I have to disagree with this. Most end users I have talked to feel that this system poorly replaces the previous systems and in some cases doesn't even do that. The rumors of the project's success are mostly propaganda from the system developers. I recently saw an advertisement in an Army publication that stated something to the effect that GFEBS is coming whether you like it or not so get ready for it. The ad actually appeared to have been placed by GFEBS. And GFEBS has suffered massive cost overruns as well. Not to the extent that the program in the article has, but several million in USD.
It appears to me that most ERP solutions bring their own business logic to the table and require the business to adjust to their way of doing things. This doesn't work with the military. The requirements are just too different from the commercial world. I believe that the best software solutions come from Commercial Off The Shelf software for everyday word processing, spread sheet, work break down structure, etc. type business functions and custom built software for all other applications. This reduces vendor lock-in, permits for a higher degree of information assurance and allows for special conditions that are unique to military software to be considered from conception. The downside is that cost projection for these type of projects is difficult and the track record for government produced anything is almost always more expensive than production by private enterprise. However, I think that the pros out-weight the cons.
Slashdot Mirror
I have to disagree with this. Most end users I have talked to feel that this system poorly replaces the previous systems and in some cases doesn't even do that. The rumors of the project's success are mostly propaganda from the system developers. I recently saw an advertisement in an Army publication that stated something to the effect that GFEBS is coming whether you like it or not so get ready for it. The ad actually appeared to have been placed by GFEBS. And GFEBS has suffered massive cost overruns as well. Not to the extent that the program in the article has, but several million in USD.
It appears to me that most ERP solutions bring their own business logic to the table and require the business to adjust to their way of doing things. This doesn't work with the military. The requirements are just too different from the commercial world. I believe that the best software solutions come from Commercial Off The Shelf software for everyday word processing, spread sheet, work break down structure, etc. type business functions and custom built software for all other applications. This reduces vendor lock-in, permits for a higher degree of information assurance and allows for special conditions that are unique to military software to be considered from conception. The downside is that cost projection for these type of projects is difficult and the track record for government produced anything is almost always more expensive than production by private enterprise. However, I think that the pros out-weight the cons.