Excellent experience over the past 10 years
Pros
We find GSS to be a highly developed ERP tool with some very sophisticated functionality; not all of which we need to take advantage of, but is there if/when we decide to. The extensive range of selective parameters allowed for flexibility in how we configured the software to function for our business, so the implementation process was key for us. And we find, even 10 years in, that these software options along with GSS’s continual commitment to software enhancements have been able to keep up with the evolving processes and informational demands of our business. And I can't say enough about their customer service support.. extremely responsive, always professional, and highly competent. In almost every instance, our service calls have been responded to the same day, and the norm is resolved to satisfaction within 48 hours of initial contact. With our business going 24/6, this level of responsiveness is critical.
Cons
Issues we had with moving between modules to gain information - or a "big picture" approach - have been satisfied with the introduction of dashboards throughout all areas of the software. Some lag in the system has developed from recent changes within the software but we believe are being addressed.
Solid and Flexible System with Advanced Features.
Pros
The product is very flexible, detailed, and truly integrated. It is capable of delivering capabilities and options that most vendors only seem able to promise. This, matched with a very high reliability, makes the system a good match for most manufacturing organizations.
The integration and interface make for a good user experience that is flexible enough to meet most users' needs. This is accomplished through the true integration of all major areas of functionality and makes operation very smooth. We rely heavily on the integrated Document Control systems to provide information relevant to users and customers through the manufacturing process and afterward. It is a huge timesaver and allows us to answer most customer questions on a single call, chat, or e-mail.
Another great advantage of this is the company behind the software. First, you are dealing with a family owned company with no intention of selling. This speaks to the commitment of the company to the product and its support. Second, they are the developers of the software, which ensures a tight integration between modules and understanding of issues. And finally, the same organization selling and supporting the software is also writing it. This is huge and avoids drawn out finger-pointing sessions between the software company and VARs that leave you high and dry with other solutions.
Cons
Dealing with issues after upgrades and limited support for older versions are a hassle. Being that it is such a complex piece of software and is tweaked to each user's needs, I understand that issues crop up, but that doesn't make dealing with them any less difficult.
Absolutely horrible user interface.
We’ve been using this program for about 13 months now and I struggle to find anything to say that is positive. In summary, if anyone is considering using this program to make their work simpler, they’ll be very disappointed. Below are some notes.
Note; I have paragraphs and paragraphs of how bad this program is but I'll try to be brief.
The user interface is, without question, the worst I’ve ever encountered in almost 30 years of working with computers. Text interface is awful. Sometimes when you first click a field, any input will then erase and replace what’s in there. Other times when you first click a field, any input will append what is already in there. Sometimes you have to hit “enter” to get your edit accepted, other times you have to “tab” to have it accepted.
Sometimes it will let you input lower-case, sometimes it won’t. Also, sometimes the field is case-dependent, but most times it is not.
Text: cursor placement. Sometimes mouse-clicking in the field places your cursor at the home position. Sometimes it places it at the end of the text. Sometimes it actually is highlighting ALL of the field. You don’t know what it’s going to do because it does it differently depending on the window you’re working in.
Concerning text, you have to press the “insert” key to keep from overwriting text when editing a field. Overwriting is GSS’s default action and there is no control-z function to correct any mistake, should you happen to overwrite what was in the field. Many of the GSS windows don’t have a “minimize” button; only an “X”.
I don’t like that GSS’s windows take precedence over all of the other windows on my machine. Even though I’ve selected (let’s say) Outlook to view right now, GSS’s inventory browser always stays in front of it. I can still click around and work in the Outlook window but the GSS inventory window is displayed in front of it. The only way to get it out of the way is to CLOSE it. There’s no minimize button.
Doing an order or a quote makes you open a new window for your lines. However, the old window (header) stays open and blocks what’s behind it. You can’t move it, either because it’s not the active window.
The cut/paste form fill interface is very difficult to decipher and almost impossible to use if you don't have an insert button. Can’t control-Z. If you get GS’s text interface (above) wrong, you can’t control-z to undo. Again… Windows 95 had this action. This can’t be said often enough. You can’t control-Z. There is no “undo” functionality. You can’t even close/abort an order w/o saving it. Copy and paste, even insert, are a mystery. It always behaves differently depending on the specific window that’s open.
