New Features Include CRM Capabilities to Manage Customer Demands Quickly and Cost-Effectively
Indianapolis, IN (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 5, 2009 -- Consona Corporation, a worldwide leader in providing customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and services, today announced the general availability of Made2Manage ERP Version 6.0 for discrete manufacturers. Version 6.0, the most robust release in Made2Manage history in terms of functionality additions and enhancements, includes fully-integrated CRM capabilities and a new material planning and scheduling capability.
Today's manufacturers require a flexible, reliable system to manage deliveries, production, inventory and costs, while meeting customer demands quickly. By integrating CRM capabilities with ERP technologies, Version 6.0 provides manufacturers the ability to respond rapidly and cost-effectively to every customer demand based on well-designed, quality software and an award-winning service team.
Scott Malia, general manager of Consona ERP, emphasized the importance of integrating CRM with Made2Manage's core ERP technology. "Customer service is not an option," said Malia. "We feel so strongly about this new capability that we are including it as part of the base system. Every Made2Manage user will have access to it for both servicing current customers and selling new business."
Version 6.0's CRM capabilities enable every user to respond to customer expectations with access to current sales, service and business information. It includes contact, activity, and opportunity management with Outlook integration. The integrated activity management allows the user to assign tasks associated with sales orders, quotes, and customer returns, while tracking them with to-do lists.
Additionally, Version 6.0 includes a new planning engine with significantly expanded analysis capabilities and performance improvements up to 1,000 percent. This new feature is ideal for mixed-mode manufacturers that require a wide range of planning and management tools based on their customer needs.
With both product and process improvements, Version 6.0 includes a number of enhancements based on customer direction and feedback. "This is a natural extension of our customer-driven development process," said Frank O'Nell, vice president of product management for Consona ERP. "Our customers participate in online feature teams, providing design expertise during the development process. Now, we're extending access to Version 6.0 to all our customers so they can accelerate their upgrade."
About Consona Corporation and Made2Manage ERP
Consona Corporation (Consona, formerly known as M2M Holdings, Inc.) is a worldwide leader in providing customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and services for companies of all sizes. The Consona ERP business unit includes two leading products that enable over 2,500 customers to continuously improve their business processes. Made2Manage ERP is a quality-infused, comprehensive software application that helps manufacturers with mixed-mode production processes integrate every aspect of their business around a single, enterprise-wide system. Made2Manage ERP offers functionality that meets the unique market specifications of more than 30 manufacturing industries, including industrial and commercial machinery, rubber and plastics, electronics, transportation equipment, measuring and controlling devices, furniture and fixtures, fabricated metals, and durable goods. For further information, visit www.made2manage.com, e-mail info(at)made2manage.com, or call (800) 626-0220.
Contact:
Mitch Briggs
Consona Corporation
Direct: +1 (317) 249-1620
Mobile: +1 (317) 829-4210
mitch.briggs(at)consona.com
Showing posts with label ERP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ERP. Show all posts
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
One Firm, One Future
hile most of the industry battles a recession, the construction consultancy Davis Langdon is enjoying steady growth. Thanks to a growing number of customers in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East, the U.K. - based company has full order books.
“Our revenues have grown 78% in the last three years,” says Chris Robinson, IT partner at Davis Langdon. Future prestigious projects promise to increase this growth: The firm will oversee, for example, construction of the facilities of the 2012 Olympics in London. In fact, Davis Langdon aims to grow by another 100% over the next five years. And naturally, such ambitious plans called for new ways of doing business.
To transform Davis Langdon from a company of several regional and national subsidiaries into a single global player, a strategy called “One firm, one future” was drafted. Part of that strategy is a complete overhaul of Davis Langdon's IT infrastructure. To support the company's vision of focusing on sectors rather than geography and to enable growth at lower cost, Davis Langdon chose the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software from SAP. It went live in the United Kingdom in March 2008, and the effects were felt immediately, Robinson says.
“We used to have hundreds of fragmented systems, be they on the human resources side, the customer relationship management side, various financial programs, and reporting programs. We brought all those together in one place,” he says. “We now have a system that supports our growth through better customer and opportunity management, and that allows us to avoid a lot of the costs we would have incurred as we continue to grow.” Davis Langdon has over 30 offices throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East, and over 100 worldwide. Mobilizing the many generalists working in these smaller offices for large international projects was a challenge, Robinson says.
The new strategy now banks on specialists (for museums, sports stadiums or office buildings) that can be easily put to work all over the world - no matter where they are located. For this, “we need information on the skills of our people, about the projects they are working on, and when and where they are available,” Robinson says. Davis Langdon is able to efficiently gather exactly that information thanks to the integrated SAP ERP application, he adds.
