RE: Accounting Vendors -- MIDRANGE-L

It all comes down to a cost-benefit analysis. Like it or not, from an
ergonomic point of view, the 5250 data stream protocol is much more
efficient than Windows + HTML, aside from being more suited to rapid data
entry. Easier to just hit Field Exit than to click on another field with the
mouse (both hands stay on the keyboard). 

RFID, bar codes, and OCR are not suited to all forms of data entry. Are we
going to RFID-tag small parts, such as nuts and bolts? Barcode them? 

Computers cannot duplicate the recognition logic of human mind in many (if
not most) cases, and if they do, there is a cost to that which has to be
factored in.

Francis Lapeyre
IS Dept. Programmer/Analyst
Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
E-mail: flapeyre@xxxxxxxx 


-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Trevor Perry
Sent: Friday, December 2, 2005 11:59 AM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion
Subject: Re: Accounting Vendors

In the 21st century, why do companies have business processes that still use
data entry? I am so confused about our propensity to keep doing things the
same old way, simply because of familiarity or resistance to change.

Some thoughts:
1) There are so many new ways to collect data that are so much more
efficient and faster than green screen can ever be - from automating
processes using smart clients, to bar-codes, RFID, scanning and OCR, etc. 
etc.. When we can save money with better computing processes, why would we
encourage old processes to continue. Isn't this the business we are in -
utilizing technology in the BEST way?

2) Why would anyone buy a NEW application with a green screen data entry
function? Seems like buying a car with a hand crankstart.

3) And, is there really a need to compare application software to ensure it
has "green screen data entry" if a small percentage of the actual processes
and screens are data entry? Why would you decide an entire suite based on
one or two programs?

4) HTML is thin and poor in function, and is easily confused by graphics,
etc. However, it can be easily tweaked (thinned further) to enter data in a
fast manner. Should everyone else review green screen application software
for their business just because you have not seen it yet?.

Trevor


----- Original Message -----
From: <Ron-Zimmerman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Accounting Vendors


> This example is exactly why you should be looking for a solution that
> provides both GUI/browser and green screen.  Even though many keep saying
> that green screen is old/legacy/whatever, there are still very good
> reasons for using green screen in certain circumstances (data entry being
> one of them).  I have yet to see a browser based data entry screen that is
> more efficient than the equivalent green screen.  I'm not saying it can't
> be done, I'm just saying that nobody has yet demonstrated one to me that
> really works as well as green screen.
>
> Thank you,
> Ronald L. Zimmerman