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"TEC's solutions, which include research, comparison reports, selection
tools, consulting services, are driven by its powerful analysis engine, eBestMatch.TEC also provide
Product Certification Report such as PRONTO-Xi v.67."
Source: Technology Evaluation Centers
TEC Product Certification Report: PRONTO-Xi v.670
Pronto-XI V.670 is also known as :
Pronto Software,
International Enterprise Resource Planning Software,
Pronto Supports Organizations,
ERP Solution,
Technology Evaluation Centers Pronto Software Market Data Summary,
Pronto-XI Enterprise Management System,
Pronto XI ERP,
Pronto-XI System,
Reviewing Pronto,
Aspect of Pronto,
Pronto Reseller,
Pronto XI Manufacturing,
Pronto Hosted Services,
Pronto XI Software,
Using Pronto,
TEC Pronto Software Pty,
TEC Pronto Software Business,
TEC Implementing Pronto-XI,
TEC Pronto ERP,
TEC Pronto 670,
TEC Pronto POS,
Technology Evaluation Centers Pronto-XI Specialists,
,
Technology Evaluation Centers PIM,
Technology Evaluation Centers Pronto-XI Expertise,
Technology Evaluation Centers Pronto XI ERP,
TEC PIM.
Table of Contents
There are many benefits to evaluating a TEC Certified product. To potential clients of a software
vendor, TEC certification provides the following:
- Reassurance: You can be assured that the data TEC provides about its certified products
conforms to a well-defined standard of accuracy. When a vendor's product is TEC
Certified, it means that a trusted, independent third party has seen the product up close
and verified that it provides the functionality as specified in our Evaluation Centers.
- Better Communication with Vendors: TEC certification helps ensure that vendors
understand and respond accurately to their clients' RFI criteria. Certification with
TEC analysts provides the opportunity to clarify any issues with the RFI criteria so the
vendor is speaking the same language as its potential clients-and giving the clients an
unambiguous specification of product functionality to inform their selections.
The certification seal is a valuable indicator for organizations who rely on the integrity of TEC's
research services for assistance with their software selection projects. Organizations looking
for a solution can be confident that they're comparing the product on an "apples-to-apples"
basis with other like products.
Pronto Software Pty. Ltd. () is mostly recognized in Australia (the
country where it is headquartered) and in South Asia. It is currently putting significant effort into gaining
recognition in the North American market as well. As the company has catered to the midsized ERP market
for over 30 years, Pronto undoubtedly has a deep and clear understanding of its customers' business needs
and challenges. It established a perceptible base of customers in medium-sized businesses, with strengths
in manufacturing, importing/distribution, integrated retail, facilities and services, and mining and mining
supply.
Pronto supports organizations with a few users to as many as 2,500 users; it typically acquires approximately
100 new customers per annum and reached over 1,500 customers by the end of 2008. It provides the
Pronto Implementation Methodology (PIM) process, which is a structured project management process
that aims to minimize risk for the customer and the supplier, and helps deliver predicable results and an
on-time/on-budget solution. Its team works with the customer throughout the entire project, providing
consulting, maintenance and support, and customization services-if required. Pronto Software and
its authorized resellers have implemented 100 percent of the solutions they have sold with an average
implementation time of four to six months.
While reviewing PRONTO Xi ERP during the certification process, TEC analysts determined
that the application is visual and user-friendly. The layout of the screens makes it easy to
navigate, and the addition of a "Help" button on every page makes searching for information
and troubleshooting simple.
Among the functionality of the PRONTO Xi ERP system, we believe the following are the
highlights:
- The user interface logic of the system is based on the idea that the user should be
presented with different types of information readily available on the screen-in real
time. In combination with online queries, screens, reports, and drill-down and screen
customization capabilities, the user interface gives users the ability to adjust and shape
work spaces, concentrate on business tasks, and reduce the number of input errors.
Screen customization allows users to change, modify, add, or hide screen prompts, fields,
grids, and buttons, and even create user-defined buttons.
