Forecasting Add-Ons for Macola 1

[NJAnalyst]

We are looking for Forecasting or Demand Planning software that will link to Macola data. I have reviewed ForecastPro but I would also like to see if there is anything else out there. Let me know if anyone has any experience with other options and also if you have used ForecastPro. Thanks.


Jonathan Nelson
Business Systems Analyst
Horizon Group, USA

 

[dgillz]

What functionality are you looking for? You can enter forecast orders in native Macola, but there is not much there in terms of a flexible tool. Many people build their own forecast module in a tool such as excel, then manually maintain the forecase orders in Macola.

Also, you could build a vb/flex application to take your excel model and automatically populate the Macola forecast.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Exact Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.trianglepartners.com

dgilsdorf@trianglepartners.com

 

[NJAnalyst]

We currently base our forecast on the customer POS. The products turn over at a very high rate and can be discontinued by the customer at the drop of a hat. We supply Michaels and Wal-Mart beads, ribbons, custom card stock, and fabric. The customer distinctly drives our demand and we are having a hard tracking what to order. We also have anywhere from a 6 to 3 month lead time to source goods from the far east. The model is an excel spreadsheet and that is not working well. The focus is more in demand planning than straight forecasting. I hope that this clarification helps. Thank you for your response.


Jonathan Nelson
Business Systems Analyst
Horizon Group, USA

 

[dgillz]

It sounds to me like you just need to use forecast orders in Macola to represent your customer sales forecast, and then run Macola's MRP. This should tell you all the requirements versus all the replenishments and tell you what to buy, what to expedite, de-expedite, etc. Are you doing this now?

The 3 to 6 month lead time is problematic, especially if the sales forecast is on a much shorter lead time. However, that issue would be true regardless of what tools/system you use to forecast your demand.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Exact Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.trianglepartners.com

dgilsdorf@trianglepartners.com

 

[vbajock]

I wrote a complete forecast system for a client of mine who is on the same business model. They sell purchased and assembled products, imported from Europe and the Far East, to the big chains and internet .coms. My app drives MRP on a daily basis, exploding forecasted short term demand into long term requirements via Macola MRP, which can then be converted to purchase orders in MRP. It has revolutionized their business, and they have become my best customer. The forecasting algorithm can be customized for your particular business. If you want details, let me know.

 

[NJAnalyst]

Please send details to jon.nelson@horizongroupusa.com and also where are you located.

Jonathan Nelson
Business Systems Analyst
Horizon Group, USA

 

[MacolaHelp]

Smart Software has been at Directions/EPIC in the past. Don't know much about them, but here is the email info link:

info@smartcorp.com

I think their solution might have been sql only, too.

 

[NJAnalyst]

Thank you.

The smart software looks like a good option. We are also looking a custom options. We have to identify our specific requirements before we can isolate a package. I appreciate all of the information. Have a great day.


Jonathan Nelson
Business Systems Analyst
Horizon Group, USA