Davis Langdon chose the SAP ERP application because managers felt it would best support the company not only now, but also in the future. One of the world's leading small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), Davis Langdon plans to grow by acquisitions all over the world. It aims to quickly integrate the acquired firms, and SAP ERP is “a system that has underpinned our ability to do that,” Robinson says.
To transform Davis Langdon from a company of several regional and national subsidiaries into a single global player, a strategy called “One firm, one future” was drafted. Part of that strategy is a complete overhaul of Davis Langdon's IT infrastructure. To support the company's vision of focusing on sectors rather than geography and to enable growth at lower cost, Davis Langdon chose the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software from SAP. It went live in the United Kingdom in March 2008, and the effects were felt immediately, Robinson says.
“We used to have hundreds of fragmented systems, be they on the human resources side, the customer relationship management side, various financial programs, and reporting programs. We brought all those together in one place,” he says. “We now have a system that supports our growth through better customer and opportunity management, and that allows us to avoid a lot of the costs we would have incurred as we continue to grow.”
Putting manpower to work
How SAP helps Davis Langdon
The SAP ERP application:
- helps turn Davis Langdon into a single firm by streamlining processes and creating unified systems
- provides Davis Langdon with a platform for growth at lower investment
- helps identify, bundle, and roll out expertise at the company
- provides executive partners with greater visibility of the business operation and key performance indicators
- helps integrate firms that have been merged or acquired
- can be scaled upward to support the company years down the road
The new strategy now banks on specialists (for museums, sports stadiums or office buildings) that can be easily put to work all over the world - no matter where they are located. For this, “we need information on the skills of our people, about the projects they are working on, and when and where they are available,” Robinson says. Davis Langdon is able to efficiently gather exactly that information thanks to the integrated SAP ERP application, he adds.
Davis Langdon chose the SAP ERP application because managers felt it would best support the company not only now, but also in the future. One of the world's leading small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), Davis Langdon plans to grow by acquisitions all over the world. It aims to quickly integrate the acquired firms, and SAP ERP is “a system that has underpinned our ability to do that,” Robinson says.
Award-winning implementation
Choosing a software solution is one thing, implementing it effectively is another. Davis Langdon did so with the help of Axon, the largest global SAP service provider, in only 13 months. The entire process was meticulously planned, and included quality reviews and measures driven by a quality director with previous experience of SAP implementations.
The implementation of the SAP ERP application, Robinson said, was “very comprehensive in terms of its stakeholder engagement, its communications, its impact analysis, and everything else.” So comprehensive, in fact, that the company was granted the SAP Quality Award 2008.
The implementation of the SAP ERP application, Robinson said, was “very comprehensive in terms of its stakeholder engagement, its communications, its impact analysis, and everything else.” So comprehensive, in fact, that the company was granted the SAP Quality Award 2008.
Fit for the future
But Davis Langdon is not willing to rest on its laurels. The company is still rolling out the SAP ERP application in the Middle East and will add more functions down the road. “We are also going live in November 2008 with a reconfiguration of the application, which allows us to do our sector profit and loss accounting,” Robinson says.
Olympic enthusiasm
For Davis Langdon, the future looks bright. It has worked on a number of prestigious projects, including facilities for the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and the Royal Festival Hall in London. In the Middle East, emirates such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai are investing in gigantic construction projects, and at home, Davis Langdon is involved in the most high-profile building project the country has ever seen: the 2012 Olympic Games. Construction for the games includes billion-pound investments not only in stadiums, but also in infrastructure, cultural venues, and parks. It will thus provide “a legacy of change for London and the UK for many years going forward,” Robinson says. “It's very exciting to be involved in that.”
Dell joins hands with Tally
Dell Vostro business PC powered by Tally.ERP 9 subscription is a sales program that Dell and Tally have jointly come up with to create continuous revenue potential for IT resellers.
The Tally.ERP 9 subscription will be free to select Dell Vostro systems for the initial subscription period. The offering will reach the market shortly with a pull from SMB customers.
These Vostro systems will be available only through Dell's partner network and direct sales.
The Tally.ERP 9 subscription will be free to select Dell Vostro systems for the initial subscription period. The offering will reach the market shortly with a pull from SMB customers.
These Vostro systems will be available only through Dell's partner network and direct sales.
SAP Tweaks Support Offerings
SAP will extend maintenance for its ERP 6.0 platform and other products until 2017, and in a partial olive branch to angry customers, has sweetened the feature set of its Enterprise Support service, the company said Thursday.
The maintenance announcement, which includes ERP 6.0 and any new core applications from SAP Business Suite, is an expansion of SAP's “5-1-2” plan. That system guaranteed regular maintenance on a product for five years, after which customers could opt to pay another 2 percent for an additional year, and following that another 4 percent for another two years. The new plan boosts the five-year period to seven years and adds an optional two-year extension.
Forrester Research analyst Paul Hamerman said that since ERP 6.0 has already been on the market for a number of years, some customers are starting to be concerned about the 5-1-2 window, and therefore, the extension should be welcome.