In closing, I would recommend that you run -with all your might- away from this sophomoric attempt at a user interface.
Cons
This program will not interface with Windows(tm). Among other things, you cannot use control-Z. Formatting is not possible.
Operations Manager
We went live in Global Shop on 04-01-15 and in virtually all areas of our company, it's simplified how we operate. Is there a learning curve? Yes, but we went into the transition expecting a learning curve! It was new, complex software that took the place of multiple homegrown systems. It took 4 months from when we started till we went "live", which for us exceeded our expectations.
Pros
1. Customer Support - Global Shop was and has been with us every step of the way. It's an understatement to say selecting an ERP system is a big deal! There will be questions/issues to work through and when those questions/issues come up, you need answers ASAP. Global Shop has been there for us.
2. Simplifies operation - Having everything one umbrella has been a game changer for us. No more double entering.
3. The list goes on - Advanced Planning/Scheduling, visible inventory, real-time job costing, auto-purchasing, etc.
Cons
1. The shop side has been fantastic. The office gals had a tough time transitioning the accounting side to Global Shop from Quickbooks. Although one thing I will say on this is, Global Shop was always there to answer questions, and now after we are up and going our accountant says her job is easier.
2. Updates (we've been updating yearly). We are committed to staying up to date with the software. So far I've done three updates. Two were seamless and one took a bit more work.
A great solution for your manufacturing business!
Pros
The product: GSS is truly a one-system ERP. Every aspect of our business will soon be done inside of GSS. There will be no more Word documents or spreadsheets! We utilize nearly all of the GSS modules and a few non-standard modules/programs in addition. One of the most valuable non-standard modules/programs for us has been the SolidWorks to GSS upload tool. This module allows us to model a custom job in SolidWorks and upload the Bill of Material directly to GSS.
One last thing that is nice about GSS is that the number of options for your company is vast. If you don't like the way GSS handles a certain process/action, there is probably an option to change it. Or, with GAB, you can change it yourself or ask GSS to write the GAB for you.
The vendor: GSS is great to work with. They respond quickly to inquiries or problems and have a variety of pre-recorded or virtual training options (not to mention on-site training) available.
The product and vendor: GSS does not stop moving. GSS continues to make their programs and services better and better.
Cons
The product: GSS heavily utilizes Crystal Reports to generate nearly all reports. Almost a year ago, SAP (Crystal Reports) changed the level of process GSS was able to use, making the report generation slower. It has been a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless. GSS has been working on solutions for this, and it has gotten better with the latest updates. We are an update or two behind the current version (shame on us!), in which the update notes have included details about fixing this issue. Obviously, it hasn't been enough of an inconvenience for us to install the update immediately.
The vendor: Occasionally, if you are requesting personal (virtual) training with a specific trainer or on a specific topic, you may wait possibly up to a week or two. This has only happened once or twice, and they are usually able to accommodate much quicker.
Robust System, Incredible Number of Features!
I have been using Global Shop for 9 years. There is almost nothing this system can't do. We have barely scratched the surface of some of the capabilities of the software.
Customer support was hit or miss back in the early days of our installation. It was hard to get support on the phone or by email when you really needed it. Over the last 4-5 years they have placed an emphasis on improving their customer support team and it shows! Most issues are resolved by Tier 1 support, either immediately on the phone or within 1-2 hrs by email after the entry of a support ticket online. If you have a more in-depth issue (which I usually do, unfortunately) the ticket is moved to Tier 2 or R&D, which can take longer but is usually resolved in a reasonable amount of time.
The support staff is very friendly and always willing to do what it takes to resolve an issue or point you in the right direction to a new feature/function you may need.
As with any system, there are some issues/challenges to deal with. While many of these have been addressed through updates, there are some withstanding. There is a lack on continuity from module to module as it pertains to search functions and feature properties. When searching for an item within the database there can be up to 4 different types of search windows that all behave a little differently.
Small issues aside, this is a great product and I am sure they will resolve these issues in time as they have with any number of issues in the past. Their focus has always been customer driven and they live up to it every time I need them to.
We have been using this software now for 4 years and it's paid for itself a few times over
Pros
1. It cut our purchasing time literally in half, we can now run our MRP on a daily basis thanks to automated purchasing. 2. Our on time delivery increased from 72% to over 90% using the APS feature. 3. The ARC store has thousands of custom reports that were developed by Global Shop for specific customers and they make them available to all of their customers. if you see one you would like to try just install it. 4. We have full visibility of all of our work orders currently in the shop (we currently ship over 900 different work orders a month). 5 the supply and demand screen is the most useful tool I have worked with. 6. you can tell immediately if your making or losing money on a specific job. 7. Very customizable. 8. it's in all in one system no more different systems for MFG, quoting, quality and finance.
Cons
1. Sometimes when major updates are released there a quite a few issues that have to be fixed after install via hot fixes. 2.Training classes are only held in Houston which can run into quite a bit of money for a 1, 2 or 3 day class for air, lodging, food and transportation. 3. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to get an answer to a problem
Powerful modern ERP
Concerning a manufacturing company that is dedicated to maximizing value to the customer, Global Shop Solutions offers an ERP that provides access to high-end continual improvement tools without the complexity and cost of software used at much larger companies. The access to those tools such as SPC, CRM, inventory control, and workflow planning/scheduling then provides a means to gain significant competitive advantage in whatever market your firm operates in.
Pros
Global Shop's interface is intuitive. In that, the vast majority of its functionality is quite literally at your fingertips.
Cons
While Global Shop Solutions has incredible functionality for the price, it still seems to be primarily focused on a traditional model of manufacturing. Because of that, there are instances where certain modules don't quite fit with existing operations procedures and processes.
Global Shop Review
As a small manufacturing company we are underutilizing Global Shop's potential, however, regarding our customer demands, it satisfies more than 80% of our needs. It is a great interface for time tracking, generating part specific costs and reports. It is not so great when I want to track quality metrics not necessarily part related.
Pros
Global Shop has given our company a wonderful infrastructure for cost evaluation and reporting. It is also wonderful at time tracking for employee time on machines, jobs, or process. We use it as a comprehensive overhead tracking tool.
Cons
Modules are expensive and customizing applications is difficult. The user interface has a high learning curve for personnel when new to this type of ERP.
The good and the bad
There are some widgets/features on GSS that we do not use. Also, some of the features we use a shortcut (basically) instead of doing things the long way. Sometimes it is to our advantage, others it is not.
Pros
Payroll is an easy feature that I like on Global Shop Solutions (GSS), it is very simple. I have used other payroll software that was very difficult to use. Accounting (A/P & A/R) are also very functional. Quoting, Shop Orders,
Cons
Speed, it is very slow at times and Crystal Reports are ALWAYS slow. So many reports to print, some cannot be simplified. Many Error codes that need a hotfixes or cannot be fixed. These are the basic cons, the extended list of error codes, and hotfixes are very long and daily.
Great Company, Fanastic ERP Solution
We have been using Global Shop for well over a decade and it has grown with our company. It's been great to see all the new features and modern enhancements they have been putting in recently. It does an excellent job tracking our manufacturing costs and getting things scheduled on-time. It would have been impossible to achieve our current 99% on-time delivery without their scheduling system. We use everything from scheduling to payroll and with the integration of all the modules it saves us a ton of time and money that would otherwise be split up into different software packages. My favorite feature is the option to build fully customized modules ourselves and even have the ability to download custom modules made for other customers. This gave us the ability to really make Global Shop work exactly the way our company runs and still have it integrated with all of Global Shop's modules. Global Shop's staff has always been excellent. Their management is extremely accessible and always willing to go out of their way to make sure we are happy.
Pros
-Modules to help run every aspect of our business
-Ability to customize modules to our needs
Cons
-Some aspects of the system can be complicated
-Needs more tools to flush out problems created by users not using the system correctly (garbage in garbage out)
Plant Manager- Approval of Global Shop Solutions ERP
This system is great! You can buy this system and just keep adding or turning on the things you need. We just integrated our Tool Dispensing Machine with GSS for Real Job Costing analysis. It is still early in, but I can now see what tools and how many the employee used on the job. This cost is then added to the total expense required to make the parts. We also like the play back recorded features to aid new users to GSS.
