IT system ideas
Discussion
We're thinking about a system to run our accounts, allows our team of telesales people to create and track quotes/orders/invoices, and which will manage stock control. It needs to cope with between 10 and 20 users and will eventually need to link to our online sales.
We have some fairly complex ‘kits of parts’ information, that we want the system to cope with – stuff like which parts fit what machines and in what quantities, which is above and beyond conventional accounts/stock software.
Currently, we’re just using Pegasus Opera SQL (not very stable) as far as it’s capable. Are we going to have to take a standard accounts package onto which we can bolt a front-end, or is there a better way?
If nothing else, please advise me who or what (else) to steer clear of, or any pitfalls you're aware of!
We have some fairly complex ‘kits of parts’ information, that we want the system to cope with – stuff like which parts fit what machines and in what quantities, which is above and beyond conventional accounts/stock software.
Currently, we’re just using Pegasus Opera SQL (not very stable) as far as it’s capable. Are we going to have to take a standard accounts package onto which we can bolt a front-end, or is there a better way?
If nothing else, please advise me who or what (else) to steer clear of, or any pitfalls you're aware of!
Pegasus Opera ... we were using the FoxPro (version 1) up until last year. We moved to Sage 200, with CRM, and whilst it is different from Opera, I really like it.
We are just about using the CRM aspect which was the main driver, and people are beginning to understand why we moved. We haven't really scratched the surface for CRM, but are pretty well comfortable with the accounts side. Everybody handles their own POP, which we didn't use in Opera, so some changes there but the interaction between POP and SOP is good.
As for your own bespoke requirements, it is based on SQL so there is a fair amount of flexibility.
We are just about using the CRM aspect which was the main driver, and people are beginning to understand why we moved. We haven't really scratched the surface for CRM, but are pretty well comfortable with the accounts side. Everybody handles their own POP, which we didn't use in Opera, so some changes there but the interaction between POP and SOP is good.
As for your own bespoke requirements, it is based on SQL so there is a fair amount of flexibility.
CR0X said:
Pegasus Opera ... we were using the FoxPro (version 1) up until last year.
The FoxPro version didn;t seem to bad, but their SQL effort is, how you say in English? Totally s
t.CR0X said:
We moved to Sage 200, with CRM, and whilst it is different from Opera, I really like it.
We are just about using the CRM aspect which was the main driver, and people are beginning to understand why we moved. We haven't really scratched the surface for CRM, but are pretty well comfortable with the accounts side. Everybody handles their own POP, which we didn't use in Opera, so some changes there but the interaction between POP and SOP is good.
Without giving away anything you;re not supposed to, what sort of stuff do you sell and how. Is is B2B and what sort of volumes of invoices and items?We are just about using the CRM aspect which was the main driver, and people are beginning to understand why we moved. We haven't really scratched the surface for CRM, but are pretty well comfortable with the accounts side. Everybody handles their own POP, which we didn't use in Opera, so some changes there but the interaction between POP and SOP is good.
the foxpro version was rock solid, we had it for years (and years) after upgrading from the original Pegasus I think.
We are B2B and the products are glass packaging (bottles and jars) and closures. We probably do about 400 invoices in a month but could easily handle a lot more.
I am told that what we do is quite complex, triangulation, multiple currencies, multiple warehouses etc. Our stock list is about 1000 long, all individual. We do things differently to most, and didn't want to change too much during the change, so kept a lot of our existing methods and practices. In time, I am sure that we will change bit by bit.
I am happy to put you in touch with our IT company who installed ours?
We are B2B and the products are glass packaging (bottles and jars) and closures. We probably do about 400 invoices in a month but could easily handle a lot more.
I am told that what we do is quite complex, triangulation, multiple currencies, multiple warehouses etc. Our stock list is about 1000 long, all individual. We do things differently to most, and didn't want to change too much during the change, so kept a lot of our existing methods and practices. In time, I am sure that we will change bit by bit.
I am happy to put you in touch with our IT company who installed ours?
CR0X said:
the foxpro version was rock solid, we had it for years (and years) after upgrading from the original Pegasus I think.
Yep, I'd agree.CR0X said:
We are B2B and the products are glass packaging (bottles and jars) and closures. We probably do about 400 invoices in a month but could easily handle a lot more.
Similar volume of invoices.CR0X said:
I am told that what we do is quite complex, triangulation, multiple currencies, multiple warehouses etc. Our stock list is about 1000 long, all individual.
To give you an idea of the task we have to organise, I'll take just one of our product ranges - rubber tracks - where we have around 100 different line itmes but the "what fits what data", the what track size(s) can be fitted to which makes and model of digger runs to over 5,400 individual machines....and that's before we get into the realms of 'kits of parts'.