SAP is trying to ensure that customers can make long-term plans around ERP 6.0, and the move was not made in the hopes of locking down extended maintenance contracts, said SAP spokesman Bill Wohl.
“I don't think there's any other company in the industry that can give customers this kind of planning horizon,” he said. Wohl added that even after SAP's maintenance windows close, customers on older platforms can contract for support from SAP on a one-off basis.
SAP had already made it clear that ERP 6.0 would be its strategic platform through at least 2010, announcing in 2006 that all new features during that time frame would come through optional, add-on “enhancement packages.” The extended maintenance window for ERP 6.0 could mean the company intends to keep this strategy in place even longer.
“This is where we expect to be for some time,” Wohl said. But the company will continue innovating aggressively through the enhancement packages, he said.
As for the changes to Enterprise Support, SAP is seeking to appease users who have protested loudly since July, when SAP announced that all customers would be transitioned to the richer-featured but more expensive offering.
But SAP is making no concessions on cost. Instead, the company is adding new wrinkles to the support offering, such as up to five days of remote advice from software architects each year regarding the potential value of enhancement packages and how they could be deployed.
But in other instances, the company is merely hoping to provide “additional clarification” on Enterprise Support's richer feature set, which includes “continuous quality checks” and a single point of contact for customers.
SAP has also repeatedly said the service is necessary due to increased complexity in customers' environments, and that it will result in a lower total cost of ownership.
A member survey conducted this year by the SAP User Group Executive Network (SUGEN), a group made up of representatives from SAP user groups around the world, found that 90 percent of respondents “have not yet realized the full extent of the SAP Enterprise Support offering, its value and cost justification,” SAP said in a statement.
SAP and SUGEN are also going to work together to come up with key performance indicators for Enterprise Support.
The two parties will “jointly evaluate the progress of these KPIs against customer expectations on a regular basis and adjust the continued rollout of SAP Enterprise Support until the quality measures are achieved,” SAP said.
SUGEN could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.
One industry observer questioned the effectiveness of SAP's gesture. “Ultimately, this all seems to be shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted,” said China Martens, an analyst with The 451 Group.
In addition Thursday, SAP said it will work with user groups on a migration plan for helping R/3 customers move up to ERP 6.0. Convincing customers to make that shift is a primary goal for SAP today? some 12,800 of its customers are on ERP 6.0, out of a total of 76,000, which includes those gained from acquiring Business Objects.
The maintenance announcement, which includes ERP 6.0 and any new core applications from SAP Business Suite, is an expansion of SAP's “5-1-2” plan. That system guaranteed regular maintenance on a product for five years, after which customers could opt to pay another 2 percent for an additional year, and following that another 4 percent for another two years. The new plan boosts the five-year period to seven years and adds an optional two-year extension.
Forrester Research analyst Paul Hamerman said that since ERP 6.0 has already been on the market for a number of years, some customers are starting to be concerned about the 5-1-2 window, and therefore, the extension should be welcome.
SAP is trying to ensure that customers can make long-term plans around ERP 6.0, and the move was not made in the hopes of locking down extended maintenance contracts, said SAP spokesman Bill Wohl.
“I don't think there's any other company in the industry that can give customers this kind of planning horizon,” he said. Wohl added that even after SAP's maintenance windows close, customers on older platforms can contract for support from SAP on a one-off basis.
SAP had already made it clear that ERP 6.0 would be its strategic platform through at least 2010, announcing in 2006 that all new features during that time frame would come through optional, add-on “enhancement packages.” The extended maintenance window for ERP 6.0 could mean the company intends to keep this strategy in place even longer.
“This is where we expect to be for some time,” Wohl said. But the company will continue innovating aggressively through the enhancement packages, he said.
As for the changes to Enterprise Support, SAP is seeking to appease users who have protested loudly since July, when SAP announced that all customers would be transitioned to the richer-featured but more expensive offering.
But SAP is making no concessions on cost. Instead, the company is adding new wrinkles to the support offering, such as up to five days of remote advice from software architects each year regarding the potential value of enhancement packages and how they could be deployed.
But in other instances, the company is merely hoping to provide “additional clarification” on Enterprise Support's richer feature set, which includes “continuous quality checks” and a single point of contact for customers.
SAP has also repeatedly said the service is necessary due to increased complexity in customers' environments, and that it will result in a lower total cost of ownership.
A member survey conducted this year by the SAP User Group Executive Network (SUGEN), a group made up of representatives from SAP user groups around the world, found that 90 percent of respondents “have not yet realized the full extent of the SAP Enterprise Support offering, its value and cost justification,” SAP said in a statement.
SAP and SUGEN are also going to work together to come up with key performance indicators for Enterprise Support.
