Unlike the traditional ERP sales model, we give you the tools to evaluate the software on your own in exchange for a dramatically lower product price.
At DBA we've been delivering ERP software alternatives to thousands of small manufacturing businesses since 1992.
Absolutely. Any company willing to put in time and effort can follow the steps in our Implementation Planner to get the system up and running, using our support for help with questions. The overwhelming majority of the 1000+ companies currently under license have implemented the system on their own without outside help.
If you get some outside helpIf you choose to get some outside help, that person can save time by following the steps and recommendations in the Implementation Planner so that you get more value for your service dollar.
Does implementation require special expertise?You do not have to be a DBA "expert" to implement the system. We have created a highly specific, step-by-step process in our Implementation Planner that can be used by anyone who can follow directions.
DBA includes a standard chart of accounts that eliminates the need for special accounting and manufacturing knowledge to set up the general ledger.
Your major master tables will be importedYour major master tables - customers, suppliers, items, prices, bill of materials (BOM), and routings - will be imported using our data import utility. Data import can be done by anyone having basic familiarity with Excel spreadsheets. The data import steps are precisely documented and success is achieved by taking your time and faithfully following the directions. Once your master tables are imported, your people can begin the "rehearsal" phase.
Work centers and routings can be kept ultra-simple at firstThe fundamental difference between a real manufacturing system versus one with only a bill of materials is that you can now organize your factory into work centers and define labor operations with routings. If you have never used work centers and routings, you can start out with minimal detail. For example, you can define each product or job to be performed in a single work center named "Factory" with a single operation named "Make Item". Over time you can add more detail to your labor processes as you learn to take advantage of the costing, scheduling, and tracking benefits that come with routings.
Accounting setup is mostly cross-referencingAs mentioned previously, DBA is supplied with a standard chart of accounts that is optimized for a manufacturing company. You simply cross-reference each of your existing accounts with its DBA equivalent and create new accounts for any exceptions. This process is much easier than trying to set up a manufacturing chart of accounts on your own from scratch.
The "rehearsal" phase is your trial runOnce data import and accounting setup is completed, you are ready for the "rehearsal" phase of implementation. We provide you with a "training company" installation, which is equipped with a copy of your database. Your users can freely practice in the training company on your own data, without any risk to your main company data. After all processes and procedures are rehearsed and verified, you move towards system "startup day."
"Startup day" is when you turn the keyOn "startup day" you will cease using your old system and start operating exclusively in DBA. One or two days prior to startup day you will import beginning stock quantities and enter open sales orders, jobs, and purchase orders. On the accounting side you will enter open customer and supplier invoices and beginning GL account balances.
Self-implementation does not mean you go it aloneNot only does the Implementation Planner put you through a highly structured process, but it is augmented by our online training videos, online help, and user guides. If you have any questions or issues along the way, you can submit support tickets to our tech staff and we will help you.
Don't turn the key until you are readySelf-implementation is more about "perspiration" than "expertise." Take your time and follow the steps and recommendations in the Implementation Planner to the letter. Do not skip the most important phase of implementation - the "rehearsal" phase. Do not rush into "startup day" until you are confident that all procedures and processes are fully rehearsed and in place.