QAD Extended Solution Services (ESS)

Every manufacturer is unique and prior to QAD’s Enterprise Platform, out-of-the-box capabilities were occasionally augmented with modifications that addressed specific differentiators. Unfortunately, the benefits of modifying ERP functionality to ensure ongoing business fit carries considerable cost and risk.

Maintaining custom software typically costs five times the price of original development. With shortages in IT budgets, staff and available expertise, how can manufacturers rapidly respond to new opportunities and keep up with needed software modifications? How can they ensure that modifications don’t interfere with timely software upgrades to take advantage of enhancements? How can a manufacturer’s IT department deploy hard-to-find IT expertise onto strategic projects while preserving the modifications of the past into the future?

EFFECTIVELY MANAGE AND RESPOND TO CUSTOM SOFTWARE ISSUES

In terms of responding to bugs and other custom software issues, it is enormously helpful to utilize software support and maintenance from providers intimately familiar with the application being modified. This ensures a rapid response to custom software issues and limits any disruption of business operations.

IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF APPLICATIONS MODIFICATIONS OVER THE COURSE OF THEIR LIFECYCLE

Just as in initial modification development, working with developers who understand the subtleties of the modified application is imperative. The maintenance of custom modifications will see lower costs and improved quality throughout the lifespan. If an upgrade isn’t already in progress, it’s important not to underestimate the criticality of high-performing systems in the months leading to a Go-Live.

BEST PRACTICES FOR UPGRADING ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS THAT WERE CUSTOMIZED

The introduction of powerful, unintrusive extensibility brings opportunities to rethink modifications designed before the rise of smart products, electrification, and other advances that transform products and processes. Advisory Services are a core component of the QAD ELEVATE upgrade program. Prior to an upgrade, leveraging external support will enable internal IT resources to focus on growth initiatives and upgrade benefits.