The two parties will “jointly evaluate the progress of these KPIs against customer expectations on a regular basis and adjust the continued rollout of SAP Enterprise Support until the quality measures are achieved,” SAP said.
SUGEN could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.
One industry observer questioned the effectiveness of SAP's gesture. “Ultimately, this all seems to be shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted,” said China Martens, an analyst with The 451 Group.
In addition Thursday, SAP said it will work with user groups on a migration plan for helping R/3 customers move up to ERP 6.0. Convincing customers to make that shift is a primary goal for SAP today? some 12,800 of its customers are on ERP 6.0, out of a total of 76,000, which includes those gained from acquiring Business Objects.
IT Trends for 2009
As 2009 unfolds, it ’ s clear that enterprises with a forward-thinking approach and a solid grasp of technology trends will have a distinct competitive advantage. The following technologies trends in areas like SaaS, virtualization and project portfolio management, among others, are likely to shape IT and business in the coming year, and they can give your company the advantage it needs to do business in this challenging economic environment.
HP has said it doesn't want to be in the cloud business itself - merely sell gear to cloud makers - but it's lined up with little Salesforce.com rival NetSuite - owned mostly by Larry Ellison - to offer NetSuite's SaaS CRM and ERP applications to SMBs through its 15,000 US resellers.
HP now has a referral program for its channel, which can offer their own value-added management and implementation services alongside the NetSuite widgetry as part of HP's Total Care portfolio.
The yet-to-be-profitable Netsuite, which has organized dedicated marketing resource in support of the HP channel, is counting on the arrangement to accelerate its market penetration and keep the wolf from the door.
It's been having trouble getting contracts signed, spoiling last quarter, a situation it expects will repeat again this quarter.
Resellers will be compensated for any deals that close.
As 2009 unfolds, it ’ s clear that enterprises with a forward-thinking approach and a solid grasp of technology trends will have a distinct competitive advantage. The following technologies trends in areas like SaaS, virtualization and project portfolio management, among others, are likely to shape IT and business in the coming year. They may give your company the technology advantage it needs to do business in this challenging economic environment.
IBM and Sapa Expand Business Agreement
Sapa is the largest provider of aluminium profiles in the world, and part of the Norwegian industrial conglomerate Orkla.
In terms of the new agreement, signed in October 2008, IBM will provide infrastructure services and application maintenance services for an additional 2,500 PC users in the Sapa system, double the number of users as stated in the original contract which was signed in 2007.
The main focus of the overall agreement is on achieving cost efficiencies and improved quality of services. Several applications will be hosted by IBM, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). IBM will also host Sapa's e-mail and printing systems.
The agreement is part of the Shared Services Initiative across the entire Orkla Group.
“Sapa choose to expand their co-operation with IBM, because the initial part of the contract was delivered on time and on budget,” said Morten Thorkildsen, Country General Manager, IBM Norway.
“The IBM agreement is an important one for both parties. With the expanded contract, will we have in place a common infrastructure platform which will cover our IT needs in the joint ventures,” said Espen Falla, SVP of Shared Services in Sapa.
Datascope Consulting Release Version 2 of Their WMS (Warehouse Management System) for SYSPRO
Datascope today announced the release of version 2 of its WMS (Warehouse Management System). This warehousing solution has been specifically built for operation with SYSPRO ERP and therefore is highly integrated into SYSPRO via the standard e.net object layer. WMS fully integrates Barcoding into SYSPRO, allowing users to more efficiently process any tasks.
Port Elizabeth, South Africa (PRWEB) November 12, 2008 -- Datascope today announced the release of version 2 of its WMS (Warehouse Management System). This warehousing solution has been specifically built for operation with SYSPRO ERP and therefore is highly integrated into SYSPRO via the standard e.net object layer. Using radio frequency technology, the scanners act as a real time intelligent layer between the warehouse or factory floor and core SYSPRO.
All transactions within the WMS are security controlled based on named users. Each transaction requires an operator login which authenticates all standard SYSPRO securities and logs the user name against every transaction posted to SYSPRO. Further, the system maintains a detailed operator log file of key security overrides.
The software has been developed in the latest. Net development tools. All grid screens can be dynamically filtered and exported to MS Excel. Click once deployment technology is used for deployment and all software is strictly version controlled. Updates to the software are covered in a standard annual license fee structure.
Datascope has implemented the WMS is many SYSPRO manufacturing, warehousing and distribution industries. These companies have seen huge benefits in the following areas:
* Picking efficiency and accuracy improvements
* Raw materials FIFO control
* WIP tracking visibility
* WIP labour postings
* Optimisation of random bin locations
* Lot traceability improvements
* Improve stock accuracy and visibility
* Reduced stock take time
* Management efficiency reports
* Reduced inventory levels
* Enforced WIP process controls
The WMS inbound module includes purchase receipting, quick scan receipting, LCT receipting, scanner based purchase receipting and supply chain transfers. The WMS work in progress module includes factory floor labour posting, job labeling, job picking and job receipting. The WMS outbound module includes stock reservation management, a host of picking rules, the ability to over and under pick, a picking review screen, a check out audit and basic load planning. The WMS general module includes various scanner based stock movements, a comprehensive stock take module, queries and reports, bin optimization and labeling together with general bar-code labeling. The WMS administration module includes systems settings and features, securities and documentation.
