6:34AM PDT

And at that size it's not only the software you are asking but will it be cloud, server or such based.

Most companies form a small committee or task the IT to get it done.
Bob

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Nothing special
Aug 20, 2014 5:02AM PDT

I use Contpaq for accounting, a local software called Stratec for management, and another local software called FutureSQC for quality control.

But the idea is to do a complete overhaul and install new software for every department. I would like to install new software in these different departments: sales, management, engineering, customer service, production, purchases, quality, and storage (warehouse). Maybe accounting, but I'm pretty happy with Contpaq.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know much about software and the differences between cloud and server based softwares. If I had to take a guess I'd say server based is cheaper, so I'd probably go with that. But, again, I have no idea.

Also, I really want to choose the softwares myself and then ask IT to do the rest.

Thanks again!

Javier

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I fear this may not end well.
Aug 20, 2014 5:08AM PDT

It's like you picking the surgical procedures and asking the doctor to do them. Your IT or committee should have more exposure to your needs and what software is out there. Include them early.
Bob

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Yeah, you're probably right
Aug 20, 2014 5:17AM PDT

I'll ask IT to it.

But still, I'd like to know what the "ideal software" is for each department to be able to compare what they choose.

Cheers,

Javier

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My ideal software won't fit your needs.
Aug 20, 2014 5:26AM PDT

At our office, servers, sync, project management, Visual Studio and such are our core components. To find ideal, there would be some metrics laid out. But most offices are run by the boss who often overrides any decision (well discussed how that turns out.) But early involvement has always been where I see the best long time results.

The direction I see here can result in the old square peg round hole problem. Hammers can come in handy but painful to all.
Bob

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Then I guess I'll have to trust IT to do a good job.
Aug 20, 2014 7:19AM PDT

Thank you very much any way!

Javier

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Sorry. But...
Aug 20, 2014 7:41AM PDT

I think most would never let them lose with a blank check. I think we would sound them out to see what they think would be great.
Bob

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There is no ideal software.
Aug 20, 2014 5:33AM PDT

- The only ones that say so are the makers.
- Software that's good for one company does not need to be good for other companies, even within the same industry.
- Much depends on how the software is configured and customised and what additional custom software is programmed.

Kees

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Answer
Use cloud MRP software
Aug 27, 2014 5:52AM PDT

Hi,

As you have manufacturing company, use cloud MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) SaaS (Software as a Service).

I would recommend to use some proven MRP SaaS, because it is much more cost effective, than to install something to your servers.

They usually include all what MRP2 standard requires, like
- material requirements planning;
- equipment load management;
- workforce management;
- cost control;
- CRM;
- standard accounting.

You can try for example such MRP software like www.MRPEasy.com, which is simple and in cloud. I am a co-founder of this provider, do not hesitate to ask any more information.