Just a little history lesson

For twenty-five years, Manufacturing Information Systems, developed a manufacturing solution for Accpac accounting software. It sold well with more than 7000 installations in over 40 countries. MISys was recognized as the Accpac Development Partner of the Year FIVE (5) times (1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004). It was, and remains, a great relationship.

Then in 2005 MISys developed another manufacturing solution, based on its existing functionality but on a .NET platform, and which integrated with other accounting packages (Peachtree, QuickBooks, Simply, Adagio). Some Accpac resellers perceived that MISys was not supporting Accpac anymore. MISys adapted its new software (MISys SBM) so that it would also fully integrate with Accpac, demonstrating that it was fully supporting Accpac customers. Still there was confusion. After more than 2 years of marketing efforts to show that MISys supports Accpac, we see signs that the messaging is working. Accpac dealers are recommending MISys SBM to their manufacturing clients at a steady and increasing rate. It took some time, but it is working.

Marketing to existing customers to change their perceptions is more difficult than to market a new idea to potential customers. It takes persistent and consistent messaging and demonstrating the commitment through actions.

Using my iPad for business

I purchased an iPad 3G 32GB back in May of 2010. I find myself using it more and more for business. I have purchased and tried various Apps and here are my favorites

• Dropbox - for cloud based file storage. Free for up to 2GB of storage and can be accessed from my iPad, PC and Mac as well as any web browser. Great way to make important documents available and editable from anywhere!
• TeamViewer - for remote access to my home PC and Mac when away from home. Free for non-commercial use. Works great on my iPad and there is a version that works on PCs and Macs as well. Allows me to view my home PC desktop screen and remotely control the mouse and keyboard. Very smooth even without fast internet connection.
• Office2 HD and QuickOffice - both of these Apps allow me to edit Microsoft Office documents (including Office 2007 and 2010 formats) stored in Dropbox on my iPad and save them back to dropbox. Allows viewing and basic edits (with some limitations) of Word, Excel and Powerpoint (QuickOffice only).
• NoteMaster - a bit more capable note taking App than the basic Notes App that comes with the iPad. Allows easily entering bullet lists, numbered lists, inserting pictures, and create section headlines. Only drawback, cannot open or save documents to dropbox yet but you can email them.
• GPS Drive HD - great GPS app! Includes option for text to speech. Works as well as the Magellen GPS units I used to use.
• Outliner for iPad - nice comprehensive App for creating outlines for more structured task lists or notes.
• Todo for iPad and TaskPro - both of these are nice Apps for todo lists and task lists.
• SpeedTest - an iPhone app that works on the iPad which maskes it easy to test the speed of your internet connection.
• TripIt, FlightTrack Pro, TripAdvisor, Travelocity, Expedia for travel reservations and info.

Ferret Day

The MISys offices are closed today due to the severe blizzard affecting most of the eastern half of the country. We are disappointed not to be able to participate in the annual Ferret Day celebration that is being held in downtown Woodstock today. You may not have seen coverage of Ferret Day on CNN this morning, but here is the scoop:

Each February 2nd, Woodstock dairy farmer Abner Hasbro, invites locals and visitors to join him at 7:00am when he coaxes his pet ferret Ferdinand out of his burrow for a sniff or two of the crisp Vermont air. As tradition goes, if Ferd the Ferret sees his shadow, we are due for 12 more weeks of winter. On the other hand, if Ferd doesn't see his shadow, winter will be over in just 3 months. This morning there was at least of foot of snow covering Ferd's burrow, and when he finally tunnelled up to fresh air, there was no sun to be seen. So it's official: winter in Woodstock is due to end by the first week of May.

Sage Australia and MISys Inc. Sign Distribution Agreement

Effective immediately, Sage Business Solutions will distribute MISys Manufacturing SBM to Sage ERP Accpac Business Partners in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This represents the first distribution agreement entered into by MISys Inc. for MISys Manufacturing SBM.

"We recognize the importance of working with a partner who understands the business environment there, works within the same time zone and has a successful track record reselling software," said Charlie Kimbell, VP of Sales and Marketing for MISys Inc.

To purchase MISys Manufacturing Software "downunder," contact Troy Cole (troy.cole@sage.com) at Sage Business Solutions.

To learn more about MISys Manufacturing software, visit http://www.misysinc.com/

Remember that you can use Crystal reports to report directly from your MISys SBM database.

It is a standard MS-SQL database, so all you need to do is make a System data source for SQL and then direct it to the database engine where the MISys SBM database resides. Then create a new report in Crystal using an ODBC (RDO) data source and select the data source you just made. Fill in the information and select the database to use and you’re off and running.

Oh, and If you are interested in our table layouts start SBM and go to Administration Housekeeping Print Data Tables.

For MISys Support, visit us online at misysinc.com/support.php

MISys Announces Accpac ERP v6.0 Compatibility

WOODSTOCK, VERMONT
January 25, 2011

MISYS MANUFACTURING SOFTWARE IS 100% COMPATIBLE WITH SAGE ACCPAC ERP v6.0

Manufacturing Information Systems, Inc. (MISys), makers of MISys Manufacturing software, today announced that it has completed compatibility testing of MISys Manufacturing SBM version 4.2 and that the software has been deemed fully compatible with the newly released Sage Accpac ERP version 6.0.

Because MISys Manufacturing SBM version 4.2 is also compatible with Sage Accpac ERP version 5.6, users who are making the transition from version 5.6 to version 6.0 can be assured that their MISys/Accpac manufacturing system will function without interruption.

“We are committed to supporting Sage Accpac ERP users,” said David Brown, MISys CEO. “We tested the software extensively to make sure that the integration points work seamlessly as intended, and it does. We are pleased to continue the partnership with Sage Accpac that we started over 25 years ago.”

Last November, MISys released the details of its Compatibility Roadmap which assures Accpac users of continued compatibility and technical support for its software ranging several versions back. A view of the Roadmap can be found online.

MISys is inviting users and resellers of Accpac accounting software to a series of four webinars entitled “Manufacturing for Accpac ERP v6: Points of Integration” starting on February 3rd. Further information and free online registration is available now.

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About MISys:

Manufacturing Information Systems, Inc (MISys) develops comprehensive software applications for small to mid-sized manufacturing entities. First established in 1977, MISys has integrated its software with Accpac accounting software since 1985 and has more than 7,000 installations in over 40 countries. For a complete description of MISys and its services, visit http://www.misysinc.com/.

My son, whose on a continuous search for inspiration, sent me the following quote recently.

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea." Antoine de Saint Exupery, author of The Little Prince.

This suggestion has caused me to reflect on my management style. I’ve read the books and attended the seminars but have not come across such a profound summation. I anticipate that a well-articulated vision would be more effective than dogma in many situations.

I’ve also considered that if the yearning “for the endless sea” doesn’t come about, I need to reflect not only on my direction but on the quality of how I’ve shared it. I can imagine the level of enthusiasm and support that this yearning would generate.

The possibilities might be “vast and endless”.

Visit us online at misysinc.com