MACS Software to offer locally-hosted browser-based warehouse management software with global access

March 12, 2012 - PRLog -- When released later this year, the new system will provide global access and greater flexibility for all warehouse operators using MACS software.  The new system will also allow the company’s customers to migrate to a cloud-based system in the future should they choose to do so.

The new system, which has yet to be given its product name, is a direct evolution of the company’s MACS for Windows® software that has been providing robust warehouse management for over 10 years.  The key difference is that the new product operates as a browser-based system using Microsoft Silverlight®, and as a robust desktop system - simultaneously.  This means that operators and managers can access the system through their office-based desktop systems in the normal way; and take advantage of working on the same system, but via a browser, when they are away from the office.

Many logistics professionals are not permanently office based and so greatly value the opportunities for global access, by both themselves and, if required, their clients, that modern technology offers.  With its new system MACS is providing the best of both worlds: the flexibility and convenience of the browser access with the confidence of a more traditional desktop-based system hosted locally.

During the development process MACS has taken the opportunity of updating what will become its core product, to make it easier and faster to install, use and support.   The company has also made the system compatible with both Microsoft® and Apple Mac products.  The information screens have been greatly simplified and make use of pop-up menus for field entry.  They are also much more intuitive thereby reducing training times for new staff and significantly reducing the opportunity for mistakes resulting from human error.

Andy Ayriss, lead developer for the new product, said that he was confident that users would find themselves using the browser system out of preference when they became familiar with the product. “With this system it makes no difference whether you enter information via the browser or on the desktop, it all ends up in the same place.  Anyone who travels for business, who can now access all their warehouse systems and information remotely, will soon wonder how they ever managed without it.”  

Esther Dutton from MACS Software explained that the new product was in response to requests from clients who wanted the benefits of a more flexible system. “They need the flexibility of global access,” she explained, “and also want to be able to give their customers remote access to their unique information whenever they need it. That’s precisely what our new system will provide.”

The new system is 100% backwards compatible with the existing MACS system and, for current MACS for Windows® customers. The new system is currently undergoing beta testing with Miniclipper Logistics in Leighton Buzzard, an established high quality storage and distribution company operating 160,000 square feet of warehousing. The formal launch of the new product is expected towards the third quarter of this year.  The company hopes all their existing customers will be operating on the new system by the middle of 2013.