Normal Form
Normalization is the process of simplifying the design of a database so that it achieves the optimum structure.  The normal forms are a linear progression of rules that you apply to your database, with each higher normal form achieving a better, more efficient design.  The goal in the design of the Woodmoulding MIS is to achieve a solid Third Normal Form and approach satisfying the constraints of Boyce Codd Normal Form.  An in depth discussion of normal form is available at North Central College.

An example of the normalization of the lumber grade is here

Lifecycle
Everything wears out.  Software included.  In the same way that one can continue to repair a piece of effectively worn-out equipment almost indefinitely - one can maintain/repair a piece of software almost indefinitely.  But, as with the equipment, the more individual components one replaces - the weaker the remaining components become - relatively.  Also, there comes a point at which replacement parts are no longer available.  The software industry has spent considerable time and effort determining the life cycle of software.  Yes, software companies have a vested interest in wear-out - but software does wear-out.  The engineers have documented the following graph as a representation of the life cycle of software.  

Experience has proven the blue line.  Anytime a change is made to a system - the failure rate spikes.  Such is the nature of information flow - we cannot anticipate every effect of a change in the flow.  As patches/repairs are implemented in software, the inherent stability of the software decreases - as described by the green line.

Integration
Common Platform
The Woodmoulding MIS is designed on a solid Microsoft® base.  Among the advantages of this approach is the fact that individual components of the system, designed in common, share data seamlessly.  This fact allows two design features, first since all data can be accessed by all productivity programs, we can use the functionality of these programs instead of developing it stand-alone.  Second, in the case where the data analysis of the system proves inadequate, further manipulation of the data via the productivity packages is at least a fail safe.

ODBC
The Microsoft® Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) interface is an industry standard and a component of the Microsoft Windows® Open Services Architecture (WOSA).

The ODBC interface makes it possible for applications to access data from a variety of database management systems (DBMSs). The ODBC interface permits maximum interoperability - an application can access data in diverse DBMSs through a single interface. Furthermore, that application will be independent of any DBMS from which it accesses data. Users of the application can add software components called drivers, which interface between an application and a specific DBMS.  An in depth discussion of ODBC is available at Microsoft.

Among the advantages of the Woodmoulding MIS is the fact that Sage® MAS 90 with Visual Integrator is ODBC compliant.  Simply this means that the Woodmoulding MIS can pass data directly to the accounting system avoiding the workload and error opportunity of redundant data entry.  The balance of the third party software incorporated into the Woodmoulding MIS is also ODBC compliant.  
 
The World Wide Web
Last among the integration features of the Woodmoulding MIS is integration with the World Wide Web.  All of the technologies used in the Woodmoulding MIS, from development tools to personal productivity suites to the Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server® are designed around Web access.  The data developed in the Woodmoulding MIS will be Web ready at all stages.

This Web integration will allow Woodmoulding MIS users to actually use the Web - either as a reporting medium for off-site management, a link to suppliers, an order tracking system for customers or full blown e-commerce.

Technological Advantage
All of the above discussion represents the technical aspects of why.  These aspects alone provide a reasonable basis for an upgrade, but the real answer to "why change..?" is "what is there to gain?"
(click the bullets to expand)

• Enhanced Information
• More than accounting support.  Most systems are designed primarily as accounting support systems.  That is, the overriding design goal is to create a system that provides a solid basis for the preparation of an auditable monthly financial statements in a timely manner.  The Woodmoulding MIS will satisfy the accounting system constraints, but more interestingly, it will focus on the management uses of data.
• An MIS.  Where the design focus of a system is accounting support, there are many MIS aspects – primarily in the data manipulation executed with productivity applications.  The normalization of the data as described above, added to the cumulative operational knowledge, added to the enhanced technology available, and the Woodmoulding MIS will be able to report and analyze data from the exact perspective of plant management.
• Complete and Normal.  Key among design constraints will be to identify all of the pertinent data elements possible at the design phase, to normalize that data to the greatest extent feasible and thereby insure that as needs, understandings, and expectations change, the system will be able to adapt.
• Improved Reporting
  • Complete and Normal.  When successful in the design of the system, when all possible of the pertinent data have been identified and the effective collection of data has been designed-in  - any report or analysis of any data element in relation to any other data element is possible.  When the data are in a Normal form on a timely basis - and the focus is thereby removed from the mechanics - reports and analysis not considered or not considered possible will be identified.  With the Woodmoulding MIS if a data element is  recorded - a report can be generated versus that element.
  • Integration.  The facts described above with respect to integration, both between the Woodmoulding MIS modules and between the Woodmoulding MIS and the 3rd party solutions, will allow a more complete view of the data as well as a very flexible and dynamic view of the data.  Once the system collects a data element, it is available to a multitude of applications.  At the end of the day, the flexibility of the format of the data will be among the characteristics that make the system most valuable.
• Utilization of the Technology
  • Functionality.  The functionality available in the modern technology - integration, interface, supportability, and scalability - make it such that if the only thing accomplished by the Woodmoulding MIS were to utilize this technology  - the effort would be well spent.
  •  Availability.  The nature of the technology today is such that it encourages and rewards its users for keeping current.  That is, while 20-year old moulders can and do make mouldings of an equivalent or superior quality to new moulders, the software and hardware of even 5 years ago cannot hold a candle to the efficacy of today's software and hardware.  Available modern software and hardware do more work for less investment than their predecessors.
  • Experience.  The Woodmoulding MIS is an opportunity to put to work the cumulative knowledge of 10 years database management in the moulding industry.  Today we have the tools, talent and technology to move to the next level in database management.
• Specific Solutions
  • One-Size-Fits-All.  The most common approach to a system is to design a generic solution for a broad class of users.  The expectation is that the users, in order to overcome the development cost of a custom solution, will adapt their business practices to fit the codified business practices imbedded in the generic solution.  SKUing a manufacturers inventory is a good example of this approach.
  • One-Size-Fits-One.  With the improvements in both the pricing and functionality of today's technology, developing a system that fits the unique needs and business practices of a narrow slice of an industry becomes economic.  With the tools, talent and technology available today - a more effective and precise solution is within reach.

   

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