Along these lines ...
Over the years I've worked at a number of companies using Mainframe /
Midrange hardware with purchased packages for which we had source code and
the ability to modify the database.
In almost every shop the following rules were heavily enforced.
* If there is ANY way possible do not modify a purchased program. Make a
copy of the program, change the name, and have a day. That way when you get
upgrades to the package your modified programs don't get overlaid. We also
had a standard that if the package program was something like "PO260" ( one
of the programs in the purchasing system ) we would make a modified version
called "ZPO260" ... This way all modified programs started with "Z". Any
stand alone programs written from scratch would be called "X....." so we
could keep them separate. On one hand you are "Modifying" a purchased
program but by making a copy you are essentially writing your own version
while leaving the original version as is.
* Never add fields or change the functional values of any table delivered
as part of a package. If you want to add fields create a separate table
using the same key structure. So a table called JOBOPER would have a sister
table called "ZJOBOPER" and you would simply link the tables on the same key
values. The only fields in common would be the key fields. So the
combination of JOBOPER --plus-- ZJOBOPER would be your functional table.
Any in-house tables would be "X......" ... same naming convention as with
programs.
By keeping your in-house programs and tables clearly separated from the
"Packaged" programs and tables we accomplished several things. (1) The
vendor of the package couldn't walk away from us regarding support claiming
that WE broke the package since the original tables and programs had not
been touched. ( 2) When we received upgrades we could line up a list of
the packaged programs with our "Z" programs to decide what we needed to
propagate.
I was always told to think of the original package and database as existing
inside of a box with clearly defined borders. ALL custom work had to be
outside of that box and could not alter what was inside the box. Enhance
and expand but don't modify.
I interviewed at a company here a few years ago where they broke all the
rules and just modified the crap out of both the package and the database.
Every year they would get a new version of the package and every year they
would make the same modifications. Problem was that it had gotten to the
point where with a staff of 8-10 programmers they couldn't finish all of the
modifications BEFORE the next version came out. It's a slippery slope ...
You may also want to check with EPICOR to get something in writing stating
what you can do without EPICOR claiming that support or implied functional
warranties are voided. Last I knew if you modified their programs or
tables and something goes wrong they could / would wash their hands as far
as support went. It would become a time and materials job ...
Todd Anderson
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Throckmorton [mailto:
rthrockmorton@...]
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 10:30 AM
To: '
vantage@yahoogroups.com'
Subject: RE: [Vantage] System Tools
I found the VB forms limited, so I purchased provision to make my own mods.
It is simular to programing with visual basic and allowed me to dump
epicor's estimating module, & rewrite my own. I definitely recommend it,
cheaper than Epicors custom programming, and puts you in control! The
problem with adding fields to Vantage tables is, Progress will not allow a
discrepency between the table fields @ compile time, and run time. Vantage
errors out, as it needs it's programs recompiled to match the table
changes, (no source, so you are out of luck).. BUT you can create
additional tables within the Vantage database to hold the needed fields.
Actually this is a cleaner approach anyway. You can also use provision to
add indexes into the Vantage Database to speed reports when you are
searching for data Epicor does not feel is important enough to warrent an
index.
Bob Throckmorton
Schlosser Forge Company
-----Original Message-----
From: PLAMAN DICK [mailto:
dick.plaman@...]
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 6:42 AM
To: 'Vantage (
vantage@yahoogroups.com)'
Subject: [Vantage] System Tools
I was checking out the epicor web-site / Vantage and I found the following
under
Modules & Features / system tools:
Macro Programming Language
This authoring tool makes it easy to add fields throughout the system.
Buttons may be set up to launch external programs from within Vantage.
I assume they are referring to Pro-Vision. But has anyone every added
fields to Vantage tables? This would be a plus for me because our VB Form
fields are all used up because of three different companies sharing the same
vantage database.
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