Maintaining Vantage?

Our setup is similar to Thad's and Babette's although we a larger.
We have about 260-270 employees and around 90 PC's. My boss, the MIS
Manager, handles hardware issues and PC setups. He deals with our
network support which is done by an local company, and budget
issues.

I joined the department when the company decided to purchase Vantage
a little more than 2 years ago. Before that I was in Accounting, but
also the resident software guru, adept at Excel and creating some
Access DB's on the side. I was the MIS representative on the
implementation team. I handle most Vantage Support issues, load
patches, test new releases, create reports, and work at other ways to
get important info out of Vantage and into a usable format for
management. My accounting background has proven valuable in that
regard. For better or worse, I'm using Access for a lot of projects,
because it seems to work pretty well and I'm familiar with it. I
also develop and support other programs (databases) that are
requested in the company.

Our department has a third member, her title is MIS Assistant. She
does what she can to help either my boss or myself, whichever needs
her most at the time. She's learning some report writing skills and
in general serves as a backup for either of us.

We try to keep each other informed as much as possible, but I agree
that having the duties seperated is nice.

Brian Stenglein
Software Support and Development Tech.
Clow Stamping Co.


--- In vantage@y..., Thad Jacobs <tjacobs@k...> wrote:
> Our company has a similar setup. We have someone in management
that acts as
> the IT Manager, who is responsible for all our workstation setup,
and minor
> server maintenence. We outsource our major server setup projects to
> WayPoint Network Solutions (www.waypointnetworksolutions.com Their
staff is
> very knowledgeable, and the cost of their services has always paid
off in
> reliability.
>
> I'm responsible solely for vantage, reports, and developing
solutions that
> help us better use the information contained in vantage, which
involves
> quite a bit of programming, and some procedural writing. I'm also
> responsible for upgrades, training, and helping Management, figure
out just
> how to use the software and develop reports that will provide the
most
> return on our investment.
>
> Our firm has less than 60 employees, and I couldn't imagine having
to keep
> up with all the other IT requirements in addition to my current job
> description. Having a good division of responsibilities, as
mentioned by
> Babette, makes things go very smoothly around here.
>
> Thaddeus Jacobs
> Information Solutions Developer
> Kinematic Automation, Inc.
> mailto:tjacobs@k...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Babette Welch [mailto:bwelch@a...]
> Sent: Friday, April 26, 2002 7:24 AM
> To: vantage@y...
> Subject: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?
>
>
>
> We have 74 employees.
> One super hardware geek. He does all patches & upgrades for Vantage
and
> ODBC. Manages email, virus protection, backups, etc.
>
> I do Vantage support. Lots of report tweaking. Some exporting &
database
> manipulation outside of Vantage. Answering all Vantage questions.
Building
> procedures for processes, documenting procedures and coordinating
upgrades
> or transitions.
>
> I've been in IT for over 25 years (before it was called IT) and
this is the
> smoothest division of responsibilities ever.
>
> BW
>
> =============================================
> Babette Welch
> MIS Director
> Argonics
> 1110 Wright
> Marquette MI 49855
> 906.226.9747 ext 235
> 906.228.0951 fax
>
>
>
> Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You
must have
> already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
> (1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report
Builder and
> Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
> (2) To search through old msg's goto:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
> (3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Guru
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
Information Systems Manager
Systems Administrator
MIS
MIS Director

I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating and
maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job functions
are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with large
vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free to
chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for all
the help
Robert Vanhoy
Robert.e.vanhoy@...
Maintain my own module? No....upgrades are usually a patch at a time with
changes for all modules on them. So, a designated person(s) can do that. I
am spoiled by a super IT person.

But....I do enter the data to upgrade info within modules. Best example is
yearly changes to the tax tables. Or a rate change for labor or overhead.
Hope this helps.

Deb Wilmoth
Controller
Reeder & Kline Machine Company, Inc.
Vantage 5.0


-----Original Message-----
From: r_van_hoy [mailto:r_van_hoy@...]
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 3:49 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?


Guru
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
Information Systems Manager
Systems Administrator
MIS
MIS Director

I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating and
maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job functions
are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with large
vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free to
chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for all
the help
Robert Vanhoy
Robert.e.vanhoy@...





Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must have
already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and
Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We operate with one Primary person (myself) who is supposed to know how to install, maintain, apply patches, write reports, and get Tech Support for the Vantage Product. I do most of the Tech. support calls when necessary and am asked occasionally to train someone to use Vantage.

Having said that, I do often ask end-users to call Tech. Support (or make the call on speaker phone) so that I don't have to keep relaying information between two other parties (ie. Epicor and the end-user) when there are multiple question/answers involved. Normally someone within a department will train a new user on the functions/modules in Vantage necessary to their jobs.

I was not involved in our initial implementation of Vantage so I cannot speak to that. We had a different primary person involved at that point as well as Vantage coming on-site for training/installation, etc.

I've sort of informally (which was Okayed by our President) been designated: System Evangelist. I've done enough conversions to fit the title, I think.

