Structure and Constitution

The MFG/PRO User Group in the UK is an active and growing group of MFG/PRO user companies, including both IT professionals and MFG/PRO users.

1. Quotes from the Distributors

"Minerva recognises the importance in the existence of an independent MFG/PRO User Group in the U.K., in that it provides front-line feedback on the products and services we supply and allows us to measure our performance against competitors and in the IT market generally. It ensures that against the backdrop of our tremendous success story we do not become complacent and informs us of the current and future needs of our Customer base. Minerva is committed to supporting the User Group and welcomes all opportunities to being involved in this growing community of IT professionals."
Peter Roost, Managing Director, Minerva International Holdings, April 1998

"Having been one of the original drivers behind the formation of the U.K. User Group, it is particularly pleasing for me to read of it's continuing success and strong growth. BDM Largotim is fully committed to continuing its ongoing support to the User Group. We receive valuable input from the User Group and its members, covering many aspects including product functionality needs, service level requirements, and market demands. To advance the Group to communicate internationally is most rewarding for all concerned. I wish the Group a successful and enjoyable future."
David Redwood, President, BDM Largotim, April 1998

2. Benefits of Membership

• Networking with other users
  The User Group provides the opportunity to contact other users of MFG/PRO software, and related products, to get first hand practical experiences. Vertical Interest Groups have been established to enable Users with similar interests to share experiences.
  
• Members database
  The User Group has built up a central database of user's information to enable similar size, or types, of member to swap information and learn from each other.
  
• Annual General Meeting
  There is an Annual General Meeting each year in May/June to elect the Executive Committee and discuss the progress and future direction of the User Group.
  
• Workshop events
  Learn from other users at the three or four Workshop sessions run each year by users for users, on topics chosen by users.
  
• QAD interface
  Hear direct input from QAD on future direction and topics of interest. Past events have included presentations from Pam Lopker, President QAD Inc., Jim Kikley, Chief technical Officer QAD Inc., Wim Hanen, Customer Services Manager, QAD Europe, Jake Meffley, Industry Analyst, QAD Inc. R & D and Nejdet Pamuk, QAD Europe on EMU and Year 2000.
  
• Supplier events
  Events that focus on particular products from suppliers of MFG/PRO related software.
  
• Executive Committee
  Become actively involved in shaping the future of the User Group by joining the Executive Committee.
  
• Newsgroup
  Join the Newsgroup to interchange ideas and get feedback to your questions on using MFG/PRO and related software from other users.
  
• MFG/PRO feedback
  Discuss feedback to QAD and Distributors on enhancements, links and developments to MFG/PRO software.

3. User Group Constitution
(as amended May 1999)

NAME
The name of the Association shall be MFG/PRO User Group UK.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. To facilitate the exchange of information between and to represent users of MFG/PRO and related software.
2. To provide a means by which the interests and opinions of the Members can be presented to QAD and its distributors.
3. To remain a totally independent and non-profit making body.
4. To recommend and promote the preferred order for inclusion of enhancements, links to other systems and further development of MFG/PRO with QAD or its distributors.
5. To actively encourage Membership of the association throughout all users of MFG/PRO.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Any person, firm, company or organisation that uses MFG/PRO software in the running of their business may apply for Membership of the Association. Vendors of MFG/PRO and related software are not eligible for Membership.
2. No person, firm, company or organisation shall be admitted as a Member of the Association unless he/she is approved by the Executive Committee.
3. Applications for Membership should be submitted to the Secretary of the Association.
4. A Member may at any time withdraw from the Association by giving at least 14 days notice to the Association. No fees will be refunded.
5. A Member may appoint a proxy vote on their behalf at a general meeting of the Association.
6. A list of current Members will be issued at the AGM.

FINANCE

1. The Executive Committee is responsible for the management of all financial affairs of the Association.
2. The Executive Committee shall levy an annual subscription to be paid by the Members within 30 days of the renewal date, being the 1st April each year.
3. Personal expenses of any Committee Member, or any other Member of the Association, can be reimbursed by the Association if incurred specifically on behalf of the Association outside of any normal Executive Committee meeting or General meeting/Conference of the Association. Such expenditure must be agreed in advance by the Executive Committee.
4. The signatories for Association cheques will be any two from four nominated Executive Committee Officers.
5. In the event of dissolution of the Association, assets will be passed to charity.
6. If the Executive Committee consider it necessary the Association will take out libel insurance in line with its status.
7. For the purpose of public liability insurance the activities of the Association are deemed to be limited to Committee meetings, Group meetings, Conferences, Exhibitions, Special interest groups, or Sub groups.
8. Proper records of accounts shall be maintained by the Treasurer and certified by an independent qualified accountant.

ORGANISATION

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of four officers being Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and a minimum of six elected Committee Members.
2. The Association shall be controlled by the Executive Committee consisting of a minimum of five Members. No one Member organisation may have a majority of Executive Committee Members.
3. The Executive Committee will be elected annually at the AGM.
4. All elected Members of the Executive Committee may serve for successive terms but require to be re-elected after three years.
5. If a place on the Executive Committee becomes vacant, the Executive Committee may co-opt a replacement to serve until the next AGM of the Association.
6. A quorum for the Executive Committee meeting is five of which two have to be Officers.

MEETINGS

1. An Annual General Meeting shall be held no later than six months after 31st March, which is the financial year end. The time and location of the AGM to be decided by the Executive Committee.
2. The notice period for an AGM or an Extraordinary General Meeting will be 21 days.
3. An EGM may be called by any 5 Members upon written application to the Secretary. Special Resolutions can only be passed at an AGM or an EGM.
4. Members must be fully paid up to qualify to vote at any meeting of the Association. A quorum for a general meeting shall be 10% of the fully paid up Membership.
5. At a General Meeting, the Association may pass a special resolution to dissolve itself, providing that the special resolution appeared in the notice convening the GM.
6. A vote is carried by a simple majority and is binding an all Members of the Association.
7. In the event of a vote being split the acting Chairman will declare the motion lost.

CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION

1. Proposed amendments to the constitution must be submitted in writing to the Secretary. Such amendments shall be included in the notice of a General Meeting.

About UK User Group