I get thrown into the deep end with manufacturing systems, without a clue about item masters or bills of material. But within two years, I led the implementation of Smith's first MRP system.
Another great post, Frank. COPICS! Very interesting. I came into the ERP world a little later than you did - I was recruited by a bunch of ex-IBMers in 1983 to sell MAPICS enhancements. Crazy acronyms and we're still using them! Began my APICS classes to learn more about our customers and speak their language during my consultative sales calls. They always included a plant tour - fascinating!
So many career parallels. My first job was in ERP (well MRP II - 1992) software - at first I was completely lost with all the manufacturing lingo - I also took the route of APICS certification (I didn't do Fellow) to give me more clarity on company vocabulary vs. industry vocabulary. I believe that helped build the foundation of the mental model I use for quickly getting oriented in new companies, technologies and industries. I love the hiring story - as we move to AI being the first line screener I think we have expanded this challenge for young people today to be identified for potential.
Meg, thanks again for the feedback. I had no idea you had a background in MRP systems. So much we don’t know about people we think we know.
My hiring story really got nuanced when I recently got that feedback from my hiring manager of 45 years ago who still could recount all those details. Wow!
Yes, and in those days, as you know, every manufacturing systems acronym ended in PICS. Today, not so much. Ha!
Another great post, Frank. COPICS! Very interesting. I came into the ERP world a little later than you did - I was recruited by a bunch of ex-IBMers in 1983 to sell MAPICS enhancements. Crazy acronyms and we're still using them! Began my APICS classes to learn more about our customers and speak their language during my consultative sales calls. They always included a plant tour - fascinating!
So many career parallels. My first job was in ERP (well MRP II - 1992) software - at first I was completely lost with all the manufacturing lingo - I also took the route of APICS certification (I didn't do Fellow) to give me more clarity on company vocabulary vs. industry vocabulary. I believe that helped build the foundation of the mental model I use for quickly getting oriented in new companies, technologies and industries. I love the hiring story - as we move to AI being the first line screener I think we have expanded this challenge for young people today to be identified for potential.
Meg, thanks again for the feedback. I had no idea you had a background in MRP systems. So much we don’t know about people we think we know.
My hiring story really got nuanced when I recently got that feedback from my hiring manager of 45 years ago who still could recount all those details. Wow!
Very interesting Frank! I, too, learned a lot working at Smith Tool! Different lessons than you, but useful ones.