But it's interesting that you do what you do (I did find your website) using Sage, as our present IT supplier is experienced with both Sage and Pegasus...
our existing IT partner also provides support and installs both, though both under an umbrella company with different partners, to ensure that they meet the strict criteria for resellers of both products. They were happy to offer both, but we took the decision of Sage, which they were happier about anyhow, having seen demonstrations of both.
As for your requirements, hhmm, stock items can have the following filled out:
product group, manufacturer, manufac part number, separate item description (optional for use for SOP and POP), alternative products etc.
You could use product group for say "tracks" then the item description for class of vehicle that they are used for, or use alternative products for kit parts that relate to that item.
The key is I guess searchability so search for a suitable part. You can establish search categories which might help, otherwise it is down to your own internal item references, or name. You could have all tracks under "TRACK vehicle number." I think that you can search under multiple search categories so "TRACK" and "VEHICLE X" and "KIT PART" etc etc.
Just my tuppence.
As for your requirements, hhmm, stock items can have the following filled out:
product group, manufacturer, manufac part number, separate item description (optional for use for SOP and POP), alternative products etc.
You could use product group for say "tracks" then the item description for class of vehicle that they are used for, or use alternative products for kit parts that relate to that item.
The key is I guess searchability so search for a suitable part. You can establish search categories which might help, otherwise it is down to your own internal item references, or name. You could have all tracks under "TRACK vehicle number." I think that you can search under multiple search categories so "TRACK" and "VEHICLE X" and "KIT PART" etc etc.
Just my tuppence.
If you want to speak to a 3rd party about it all, my brother has a company which amogst other things specialises in accounts\stock\crm systems, sage, omnis etc. Plus they are fully conversant with all the other aspects of IT. If you are looking at options it's well worth speaking to a number of people - if only for a bit of a steer in terms of where you should be going rather than what is nescessarily easily done (ie best return for your currently contracted company). PM me if you would like his details.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Digga said:
CR0X said:
the foxpro version was rock solid, we had it for years (and years) after upgrading from the original Pegasus I think.
Yep, I'd agree.CR0X said:
We are B2B and the products are glass packaging (bottles and jars) and closures. We probably do about 400 invoices in a month but could easily handle a lot more.
Similar volume of invoices.CR0X said:
I am told that what we do is quite complex, triangulation, multiple currencies, multiple warehouses etc. Our stock list is about 1000 long, all individual.
To give you an idea of the task we have to organise, I'll take just one of our product ranges - rubber tracks - where we have around 100 different line itmes but the "what fits what data", the what track size(s) can be fitted to which makes and model of digger runs to over 5,400 individual machines....and that's before we get into the realms of 'kits of parts'.
But it's interesting that you do what you do (I did find your website) using Sage, as our present IT supplier is experienced with both Sage and Pegasus...
Please PM me if you are intrested in an alternative.
Thanks for all the feedback. At the moment, I'm most keen to hear from the end users, rather than talking to the providers.
In the past, I've been aware of a number of "really great" systems which, when you talk to those who've been on the 'receiving end' and have practical experience, they're a nightmare. For example, I've spoken to three people with first hand experience in larger companies who've implemented SAP and between them they say very little to commend it - other than it's great for multi-company/country financial overviews.
In the past, I've been aware of a number of "really great" systems which, when you talk to those who've been on the 'receiving end' and have practical experience, they're a nightmare. For example, I've spoken to three people with first hand experience in larger companies who've implemented SAP and between them they say very little to commend it - other than it's great for multi-company/country financial overviews.
Digga said:
Thanks for all the feedback. At the moment, I'm most keen to hear from the end users, rather than talking to the providers.
In the past, I've been aware of a number of "really great" systems which, when you talk to those who've been on the 'receiving end' and have practical experience, they're a nightmare. For example, I've spoken to three people with first hand experience in larger companies who've implemented SAP and between them they say very little to commend it - other than it's great for multi-company/country financial overviews.
...which is of course the reason to go with a custom solution. everything can and will work to your requirements!!In the past, I've been aware of a number of "really great" systems which, when you talk to those who've been on the 'receiving end' and have practical experience, they're a nightmare. For example, I've spoken to three people with first hand experience in larger companies who've implemented SAP and between them they say very little to commend it - other than it's great for multi-company/country financial overviews.
I did some work for a client who sold products in kit forms and they tried to implement Sage to manage their stock levels etc. Basically, they ended up not using it for anything other than issuing invoices etc.
Anyway, if you want some more info on my experience of Sage/Custom built solutions, let me know...
Cheers
The Moose
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