- As a single-source application, PRONTO Xi does not require additional integration for the
most typical business processes; the average customer does not need to purchase and
install additional third-party programs. As we understand it, the only additional or partner
applications are interfaces to specialized systems not normally included in standard
ERP packages. Pronto has an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with
Panorama for the business intelligence (BI) application, which means that there is no
need to source any other BI software from a third party; it is all supplied by the Pronto
reseller. All other modules are an inherent part of the system and can be turned on and
off as needed.
- An interesting aspect of PRONTO's Xi product is its scalability. The system can be used by
small companies with very few workstations, as well as by relatively large corporations with
thousands of users and an extended number of business processes and procedures. We
believe the system is scalable and stable based on Pronto's claim to serving organizations
with more than 2,500 users.
- PRONTO Xi software can be delivered to the customer through a traditional installation
or through the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. Pronto Hosted Services is also an
offering that provides multisite hosting and management facility with data mirroring and
replication.
- As was demonstrated to analysts, PRONTO Xi provides customers with broad discrete
manufacturing functionality. It includes product configurator, planning and scheduling
capabilities, shop floor control, as well as support for lean manufacturing. Companies
using PRONTO Xi manufacturing can be included into complex supply chains with
minimal integration effort.
- PRONTO Xi ERP also contains a powerful point-of-service (POS) module for retailers and
distributors. The rating scores of this module in TEC's ebestmatch system were high,
showing that PRONTO Xi has the ability to compete with the best point-of-service (POS)
systems on the market.
- Alert intelligence and task intelligence features are also provided in this system. These are
tools that can be used for interactive communication with the ERP system. The system
is smart enough to generate short message service (SMS) and pop-up messages, send
faxes or e-mails, run processes, and launch an application based on particular events or
important task milestones. It's completely up to the user to define them. We found this
feature useful in many situations-for instance, to e-mail a customer when the order is
ready to be shipped, or to send an SMS to the inventory manager to alert him or her that
a particular item is out of stock and needs to be reordered.
- With a standard auditing capability, the system allows users to track changes that have
been made to any field or piece of information within the entire system. The "what,"
"when," "where," and " by whom" types of questions can be easily answered.
Despite all the software's features and advantages, there are a few areas where PRONTO Xi's
capabilities were not as robust as some of its competitors in this space.
- We found that process manufacturing functionality is not as broad as discrete manufacturing.
In our opinion, this ERP application has grown from discrete manufacturing and, based on
Pronto's response to our RFI, some specific business processes particular to continuous process
manufacturing are not supported by default, and might require customization, modification,
or-in the case of tracking defined tasks for by-products or co-products-"workarounds."
In other words, the application can support these business processes, but it does not do so
"natively," (i.e., some user manipulations within other sets of functionality may be required). A
similar approach may be required to adjust dynamic recipes based on the actual characteristics
of ingredients, yield calculation, multiple process models for the same item, and circular bills
of materials (BOMs). The good news for potential customers considering the system is that
this hasn't stopped other process manufacturers from using the product, and Pronto has
experienced many successful system implementation in pharmaceutical and chemical verticals,
food processing, and other mixed-mode and process industries.
- The overall rating of the Pronto Human Resource (HR) module in our ebestmatch system (see
figure 3) is higher than the mixed-mode ERP average; however, the employee self-service
functionality is rated lower than the average (see figure 4). The employee self-service function
of HR management allows employees to view pay stubs and review and maintain their personal
information, such as name, address, benefits related to a life event, tax filing status, number of
exemptions, dependents and beneficiaries, etc. This is supposed to be offered in future releases
but for now it may prove problematic if self-service functionality is a critical priority for the
potential customer. Other than the self-service area of HR, Pronto demonstrated HR ratings that
left the mixed-mode ERP average far behind.
- Pronto Software focuses mainly on the Australian, New Zealand, Southeast Asian, and North
American markets. As such, the system is translated from English into French and Spanish only.
This might be an issue if a prospective customer is planning on using ERP system in countries
with other language requirements.
Based on four main principles, here is how PRONTO Xi ERP fared.
Ease of Use
- Layout: The application's layout is relatively simple and uncluttered. Information is
arranged in frames and boxes, which allows multitasking.
- Interface: The program has an intuitive, user-friendly, and modifiable interface.
- Performing tasks: Tasks performed in any specific module are logically defined
and easily accomplished, and do not require the user to go through many steps to
complete them.