Datascope publishes a free quarterly email newsletter which highlights the latest Datascope WMS enhancements and customer implementations. To become a newsletter subscriber or to request a copy of Datascope's WMS brochure, send an e-mail to newsletter @ datascope.co.za.
Anton Jurgens, Datascope's Managing Director and founder, said, “Identifying the need in the market for a WMS for SYSPRO, we took a strategic decision over three years ago to develop a cutting edge solution. With our knowledge and experience in warehousing and distribution environments and the fact that we have built the product to be highly settings driven, we can now implement a plug and play WMS solution in a very short space of time. For a demo of the product, feel free to e-mail me at support@ datascope.co.za.”
Datascope Consulting is a progressive and growing company focused on the development and implementation of world class supply chain optimization solutions. Since 2001, Datascope has focused on supply chain business consulting, SYSPRO ERP implementations and software development. Standard software developed solutions can be categorized as follows:
* Optimised warehousing (Datascope WMS)
* Specialised SYSPRO ERP optimization modules
* EDI systems to facilitate electronic trading
* Logistics track and track solutions
* Specialist JIS (just in sequence) solutions for the automotive industry
Datascope's business model focuses on building long term partnerships with clients to optimize supply chain efficiencies within their businesses.
Port Elizabeth, South Africa (PRWEB) November 12, 2008 -- Datascope today announced the release of version 2 of its WMS (Warehouse Management System). This warehousing solution has been specifically built for operation with SYSPRO ERP and therefore is highly integrated into SYSPRO via the standard e.net object layer. Using radio frequency technology, the scanners act as a real time intelligent layer between the warehouse or factory floor and core SYSPRO.
All transactions within the WMS are security controlled based on named users. Each transaction requires an operator login which authenticates all standard SYSPRO securities and logs the user name against every transaction posted to SYSPRO. Further, the system maintains a detailed operator log file of key security overrides.
The software has been developed in the latest. Net development tools. All grid screens can be dynamically filtered and exported to MS Excel. Click once deployment technology is used for deployment and all software is strictly version controlled. Updates to the software are covered in a standard annual license fee structure.
Datascope has implemented the WMS is many SYSPRO manufacturing, warehousing and distribution industries. These companies have seen huge benefits in the following areas:
* Picking efficiency and accuracy improvements
* Raw materials FIFO control
* WIP tracking visibility
* WIP labour postings
* Optimisation of random bin locations
* Lot traceability improvements
* Improve stock accuracy and visibility
* Reduced stock take time
* Management efficiency reports
* Reduced inventory levels
* Enforced WIP process controls
The WMS inbound module includes purchase receipting, quick scan receipting, LCT receipting, scanner based purchase receipting and supply chain transfers. The WMS work in progress module includes factory floor labour posting, job labeling, job picking and job receipting. The WMS outbound module includes stock reservation management, a host of picking rules, the ability to over and under pick, a picking review screen, a check out audit and basic load planning. The WMS general module includes various scanner based stock movements, a comprehensive stock take module, queries and reports, bin optimization and labeling together with general bar-code labeling. The WMS administration module includes systems settings and features, securities and documentation.
Datascope publishes a free quarterly email newsletter which highlights the latest Datascope WMS enhancements and customer implementations. To become a newsletter subscriber or to request a copy of Datascope's WMS brochure, send an e-mail to newsletter @ datascope.co.za.
Anton Jurgens, Datascope's Managing Director and founder, said, “Identifying the need in the market for a WMS for SYSPRO, we took a strategic decision over three years ago to develop a cutting edge solution. With our knowledge and experience in warehousing and distribution environments and the fact that we have built the product to be highly settings driven, we can now implement a plug and play WMS solution in a very short space of time. For a demo of the product, feel free to e-mail me at support@ datascope.co.za.”
Datascope Consulting is a progressive and growing company focused on the development and implementation of world class supply chain optimization solutions. Since 2001, Datascope has focused on supply chain business consulting, SYSPRO ERP implementations and software development. Standard software developed solutions can be categorized as follows:
* Optimised warehousing (Datascope WMS)
* Specialised SYSPRO ERP optimization modules
* EDI systems to facilitate electronic trading
* Logistics track and track solutions
* Specialist JIS (just in sequence) solutions for the automotive industry
Datascope's business model focuses on building long term partnerships with clients to optimize supply chain efficiencies within their businesses.
