Originally Posted by Blacksheep
We've been looking at many of these systems but none of them do precisely what our customers demand.
The root of the problem is getting the original paper into the system. Every system we've looked at uses more labour than an old fashioned 'Cardex' system, which surely defeats a major part of the objective.
The problem may lie in the specification issued to the system supplier. The spec must be accurate and detailed, then anything is possible (I am in aviation, but friends of mine in the computer industry) The main problems arise due to inaccurate specs, wrong person writing the spec (actually should be all involved and not just the head accountant or chief engineer) and most impoartntly do not change the spec once the programming has started, otherwise you looking for problems. Preferrably purchases an off the shelf programnme. I have been involved in the commissioning of two systems into operators.
Everthing was redone including procedures. Procedures where written around the system bought off the shelf and everybody trained in those procedures. You will never get a system that matches your current procedures, which built up over time based on old systems. I would never go back to cardex (we run a fleet with half the staff of old).
Setting up everything takes times (and accurancy, such as do you use dashes in P/Ns, same format for all ADs on system) but once up and running its a joy to use. And once RFT are common on parts, life will even be easier