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I run a small (5 total staff) light assembly and distribution company. We have GP2010 Advanced Management (upgraded from SBF) with Manufacturing(M). The M module has never been turned on and we make do using Kits and BOM Assemblies. However, our needs are overrunning those capabilities in at least two ways: 1) Kit quantities can not be changed on a Sales Order and 2) BOM Assemblies provide NO visibility other than to identify current shortages. That's too late for us. I need to know total/overall shortages when orders are booked. BOM Assemblies are too isolated.
So, what's the bottom line impact of turning on the M module? Is it true that M can be cumbersome for small businesses by adding more steps into each process? Is there a noticeable increase on overhead? I've also been told that it can be difficult to get the quality of forecasting that I'm able to create now using a modified version of a Smart List Item Quantity Report.
I'd hate to drop back to BE since we'd lose some other features I like but the extra annual maintenance amount is fairly noticeable.
I'm open to opinions and recommendations.
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I have the same question (0)Keith,
One of the nice things about Manufacturing module is that, with a few certain exceptions, not every "sub-module" (such as CRP, MRP, Job Costing, QA, etc.) must be used from the get-go. At a minimum, you will need to setup Bills of Materials and Routings for items you wish to track in Manufacturing, but then from there you would have a choice of utilizing Quick MOs (all component items back-flushed, very minimal user interaction required for these) or standard MOs (a bit more options in terms of issuing items, backflushing items, etc.). You would not have to do any extra work for QA, CRP, etc. if you do not plan to use these sub-modules.
In other words, I think you will find that you have quite a bit of control over how "cumbersome" this module will become for you. For example, if you do not anticipate turning on the Manufacturing module because you have a need for assistance with scheduling of MOs, then rather than spend the time creating fairly detailed routings, you can simply create basic, single-step routings for your items and instead focus your attention on ensuring your Bills of Materials are setup correctly. As another example, if you are able to back-flush items rather than have to issue them to WIP, then that will also greatly reduce the amount of time spent moving an MO from Open to Received and Complete status.
But, later on down the road, as your organization grows and scheduling of MOs and tracking component quantities in WIP becomes more important and critical to finding success in your manufacturing processes, then you will be able to make adjustments to your existing routings and you will be able to convert your MOs to utilize "Issue Material to WIP" via Component Transactions instead of just back-flushing everything. So, as your organization grows, Manufacturing module can adapt with your growing needs.
Once you have your Bills of Materials with correct quantities and routings setup with accurate cycle times, you'd be able to utilize Material Requirements Planning Inquiry window to get a good look at supply vs. demand from pretty much the moment orders are entered into the system. This has the added benefit of integrating almost all modules related to Inventory (POs from POP, Sales Orders from SOP, MOs from MOP, etc.) so that you can get a complete picture of your inventory.
With all of that said, Manufacturing can become cumbersome if care and attention is not placed in the beginning stages of setting up Routings, Work Centers, Bills of Materials, etc. As with other modules, Manufacturing also has a few quirks (such as that MRP calculates net requirements on a site-by-site basis rather than all sites together) that you will want to be aware of before implementing the module. I would recommend that you at least find someone who has experience in implementing Dynamics GP Manufacturing so that they can give you a more detailed answer than I am able to do with limited discovery on how your existing business would fit with GP Manufacturing.
Hope this provides some good information for you.
David
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