Troy Funte
Liberty Electronics
----- Original Message -----
From: r_van_hoy
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 4:48 PM
Subject: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?


Guru
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
Information Systems Manager
Systems Administrator
MIS
MIS Director

I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating and
maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job functions
are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with large
vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free to
chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for all
the help
Robert Vanhoy
Robert.e.vanhoy@...




Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must have already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We function with one IT person, I'm expected to maintain overall
functionality of our network systems, (hardware/software) have an
understanding of all the modules so I can train anyone on its use and
functions of all the modules. Develop reports/new approaches and processes
and it relates to the network overall. (Basicly, ANYTHING related to
'puters lands on my doorstep.)

Shirley Graver
Systems Administrator
Rubber Associates Inc.
Cleveland/Akron, OH

-----Original Message-----
From: Troy Funte [mailto:tfunte@...]
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 6:06 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?


We operate with one Primary person (myself) who is supposed to know how to
install, maintain, apply patches, write reports, and get Tech Support for
the Vantage Product. I do most of the Tech. support calls when necessary
and am asked occasionally to train someone to use Vantage.

Having said that, I do often ask end-users to call Tech. Support (or make
the call on speaker phone) so that I don't have to keep relaying information
between two other parties (ie. Epicor and the end-user) when there are
multiple question/answers involved. Normally someone within a department
will train a new user on the functions/modules in Vantage necessary to their
jobs.

I was not involved in our initial implementation of Vantage so I cannot
speak to that. We had a different primary person involved at that point as
well as Vantage coming on-site for training/installation, etc.

I've sort of informally (which was Okayed by our President) been
designated: System Evangelist. I've done enough conversions to fit the
title, I think.

Troy Funte
Liberty Electronics
----- Original Message -----
From: r_van_hoy
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 4:48 PM
Subject: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?


Guru
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
Information Systems Manager
Systems Administrator
MIS
MIS Director

I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating and
maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job functions
are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with large
vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free to
chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for all
the help
Robert Vanhoy
Robert.e.vanhoy@...




Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must
have already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder
and Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT




Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must
have already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and
Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We have one person responsible for all hardware/networking/software
installations and upgrades. We have another person that functions as
the main point of contact for all Vantage problems. It is this
person who handles all calls to support and relays answers to
problems. All formal training sessions are controlled by this person
as well as the set up and maintenance of the security within Vantage

Each functional area is responsible for the integrity of their data
and day-to-day ops. On going and new employee training is handled by
each function area as well. We are a small company

Kim Trapp
Hawk Technology
--- In vantage@y..., "r_van_hoy" <r_van_hoy@y...> wrote:
> Guru
> IS / IT Manager
> IS / IT Manager
> IS / IT Manager
> IS / IT Manager
> Information Systems Manager
> Systems Administrator
> MIS
> MIS Director
>
> I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating
and
> maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job
functions
> are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
> departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with
large
> vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
> Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free
to
> chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for
all
> the help
> Robert Vanhoy
> Robert.e.vanhoy@r...
Ditto to Shirley's comment. In this 75 person shop, it's me against the
world.

Terry L. Williams I.S. Manager Chipsco, Inc. 9936 Liberty St. Ext.
Meadville, PA 16335
p.814-333-6331 x236 f.814-337-2548 c.814-671-8650 tlw@...
<mailto:tlw@...> www.chipsco.com <http://www.chipsco.com/>

-----Original Message-----
From: Shirley Graver [mailto:shirleyg@...]
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 6:23 AM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?

We function with one IT person, I'm expected to maintain overall
functionality of our network systems, (hardware/software) have an
understanding of all the modules so I can train anyone on its use and
functions of all the modules. Develop reports/new approaches and processes
and it relates to the network overall. (Basicly, ANYTHING related to
'puters lands on my doorstep.)

Shirley Graver
Systems Administrator
Rubber Associates Inc.
Cleveland/Akron, OH

-----Original Message-----
From: Troy Funte [mailto:tfunte@...]
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 6:06 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?


We operate with one Primary person (myself) who is supposed to know how to
install, maintain, apply patches, write reports, and get Tech Support for
the Vantage Product. I do most of the Tech. support calls when necessary
and am asked occasionally to train someone to use Vantage.

Having said that, I do often ask end-users to call Tech. Support (or make
the call on speaker phone) so that I don't have to keep relaying information
between two other parties (ie. Epicor and the end-user) when there are
multiple question/answers involved. Normally someone within a department
will train a new user on the functions/modules in Vantage necessary to their
jobs.

I was not involved in our initial implementation of Vantage so I cannot
speak to that. We had a different primary person involved at that point as
well as Vantage coming on-site for training/installation, etc.

I've sort of informally (which was Okayed by our President) been
designated: System Evangelist. I've done enough conversions to fit the
title, I think.

Troy Funte
Liberty Electronics
----- Original Message -----
From: r_van_hoy
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 4:48 PM
Subject: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?


Guru
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
IS / IT Manager
Information Systems Manager
Systems Administrator
MIS
MIS Director

I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating and
maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job functions
are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with large
vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free to
chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for all
the help
Robert Vanhoy
Robert.e.vanhoy@...




Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must
have already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder
and Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT




Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must
have already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and
Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must have
already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and
Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Since Vantage was created as an ERP solution for small to mid size
companies, I think that most of us besides carrying the Vantage/dunce hat
carry many other hats. Besides running the ERP and IT show I am systems
support guy, ISO program guy, OSHA program guy, building and facilities guy,
telecom guy, security guy, and since last month co-pilot of the company
airplane.

For training of new employees I use "Vantage 101" and "Network 101" sessions
in which I show the newbies how to clock in, log on, send and receive
e-mail. This is where I also go over our "acceptable network and e-mail
use", and data retention policies. After these sessions I escort the
employee to their new work area and spend an afternoon with them and their
new co-workers. During this session we touch on all of the Vantage screens
and reports the new hire will have to work with. I rely heavily on the
experience of the coworker, because as much as you think you know about
Vantage, someone who looks at, and works with the same screens day in and
day out usually has a routine that has been working out well in that area.

Paul


-----Original Message-----
From: hawkkt [mailto:ktrapp@...]
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 9:01 AM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Re: Maintaining Vantage?


We have one person responsible for all hardware/networking/software
installations and upgrades. We have another person that functions as
the main point of contact for all Vantage problems. It is this
person who handles all calls to support and relays answers to
problems. All formal training sessions are controlled by this person
as well as the set up and maintenance of the security within Vantage

Each functional area is responsible for the integrity of their data
and day-to-day ops. On going and new employee training is handled by
each function area as well. We are a small company

Kim Trapp
Hawk Technology
--- In vantage@y..., "r_van_hoy" <r_van_hoy@y...> wrote:
> Guru
> IS / IT Manager
> IS / IT Manager
> IS / IT Manager
> IS / IT Manager
> Information Systems Manager
> Systems Administrator
> MIS
> MIS Director
>
> I would like to know what the industry standard is for operating
and
> maintaining Vantage. Job titles are not important but job
functions
> are. Is one person responsible to maintain Vantage? Or do
> departments maintain their own modules? Does this change with
large
> vs. small companies? Does Epicor have a standard plan for managing
> Vantage? We could use some help with this matter please feel free
to
> chime in either here at Yahoo Groups or email direct. Thanks for
all
> the help
> Robert Vanhoy
> Robert.e.vanhoy@r...



Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must have
already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and
Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
We have 74 employees.
One super hardware geek. He does all patches & upgrades for Vantage and
ODBC. Manages email, virus protection, backups, etc.

I do Vantage support. Lots of report tweaking. Some exporting & database
manipulation outside of Vantage. Answering all Vantage questions. Building
procedures for processes, documenting procedures and coordinating upgrades
or transitions.

I've been in IT for over 25 years (before it was called IT) and this is the
smoothest division of responsibilities ever.

BW

=============================================
Babette Welch
MIS Director
Argonics
1110 Wright
Marquette MI 49855
906.226.9747 ext 235
906.228.0951 fax
Our company has a similar setup. We have someone in management that acts as
the IT Manager, who is responsible for all our workstation setup, and minor
server maintenence. We outsource our major server setup projects to
WayPoint Network Solutions (www.waypointnetworksolutions.com Their staff is
very knowledgeable, and the cost of their services has always paid off in
reliability.

I'm responsible solely for vantage, reports, and developing solutions that
help us better use the information contained in vantage, which involves
quite a bit of programming, and some procedural writing. I'm also
responsible for upgrades, training, and helping Management, figure out just
how to use the software and develop reports that will provide the most
return on our investment.

Our firm has less than 60 employees, and I couldn't imagine having to keep
up with all the other IT requirements in addition to my current job
description. Having a good division of responsibilities, as mentioned by
Babette, makes things go very smoothly around here.

Thaddeus Jacobs
Information Solutions Developer
Kinematic Automation, Inc.
mailto:tjacobs@...

-----Original Message-----
From: Babette Welch [mailto:bwelch@...]
Sent: Friday, April 26, 2002 7:24 AM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Maintaining Vantage?



We have 74 employees.
One super hardware geek. He does all patches & upgrades for Vantage and
ODBC. Manages email, virus protection, backups, etc.

I do Vantage support. Lots of report tweaking. Some exporting & database
manipulation outside of Vantage. Answering all Vantage questions. Building
procedures for processes, documenting procedures and coordinating upgrades
or transitions.

I've been in IT for over 25 years (before it was called IT) and this is the
smoothest division of responsibilities ever.

BW

=============================================
Babette Welch
MIS Director
Argonics
1110 Wright
Marquette MI 49855
906.226.9747 ext 235
906.228.0951 fax



Useful links for the Yahoo!Groups Vantage Board are: ( Note: You must have
already linked your email address to a yahoo id to enable access. )
(1) To access the Files Section of our Yahoo!Group for Report Builder and
Crystal Reports and other 'goodies', please goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/files/.
(2) To search through old msg's goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/messages
(3) To view links to Vendors that provide Vantage services goto:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vantage/links

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/