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Evo-ERP and DBA Classic >> Suggestions for Updates >> Features and Options
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Message started by Vman on 08/26/05 at 06:53:53

Title: Features and Options
Post by Vman on 08/26/05 at 06:53:53

This is more of a query- Are there any plans in the future to do anything with Features and Options? Our company uses it alot, as our main products are configured. I know at one time DBA was going to upgrade it to allow for letter/number configurators (there is a field for that, but it's not used).
There are several quirks with F&O and it would be nice to have them worked on.
As I have not seen many postings concerning F&O, I would conclude that it is not a very actively-used part of DBA/EVO, so therefore the programming is going into other things.
So Lynn and your staff, is F&O even on the list? ???

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by Lynn Pantic on 08/26/05 at 14:39:33

Actually, it is very high on the list - we are going to develop a free standing F&O Configurator that will be called by SO-A but can also be used to configure an item and pass the resulting BOM to a WO, Estimate, or even PO (I have somebody who needs to be able to configure purchased items). We are also going to eliminate the current limit of 9 levels in the BOM.

What exactly would you want the letter/number configurator do and what are the quirks you have discovered? As you can probably imagine, the actual program code for F&O resembles a writhing mass of linguine since it has evolved over a number of years. Our plan is to simplify it as much as possible while retaining the existing functionality and perhaps add some capabilities. If you have a dream list, now is the time!!!

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by Vman on 08/29/05 at 10:25:52

Lynn,

Thanks for the good news. I will be looking forward to the improvements. The main thing that would help us would be the ability to enter a configured item by its code- such as YB8A1B1CA1B3D3. In this instance, the YB8 stands for the base model of the unit, with each letter/number after that for different options- power, hose, bottle, refrigerator, etc. Having the letter/number preface each option in the menu would be helpful as well. Right now, we enter notes that desciribe the options, as using the part numbers assigned to the F&O's looks like a bunch of gobbletygook. Maybe a description field for each option that could be printed on forms going to the customer.
Other things that would help would be some options notes, that could be popped up to give help/descriptions of each option as it is entered. Also the ability to do a cost rollup on a configured item. Easier editing of a configured item would be nice.
Obviously, an advanced feature would be to have some rules in place, so that you can't create a illegal configurator (ex 220 VAC unit with 110VAC refrigerator). This may be a very difficult one to do and/or to make user friendly.
Hmmmm, linguini code-- is better than angle hair pasta code? ;D

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by Lenette on 08/29/05 at 11:26:50

I have struggled with F&O, K & B parts on various applications... I have learned if you get something to work.... don't mess with it even if it means added labor elsewhere. We have several FG parts that have "options" which are actually A parts so not as to have to select a cap for the fitting requested. (1/4" fitting needs a 1/4" cap, etc.)

It would be great if (and I've never been able to get a B part to work right) if you could select the option and all the raw parts rolled them selves up into the COGS and out of inventory. Right now, each time we receive the above referenced 1/4" fitting, we automatically covert it to the sub-assembly with the cap.

I have another FG that also has several options for "fittings" prior to shipping. These fitting options are not assemblies... they are raw parts... so right now we have 2 FGs for the same item because I haven't been able to work through the B part process. (Lynn, I have previously emailed you info on this process.)

If any programmer need addtionally info... you can call me at 406-442-5153.

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by David Waldmann on 08/30/05 at 11:17:54

I would like to be able to change the quantity of an item on the F&O BOM. For instance, if we use 7' of moulding to make a 16 x 20 or 13' of moulding to make a 32 x 40 there are still four corners.

I also have a suggestion that doesn't relate directly to the F&O module itself, but the printing of the resultant part. The way it comes out now, unless it's the only part on the form, is very confusing. I've tried modifying the form to set each resultant part off from the others, without success. Being able to put a horizontal line at the beginning or end of every set of line items associated with the parent part would be a huge help. I do have horizontal lines on our forms for "regular" parts and it works fine.

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by David Waldmann on 08/30/05 at 11:23:55

Lenette wrote:

It would be great if (and I've never been able to get a B part to work right) if you could select the option and all the raw parts rolled them selves up into the COGS and out of inventory.

I've been doing some experimenting with F&Os, and I haven't looked at the GL posting that results from it. However, it puts the options in as Kit Items, so I don't see why it wouldn't work like a straight Kit type Parent, which is to "roll them selves up into the COGS and out of inventory".

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by Lynn Pantic on 09/01/05 at 06:22:06

You can define options as either Manufactured or Kit type, depending whether you want them as BOM components on a Work Order or to pull from stock at invoice posting. Nested Kits within Kits is one of the things we intend to add.

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by David Waldmann on 10/20/05 at 06:47:44

Lynn Pantic wrote:

Actually, it is very high on the list....

Any chance of publishing a list of projects you're working on and hopeful completion date?

Title: Re: Features and Options
Post by kevind on 10/09/06 at 09:38:43

Lynn Pantic wrote:

How does the 'Kits within Kits' project rate these days??

I ran into another case were this would significantly simplify
Order Entry.

I would like to be able to select an option that causes several line
items to be pulled into the SO.