Many, and their cost will choke someone like your client.

I speak to these sales reps on a monthly basis. 25, 50, 150 grand come to mind as software and license fees, setup, training. No hardware in those figures.

You really need to get more consulting time in on the front end for finding out what they do and how the account for it. This will save your relationship with them later, or allow you to bow out easily now because they are too cheap and you will soon see it.

Issues to look to are online ordering of product, sales reps getting necessary info out in the field, need for EDI, purchasing on line, allowing customers to view shipping data for their receiving needs. The list can grow as technology changes.

Have you thought abot writting this? {grin} Are you ready to schedule that labotomy?

This is a very tough industry and being the consultant who gets them the best vendor will get you a great relationship. Look towards the low end SQL C/S packages.

Data Works has 3 different packages. The low end is in VFP, middle is in SQL Server and big packages is in DB2. Price looked decent and they have great ratings in Manufacturing software reviews.

SBT is a dog and I would drop it in a heart beat if I had a say. Upgrading for your client is like telling them they don't need a pick up truck, you can just cut the back off your VW and put in some wood planks and cover it with plywood. It's designed for buying and selling widgets. It's very good at that. Too bad your client doesn't follow that model.

__Stephen




>Stephen,
>
>I talked to the client this morning. As usual he was surprised about the $ of setting up a real accounting system. But I think I at least convinced him that this is something he really, really needs to take care of before he looses control of his business.
>
>He plans on moving into a bigger facility sometime next year, and he thinks that would be a good time to replace the system also. I'll keep your phone number handy and maybe give you a call soon.
>
>Do you know if there are any other systems that would compete with SBT for a small-medium manufacturing concern?
>
>PF
>
>>>Thanks. What will a manufacturing addon do for SBT?
>>
>>Cost more!
>>
>>In Mfg systems you tend to consume material and labor to produce finished goods. Your inventory should reflect changes + & - as daily work transactions are applied.
>>
>>Standard out of the box SBT has no idea what to do with those transaction details. This will eat your shorts in no time.
>>
>>The terms MRP, MPRII, ERP, all deal with the flow of raw materials and labor, planning for orders into the future as well as long range inventory control and planning, customers information pertaining to their order's details. {readers digest version of mfg systems here}.
>>
>>So what type of plant is your client? Do they just make standard items, or can their finished product be altered by sales order options? Do they take orders with a schedule of delivery times into the future? Are they being forced to use EDI in sales transactions? Do they deal with manufacturer sales reps as well as an in-house sales force? Customers only in retail division or will they sell to anybody with $?
>>
>>__Stephen