The World of Corporate MRP systems is full of surprises. If in the late 1990th major ERP market players: Oracle, SAP were trying to realize the strategy of releasing so-called ‘light’, ‘select’, ‘express’ versions of their high-end ERP – the idea is very simple and attractive – if your corporate ERP application could be written on one CD (or several CDs) – why not to try the game when you disable 70% of the functionality and release ‘lite’ version? The real world kind of accepted and a the same time rejected this movement from the up to the down – as would it funny to realize, but the issue was – this is still the same heavy-pace ERP application and its implementation cycle is of course reduced, but not substantially and not enough to fit to mid-size and small companies. Plus – these heavy-weight applications were targeting super and mini computers, when Intel-based Servers achieved and surpassed the performance (and more important price efficiency) of these ‘high end’ computers – the necessity to support multiple OS and DB platforms ceased to exist.

• SAP Business One. SAP understood the necessity to acquire simple, and still powerful MRP/ERP system, which has simple design and as so, reduced implementation cycle. The idea of all-in-one license type is also innovative and probably helps marketing campaign. SAP Business One, when it was marketed by original software development vendor from Israel wasn’t a serious competitor to Microsoft or Oracle – until SAP purchased it and revised its marketing campaign.

• Modern Design. SAP Business One includes CRM module, it is (at least at this moment) excellently integrated with Microsoft Office. Please note that SAP Business One is not (at this time) a subject to Mendocino project – mySAP integration with Microsoft Office/Outlook.

• Production/Manufacturing. While targeted to small and mid-size clientele – SAP BO has production/ERP modules, which makes it attractive for overseas manufacturing facilities of multinational corporations.

• COM Object support. At this moment (2006) this is cool, but Microsoft Business Solutions suggest the argument against SAP Business One – if SAP doesn’t develop its own office solution or at least doesn’t invest into cooperation with Microsoft in the Office application direction – SAP Business One might lose the technology ground by 2010.

• Simplified MRP. We already publicized the idea of deploying simplified ERP for corporate business, the critical is reliable database platform (MS SQL Server is reasonably cheap nowadays and very reliable). The idea is very simple – if you are corporate business and you feel that you should be in rich-functionality ERP realm – implement simplified MRP which has the same reliability parameters, but requires some custom design to fit your business processes.

Please do not hesitate to call or email us: USA 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer at Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ) - Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains, Navision, Axapta, MS CRM, Oracle Financials and IBM Lotus Domino Partner, serving corporate customers in the following industries: Aerospace & Defense, Medical & Healthcare, Distribution & Logistics, Hospitality, Banking & Finance, Wholesale & Retail, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Placement & Recruiting, Advertising & Publishing, Textile, Pharmaceutical, Non-Profit, Beverages, Conglomerates, Apparels, Durables, Manufacturing and having locations in multiple states and internationally. We are serving USA Nationwide: CA, IL, NY, FL, AZ, CO, TX, WI, WA, MI, MA, MO, LA, NM, MN, Europe: Germany, France, Belgium, Poland, Russia, Middle East (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, OAE, Bahrain), Asia: China, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, South & Central America: Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Chili, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

Accounts payable is just one area of office management where problems arise because of the sheer complexity of transactions, and the vast amount of paperwork that is generated.

A disproportionate amount of time and administrative resources is consumed just getting invoices approved for payment. The problem becomes compounded when invoices are lost when being circulated for clearance and even more time is then lost in the retrieval process.

Typically these documents include purchase invoices from suppliers, sales invoices to customers and purchase orders generated by customers.

Even if missing documentation is successfully recovered from the system, the delay will have caused major inconvenience. If it is not recovered, the effects on business are routinely disruptive, and in extreme cases, disastrous.

TokOpen is a powerful document management and workflow software solution that goes far beyond conventional document capture and storage. Uniquely flexible, the package allows systems to be configured to meet customers’ specific needs.

How TokOpen works

Automated data entry allows invoices to be scanned, indexed and stored in the system, avoiding time-consuming manual entry. Automated reading can take two forms: either header reading (reference number, client name and amount); or full line item reading. Alternatively, invoice information can still be entered manually if required.

Once in the system, invoices are electronically routed through a workflow process that includes notifying all authorised staff when an invoice is waiting for their approval. Online reports are automatically generated where invoices awaiting approval are delayed or missing. These reports are configurable, so they can be set up to cover other factors critical to successful payment completion.

