Mike,
I've been using JDE - One World (character based "green screen") version for 6+ years. It's certainly not what I wanted, but like you it was purchased by IT for the accounting functionality. I must admit it does this...bean counting... really well....although it does lack in many other ways. I believe the newer versions (windows) are much better.

I agree that setup and consistency are crucial. Our problem is that Stores does not opening accept input from Maintenance, Engineering, or Reliability. Quite frankly the individual who setup the naming convention for stores/purchasing doesn't have a clue....and worst yet he did it....and continues ...to do it completely on his own. As a result we, the users, have great difficulty locating parts and most often the only way to find them is to search the shelves. Interstingly enough the stores clerks don't even use the system they do as we do...search the shelves! They only record what was taken after they locate the item and then get the part number off the box. Amazingly, while at stores one day I asked the individual (who,s setup the system) to locate a part for me. Well you can guess what he did.....headed for the shelves to search....now that's confidence in your system. Generally he identifies the item by whatever he's thinking about that particular day. Mamy times he'll use several different descriptors usually asssociating the part with where it's used.....kind of like a suedo BOM. Anyway enough whining.......and thanks for listening.

If's there's anything I can do to help or if you have questions about JDE I may be able to help or at least direct you to an expert consultant who can.