- He has an own Intranet e-mail System and/or through Internet. This e-mail System differs from traditional ones because he could be integrated automatically with Notes database. For example, he can be programmed to send an e-mail to other operator, if - a condition - field "m" of database reach value of "x". Or any input/output field of any mathematical model.

- It allows to create sophisticated electronic Forms, to be used by its Workflow. The whole operational flow of a company - besides at national or world levels - can be executed through this electronic Forms - freely created and scheduled - which can also be integrated in e-mail System.

- The whole management approvals flow can be programmed through Notes Workflow.

- Its Agents automatically can detect operational conditions in order to generate corresponding actions. By corresponding actions understand any administrative or managerial functions in Real-Time, DAS or DDC or both.

- He has its own methods to acquire data and/or information from Back-End Transational System using any ODBC System and also it's possible to use several Add-Ons softwares for that purpose. Evidently if Notes will be used as a Font-End System above Transational System of company, he obligatorily should have means to acquire/send data from/to Transational System, in Real-Time or not.

- He has its Script Language, for general programming of its commands, its functions, etc.

- He has a hierarchical Password System for controlled accesses to its Views, Forms, Agents, etc.

- Through its Views can transform original data of Transational System into high level information.

- Its Views are totally programmable - its columns are similar to used un spreadsheets - and they can be scheduled to have relationships with any other Views.

- Its Views are very similar to Visual Basic Views - as a matter of fact already exists Add-Ons for interconnection between Notes and Visual Basic.

- Its Views allows you to integrate in a column any mathematical functions or logical combinations as AND, OR, equality, larger than, smaller than, etc., and several other functions.

However is possible to use any System with same capabilities of Notes - specially with ODBC, Replication, Views and integrated e-mail - as a fully programmable ERP System.

In this first article we mentioned some capabilities to be used in a Front-End and in next we will explain how to do your ERP Front-End.

About the Author:

J.C.Melo is a 73-years old IT professional with 54 years of experience in computer & technology entrepreneurship. He was the owner of the first minicomputer factory in South America and Consultant for the U.S. Government in several contracts. Now is the CEO of http://mba-open-university.net and http://erp-enterprise-resources-planning-courses.us

Third, and most importantly, one can expect this perspective to promote a corporate culture of mediocrity rather than an attitude of excellence. If employees are told that they should only strive for what's "good enough," then that's precisely what they'll deliver-not just to customer, but to employer as well! A mediocre attitude will result in mediocre products, which ultimately benefits nobody.

That is why I maintain that "good enough" just isn't good enough. People need to take pride in their work, and companies need to strive for excellence. Companies do have limited resources, to be sure. Still, that should not stop them from seeking to delight their customers, or from producing work that they can brag about. To put it another way, a company may not be able to deliver moon, but it should always reach for stars.