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1. What kind of computer do I need?   You need a Pentium or better with 16MB RAM and 100MB Free Disk Space.
2. What kind of Network is supported? The supported networks are Novell and Windows NT.
3. How is the system priced? The system is priced by the number of concurrent users, which are users in a multi-user system accessing FIX at the same time.  The higher the number of concurrent user, the higher the price.
4. Can the system be customized? Yes, the system can be customized.  Users can create their own queries and reports.  These selections can be added to the system menu and look like a regular part of the system.
5. Is there a 1-800 number for support? Yes, we have a 1-800 number - 1-800-661-2978.
6. Do you charge for travel time and related costs? Yes, we charge for travel time and related costs.  However, since 1978 we have never had to go onsite to correct a downed site.  The only charges have been for training.
7. How many employees provide help-desk support? There are 3 employees that provide help-desk support.
8. What is the associated cost for Help Desk support?The associated cost for help desk support is 15% of the purchase price of the product per year.  The first year is mandatory.  Following years are optional.
9. What percentage of sales is for FIXProIII purchasing software? The percentage of sales for FIXProIII purchasing software is better than 50%.  85% of all sales are multi-user systems with 10 or more concurrent users.
10. Are references available? Yes, references are available upon request.
11. How often do you issue a new software release? We issue a new software release approximately once yearly.
12. What type of training and how much training is included in the price of the product?  Training is available, but not included in the price.
13. If we already have a database, can it be converted? Yes, Ironwood will provide conversion routines to enable you to convert existing databases.

1. During line item entry of existing backorders, will the FIX system advise of this process? Yes, the system will advise you of existing backorders during line item entry.
2. Are we able to obtain information from all backorders for a specific account without looking up each order? Yes, you are able to obtain information from all backorders for a   specific account without looking up each order.
3. Is the inventory updated as an order is placed? Yes, inventory is updated as an order is placed.
4. Is there a place to indicate how the order is to be shipped (RPS, UPS, etc.)? Yes, there is a place to indicate how an order is to be shipped.
5. Does the pick list print special orders before regular orders? Yes, by using the pick list options menu, many runs of pick lists can be produced to generate any order.
6. While using One-Step Invoicing/Close PO, the cost (such as TAX (TX) and Materials (MA)), on PO is not "broken down" - Why?  If an estimated price was not entered during Purchase Order Entry, the cost on the invoice will not be calculated when closing the Purchase Order.
7. Can our existing company information be imported into FIX?  Yes.   Customers can connect to FIX through a built-in Import from Spreadsheet routine.   Templates are provided to customers to aid in the process.
8. What kind of information can be imported into FIX?  Purchase Orders, Locations (Cost Centers), Items (Forms, etc.) and History information can be imported into FIX.  The same information can also be exported.
9. Is it possible to review copies of the manuals prior to the actual sale? Yes, there are manuals available prior to purchasing the software.
10. What is the largest volume of daily transactions your system processes at the largest customer site? 260,000 shipments/year with 9 workstations... this number is always growing larger.
11. How does FIX handle recovery at the PC if your application crashes or needs to be restored? If the PC is simply a workstation - logout, then login.  If the PC is the server and the server was not brought down intentionally (ie: Power Failure), then restore the previous night's backup and roll forward with the current transactions.
12. Are backup/restore/recovery procedures part of the FIX package? Yes, in fact,  the FIX technical coordinator training program includes recovery exercises.
13. As new enhancements are made by Ironwood in new releases, are these changes included or is there an additional cost? Our service agreement is 15% of the purchase price of the software, this includes all Ironwood enhancements for your upgrades.
14. Do you have a user's group?  Do they discuss product direction or have annual meetings? Ironwood is currently part of BFMA which holds annual conferences.   The internet is being approached as a better means to provide product direction communication.
15. Can FIX be used with our current shipping system?  Yes, the system can be used with shipping software.
16. Can the system display warnings when stock levels are low?  Yes, during the Requisition/Order Entry process, preferences can be established to advise the user of an item's current stock level.

1. Is the product delivered with the source code to which we will own the rights and change if needed? No, the product is not delivered with the source code.   however, an ESCROW agreement is included with every customer that has a service agreement.
2. Is the product capable of running on a Novell Token Ring LAN environment as a client-server product? Yes.  FIXProII/III act as a server for the FIX Catalog product.  This way the server provides the hosted data and the client does the processing locally, only polling the server for the most recently changed data.
3. What is the base code language in which the product is developed? The base language for FIX is Sterling's Answer:Zim.  This language has embedded SQL statements and is an extension to include full CASE tool development and version control of the Object-Oriented environment.
4. Are there built-in Security levels for read and write access that can be controlled by a designated administrator? Yes, there are built-in, controllable security levels for read/write access.  The menus control access to all selections by both user level and password.  Each user is added with a user level which can restrict or enhance the individual's capabilities.
5. Does the FIX product have well-designed exit routines with appropriate messaging? Yes, FIX has well-designed exit routines.  For example, when there is an application or system error, the screen will display and log the message.   This message describes the cause and possible resolution.  The log is local and on the main system indicating the userid, date and time
6. Does the FIX Product have online help functionality? Yes, FIX has an online help facility.  We continually update reference material.