One of the more common questions I am asked is “what is the difference between MAS 90 and MAS 200?”. The only difference is that MAS 200 is a Client Server product. What this means is that the data is processed at the server - not the workstation. This logic provides several benefits - a) less chance of data corruption, since data is not being transferred to the clients; b) faster processing; c) bettr handling for remote clients; and c) faster printing. In general, if you have 10 or more users, I recommend getting MAS 200 - the price difference is not dramatic, and the performance over the long run will be much better.

When choosing a CRM package from Sage, I am often asked which one is best. It is not an easy decision. If your decision is based on price, then ACT of course wins every time. If your decision is based on workflow, then Saleslogix is the best choice hands down. And if you truly want a hosted, web-based solution, then sagecrm.com is a great fit. There is a great link called “Choosing a CRM Solution” that I recommend as important reading.

Many consider that Orange County, California is one of the more expensive places to live in the United States. It is no wonder, with property values still escalating to an all-time high. It is also no wonder because we live in a technology smorgasbord, where bar coding, wireless information centers, ecommerce integration to ERP systems, and more abound.

I caught this article on the web, and it talks about wireless technology at carnivals (the Orange County Fair, to be specific). Never before has the ability existed where data is processed fast, and error free, with wireless, bar code speed.

Also, see the resources section at our main website, www.ACIconsulting.com, where you can find the answer to my question - Can I Really Barcode My Children?

I stumbled across yet another announcement of a new distribution center opening in Southern California to house goods imported from China. Many companies today are importing and exporting their goods. In general some of the issues include container tracking, bills of lading, forgeign currencies, and others. I’ve got some expanded thoughts over at our corporate site regarding

When you are considering an ERP system for your import/export business, consider the following - how will you track the product once it hits the water? How will you enter P/O receipts from containers that have multiple P/Os? Does the software have the ability to enter exchange rates and track multiple currencies?

Be wary of industry-specific software as it may not have the solid accounting foundation that you need. But also check into the accounting software, to see how you will handle the nuances of an import/export business. Note - if you buy anything from other countries and export to other countries, you may have the same issues as an import/export business.

For some expanded thoughts - check out “ERP Considerations for Importers” in the resources section at our main website at www.ACIconsulting.com.