General Consultant Discussion

With the roll-out of DSD's Multi-Bin, and the exclusivity of Scanforce, has anyone come up with a comparison sheet of features? DSD v. ACS and/or ScanForce v. ScanCo?

Apparently the answer is ""no"". This comparison would be useful for anyone who has not installed a scanning solution (or made the mistake of working with ICS or similar solution). I have nothing against any of these, but for those consultants that have worked with ACS/Scanco or ScanForce for years and have 5, 10, 15 or more installations, it's unlikely they will look at the alternative. I am honest with customers - this is what we have worked with in the past, we are knowledgeable about it and the integration with Sage 100, and we can introduce you to customers who have used it. There are other solutions and you are free to review those. That's the same approach I take with ecommerce integration, shipping software and EDI systems. My only concern now is when will I have a multi-bin solution that integrates with JobOps. That is starting to be a lost sales issue now.

That is good advice @JohnHoyt. I myself am a ScanCo girl, but with the rollout of DSD's Multi-Bin (and all the publicity) we have people asking about the differences, especially since after a year they have maintenance to pay with ACS. Right now we are leaning toward the more advanced the warehouse needs, the more you need ScanCo, XScan, ACS (ONE), but if the needs are simple/basic, is DSD and Scanforce the better choice for the client? I would be most interested in a side-by-side of ACS vs. DSD since I have yet to do a DSD Install or test it on my own system.

Wow, great questions. One would have thought the various vendors would have developed lists that put their programs in the best light. Perhaps in time. I agree with @MichelleForsey assessment. For heavy duty needs, lead with the established solutions (with all of ACS' warts). For newbies with light requirements, DSD would be in the mix. This will undoubtedly change as DSD gains a track record.

I agree with Michelle and Jeff. I am still looking to ONE when I encounter complex processes, and it is the natural tendency of processes to accumulate complexity. However in the long term the competition DSD and ScanForce bring is good for our clients and I am watching for a good opportunity to use them.

Include accessibility to support in your evaluations.

I'm blaming Sage for everything - because I can. They have no control over any developments outside the base product, and they should.