Why choose FabTrol?
Discover the benefits and advantages of our market-leading MRP software for steel fabrication companies

Customer comments
Hear what our customers have to say about our software and services

Is your shop error-free?
Learn the keys to help your fabrication shop eliminate costly errors

Watch testimonial video
Learn how FabTrol MRP benefits steel fabricators

Home » FabTrol MRP » System recommendations

System recommendations for FabTrol MRP

Advancements in hardware and software tend to follow a leapfrog pattern. Established software versions typically will run on any computer in sight. New releases tend to push the envelope a bit. They deliver better performance, but require more firepower than some of the slower machines still in use can deliver.

Aiming for the entry level

Here at FabTrol Systems, we use an entry-level standard. That is to say, we intend for new generations of our software to run satisfactorily on the entry-level PC available at the time of release. If you spend $600 to $800 at a local computer store (or with an online retailer such as Dell), the workstation you get should run our latest release nicely.

In the real world, of course, companies keep computers in use long after they have slipped behind the minimum standard for new models. To assist in assessing your needs, then, here is what we recommend for running FabTrol MRP.

Technical specifications

• True client/server architecture
• Developed for 32-bit operation using Microsoft Visual FoxPro
• Optional support for Microsoft SQL Server 2000, 2005, and 2008 for sophisticated database management (SQL Server 2008 is only supported in FabTrol MRP Version 3.0 and later)
• Designed for local area network (LAN) use, with all workstations mapping to a central executable on the server

Remote access. Although FabTrol MRP is designed for LAN use, a number of our clients currently offer wide area network (WAN) access, too, using Citrix MetaFrame® or other platforms. To discuss the possibilities for WAN access, please contact FabTrol Technical Support at (541) 345-1494 or support@fabtrol.com.

Network recommendations

The technical requirements for a server running FabTrol MRP are dependent largely on the aggregate demands placed on your network. This should be determined with the assistance of a certified network technician or systems engineer. In general, though, we recommend 100Base-T or faster LANs, switched to the desktop.

Supported NOSs. FabTrol MRP is designed, tested, and fully supported for the following network operating systems (NOSs) running the latest service packs:

For client/server networks:

• Microsoft Windows Server™ 2008
• Microsoft Windows Server™ 2005
• Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003
• Microsoft Windows® 2000 Server

For peer-to-peer networks:

• Microsoft Windows® Vista
• Microsoft Windows® XP Professional
• Microsoft Windows® 2000 Professional

Other NOSs. For customers using other NOSs, such as Novell NetWare® or Linux, we will provide all reasonable technical support to identify and resolve errors related to our software. Since we do not test our software on these products, however, this introduces an unknown variable in the troubleshooting process, and it is possible that issues will arise that we cannot resolve. If you choose to run our software on an unsupported NOS, the ultimate responsibility for problems related to your network is yours.

Workstation recommendations

For network workstations, we recommend the following. Any computer that meets these standards should be able to run FabTrol MRP satisfactorily, either as a network workstation or a standalone installation.

• Dual core processor, 1.6 GHz per core or higher
• 1 GB or more of RAM
  (Software performance is affected by many factors beyond processor speed and memory. Network speed and traffic, data set size, and other variables can have substantial effects. Thus, many PCs below these minimum recommendations are capable of running FabTrol MRP. However, you may find that some functions are unacceptably slow for everyday use.)
• 1 GB or more of free hard disk space (120 MB for the program files, additional space for project data)
• Microsoft Windows® XP or higher operating system
• Display monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution
• CD-ROM or DVD drive (or access to one through network mapping)

Questions?

If you have questions or need clarification about these requirements, please contact FabTrol Technical Support at (541) 345-1494 or support@fabtrol.com.

FabTrol Systems | Software for Steel Fabricators Since 1984
1025 Willamette Street, Suite 300, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
(888) FABTROL | Support: (541) 345-1494 | info@fabtrol.com

©2010 FabTrol Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Request information »

Site map »

View product info in French »

FabTrol Systems, Inc.
1025 Willamette, Suite 300
Eugene, OR 97401
Sales: (888) FABTROL
Support: (541) 345-1494
E-mail: info@fabtrol.com