Ideas in Action:Stuff I Learned at MWUG

MWUG

Spring 2013

March 17-19

Business Process Track

10:45 – 11:45am

Introduction:

Greg Sevison

Greg has been directly involved with the development of ERP systems since 1984. In 2003, he began working with MFG/PRO, as an employee of Dura Automotive Systems.

He joined Amsafe in the spring of 2008, where he assumed responsibility of the QAD systems, including Server/OS Maintenance, Development/Maintenance of vanilla and Custom QAD Programming, Selection/Maintenance of Bolt-On Applications, and all DBA-related activities.

Introduction:

AmSafe Commercial Products

AmSafe Commercial Products is a manufacturer of restraint systems, primarily in the specialty vehicle and child safety markets.

AmSafe Commercial Products has manufacturing locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.

Introduction:

“This is my first MWUG. What can I expect to learn here?”

“We don’t have a complex QAD environment. What kinds of things can I do to make our life better back home?”

“We don’t have a huge IT staff back at home. What kinds of things can I take from here and do myself, or with the right kind of help from people I meet here at MWUG?”

Session Agenda:

I. Expectations

II. MFG/PRO Basics

III. DBA/Operating System Basics

IV. QAD “Bolt-Ons”

V. MWUG Conference Resources

VI. Summary

VII. Q & A

I. Expectations

• Come prepared to focus on a set of topics• Spend time reviewing the conference tracks. • Which sessions relate to your desired set of topics/goals• Identify & Explore the many resources at the conference• Network, network, network…

II. MFG/PRO Basics

Some “Basics” that I’ve learned…

• Custom Menus in Character Interface• User Work Table (usrw_wkfl)• Batch Processing

II. MFG/PRO BasicsCustom Menus:

II. MFG/PRO BasicsThe User Work Table (usrw_wkfl)

Store Custom Data within the standard QAD Database Schema

PROS:•No Cost – Comes with Standard MFG/PRO•No DB Schema Changes Required•Provides Platform for Developing and Storing Custom Functions

CONS:•Field Names are generic, can be confusing for developers•Because of Generic configuration, sometimes Indexing performance is limited

II. MFG/PRO Basics

Batch Processing

Basic O/S Level File Components• UNIX/OS Background Scripts• The Progress Program (.p)• The CIM file

Basic MFG/PRO Setup• 36.14 Batch Processing Menu• Batch ID Maintenance• Batch Request Processor

III. DBA/Operating System Basics

Some of the DBA/OS Basics I’ve learned are…

* Basic Database Monitoring - proutil –C ‘DB Name’ tabanalys- proutil -C ‘DB Name’ ixanalys

* Database Dump & Loads- When to do them?- How to do them?

IV. QAD “Bolt-Ons”

* Report Writer – GUI Interface

* Forms Management

* Labeling

* Scanning – (New)

IV. QAD “Bolt-Ons”

Report Writer: (CyberQuery)

Met Mike Main, from CyberScience, during the time between sessions at an MWUG conference. An informal discussion became an onsite demonstration, which led to the implementation of CyberQuery, at my former employer.

Now, we have reduced our license count within QAD because users simply wanting report access to QAD data can utilize the wizard-driven interface with CyberQuery.

With a Windows-style interface and a variety of output capabilities, our CHUI based users now have an effective and intuitive GUI reporting tool.

IV. QAD “Bolt-Ons”

Forms Management: (FormTrap)

Initially discussed Forms Management with Mr. Steve Eisenberg, from PICS, during the evening reception.

I was able to find and attend a session that showcased what their product (FormTrap) could do, and how it helped another customer.

From This with vanilla QAD…

Seamless to the User utilizing the CHUI interface…

To This with FormTrap…

IV. QAD “Bolt-Ons”

Labeling: (Loftware)

Through networking with various attendees, the Loftware name was discussed. After a number of attendees shared their thoughts on how they used Loftware, and how easy and cost effective it was to implement, we explored the possibility of doing the same.

In creating our custom labeling module, we were able to benefit not only by using custom menus, but also the User Work Table (usrw_wkfl).

In this example, the user only has to enter a Work Order ID and the custom code generates a .PAS file that is then moved to a “Drop” folder where Loftware then picks up the file and processes through the standard Loftware Print Server.

IV. QAD “Bolt-Ons”

Bar Code Scanning: (Radley)

I had visited with Radley for a number of years, mostly with regard to their EDI product that was integrated with MFG/PRO. For a couple of conferences, I attended sessions which allowed me to see the ease of use and the seamless integration of their scanning product to MFG/PRO.

With the assistance of Radley’s on-site support, we were able to implement Bar Code Scanning at our Elkhart, Indiana location. We will begin implementing the same technology at our Kunshan, China location next week.

V. MWUG Conference Resources

* QAD

* MWUG – Website & Leaders

* Consulting Organizations

* Literature – Books, Product Information, etc…

* Other Attendees

VI. Summary

Regardless of your level of expertise with MFG/PRO, there is vast knowledge available and in attendance here at the MWUG conference.

The more you participate and network with the presenters, the vendors, and each other, the more you will learn and walk away with, to take back home to your employer.

VII. Q & A

Don’t be shy… There are NO stupid questions

(…Only stupid answers)

Comments?

Tips for Other Attendees?

What have YOU Learned?

Have a Great MWUG Experience!!!

Thank you for your time…

My Contact Information:

Greg Sevison

AmSafe Commercial Products

Office: 574-970-2644

Email: gsevison@amsafe.com