ECN Software 1

[dblcrona]

We are looking to redesign our manual ECN process. Can anyone recommend any good ECN software packages?

 

[looslib]

How complex do you want to get?
Simple ECN release tracking or full CMII tracking from initial problem report through engineering and out the door ECN.

"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

 

[KENAT]

Look in -Engineering Configuration Management

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=781

or Drafting Standards, GD&T & Tolerance Analysis

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=1103

We use filemaker at the moment and are supposed to move to access. Not sure either are great.

Some PDM/PLM systems will do it as part of the implementation.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[dblcrona]

looslib,

We would like to track from initial request through ECR and ECN with approvals in each stage.

 

[MadMango]

It sounds like you'll have to look into purchasing some sort of PDM/PLM package as Kenat posted, or an ERP system with Work Flow capability for tracking the ENC process.

Syspro
Agile
PDXpert
SAP R3
Too many others...

You may want to read about some pitfalls to avoid as well. Also, some further information on the types of products and industry will help us. What is your budget?

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[looslib]

What CAD software does your company use? You will get the best and easiest integration from the same vendor.


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

 

[musashi99]

In the past I have setup this up using lotus notes. It will take a programmer but it will be a very good ECR/ECN system if designed correctly. Ours integrated AutoCad docs and did automatic notifications and reminders.

 

[Mapek]

If you are looking for something in between a full blown MRP system and an Excel spreadsheet template, I highly recommend checking out a software package called "Parts & Vendor ECO Edition" (

http://www.trilogydesign.com).

I have used it in several small companies (under 50 people) and it works great.

It does not tie into your accounting software directly, but it does track your parts and vendors, manage your BOMs, automate component and assembly revision control, generate purchase orders,etc. I have used it from both the designer side and management side and it's a great little software package.

The ECO version has everything you are looking for and it's very simple to use.

It's moderately priced ($350-$450 per user license, depending on how many you get)and pretty easy to implement from scratch. It also pretty straight forward to import your current data and get started.

I am in no way affiliated with Trilogy Design, but I do appreciate a good tool when I find one.

Check it out and good luck.