ERP Software for IT Solution Providers Has One-Year ROI
VBS Software Releases Version 5 With New, Web-Based Functionality That Furthers the Company's Vision of Being Indispensable to VAR Businesses and Advancing the Integration of IT Channels -- VARs, Distributors and Vendors
the leading ERP application for the growing IT solution provider, today announced the release of VBS version 5, which brings significantly more benefit to its clients with incremental productivity gains, better ease of use and improved system performance, providing accelerated return on investment. VBS Software's unique order management process, which is designed exclusively for the IT channel partner, moves to a browser-based application in version 5. In addition, VBS customers will find incremental productivity enhancements with single-pane deal management, improved report generation and easier access to information. Ease-of-use improvements are provided with the web interface and an improved look and feel, which shortens the time to train new users and simplifies the application navigation for existing users. Performance improvements result from updated middleware technology.
Steve Sigg, chief executive officer for VBS Software, commented, “This powerful new version of VBS builds on the success we've had in meeting the unique needs of the IT solution provider. In an industry where business processes are so integrally tied to upstream partners, such as distributors and vendors, the order management enhancements in version 5 further differentiate VBS as the premier ERP application for the IT solution provider.”
Business owners who are evaluating systems to help them scale will find the features of an application designed specifically for their industry to provide the best ROI and total cost of ownership on the market. Because VBS knows VARs and the IT channel, the selection, implementation and benefits of the solution occur rapidly, with the system often paying for itself in less than one year.
Current clients cite ROI in revenue growth from improved visibility into their businesses for better, faster decision making. They find reduced cost, both in productivity improvements and reduction in rework that stems from the industry's labor-intensive, manual order management business process. Time-to-cash improvements are common, with auto-invoicing and invoice accuracy, which minimizes customer disputes. Working capital reductions are inherent with our clients' ability to closely manage A/R and A/P spreads. The combination of these benefits and others lend accretive valuation to reseller businesses.
Becky Mulligan, chief financial officer for Software Information Systems, adds, “We've seen a good deal of additional value from version 5. VBS made some enhancements that really matter for VAR businesses. In particular, single-pane deal management has even further streamlined our sales operations and has reinforced our decision to choose VBS for our ERP system. VBS knows the VAR business like no other vendor out there, and that makes all the difference.”
About VBS Software
VBS Software is the only ERP application on the market that is designed exclusively for the IT solution provider. With an inherent workflow for VAR businesses, it is fast and easy to implement, giving the solution provider immediate benefit in both front- and back-office operations. Integration with distributors makes a compelling case for broad adoption across the channel by lowering cost, saving time and creating a much more efficient channel. VBS customers are VARs ranging from $5M to $400M in revenue, totaling over $1B in resale to end users. For more information, visit http://www.abouterp.com
Visibility Increases Mobility with Launch of VISIBILITY.net 7.2.1
Visibility Corp. (www.visibility.com), an industry leader in business software solutions designed to provide manufacturers a competitive edge, announced today the additions to its already robust VISIBILITY.net ERP solution with release 7.2.1.
Visibility's Proven Expertise Provides Huge Advantage for Manufacturing Businesses
Leveraging more than 20 years of experience and input from hundreds of clients, Visibility continues to extend the VISIBILITY.net enterprise platform enabling manufacturing enterprises to maximize profit, improve decision making and promote collaboration throughout the enterprise. VISIBILITY.net optimizes business effectiveness both functionally and through the use of its superior technology such as being 100% web based and all client devices only requiring Internet Explorer to access the ERP system. According to Stephen Carson, Executive Vice-President with Visibility Corporation, “Anywhere anytime mobility is a huge advantage for businesses in terms of speed to respond and overall efficiency and is a primary objective we continually improve upon with the VISIBILITY.net enterprise business platform.”
Superior Framework and Architecture
In 2006, Visibility Corporation released its highly touted VISIBILITY.net ERP enterprise platform. The enterprise business solution, focused on To-Order, Mixed-mode and Project-oriented Manufacturers is designed entirely using the Microsoft.NET framework and web services architecture. The VISIBILITY.net platform enables Enterprise Optimization through its comprehensive functionality and extensive use of the latest collaborative technologies.
Cost Efficient/Productivity Friendly
A prime motivation for small and mid-size organizations is to drive costs down while increasing enterprise productivity. VISIBILITY.net has enabled clients to dramatically reduce costs both in time to implement as well as eliminating many traditional in-house support requirements. For example, the only software required on a user's workstation is Internet Explorer. Additionally, new releases are downloadable making upgrades fast and easy to deploy. On the road and out of the office users are also supported as if they were in-house with all remote employees having complete access to the business system via an internet connection from anywhere at anytime.
Release Increases Value Packed Features of Already Comprehensive Product
Strategic (enhancements) across the entire enterprise include Customer Relationship Management, Engineering and Product Lifecycle Management, Operations Management, Material and Production Planning, Financial Management, Business Performance Management, Collaboration, Workflow, Multi-company/currency/language and database choices of either Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.
