MAC-PAC or MAC-PAC® XE™ - What’s in a Name?

Over the past year, a number of long-time MAC-PAC users have made the move to re-join the active user community and/or revitalize their use of the proven and reliable MAC-PAC solution. With all of this activity, we have had many questions about what ‘ MAC-PAC XE ' is as compared to just ‘MAC-PAC'. So we decided that we would take the opportunity to re-state and clarify exactly what MAC-PAC XE is, and what it means to your company.

As a user of MAC-PAC version 10 or 11, you are ALREADY a user of MAC-PAC XE . Simply stated, MAC-PAC XE is an extension of core MAC-PAC to encompass new application areas and technologies that were not yet envisioned when MAC-PAC was originally developed. It is the natural evolution that started with MAC-PAC/38 and progressed through MAC-PAC/400, MAC-PAC Open, and now MAC-PAC XE .

MAC-PAC XE is NOT an entirely new product that would require a migration project. On the contrary, it is a modular solution that allows you to build on your existing MAC-PAC foundation. What it gives you is the opportunity to cost-effectively add enhanced capabilities and/or whole new modules without the need to replace or modify proven MAC-PAC applications already in place.

TDCI is actively enhancing the core MAC-PAC XE applications based on user community priorities. For instance, TDCI is currently developing a series of enhancements designed to help companies support their Sarbanes-Oxley programs, and a workshop is planned for May focused on requirements for shipping solution integration. Every year, TDCI delivers numerous core enhancements packaged much like ‘PTFs' so you can pick and chose those you want without the need for a major release upgrade.

Over the past several years, TDCI has also developed a number of new modules as part of the expanded MAC-PAC XE solution – again, these are significant new capabilities you can take immediate advantage of without the upheaval of a new ERP system implementation. New modules provide everything from web-based configuration using the rules you already have in EC, to Internet- or Intranet-based sales and service, to advanced manufacturing execution and engineering change management. As a MAC-PAC user, you can add these extended capabilities incrementally whenever the time is right - in the sequence that delivers the most value to your company. If you are on active maintenance, you are eligible for substantial ‘software purchase credits' making it even easier to expand your system into any of these new areas.

Because we have taken this incremental and modular approach, TDCI has NO plans to require a significant upgrade for MAC-PAC XE users, meaning you will continue to have easy access to all enhancements and all new modules without ever needing to do a substantial upgrade.

You are Part of an Active MAC-PAC XE User Community

When TDCI took over MAC-PAC support in 1997, we knew the product had a long life ahead of it. Since then, we have taken the steps necessary to maintain it as a living, growing ERP product. Today, we are happy to see an active user community, with many companies implementing new sites and new modules as we speak. We plan to be supporting MAC-PAC XE for many years to come.

If you have any questions about what MAC-PAC XE really is, how it relates to what you already have, or TDCI's plans for its future, please contact Shelley Horn at shorn@tdci.com or 614-781-2325, ext. 119. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and to help you develop a practical roadmap for taking advantage of MAC-PAC XE within your company over the coming months and years.

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