September 1997 • Volume 7 • Number 9
Alliance/MFG ® for Windows
MRP for small to medium-sized manufacturers
By Howard Cobb
The last 10 years have seen a major change in the
application of MRP and MRP II systems. In part, these
changes have been due to the migration now taking place in
hardware platforms. MRP systems have moved from the
mainframe to the minicomputer and finally to the personal
computer. Once on the personal computer, MRP packages have
undergone a significant change. For one thing, they have
become easier to use. This ease of use has taken place
because of such personal computer features as the emphasis
on the graphical user interface combined with the extensive
implementation of context-sensitive help systems. This
transition has also resulted in lower cost systems. As a
result, more and more firms have now been able to take
advantage of the features and capabilities offered by MRP
systems.
One response shown by some software vendors within this changing environment has been to target their packages towards certain market segments. This is the strategy of Alliance Software Inc., as implemented with its Alliance/MFG for Windows MRP package. This package is targeted specifically toward small to medium-sized manufacturing firms. In this month's review, Howard Cobb of Peregrine Industries of Florida examines this package to see if they have succeeded in their objectives.
Steven A. Melnyk
[email protected]