Internal security is built into the system, and access controls ensure that only authorised staff can open invoices or related documents. Audits are automatically maintained on all documents as they progress through the system, so each time they are accessed or amended, time, date, identity and activity details are logged.

Where associated documents are in the system, these are stored in the same file alongside invoices so they can be located quickly and easily. Access can be gained from other systems, in which case folders and documents are displayed in a standard Web browser.

Invoice approval is integrated with the rest of the accounts payable process, and invoices can be accessed via systems like SAP or JDE.

TokOpen in action – a case study

TokOpen is currently being used by a major Japanese multi-national, with multiple office locations in the UK. One office processes purchase invoices for all the other offices in the UK, and they are initially processed using the Oracle Financials system. For all new invoices, a barcode is generated and attached to each document.

An Accounts Clerk then scans all documentation into TokOpen. This is carried out from a dedicated scanning and indexing workstation, using TokOpen Sorting Office.

All documents are stored here and then uploaded on a daily basis to the TokOpen server, which is at another UK office location. Sorting Office reads the barcode and then looks up the original data in Oracle to extract additional index data such as invoice number, supplier number and site code.

Standard browser access

Most documents are retrieved via the users’ standard Web browser, using TokOpen Web, and a total of 260 staff use this means of access. A restricted number of users also have access to the TokOpen Desktop, and access is provided to individuals based on an approval hierarchy.

Invoices are handled using an efficient electronic workflow process. Once scanned, Invoice Status is set to Invoice Received. TokOpen ensures that users can only view documents that have been assigned to them in a particular workflow.

A strict authorisation hierarchy is in place, based on the size of the invoices being handled. So if a member of staff attempts to authorise an invoice that exceeds their authorisation limit, TokOpen automatically routes it to a staff member at the next authorisation level. This continues up the authorisation hierarchy until the invoice reaches a member of staff who has had clearance to sign off that invoice value, and payment is completed.

TokOpen brings together powerful and efficient document management, with easy-to-use, Web-based access.

Tokairo is an international provider of Document Management (TokOpen) and Education systems solutions (TokAM). Tokairo has its headquarters in the UK, with a sister company in the USA responsible for the Americas. http://www.tokairo.com REF=TO2EZ

Many computer programmers of artificial intelligent decision matrix software end up specializing in a specific industry or endeavor. Yet as we look at such completed application software we readily see how many potential applications there are. Programmers who design such systems should have their minds wide open and be on the look out for the killer applications that exist. They should ask themselves; “Can this system be modified or used as a template for decision making for other things?”

What sorts of other applications should be looked at? Well for instance such things and industries as education, health care treatments, transportation routing, distribution channel decisions, simplifying component costs in manufacturing, replacing bureaucrats, communication transmission type routing, computer bandwidth routing, infrastructure material decision making, energy distribution channels, battlespace future force strategy, monetary flows, predicting human behavior thru intake and brain waves, predicting types of species a planet might contain, predicting language patterns of other species, choosing of weather control levers to move, etc.

Of course to do this one has to also think in the abstract and understand the industry they are targeting for such applications; applications, which will be intrinsically valuable to those who partake in them and whose careers teeter in their ability to make the right decisions. What level of thought is needed for a quick look see into the industry often varies, yet here are some possible abstract thoughts which could help you in designing and programming the next killer application for decision matrix software;

Monetary, economic, currency and trade flows;

Transportation, distribution, routing and scheduling decisions;

Making Rain, Weather Control and Predicting Wind Patterns;

Or perhaps you need the ultimate challenge?

You see cross pollination is the key to finding the next killer application for those who study the game and design and program the worlds most important software of all; Artificial Intelligent Decision Matrix Software. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies as well as Navision (which has very good positions in Europe and emerging markets where it can be easily localized).

Great Plains Payables Management (PM) module improves control over your payables. With easy access to comprehensive vendor information, payment scheduling and tracking, and up-to-the minute answer to your cash flow status, this module allows you to manage your expenses more effectively.

PM maximizes operational efficiency by empowering employees with advanced search capabilities that provide quick and easy access to the information they need. This module also simplifies expense allocation like deferring payments or costs over multiple periods with automatically managed calculations and journal entries customized to fit your business needs.

Features:

• Extensive Drill-Down – Cross-module drill-down capabilities give you the ability to locate the exact details you need.