Pros
Global Shop Solution is a great ERP system. I love when a customer calls and ask for a Job Update, I just click open the work order and can see just about anything, quantities already completed, hours on the job, what steps are remaining. But GSS doesn't stop there, they have dash boards for everyone, scheduling, outsourcing, attendance, etc.
Cons
Like any new computer system, you have to learn where to view certain needs. But GSS has some friendly Icons that helps.
Global Shop is a complete solution that exceeds its customer's needs!
Pros
Global Shop's software has all the bells and whistles a company needs and would want from an ERP software package. Its technical support is always happy to help and responds very quickly to troubleshooting tickets. Global Shop also keeps pace or is ahead of current technology and industry trends so their software is always up to date, works on new platforms, feels fresh and new and functions as expected.
Their customer support team is also wonderful to deal with and very helpful. Our account representative who is new to Global Shop's team, is how I imagine all representatives should be: prompt in following up with customer requests, eager to tackle new problems or questions that may arise, knowledgeable and maintains routine check-ins to ensure customer satisfaction.
Cons
At first, Global Shop Solutions software is very complex because it has so much functionality and capability.
Global Shop offers scalable big-ERP functionality for small shops.
Love the all-in-one approach that Global Shop offers for the small to medium size manufacturing companies. Quick support - if I ask "can we do this?" they most often have a way free-of-charge for me to implement. The only company I know that allows me to use software improvements paid for by other customers at no extra charge. They are continuously improving and the .NET platform rocks. Glad we went with them!
Pros
I like the intuitive for navigating between various functions. In most places if you're thinking "boy, I'd like to see how that ___ is set up." (for example, part number, work order, sales order, purchase order, etc.) there is typically a short-cut that will take you from one screen to another - and it's in a logical place.
Cons
It's very complex and comprehensive and there are multiple ways to do many functions. It takes a while to train people on it, though there are many ways to get training.
Great Customer Service, Fantastic ERP System, Easy to Use!
If you want to learn more about the use of this software, I recommend signing up for the Global Shop Friday Features! It is such a great added benefit and has been useful many times when I want to learn different modules and functions.
Pros
As the Human Resources Manager, my primary use of Global Shop is the Payroll function. This function is very simple to use and very user friendly. It is wonderful at time tracking for employee time on machines, jobs, or process. I love that this function gives me the ability to export the necessary reports straight to our payroll provider, which saves me time and makes my job easier. We have been utilizing the training capabilities within GS to create training guides for certain departments and it has saved me a ton of time not having to write out each step. Being able to screenshot each step of the process is wonderful and really helps my training process. Also, the support team is absolutely wonderful to deal with and very helpful anytime I have questions on how to better our system.
Cons
At times, the speed of the system can lag, and it varies from module to module.
Great ERP Software
Highly recommend. Excellent product, User-friendly software, and people friendly company.
Pros
Great ERP software for fast-growing organization. The upgrade path from 13.0 to 16.2 was quite straightforward and provided support at every step of the process. Best experiences with their customer service and support team. All questions got resolved promptly. Our Account Manager is knowledgeable and very caring. The most important is Global Shop Solution is highly ethical and social responsibility. That is usually a good sign of how well the company is and how prosperous their future will be.
Cons
I hope Global Shop Solutions has an on-site training in the local area near us. (Southern California)
IT Support Opinion
As person supporting the software, I find it a bit difficult. We are not able to fully use the installer module. We have to uncheck a number of options because they cause problems. We uncheckPervasive because the module installs Pervasive 12 and we are on Pervasive 11. It took several problem installs and a support request learn this. We uncheck Crystal because the current Crystal reports will not correctly print our tags. It took almost a year to find the cause of this issue. We are not notified when new installers are released nor are we told what issues they may have, e.g., the Pervasive 11 issue. The installer is still not complete. We have to manually add components after the install because of issues with the client.
During the last update, the instructions clearly stated we could update the clients before updating the server. This was not true and caused the client to quit working. We discovered this after pushing out the updates to all of our workstations.
