General Discussion Topics

[Ralph]

This is certainly not a MAS 500-specific topic, but just a topic relating to ERP software in general.

Tien claims that ERP software is on its deathbed, basically because it's not designed for a "21st century services-based 'Subscription Economy'."   Do you agree?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2012/02/09/the-end-of-erp/

[John_Mitchell]

For the services sector maybe. For manufacuring and distribution? A definite no.

[Ralph]

Yep, my first thought when reading it was, "I can't subscribe to a can of paint or a freezer shelf."

[trodman]

I disagree completely with the article.  As I see it, ERP exists because accounting exists.  The general ledger is the graveyard for every ERP transaction.  Until you can get rid of accounting in a company, I don't see how you can get rid of ERP.  Whether you sell products, services, or air doesn't matter.  If you want to track your revenue and your costs, you need ERP.

I also disagree with this thought that somehow everything IT-related will shift to the cloud.  Software companies want us to believe this because they generate a great recurring revenue stream, but I think that people will eventually figure out that the cloud is not as dreamy as it's made out to be.

[trodman]

Two more points:

1. I think this is the same philosophy that caused the US to send so many manufacturing jobs overseas.  Now there is a lot of talk about "insourcing".  I wouldn't be surprised if the cloud follows the same path.
2. I wonder if the writer of this article follows his own advice by leasing his car and renting his house.  I doubt it.  There will always be a benefit to making certain capital purchases, including an ERP system, and there always has been.  "Life, liberty and the pursuit of property."

[JohnHanrahan]

I read the article.  It seemed it was just another marketing/press release hype something...

I thought most of his comments were based on ignorance or because he had an ax to grind.  Turns out his company makes software that specializes in the subscription model (accounting wise).  So now I just think the article is basically worthless.  MAS 500 can easily do subscription type pricing.

I am in agreement with Tim.

[rmikolainis]

---

trodman wrote:

I disagree completely with the article.  As I see it, ERP exists because accounting exists.  The general ledger is the graveyard for every ERP transaction.  Until you can get rid of accounting in a company, I don't see how you can get rid of ERP.  Whether you sell products, services, or air doesn't matter.  If you want to track your revenue and your costs, you need ERP.

I also disagree with this thought that somehow everything IT-related will shift to the cloud.  Software companies want us to believe this because they generate a great recurring revenue stream, but I think that people will eventually figure out that the cloud is not as dreamy as it's made out to be.

---

I couldn't have said it better. You can't do as much customization with a Cloud Based system as you can a full ERP system such as MAS90/200/500 either.

My wife's company used a cloud based system, it was great unless there internet dropped, the other companies internet dropped, they also made a billing error and had them shut out for 3 days.