VISIBILITY.net Release 7.2.1 effectively extends the existing .net enterprise platform in many areas including:
· Introduction of VisMobile.net module which includes shop floor labor and inventory tracking, thereby eliminating the need for expensive third party Data Collection solutions
· Enhanced Scheduling and Distribution Module which eliminates the need in larger organizations for third-party advanced job scheduling products
· Increased Integration with Microsoft's products including full integration with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Microsoft CRM, and Microsoft Outlook
· Increased Graphical Scheduling and Quality Workbench Capabilities
· Functionality for Variable Dimensional Inventory to allow manufactures to track and plan based upon variable raw materials such as steel, pipe, and sheet
· Increased Business Intelligence and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) capabilities for executives and management
Visibility Corporation (www.visibility.com) is the leading supplier of business software solutions designed for the unique needs of project-based, engineer-to-order and mixed mode manufacturers. Visibility's Enterprise Application solutions help midsize manufacturers of complex products operate their businesses effectively. Visibility has an extensive customer base throughout North America and Europe and has the strongest representation of ERP among manufacturers of complex products.
VISIBILITY.net is an integrated, in-house, ERP solution and more. Offering unparalleled functionality and integrated workflow, this browser-based solution cost effectively delivers the power of .NET-based Web services. Deployable with unprecedented flexibility, conducting business any place, any time is a reality.
Visibility's Proven Expertise Provides Huge Advantage for Manufacturing Businesses
Leveraging more than 20 years of experience and input from hundreds of clients, Visibility continues to extend the VISIBILITY.net enterprise platform enabling manufacturing enterprises to maximize profit, improve decision making and promote collaboration throughout the enterprise. VISIBILITY.net optimizes business effectiveness both functionally and through the use of its superior technology such as being 100% web based and all client devices only requiring Internet Explorer to access the ERP system. According to Stephen Carson, Executive Vice-President with Visibility Corporation, “Anywhere anytime mobility is a huge advantage for businesses in terms of speed to respond and overall efficiency and is a primary objective we continually improve upon with the VISIBILITY.net enterprise business platform.”
Superior Framework and Architecture
In 2006, Visibility Corporation released its highly touted VISIBILITY.net ERP enterprise platform. The enterprise business solution, focused on To-Order, Mixed-mode and Project-oriented Manufacturers is designed entirely using the Microsoft.NET framework and web services architecture. The VISIBILITY.net platform enables Enterprise Optimization through its comprehensive functionality and extensive use of the latest collaborative technologies.
Cost Efficient/Productivity Friendly
A prime motivation for small and mid-size organizations is to drive costs down while increasing enterprise productivity. VISIBILITY.net has enabled clients to dramatically reduce costs both in time to implement as well as eliminating many traditional in-house support requirements. For example, the only software required on a user's workstation is Internet Explorer. Additionally, new releases are downloadable making upgrades fast and easy to deploy. On the road and out of the office users are also supported as if they were in-house with all remote employees having complete access to the business system via an internet connection from anywhere at anytime.
Release Increases Value Packed Features of Already Comprehensive Product
Strategic (enhancements) across the entire enterprise include Customer Relationship Management, Engineering and Product Lifecycle Management, Operations Management, Material and Production Planning, Financial Management, Business Performance Management, Collaboration, Workflow, Multi-company/currency/language and database choices of either Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.
VISIBILITY.net Release 7.2.1 effectively extends the existing .net enterprise platform in many areas including:
· Introduction of VisMobile.net module which includes shop floor labor and inventory tracking, thereby eliminating the need for expensive third party Data Collection solutions
· Enhanced Scheduling and Distribution Module which eliminates the need in larger organizations for third-party advanced job scheduling products
· Increased Integration with Microsoft's products including full integration with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Microsoft CRM, and Microsoft Outlook
· Increased Graphical Scheduling and Quality Workbench Capabilities
· Functionality for Variable Dimensional Inventory to allow manufactures to track and plan based upon variable raw materials such as steel, pipe, and sheet
· Increased Business Intelligence and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) capabilities for executives and management
Visibility Corporation (www.visibility.com) is the leading supplier of business software solutions designed for the unique needs of project-based, engineer-to-order and mixed mode manufacturers. Visibility's Enterprise Application solutions help midsize manufacturers of complex products operate their businesses effectively. Visibility has an extensive customer base throughout North America and Europe and has the strongest representation of ERP among manufacturers of complex products.
VISIBILITY.net is an integrated, in-house, ERP solution and more. Offering unparalleled functionality and integrated workflow, this browser-based solution cost effectively delivers the power of .NET-based Web services. Deployable with unprecedented flexibility, conducting business any place, any time is a reality.