The overall impression is that the software is slow. We have done everything we can to speed up the server, new VM with more memory and more processing power and 64 bit Pervasive. Still too slow.
Generally speaking support is good. Support generally resolves any issues. However, response time varies from almost immediate response to days after submitting request.
IT Info feature of the client are an issue. We have been told we cannot trust the Workstation Components of this feature, although the info on the screen changed significantly this morning. We have had an ongoing issue with the Workstations listed since the list is not cleared when a workstation signs off.
The GUI time field does not match the time on the server nor the time on its workstation. This is an issue for those clocking in and out.
Errors messages are a problem. We cannot look them up in help and there is no forum nor other place to find out what an error means. So we usually have to submit a support ticket unless we have already encountered the error. So comment above about support response time.
Pros
It is full featured. Support is generally good.
Cons
Slow. Info about installation is not disseminated.
Great ERP package, works great, support is amazing and the owners are great!
Pros
The interface is great! Everything always seems to work well, look well, and whenever something isn't working well the support staff are amazing at resolving issues! No overseas helpdesk, it's all local in Houston, TX! The owners and managers at Global Shop are among the best I've ever encountered too!
Cons
Well, for all of it's pro's the one con I can say is the first thing that always comes to mind is the annual cost to maintain it.. it's a little expensive.
Great ERP software
I have been a Global Shop user/administrator at our company for almost 10 years. The software is easily navigated and has some powerful tools. We find that the accounting side has all the details you would ever need. Job costing is very thorough and easily extracted.
Pros
Great detail. Great reports.
Cons
There are several ways to get to the same information. Make sure you choose the path that works best for your needs and stick with it.
Software To Grow With You
The ability to customize Global Shop is key, since it allows an organization to find and maintain its' processes without trying to fit into a pre-defined mold. The support team is knowledgeable in their product, and willing to get to the bottom of every issue.
Pros
customizable, relatively easy to report out of once you know where to look
Cons
Pricing model
An improvment from what we had before
Pros
inventory/BOM tracking of inventory and needed item is helpful and works well. I helped look a lot of systems when we bought this one, seems like most bag for the buck for what we needed.
Cons
quality package is weak, does not track or report well and does not track cost of scrap the way we would like without splitting jobs. Report do not pick or filter out trends well.
Customer Service has always been Great, all questions get answered quickly. As time has progressed, the global system is extremely slow
Pros
Supply and Demand with Edit is great. Makes navigation painless and easy as far as the manufacturing side. Customer Service is outstanding.
Cons
I am not sure if it is the added features or maybe added seats, but some days the system is so slow it is frustrating to use. If we had the option to turn off the features that slow it down that would be great
We have been a loyal Gloabl Shop user since 2003.
Pros
Great customer service and technical support. Here is a recent comment from one of our managers sent to the President of GSS;
This morning at 6:00AM I got a call from our production control person that no one could log into Global Shop. I called your 800 number expecting to get a recording but to my surprise a very cordial lady answered on the first or second ring. She took my contact information and the basics of our issue and said a service tech will be calling. “Okay….” I think, but when? Within a few minutes your service tech calls me back. By that time I had my laptop fired up and had a remote session to my office opened. He started a Fast Support session, logged onto our server and within a few minutes had the problem resolved and we were back in business. Nice!!! Nice from start to finish!
So tell your overnight call service what a great job they did. And thanks to you and to the GSS team. This is one of the many reasons I do business with Global Shop Solutions.
Cons
I'm a GSS believer! .
Global Shop
When I first started working at Profab the ERP system that they had was horrible to use, and there was no check and balances before posting things to the system. Being an accountant, that's the one thing i like is that i am able to check things over before its just submitted for payment or invoicing.
Pros
easy access to being able to locate things in multiple areas.
Cons
Not having the capabilities export some reports
RK Mechanical customer since 2008
I implemented Global Shop at a previous employer (Custom Window Co) and have been system admin. at 2 companies. Have been using GS for 10 years and love it especially GAB and your customer service.
Pros
GAB and customer service
Cons
some areas have bugs that continue through updates, some process could be more efficient.
GSS has been a good fit for us by providing a fully developed, all-in-one business resource, from a software provider that acts more as a partner than a vendor.