During each ERP implementation period, the extent of customizations and integrations can be indefinite. Regardless of the implementation methodologies, the scheduling, and the blueprints, the truth is that Clients expect the new system to fit like a glove and to do everything. The Works!
Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Software Evolution
Setting the Scene
Originally, the term Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Software (COTS) was used to refer to IT infrastructure applications such as operating systems and databases that allowed for a minimum to no customizations, installed and executed Out-of-the-Box.
The Middleware
At the beginning of the Digital Transformation era, around early 2000, and in order to effectively digitalize business-specific processes, ERP software vendors introduced a new multi-tier (n-tier) Software architecture and the idea of Middleware.
Middleware is a new Layer sitting between the database and the User interface (hence the middleware term) where IT professionals (business consultants) could configure (and in some cases customize) the new ERP system to each Client’s requirements … to fit like a glove!
Middleware allowed system admins to manage users/roles and access rights, forms design and looks, setup workflows, customize templates and extensive parameterization in order to achieve: localization.
The whole implementation process was time intensive requiring several hundreds if not thousands of man-days of implementation, testing and training.
SaaS
With the arrival of the cloud-based, subscription model, the Software was sold as a Service (SaaS). Consequently, Software Vendors steered their offering from COTS with Middleware to a less “versatile” software architecture trading in extensive customizations with short time-to-market and effective operations.
SaaS vertical (purpose-specific) apps like ERP, SCM, HR and CRM run Out-Of-The-Cloud, on-demand (to use the IBM tagline). Main software vendors were selling Out-of-the-Box (Out-of-Cloud) apps as COTS highlighting the OPEX against the old CAPEX selling models and the versatility of operating from any device, anywhere.
From COTS to SaaS
As in most cases in software evolution, technology and system architecture looped 360 degrees starting from:
COTS → COTS + Middleware → SaaS → COTS
DANAOS MOTS, the Modifiable Off-The-Shelf Software Approach
MOTS is based on the concept of successfully orchestrating a set of purpose-specific applications that are established on an Industry-Specific Platform.
A Platform that serves as the bedrock of the Digital Transformation Process where the digitization of business operations can be achieved fast (faster than any other generic ERP) by configuring, customizing, and integrating these purpose-specific applications on the same Platform. This micro-app architecture provides unparalleled versatility and agility when compared with the older monolithic concept.
Similarly to real-life operations where processes and procedures intervene with each other, a MOTS Platform allows for digital mapping of these processes and the interactions/transactions between users and data.
The key of success relies in the Corellation between the Indsutry specialization and the Platform. Otherwise you are back to square one. Back to the old-fashioned COTS implementation.
Towards the Digital Transformation journey, DANAOS has appropriately identified that successful enterprise-grade Suites (Assets Management for Maritime — Shipping, ERP for Construction) rely on an industry-specific MOT Platform: DANAOS WEB FRAMEWORK.
DANAOS web-enabled software solutions bundled with professional Services encompass the full spectrum of the shipping and construction industry processes, addressing all daily challenges, either as stand-alone Applications or as scalable, agile, secure, and fully integrated Suites of Modules, accessed from everywhere, anytime.
All modules of each Suite (Financial/Commercial/Ship Management) have been designed under the same concept and they offer the same user interface.
Modules process information from one department to another, if that is required. The linkage between the modules can be progressive to support the initial stages. This structure offers DANAOS’s Clients the potential to activate the system progressively, according to its requirements.
Information is shared seamlessly through the departments and authorized users; supporting digital capture and distribution of corporate knowledge, corporate reporting, business analytics, performance monitoring (Key Performance Indicators), and process optimization.
DANAOS WEB PLATFORM is an engine (a tool) that maps and aligns each Client’s digital corporate strategy to the expected outcome from the apps. The linkage between the software apps/modules can be progressive, escalating from initial to advanced stages, involving more users and processes progressively.
For more information please contact:
