There are many ERP manufacturing software systems that are primarily focused on providing the high level financial reporting that ensures management level popularity. In many cases, however, they cannot demonstrate the adaptability and shop floor functionality that enables them to serve engineering, material control, production control, and shop floor needs with equal fluency. The manufacturing software industry is awash with stories of efficient manufacturing units that have had to make unnecessary major changes to their operations simply to accommodate the reporting requirements of ERP manufacturing software systems. Under these circumstances, it is no wonder that management level enthusiasm is not shared by engineering and manufacturing personnel; to them it simply means a great deal of extra work for very little direct benefit. What is more, if management level reporting does not adequately reflect the real status of engineer to order manufacturing and engineering operations, their ultimate value must be in some doubt.