• Comprehensive Vendor Information – Streamline your vendor information with vendor categories for consistent record maintenance and comprehensive data, including addresses, shipping methods, default purchase accounts, and user-defined information.

• Installment Management – Automate your vendor installment payments by creating schedules, calculating interest, amortizing amounts, and forecasting the impact of variable interest rates, payment amounts, and installment changes.

• Expenditure Control – Manage expenditures with full control over check runs and tracking of after-the-fact payments that use manual check entries, credit cards, or cash for transactions.

• Control Account Management – Manage your payables control accounts by reporting segments, such as cost center, division, department, program or fund, and display a breakdown by segment values of your central control payables account. Eliminate the need to manually reconcile reporting segments and get a true account of amounts owing by segment value.

• Automatic Posting - Automate posting for each vendor to designated General Ledger accounts for recurring transactions, or streamline distribution for vendors without specified purchase accounts.

• Complete Payables Reporting – Create a comprehensive suite of payable reports that can be sorted by calendar or fiscal year with on-screen display and search, or combine with Microsoft® Business Solutions–Great Plains® applications such as Report Writer or Crystal Reports® for greater reporting flexibility.

Good luck with implementation, customization and integration and if you have issues or concerns – we are here to help! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-630-961-5918 or 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

Vincent is a Great Plains specialist in Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ) – USA nationwide Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, serving clients in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, New Orleans, Toronto, Montreal and having locations in multiple states and internationally

When determining criteria for decision matrix software for NASA one must consider the over all project needs. If Artificial Intelligent computers are to help make important decisions that could mean life or death for lunar colonies, astronauts or base stations, they must be honest, programmed using reality based criteria and be void of human emotion.

If we are design a business decision matrix for the best type of system to provide life support for the colony, thru mining local resources to make water, oxygen and hydrogen and other gases for fuel to create a self sustaining system then these criteria must take into account many critical factors such as;

1.) Weight of the machines needed to be transported for Mining

2.) Cost of components

3.) Shape of components due to shipping

4.) Number of robots needed to build facility

5.) Power supply needed to run system

6.) Waste disposal of anything not used

7.) By-product uses and storage

8.) Time to Build Components, Robots and System

9.) Simplicity due to Murphy’ism

10.) Miscellaneous hazards and dangers

11.) Deployment timeline

These of course will not be the only important criteria, there will be others; what else needs to be considered; which criteria would you give the most consideration? If we are to set let’s say a numerical number to each criteria for our decision matrix how much should each get and why? If NASA reviews 1000 possible proposals then you can see why such an artificially intelligent decision matrix system is needed and why it is paramount to keep the system fair so that not necessarily does the lowest bidder win the right to design and build the system, but that the structural integrity is sound and can be free from Murphy’ism. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Our company, Novaprof Inc., developed unique software - DB Integration. This software makes it possible to integrate two databases of *.mdb format. An integration, in this case, is combining the objects of two databases. Software features.

This software makes it possible to combine two different databases. Final database can be made on the basis of one of the initial database, i.e. the objects of another initial databases are imported to one of the initial database. Another variant of combining two initial databases into the third final database.

In the next versions.

Next versions will have new features: first of all, apart from the possibility to combine data, it will be possible to combine schemas on the basis of the coincident subschemas of two databases. Also it will be possible to integrate databases of the .mdb format and of the format of the other databases of DBM.

For instance, you can combine MS SQL and Oracle database, and the final database will be MS Access. In the next version it will be possible to bring out similarities of two databases in the automatic mode, not to define the semantically similar databases and schema. Also you may suggest which features you do want the next versions of this software to have. All the suggestions will be taken into consideration and realized as it will be possible.

You can buy DB Integration on http://secure.emetrix.com/order/product.asp?PID=5627900.

Head software developer in Novaprof Inc.

You can download demo version from our site: http://www.novaprof.com

Many debate the ability of business decision software to out think their human manager counter parts. Yet in reality many such systems already exist and are replacing humans. Indeed many such systems exist and will continue to be upgraded as they prove their worthiness in business processes. Many of these systems work slightly differently, some give potential decisions numerical and statistical ratings based on the criteria and come up with the best management practice (BMP) or decision based on this.

Many believe that if the system is correctly designed then the criteria can be used for many business decisions. Indeed since we know that human decision making is based on many things it will be up to the programmers and designers of AI business decision matrix software systems to have on board those in the industry or field that who make such decision on a daily basis to help in the design. Those AI systems which would be more human friendly as they mimic the best parts of human interaction and decision making and limit the worst of what the species is capable of, will be the systems most readily chosen to serve in businesses.

So many considerations are necessary in business decision software in any industry. For instance many things need to be considered when choosing manufacturing methods of course and one would presume that design industry specific systems would think all this through. For instance here are some considerations to be considered in manufacturing fields;

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=a27c9e71380d998ccc6e372c897e85a8&showtopic=311&view=findpost&p=946

You can see rather quickly that simplicity is important in business decision software, yet a lot of thinking needs to go into the criteria and thus failure to do so will cause delays and inefficiencies. Yet one must also note that as the decision becomes more and more complex a properly designed system will be able to outsmart its human counterpart. That day in many business models has already come and gone and in the future AI will be able to outsmart the smartest humans in business. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Domino server is a buffer between the operation system and the application. On the other hand Domino server – consists of the services which support development processing and executing of dynamic, secure applications for Internet, Intranet, or Extranet. Domino server role is to provide functionality both: within and between Domino-applications. Domino services interpret codes and elements of application and execute them over actual operation system. Each service is specially optimized for its specific role when Domino is activated for effective functioning of the whole application.

As far as the application interacting with services, and them in their turn – with operation system - Domino applications are transferable or platform independent. There are two categories of Domino services: applied and system. Applied services provide functional size to the application. Any application needs user authorization mechanisms, agents execution, views indexing, etc. Considering above mention, such the services are named applied services.

System services provide functionality allowing the applications work in the environment. Domino Catalog keeps information about users and dedicates paths connection between applications. Routing enables applications interconnection. Replication provides applications data synchronization. Notes Client working with local database (without Domino server) performs dedicated Domino services itself, and so brings Domino functions locally, easing up the server workload. Notes Client does not support the same level of limitation and security as the server does.

Domino applications are client-server applications. Client connects with an application using its own mechanism for procedures call - Notes Remote Procedure Call (NRPC), which transfers client request to Domino application, and returns results.

Domino also supports HTTP protocol, which allows Web browsers access to the applications located on Domino server.

Besides Notes Client and Web browsers Domino supports other clients with additional communication protocols: email clients by SMTP, POP3 and IMAP protocols; operation with news conferences by NNTP protocol; operation with catalogs services by LDAP protocol; also Domino can interact with other applications via OLE and COM technologies, playing both: client and server roles.

Domino databases exist in the form of local files and server-side. Domino database has two areas of functional facilities:

• Notes Storage Facility (NSF) – supports data and design elements of application. Storage facility has notes, which represent data container. Different type of notes allows execute special functions inside database;

• Notes Index Facility (NIF) – design and support lists for data location in application. These sorted lists named views. Records in Domino database can be created by users (data note type), developers (design note type), and Domino itself, which is utilized for monitoring and controlling the information in database (e.g. ACL, database header).

In principal, all database records are the same (by characteristics). They are on the same level and not divided by hierarchical or by other relation. Records are different only by keeping data and how Domino uses them. Records are kept in items. Each item is identified by name and keeps value list. Value in one item (if it is a list) is to have the same data type. Items as well keep information for kept data type. This metadata is available for applications and Domino services. Records can keep three main data types: Rich text, Text (plain text) and Number (Domino keeps value of date/time data as numbers.

Domino provides access to data note by different cases including: form fields, columns in view, program codes in @-formulas, LotusScript, JavaScript and Java. Besides mentioned above four inbuilt program languages, Domino supports extern program codes on Java, C and C++, Visual Basic.

Described here picture corresponds up to Domino R6 version. In R7, which exists now as beta-version, to keep data DB2 also may be used, as well as traditional NSF mechanism. In this case all notes of Domino database keep in relation DB2 tables which keeping scheme is optimized specially for Domino. Thus, tasks which actually can not be done or execute slowly will be available for operation. These tasks are: keeping of huge data volumes, clearance Domino data for external applications, speeding views executing (this possibility as IBM announces will be realized in the latest R7 versions).

In beta version using of DB2 is possible only for local (not server’s) databases, but it is already the step ahead. Before top IBM managers said that in Domino never will be realized the block records mechanism. In R6 this mechanism is already realized. Possible in later versions of Domino R7 the two-phases transaction mechanism will be implemented, why not?

