PARTS AND PARTS SUPPLIERS FAQ'S
Can LoMaS translate from OEM stamping part number to Tier-1 and Tier-2 unique stamped parts numbers?	Yes.  LoMaS provides a cross reference of all part id numbers across the supply chain.
Can the Part Database module be operated without the Ordering Module?	Yes.
Does LoMaS log changes to part data?	Yes, LoMaS automatically captures all changes to part, as well as. order data.  Each logged entry is date/time stamped, and lists User ID of person making the change.
Does LoMaS accommodate multiple steel suppliers?	Yes.  Different steel suppliers can be specified for individual parts.
Does the system prevent one part supplier from seeing another part supplier's data?	Yes, LoMaS is constructed such that one supplier can only see their own data.  This is of paramount importance.  Only the OEM can see all data from all suppliers.
How many part suppliers can the system manage?	The system is able to accommodate an unlimited number of parts suppliers.
Who is responsible for entering part data?	The Tier-1 part supplier is responsible for all part data.  The OEM provides basic part identification information, as well as new part adds or deletes from the system.
What happens if a part supplier does not enter data when they are supposed to?	There are a series of on-screen and email alerts to notify concerned parties.  There is also a series of escalated email communications to higher-level management(s) should pre-determined time periods for data entry be exceeded.
GENERAL FAQ'S
Can the system handle multiple OEM plants?	Yes.  LoMaS can handle a multi-plant OEM operation.
Can LoMaS handle supply chains with multiple tiers?	Yes.  LoMaS provides a flexible interface to allow Tier-2 suppliers to enter orders for steel.  Note that Tier-1 suppliers are responsible for entering all part data, and they can grant "view capability" and "order capability" for specific part data to Tier-2 suppliers.
Can the system monitor when a processor's usage is significantly different from expectations?	Yes.  There are a number of tracking and monitoring reports that allow OEMs to analyze supply/demand usage patterns.
What are the part suppliers' reactions to this system?	Most parts suppliers have seen the usefulness of the system and have benefited form having all resale program data in one, easy to access location.  Part information is readily available, and data is shared with all relevant participants in the supply chain.
Does the Resale Program track inventory levels at each location?	Inventories are not tracked in the Resale Program module at this time.  Many suppliers maintain their own MRP systems for this purpose.
ORDER PLANNING
How does LoMaS group parts for ordering purposes; i.e. order aggregation?	LoMaS can aggregate orders based upon  single part identification, or it can aggregate part material shipments based on a common blank or a common coil.
Does LoMaS provide coil-specific information for material shipments?	Yes.  LoMaS receives detailed coil information on all shipments to parts suppliers.  LoMaS also includes Mill Certification data for each coil, if available.
EDI FAQ'S
Does LoMaS handle orders electronically?	Yes, LoMaS accepts orders manually entered via a web interface, as well as electronically via EDI messaging.
How does the system know what material was shipped to a parts supplier?	LoMaS sends electronic orders to steel suppliers, and receives shipment information back.
What if a processor is not EDI proficient?	LoMaS provides a web-based interface for ordering material.  Users can log into the LoMaS website and manually enter orders.