I am not trying to stir up the issues between which is good better or best again, but would like to know opinions of persons that made a move.

My primary question is wouldnt the biggest con for "not" switching be the extraction of the database. From what I understand you would have to start over

Mike

Yes, when u switch over from one system to another, you need to re-create the entire databases that you have already created. Now the manufacturers are not allowing us to convert from one database form to another. So we lose trend and all the other information. If you have less data only, then some systems are having manual data entry by which we can input the overall values manually...but still it is a tedious job..

Hi Mike H,

In MHO you are correct in saying that this is the biggest con. I have seen several conversions from one 3 letter data to another and conclude that it is MUCH better to run both systems side by side and set up in new soft from scratch, (you will learn what you need to about the setup in new then, not wonder later - and spend heaps of time rearranging, checking and fixing) rather than converting (someone correct me if I am wrong but I think commtest charge for converting service if they can (db structure AND spectral / waveform data) - and so do others)the reason is it takes considerable time and some cost is reasonable.

Once converted you will face unravelling wrongs of the past (in db's that often date back 10 - 15 yrs, what was good then may not be best now) and how does Peakvue "convert" in another system?, similarly how does Enveloping "convert" to another system, let alone, how does triax approach convert to a simpler (and arguably better) system. Different options for settings etc. etc. etc.

If you are going to change - and I would think about that very... very..........very.. carefully (don't just look at upfront cost or maint costs) - take the opportunity to learn from the past and set up much better (if that is possible in what you are moving to - big IF).

If you decide yes (decicsion most likely related to annual fees, or rather 5 yrs free) - run the systems side by side for 6 months and switch.

You should be able to extract all interesting faults in a single condensed database, and even hang on to your last version software should that be needed to refer to old fault examples. Or better still, create you "fault database" and only convert that! bound to cost less.

Regards

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Vibe-Rater,

SKVN and Vibe-Rater

Thank you for your responses. I cant blame any company for not following structure where conversion/extraction would be easy. I just wanted to know if I was thinking correctly.

Mike