Good luck in your system setting up and contact us for any help in USA: 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

P.Gottmann is a technical writer in Ronix Systems ( http://www.ronix-systems.com ) the European branch of Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), IBM and Microsoft Business Solutions Partner, serving clients in Chicago, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Germany, UK, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Moscow

Artificial business decision matrix software is getting more and more capable of filling the shoes of middle managers and executives alike. Of course such change upsets many workers, executives and managers. Fore it is these machines, which will replace them. The skeptics of such AI software say there are still inherent problems with such systems and replacing a “thinking human” will not be so easy a task.

With that said, I would like to point out that the decision making business tools are being designed and made by academia, not entrepreneurs with those additional gut instincts, perhaps neurons in the stomach which seem to be better acclimated than an academia professor who has never run a business before. This of course is a hard fact to debate, yet shareholders want safe and smart growth, not entrepreneurial cowboys taking big risks with their money and investments. Indeed there are also perceived issues with integrity in Corporate America, which is another feather in the cap for the proponents of AI business decision matrix programmers.

Still the skeptics and opponents of machine-based executives, which are programmed by professors of decision matrix based software modeled on text book foo foo, do scare many folks in the business community. So then perhaps those building the decision matrix systems of this type should be programmers who consult very closely with the do’ers of the world while designing such systems. I am taking nothing away from superstars of academia or the leaders and PhDs in artificial intelligence. Yet one does have to ask the question and admit the future issues that this future change will cause. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Microsoft Great Plains is one of the Microsoft Business Solutions family ERP products: Great Plains, Navision, Axapta, Solomon, Small Business Manager. MBS also has Microsoft CRM - Client Relation Management software and Microsoft Retail Management System (Microsoft RMS)

Microsoft Great Plains 8.5 is scheduled to be released in the second quarter of 2005. It is usual practice when you here announcements and then you are notified about software release delays. Expect first the version to be released for US market and then you can expect Spanish and Canadian French version. Satellites or third parties are usually released in the following six month period.

From our Microsoft Business Solutions insiders we could give you the rumors we have heard

• Version 8.5 seems to be rather a big service pack to version 8.0. Let me give you some historical review. Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics of version 7.0 was merged with Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics and this was basically a foundation of Microsoft Great Plains version 7.5

• Microsoft Great Plains version 7.5 was the last version for legacy database platforms: Pervasive SQL 2000 and Ctree. Version 8.0 and higher are available on MS SQL Server and MSDE only

• Microsoft bought a product from eOne Solutions (in Australia) called SmartList Builder. This new feature allows users to create their own SmartList without being limited to the available "folders" on the standard SmartList’s left panel. We have yet to know more about this but the consultants in Australia are really enthusiastic about this.

Upgrade expectations.

• As our experience indicates - Microsoft is working on the ERP application migration (Project Green). This means that MBS is rather concerned on it’s ERP applications modules interoperability - consider the strong point of Navision - Manufacturing module should somehow communicate and seamlessly work with GL platform - more likely Great Plains financials - Great Plains systems manager and general ledger. So, and again this is our personal opinion - MBS is not bringing a lot of new ERP functionality into Great plains version 8.5, but rather standardizes it’s interface.

• Great Plains and Microsoft Windows. Some of the former bugs were related to Pervasive SQL and Ctree platform and plus Windows 2000 Pro bugs, especially from FRx side. Now Microsoft stakes on Microsoft SQL Server/MSDE only, so you should have more trust in released 8.5 CD. Customization Upgrade and Expectations

• Microsoft Great Plains 8.5 is Microsoft Great Plains Dexterity based application, so your customization should be upgradeable, feel free to call us if you have concerns.

• Microsoft VBA/Modifier - should be available for 8.5 - so if you deploy VBA and have modifications to your GP forms (FORMS.DIC) - you should be OK with version 8.5

• Crystal Reports - these are usually based on company DB SQL views or stored proc - so assuming that DB side will have minor changes only - Crystal Report upgrade should be easy.

Good luck in upgrading and if you have issues or concerns – we are here to help! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies – USA nationwide Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, serving clients in Chicago, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Arizona, Minnesota, UK, Australia and having locations in multiple states and internationally ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), he is CMA, Great Plains Certified Master, Dexterity, SQL, C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer. You can contact Andrew: andrewk@albaspectrum.com