Workflow Design
- Server: The solution resides on the client's servers (providing the added assurance of
security). It is also offered as an SaaS hosted version.
- Information retrieval: Reporting and auditing capabilities allow users to search and
track information that meet their needs and requirements.
- E-mail notifications: Alert intelligence and task intelligence features are provided
and their settings can be easily configured by the users.
- Data export: A user is able to easily export data to Microsoft (MS) Excel.
- Reporting capabilities: The solution offers extensive reporting capabilities, and a
BI tool from Pronto's partner, Panorama, can be added, if complex data analysis is
required.
Ease of Modification
- Setup: PRONTO Xi offers the screen customizer feature that makes the user's
workplace convenient; flexible grid column combination search functions allow
searches using a combination of words, range, and data.
- Flexibility: No hard coding is required for screen modification; it can be reconfigured
for the entire organization, at the department level or for users group, and at the user
level.
- Integration capabilities: The solution allows extensive integration of third-party
applications, and interoperability with many third-party systems via an integration
engine.
Innovation
- New features: Alert intelligence and task intelligence features allow for quick response to
events and transactions.
- Security: The multilevel authorization control mechanism allows various authorization
settings according to user, group, or department.
- Scalability: The solution has excellent scalability, and is used by customers with users
numbering from 5 to 2,500. It offers the ability to set up multiple domains and sites for
different client groups or legal entities.
Lawson, Microsoft, Infor, and Epicor are some of Pronto's main competitors; however, in some
situations, Pronto's software is also capable of competing with tier-one vendors. Financials,
discrete manufacturing, inventory management, purchasing, sales, quality management, and
POS modules are all closely rated in comparison to the highest-rated competitors in the ERP
space (see figures 3, 8, and 14).
Using TEC's ebestmatch decision support engine, we have prepared a few high-level graphs that
identify this product's functional focus.
Explanation of Graphs
The following graphs represent the various modules within TEC's Mixed-mode ERP, POS, and ERP
for Mining (including functionality from EAM/CMMS) knowledge bases. In figures 1, 6, and 12, these
modules are depicted in a baseline contribution analysis graphs. The graphs show the modules
which contribute the most or the least to the solution's overall functionality against a baseline,
which assumes that all modules are of equal relevance. In the second set of contribution analyses
graphs (see figures 2, 7, and 12), the baseline is prioritized to represent the likely requirements of
Pronto's customers. The information shown in this graph can be broken down as follows:
- When the solid line (the graph of functionality supported by the product) parallels the dotted
line (the importance of each module within the overall solution), it means that the product
provides a mix of functionality appropriate for a target clientele with similar requirements.
- Where the solid line is higher than the dotted line, the product provides functionality that may
exceed the client's requirements.
- Where the solid line is lower than the dotted line, the product is likely to provide a less-thanideal
mix of functionality for the client's requirements.
Any organization whose priorities are similar to the benchmark would essentially do well to consider
Pronto's solutions.
a) Mixed-mode PRONTO Xi ERP Graphs
Baseline Graph
If you consider all your priorities as equal, this is how the vendor's product would meet your
requirements. The dotted green benchmark line represents equally weighted priorities.
If you have priorities that are similar to the vendors supported capabilities, this is how the product
would meet your requirements.
Baseline Comparison
PRONTO Xi Mixed-mode ERP Main Modules
- Financials
- Human Resources
- Manufacturing
- Process Manufacturing Management
- Inventory Management
- Purchasing Management
- Quality Management
- Sales Management
- Product Technology
By comparing PRONTO Xi ERP to the average-, lowest-, and highest-rated competitors in the mixedmode
ERP space (see figure 3), we can clearly see where this product best serves its customer.
Areas for improvement for PRONTO Xi ERP, in our opinion, would be process manufacturing
management, especially in formulas/recipes and process modeling (including formula and
routings) (see figure 5) and self-service area of human resource management (see figure 4) where
the competitive rating is lower than average in the area of mixed-mode ERP. However, the fact that
Pronto has chosen to provide process manufacturing support through third parties or customization
is a strategy that currently works for the company. As for self-service in HR, Pronto is currently
developing this functionality to be available in a future release.
b) PRONTO Xi POS Graphs
TEC Product Certification Report
If you have priorities that are similar to the vendor's supported capabilities, this is how the POS
product would meet your requirements.
