Configuring a multi-user environment

This topic covers the general aspects of setting up M3 SWB as a stand-alone system, for example, there is no data exchange between M3 SWB and an ERP system. This topic provides no detailed information, only rough guidelines are offered.

Though M3 SWB can be run with a single workstation, it is usually configured to run with several users simultaneously. Each user station is set up to run interactive simulations (usually a workstation with the production planner or project responsible individual) or to function as a read-only location. The read-only workstation receives information from the server about the main production plan, but no data can be altered or specified.

You can decide along with your client company which and how many workstations must be configured to allow full or partial access to the main database. If you have data common to all users this can be placed on a server and accessed individually through the local network (LAN).

To define the set up of the user environment, use the environment variables found in the Startup Command File. These variables can specify the particular data path that will reflect the user environment you and your client have decided upon. (Refer to the Startup Command File and The Online Installation Manual for further information on this topic.)

You have the option to place index files (associated with each M3 SWB data file) together with the actual data files on different drives, on local disks as user-unique files, or on the server in the Local Area Network (LAN) as shared files.

Several planners can work with the same M3 SWB database in a client-server environment. By using the environment variables in the Startup Command File every workstation can be identified by a Planner Area Code and User ID. You can easily establish write-access to the database, but the system will only allow one individual write-access at a time. Other users must wait until the active user has logged off before they can specify and make changes to the database.