Our Solution: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some of the questions most frequently asked by our clients and potential clients.
- Is Simparel selling a development tool, or are you a solution provider?
We provide complete solutions for our customers and support these solutions throughout their lifecycle. We do not sell our technology as a development tool. Instead, we use the technology to build the most flexible, easy-to-change ERP systems available today, more quickly and affordably than any competitor.
- Is the Simparel™ solution a code generator?
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Not exactly. The presentation layer, or user interface, is interpreted at runtime from the metadata. To ensure maximum system performance, the business database, or "user database", contains real tables and stored procedures that are generated instantly when business logic and data-layer metadata are saved to the definition dictionary. However, the database schema and business logic can be modified instantaneously.
With code generators, you're stuck with the code that you've generated, and modifications must still be done tediously and carefully, risking breakage.
- How is it possible to build any system without writing code? How do I know that you'll be able to do anything I want to do?
We do not claim to be able to build any software application; we specifically build enterprise and subscription systems (ERP, SCM) on currently supported database systems. The engine specifically understands and is optimized for ERP application models, allowing consultants to define the specifics in our definition dictionaries.
- What do you mean when you call your system "codeless"? Don't you still have to work out the business logic?
Sure. The engine has the tools to work out the business logic whether it's an update, validation, process, decision-tree resolution, etc. by populating the appropriate part and format of the definition dictionary. This ensures that implementation doesn't involve syntax errors, GP faults, multiple compilations, and other time-consuming programming obstacles. Moreover, our tools are much faster to use than typing code, or even CASE tools.
- How does this make the process faster?
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Unlike traditional programming houses, we do not need to write hundreds of thousands of lines of code, nor to compile, debug syntax errors, successfully compile, test the running code, debug, and start all over again. We simply populate our definition dictionary; only the logic of the built system needs to be tested. Furthermore, we constrain the consultant building the system to ERP application models, which are already inherent in the engine. Only the specifics need to be defined, so the wheel isn't reinvented every time.
More important, the resulting system is easy to change. To change anything, we use tools to modify the metadata in the definition dictionary. A change, such as the data type of a field, ripples through the system to every place it is being used.
- Does this mean that I have to put the system together or modify it myself?
It's our job to implement and modify the system. However, typically we can train you on the usage of our tool set, if you prefer.
- Can I be trained to make modifications myself?
Absolutely. It takes 8-12 weeks to train an industry consultant to use the Simparel development tools.
- Does this mean that I am going to have to train my programmers in your platform?
No. It's our job to implement and modify the system. If you'd like to, you can.
- Can I stick to standard databases and programming?
Yes. Simparel creates a standard database in a standard structure that can accept any traditional programming code.
- Why is this Simparel revolutionary?
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Traditional ERP systems are extensive, costly and complex to implement. Modifications and custom programming are difficult and time-consuming. If your business changes, it's hard to change your ERP system with it. Some businesses even change the way they do business, just so that they can use their ERP systems.
With Simparel, an ERP system can be delivered with unprecedented speed and cost-efficiency. Our metadata-based approach is designed and optimized for change. If the initial design leaves out or incorrectly describes a feature, it can be added or changed. For the first time ever, your ERP/SCM system will be able to change as quickly as your business changes.
- How is the performance of the Simparel solution?
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Our solution is far superior to traditional client/server ERP systems. The architecture design forces all business logic to be stored and run within the database on the server. This means that the system takes full advantage of the database's native optimization features and minimizes or eliminates most network round trips between the clients and the server.
