MAI Systems Releases Y2K-Compliant ERP Application
MAI Systems has released Cimpro 5.3, a Year 2000-compliant version of its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application for mid-market chemical, color technology and food process manufacturers. Cimpro 5.3 also adds direct integration with ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity) software for better process flexibility.
Group president and CEO Luke Brown commented, "It's a true mid-market solution that's affordable, easy to implement and flexible enough for practically any I/S environment, allowing easy integration with other Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications where desired -- or alternatively delivering full functionality out of the box."
Brown said that decreased costs of technology, more stringent regulatory requirements, electronic commerce and the development or availability of new and man-made materials have heightened the demand for ERP applications in the mid-range process manufacturing market.
"Unlike larger organizations," he said, "the mid-range market is characterized by companies with wide differences in size, technology and in-house skill sets making flexibility and ease of implementation a key buying criteria. Cimpro 5.3 can be deployed on a variety of platforms from mainframe NIX or VMS servers to Windows NT networked environments."
Based on customer surveys, many Cimpro modules have more extensive enhancements in regulatory and EDI (electronic data interchange) functionality. Cimpro has also been enhanced with comprehensive online documentation and a Computer-Based Training curriculum, which is undergoing Beta testing.
About Cimpro
Cimpro offers integration across all aspects of the manufacturing environment, both in the office and on the plant floor. Applications include sets of core operational modules, advanced manufacturing modules and regulatory compliance and laboratory modules. Integration of all operational modules offers real-time access to data, reduces lead times, eliminates redundant data entry and ensures data integrity.
Core modules include: Formula Management; Production Management; Inventory Management; Purchasing; Product Costing; Order Processing; Quality Control; Accounts Receivable; Accounts Payable; General Ledger and Financial; and Reporting.
Advanced Manufacturing
The Advanced Manufacturing modules include Process/Material Requirements Planning (P/MRP), Forecasting, Process/Capacity Requirements Planning (P/CRP), and Process Operations Control (POC).
Regulatory Management and Labeling
Cimpro's Regulatory Management module is designed to assist in reporting requirements for material safety data sheets and SARA reporting. Integration capability with other modules is provided within the system that can help improve accuracy and reduce liability and redundant data entry.
Laboratory Management
The Laboratory Management capability features an on-line formulation spreadsheet that enables product development staff to perform "what if" analysis when developing formulas.
Technical Environment
Cimpro operates on a multitude of operating systems. The development environment consists of Development Language, Screen Manager and Menu Generator, Integrated Report Writer, and Database and Data Dictionary.
Cimpro's development language is a C-based interpreter with a Business BASIC front end. A suite of integrated applications can be implemented, maintained and expanded without a large MIS staff or high technology costs.
The report writer allows users with no programming knowledge to create their own reports against any files in the system. Users with programming experience can take the report writer even further.
User Environment
The user environment can be optimized to fit the needs of individual users and workgroups. System administrators can customize menus, applications and security profiles to provide users with the tools they need.
Third Party Links
As an open systems solution, Cimpro easily integrates to other systems and communicates with third-party systems by using data transfer techniques developed by MAI. The links can be customized to accommodate particular systems and the data they require.
MAI Systems provides information system solutions and services in the market for small and mid-size process manufacturers.
For more information: MAI Systems Corp., 9601 Jeronimo Rd., Irvine, CA 92618. Tel: 714-598-6000; Fax: 714-598-6391.
Edited by Pam Ahlberg