Gray Research - MRP II and Supply Software Research

SOFTWARE EVALUATION
Software evaluation is a major milestone in the journey to improved performance. Planning and pull execution are the foundation for becoming a World Class Competitor. Gray Research, along with our associates in the Worldwide Excellence Partners, provides the only in-depth, unbiased approach to evaluating manufacturing planning and execution software.

Our basic approach is to help make you self-sufficient in evaluating and selecting software. Our consulting and education focuses on understanding both the process of evaluating software, and the functionality that must be present to make a new system a success in your company.

We arm your people with the tools to do an independent, in depth evaluation, and then coach them through the process.

Here’s how the process normally works:

One day meeting to discuss objectives and the status of the project-to-date, before the research and analysis phase begins.

Four day Lean Enterprise Management Workshop (2 to 4 weeks later). This is a tailored class covering fundamental concepts of Resource Planning (S&OP, Master Scheduling, Sales Planning and Demand Management, Material Planning, and Supplier Scheduling), Lean Execution (KANBAN, Heijunka, creating flow at the pacemaker process), Financial Integration and Performance Measurement.

One to two day Software Survival Seminar (immediately following). The Software Survival Seminar covers problems and pitfalls, determining the functionality needed to support planning and lean execution and other key business functions, the evaluation process, etc. Here’s an outline of the normal content:

Problems and Pitfalls

Trends in Software

What to Expect Today

Upgrading versus Replacing

Functional Requirements

Evaluating Software and Making the Decision

Negotiating Contracts

Surviving Software That’s Already Chosen, Accommodating Existing Systems and Pockets of Excellence.

One day follow up meeting (2 to 4 weeks later) to review and finalize functional requirements list, identify initial candidates, finalize the strategy to contact suppliers for first cut evaluation.

One day follow up meeting (2 to 4 weeks later) to cut the list to 3-4 finalists (if necessary).

Follow up meetings about every 2-4 weeks to review progress and findings, coaching on how to conduct software analysis, coaching on contract negotiation, etc.

Email us or call 1 603 778-9211 for a quote.