• What is Syteline?
  
  
• What is the timeline to implement Syteline?
  
  
• What are the add-ons available?
  
  
• Compare development in Syteline 7 to development in Progress Syteline.
  
  
• What does the infrastructure typically look like?
  
  
• How many consultants does a typical Syteline implementation require?
  
  
• What are the major differences between Syteline 6 and Syteline 7?
  
  
• How will Syteline 7 help my business?
  
  
• How does Syteline 7 address manufacturing needs?
  
  
• What is Syteline 7’s technology platform?
  
  
• What are Syteline 7’s core features?
  
  
• How will Syteline 7 help me manage my company’s financials?
  
  
• Why would I chose a vendor independent resource?
  
  
• How do we create a project plan?

What is Syteline?

Syteline is a mid-sized Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software package, by which you can efficiently manage an entire global business operation. Syteline is created and sold by Infor, who recently purchased MAPICS. The latest version of Syteline (Syleline7/SL7) is created on a Microsoft SQL backend, with COM+ components in the middleware, and a Visual Basic User Layer – and Crystal Reports for reporting. So, in short, Syteline is a conglomeration of multiple technologies, each chosen to be the strongest at its purpose, to bring your organization to success!

What is the timeline to implement Syteline?

A typical Syteline implementation will take between 3 and 12 months, depending on a huge variety of factors – such as budget, resources, company decisions, access to decision-makers, and technical abilities of the implementation team. Once a Project Plan is created, we can accurately predict the timeline commitment for your Syteline Implementation.

What are the add-ons available?

There is a huge, and growing, list of add-ons available to Syteline7. We have some ourselves (Syte-X & SL7 DataLoader) which perform specific functions to assist your organization. Please click here to review their purposes. Please contact your Infor Affiliate, or Eclipse Consulting to discuss your specific needs and whether there is a packaged solution, or it will require a new programming solution.

Compare development in Syteline 7 to development in Progress Syteline...

Admittedly, there are differences in the development tools and also in programming ideologies!  In Progress, the developer had the ability to not only choose what records to do ‘things’ to (FOR EACH, etc…), but could also tell the processor what to do (display, etc…).  That has been split out in Syteline7 to have SQL do the ‘What Records’ and Crystal Reports (or VBA) do the ‘What Action’ part.  Obviously, SQL still does a good bit of Action also, but in general the mindset will need to shift to think in terms of RecordSets.  For more on this, please see this article on Syteline7 forum (http://www.syteline7.com/showthread.php?t=22).

What does the infrastructure typically look like?  

Typically, you will have one SQL database server, one Utility Server, one APS server (optional), one WorkFlow server (optional, can be combined), and then your Citrix machines (2 – 3)…for a company with less than 200 system users.  We suggest adding another Utility server, or enforcing machine separation with the APS &/or Workflow servers, once you go above several hundred users. 

How many consultants does a typical Syteline implementation require?

We have had as many as six consultants on a Syteline implementation where many customizations were needed, two front end consultants were needed at different sites, and there was heavy data manipulation.  We have also had only one or two consultants on a project where there was less of a demand and a higher IT headcount internally.  So, the true answer is that it depends, although for most projects, we have less than 3 involved at least part time.

What are the major differences between Syteline 6 and Syteline 7?

While there are truly too many differences to list…we will list a few we have found most beneficial for our clients:

• APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) – think of this as intelligent MRP, with forward looking abilities to help you intuitively operate your shop floor. (more info)

• Get CTP – many ‘intelligent’ features are built in such as the instant ability to be able to Commit to a Ship Date at the time of placing the Customer Order

• VBA functionality – without getting too technical, this gives each user the ability to interactively and immediately create custom queries and lookups…reducing IT development cycle time, as the demand for custom reports and queries will be greatly reduced.

• Navigation – finally, a true Windows look and feel.  If you have ever used Microsoft Windows, you can use Syteline 7!

How will Syteline 7 help my business?

Syteline 7 allows you to:

• Increase customer satisfaction
  
• Plan and schedule order-by order
  
• Minimize error-prone manual steps
  
• Deliver orders on time, every time
  
• Improve production accuracy
  
• Leverage innovative technologies

How does Syteline 7 address manufacturing needs?

Syteline 7 provides: customer service and order management, production and control, planning and scheduling, materials and inventory management, business process management and automation, and many other relevant features. It should also be noted that all of these features are fully customizable to your specific needs.

What is Syteline 7’s technology platform?

Infor's SyteLine 7 is built and deployed on the Microsoft.NET technology platform, including SQL Server 2000, Exchange Server 2000 and Windows 2000 and 2003. It presents data in a Microsoft-like interface that has the data management abilities of standard Microsoft productivity applications like Microsoft Office.

What are Syteline 7’s core features?

• AP / AR and GL
  
• Audit controls
  
• Costing based on work orders an d/or periods
  
• Crystal reports
  
• Enterprise reporting and consolidation
  
• Fixed asset management
  
• Multiple and alternative currencies
  
• Project management and control
  
• Standard or actual costing
  
• Tax calculations
  
• Treasury and cash management
  

How will Syteline 7 help me manage my company’s financials?

Syteline 7 provides a fully-integrated set of financial functions which coordinate all financial and costing transactions with production operations. This is a single integrated solution that defines the financial position and ties to inventory quality records and shop floor costing, including work-in process is absolutely necessary.

Why should I chose a vendor independent resource?

The most important benefit of using a vendor-independent consulting group is significant cost reduction.  In a typical project, there is the cost of licenses, maintenance, support, add-ons products, training, and custom programming.  A vendor-independent group, such as Eclipse Consulting, Inc. can be the supplier of choice for all training and custom programming needs.  Our resources have all been either a part of the Infor team, or a part of a Business Partner, Service Provider, or Affiliate.  Therefore, we employ the same programming and training standards as Infor resources, and deliver consistent quality and expertise.  But, at a fraction of the cost.  Our resources typically bill at 70% of Infor or Affiliate cost…plus we can usually accomplish the same task in less time.  Significant savings!

How do we create a project plan?

A Project Plan is an essential tool for any project which will take longer than a week – especially an ERP upgrade or migration.  There are many factors involved in creating a project plan – or in simply knowing all the details to be handled.  If your group does not have an internal project manager, or would simply like guidance and help from someone who has traveled this road before; We have several project managers on staff happy to assist!