Module-Based Thin Client ERP Software

We’ve already talked about thin-client software and how it can be utilized anywhere within a facility on any computer with an internet browser installed. When developing software for this purpose the need for a module-based system becomes apparent when the actual requirements are discussed. This is due to the need for some functionality at first with the ability to add other functionality later.

Let’s say a facility is looking for a Scheduling system. With a thick-client software system built from the ground up, development of the software could easily take a year or more. The database has to be designed, relationships between tables and views need to be anticipated, and then the development of the scheduling portion itself can be begun. Once this is put into place, debugging needs to occur at a beta level. Test runs are executed and any issues fixed. Only after a lot of debugging has been accomplished can the software actually be installed and used, some months or even years down the road.

At that point, if more functionality is needed the entire process starts all over again. And then there are updates to the operating system, security patches, and constant updates to the software itself.

A module-based framework is much simpler from a development aspect. The framework and its modules are already proven and in some cases might be appropriate on their own for a given situation. Customization of the modules for a given situation, which is quite often more appropriate, can take a matter of weeks to accomplish. And any additional functionality can be added through the addition and customization of another module or two later on down the road.

Companies such as Tuppas Software specialize in these types of custom-tailored module-based software systems. This is the kind of company to seek out for manufacturing software solutions.