Resource Manager DB - The Missing Link

Banker Steel Company is a Steel Fabrication & Erection company in VA. As their IT Director, it was important for me to find the proper system to automate the Production Scheduling process. RMDB provided an integration gateway to bring all the critical data together from (4) applications into one common repository. This provided a more productive and accurate method for forecasting, scheduling and analysis. It was indeed the "Missing Link" piece that we needed in order to accomplish the things we did in a more accurate and secure way.

Pros

There is a lot to like about RMDB. The biggest Pros that we've experienced with it are: * Full Data Warehouse - we were able to tie data from as many as (4) different software platforms into a single repository, The time savings alone in retyping of data into spreadsheets, reviewing various printed reports and manually creating production schedules saved us countless hours. * User Interface - The interface is so customizable that it was easy for anyone having experience with spreadsheet software, such as MS Excel, to pick it up and be productive within minutes. * Process Automation - Through the use of queries, rich database features and timely reporting, it gives you the ability to create processes that may typically take many steps (or multiple systems) and bring them into a mouse-click in the process menu. * Customization - We were able to customize many of the reports to look exactly like what the user base was already receiving. This made the transition within the production environment very easy. For example, our complex scheduling report used to take as many as (16) hours a week! After RMD was implemented it took less than (3)! * People - The guidance we receive from RMDB has been invaluable. They worked with us throughout the automation and testing of our critical processes to ensure that we had a successful implementation. They showed a vested interest in our successful use of their product.

Cons

Because RMDB was such a good fit for our needs, it's difficult to raise any major cons about RMDB. I think the biggest issue at the time we purchased it was the lack of more detailed documentation. However, that has dramatically changed over these last 10 years. What the documentation lacked at that time the RMDB support staff more than made up for with their advice and expertise.

User friendly with lots of capability.

I have been a slow implementer based on my lack of time. Despite this, the program is straight-forward and it its easy to jump back in. It is also a usable tool even without have all features in active use.

Pros

We had purchased an ERP package from one of the "big players" and found it much more labor intensive to implement, much more expensive to maintain and more rigid in its application. We like RMDB's ability to easily import from excel in a modular way. We build complex products and like RMDB's ability to handle multiple sub-assemblies, purchased parts, and a skilled labor force (with specialties) well.

Cons

Like all software, it takes effort to implement and the implementation process sheds light on internal deficiencies that require resolution prior to implementation. I wish there were canned excel templates pre-mapped to RMDB to help anticipate these, although since support is so strong, RMDB has essentially done these in implementation sessions for our business.

Evaluation

Unknown at this time.

Pros

Integration with out existing applications was simple. The database naming scheme and field descriptions makes it simple to build tools to extend usability.

Cons

Printing features are limited. Printing features need to be added to areas such as View Schedule, Workcenter view, project details.

Excellent Value!

We've been using Resource Manager as our sole Scheduling and Planning software for about 6 years and have been very pleased with the ease of use, customer support and functionality. The program is absolutely customizable for any application, and since we've nearly doubled our Production output over this time period the tool has been flexible and very user friendly throughout.

Pros

We use the Resource Manager for our all of our Production Planning, reports, and for exporting data directly into our dashboard tools. It's relatively simple and people can grasp the concepts without a Phd. We can track our job progress instantly and create spreadsheets and graphs to analyze, improve and control our work centers and throughput.

Cons

It would be nice if the program (as we use it) could integrate with our current MRP software.

Flexible MRP with great ongoing support

A unique scheduling system with the flexibility we need for custom jobs that have many variables, at the right price point. User Solutions has great ongoing support needed for our continuous improvement objectives after initial implementation.

Pros

Flexibility for highly variant scheduling with many workcenters. Easy reporting and working with Excel. Great support during and after implementation. ROI – reduced a 40 hr./wk. scheduling effort by professional Production Scheduler to 1. basic schedule automatically generated by Office Clerk’s input into legacy order entry system (made possible by RMDB’s easy adaptability to legacy systems) and 2. handful of hours by Production Scheduler for advanced tweaks, changes, checking.

Cons

Our not having an ERP system to feed the production scheduling system, that as flexible as RMDB is, it still requires the subset of ERP implementations that is relevant to the production scheduling. This part was new for us but User Solutions helped us work through it - consistent part numbering schemes, developing a method to accurately estimate the time required for each new custom job, and so forth. We are much more efficient because of it and glad to do it but wish there was a magic wand for that part.

Reasource Manager DB Review

Pros

Being a seasoned Epicor Software ERP implementation consultant and also a customer for Resource Manager DB (RMDB) in a previous role working for Instruments For Industry (IFI), I can attest that RMDB is easier to implement than the larger ERP packages and requires minimal training, a short implementation cycle, minimal network infrastructure, data friendly import/export capability and less staffing overhead to maintain RMDB than the larger ERP Packages. Robert W F Krause Epicor/ERP/Consulting Krause Consultants Cell: 516.983.8095 Email: rkrause@krauseconsultants.com http://www.krauseconsultants.com/

Cons

I have no complaints about Resource Manager DB.

Resource Manager Capabilities

Pros

The software has many desirable capabilities, including the ability to engage in capacity planning by resource. However, the most powerful feature is the ability to engage in "what if" scenario analysis before firming a schedule, and the ability to do both forward and backward scheduling. Can answer the questions..... "If we start the order today, when will it be complete?" and "If the customer wants it by XX date, when do we need to start the order?"

Cons

It is a very powerful tool, so in order to use it effectively, a person will need to take the time to really learn and understand its capabilities.

Solid MRP That's Easy to Implement

The User Solutions team and the Resource Manager-DB product provide a unique combination of traditional MRP types of functionality, such as costed Bills-Of-Materials (BOMs), materials scheduling and full Lot Traceability with flexibility at a palatable price point.

Implementation in Metal Fabrication Company

First class product, particularly suited for flexible scheduling needs. Quck implementation gives rapid ROI. Good support gives confidence.

Pros

Ease of initial understanding. Feature rich, but not all has to be set up to get the application going. This means that focus on the customer's initial main pain can be achieved from day 1. Quick implementation time - typically 1 to 2 months. Very responsive support, both in terms of help, and enhancement requests.

Cons

User interface looks a little old fashioned by today's standards, but once live, users can work easily and efficiently with it.

Excellent Customer Service and Support

a versatile software that can adapt to most production structures

Pros

The system is versatile in its scope of offering. Every company runs their production a little differently, the staff at User Solutions is committed in making necessary changes to best fit the customers operation.

Cons

like any computer software it may not meet "exactly" everyone's current production model, an element of adjustment and compromise is needed to reap the full benefit of incorporating a scheduling software.