Baseline Comparison
PRONTO Xi POS Main Modules
- Transaction Management
- Register Management
- Sales Slip Management
- Price Management
- Inventory Management
- Reports and Inquiries
- Business Architecture
- Product Technology
Competitive Advantages
By comparing PRONTO Xi POS to the average-, lowest-, and highest-rated competitors in the POS
space (see figure 8), we can clearly see how this product best serves its customer.
PRONTO Xi POS is the best-rated product in TEC's POS knowledge base, as shown in figure 8. Register
management, sales slip management, inventory management, and reports and inquires are close
to having a 100 percent rating. However, although all the business module ratings are higher than
average, there are still a few submodules with a lower-than-average rating, and they potentially can
be improved in future releases. For example, the price management core functionality (mostly price
modifications capabilities and multipricing) requires modification (see figure 9), and the business
architecture's International submodule is not capable of supporting multilingual requirements (see
figure 10).
c) PRONTO Xi ERP for Mining (includes EAM/CMMS
functionality) Graphs
If you have priorities that are similar to the vendors supported capabilities, this is how the ERP for the
mining industry product would meet your requirements.
Baseline Comparison
PRONTO Xi ERP for Mining Main Modules
- Financials
- Human Resources
- Inventory Management
- Sales Management
- Process Manufacturing Management
- Purchasing Management
- Quality Management
- Project Management
- Maintenance Management
- Product Technology
Competitive Advantages
By comparing PRONTO Xi ERP for Mining (including EAM/CMMS functionality) to the average-,
lowest-, and highest-rated competitors in the mining industry space (including EAM/CMMS
functionality) (see figure 14), we can see how this product can best serve its customer.
Although PRONTO Xi ERP for Mining (including EAM/CMMS) is not the highest-rated product in TEC's
ERP for Mining Industry knowledge base (KB), it is competitive with other vendors (see figure 14).
All of its' modules' ratings are higher than the software industry's KB average. To improve existing
weaknesses, some modules and functional areas can be further developed. For example, some
functionalities in sales management and available-to-promise (ATP) require customization (see
figure 15); functionalities in the process manufacturing management module (including formulas/
recipes, process modeling [formulas and routings], and excavation-based production planning)
are lower than the software industry's KB average (see figure 16); and some functionalities in the
maintenance management module (keys management, tools management, and lockout/tagout)
are not supported by default and require customization (see figure 17).
Pronto Software has focused on its strengths with its PRONTO Xi system, designed for midsize to
large organizations with a total number of employees ranging from 10 to 10,000 and more. Its new
Phase 6 release is highly flexible and customizable, without having to change core code. Pronto has
also maintained its strong consulting, implementation, and customer support services.
Based on TEC's product research during the product certification, we consider this product to be well
established and reliable; and, in some cases, it can be considered a lower-cost competitor compared
to tier-one suppliers' products.
Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) provides insight
and expertise in offering impartial resources and services
to minimize the costs, risks, and time associated with
software selection. Over 3.5 million technology decision
makers visit TEC's Web sites each month to find information
on hundreds of solutions, and to access articles, white
papers, and podcasts. TEC's decision support system (DSS)
and analyst data assist with the evaluation, comparison,
and selection of enterprise solutions and services. TEC's
offerings include in-depth research, detailed product
information, and software selection services for any
industry or company size.
Pronto Software (PRONTO Xi v.670) has been certified by:
Aleksey Osintsev, TEC Research Analyst
Gabriel Gheorghiu, TEC Research Analyst
Demonstration conducted by:
Terry Leister, Pronto Software Pty. Ltd.
Jayd Blunden, Pronto Software Pty. Ltd.
Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) is pleased to announce that Pronto Software Pty. Ltd.
is now a TEC Certified vendor. TEC certification ensures that:
- Pronto's request for information (RFI) data has been reviewed analytically and
comparatively by a TEC analyst against known benchmarks.
- Pronto's enterprise resource planning system (ERP) product's capabilities are
demonstrated to a TEC analyst based on the responses it provided in its completed TEC
RFI.