Markem-Imaje Pallet Labeling Solution Helps Solve Supply Chain
all-encompassing Pallet Labeling solution. It is designed to establish the unique product identities needed for tracking pallet movement throughout the entire supply chain process. Pallet Labeling incorporates the hardware, software and support services needed to help customers track pallet movement through packing lines, warehousing, inventory control applications, supply chain execution and critical recall processes.
This new complete Pallet Labeling solution set, powered by Markem-Imaje CoLOS (R) software, eliminates errors and down-time by creating unique pallet codes that help facilitate tracking speed, precision and efficiency. The solution handles all of the key variables needed to maintain a continuous flow of pallets, including the identification of product from multiple fill lines, management of the queue, verification of the label, and the handling of partial pallets. A key result is the elimination of the problems caused by mislabeling -- such as retailer fines and product recalls.
This standard solution is scaleable across palletizer lines and will integrate with existing ERP, MES, and WMS systems -- feeding back information into these systems in a seamless manner. The system also interfaces with standard SQL databases and offers compliance with unique pallet codes. Additionally, the Pallet Labeling solution set helps manufacturers comply with all GS1 (UCC-EAN) standards for labeling--barcodes, text and graphics are reliably sharp and clear.
The Markem-Imaje Pallet Labeling solution includes easy-to-use CoLOS software modules? an OPC server allowing for connectivity to PLC, automation controls, scales and conveyers? appropriate Markem-Imaje printers and label applicators? Datamax Desktop printing and CoLOS Enterprise software to help design code and label formats? and finally, a comprehensive implementation methodology that starts with process analysis and continues through to training and service.
Customers already benefiting from this advanced Pallet Labeling solution include ConAgra, DOW, McCain and Pepsi Co. Reported benefits include significantly reduced costs, increased quality, lower inventories, and reduction in operator errors.
To learn more about this exciting new solution set,
Markem-Imaje, a wholly owned subsidiary of the New York-based Dover Group, is a trusted world manufacturer of product identification and traceability solutions, offering a full line of reliable and innovative inkjet, thermal transfer, laser, print and apply label systems and RFID-based systems.
With more than 95 years of experience, Markem-Imaje delivers fully integrated solutions that enable product quality and safety, regulatory and retailer compliance, better product recalls and improved manufacturing processes. Headquartered in Bourg-les-Valence, France, Markem-Imaje employs more than 2,800 people in 33 subsidiaries worldwide and provides more than 30,000 customers with optimal product marking and coding solutions.
Additionally, Markem-Imaje customers are supported by six R&D centers and several equipment repair centers and manufacturing plants strategically located around the globe.
Mid-Atlantic Systems Integrator Md2Systems, Inc. Broadens Market Opportunities as Channel Partner of ACOM Solutions, Inc.
a Glen Allen-based systems integrator and I.T consultant that specializes in implementation and support of enterprise resource planning and document management systems across a broad spectrum of business and government agencies, has been named a channel partner by ACOM Solutions, Inc., it was announced today by Founder/CEO Devi Misra and ACOM Senior Vice President James R. Scott.
Md2 Systems operates with a current staff of about 30 technical, sales and administrative personnel. The company is CDIA+ certified as a consultant, providing special expertise in such areas as service-oriented architecture (SOA), .NET, Java and SOA, and enterprise solutions such as J.D. Edwards and SAP. ACOM is a leading developer and marketer of integrated document management solutions that are seamlessly compatible with all computing platforms and software systems.
“The relationship with ACOM provides our company with an excellent new revenue opportunity,” Misra said. “Their products extend the value and capability of ERP systems and initially, we plan to focus on introducing their EZeDocs, EZContentManager and EZConnect EDI-XML solutions to our existing client base and new business prospects. Over time, we will broaden our scope to include the entire ACOM integrated document management product line, including its EZPayManager payment solutions for check printing and ACH payments.”
Misra said that he was attracted to the ACOM partnership by the quality and user-friendliness of the product line, including their ease of integration in any business management/ERP software environment. Additionally, he said, ACOM's channel program provides extensive training and sales support in the initial phases of the relationship, as well as strong direct access to company support personnel once the program is in place and the reseller is functioning independently.
“It is an ideal partnership to support our goals for growth and profitability,” he said. “It will help us maintain a stronger presence with out customer base and allow us to expand our new business efforts in many directions.”
ACOM's Scott noted that the new partner's vision and goals fit well with those of the ACOM channel program. “The company has defined its market and its objectives very well, and we are pleased that ACOM's products will be a part of them. We are looking forward to working closely with Md2 Systems as they energetically enter this new phase of their business
Md2 Systems operates with a current staff of about 30 technical, sales and administrative personnel. The company is CDIA+ certified as a consultant, providing special expertise in such areas as service-oriented architecture (SOA), .NET, Java and SOA, and enterprise solutions such as J.D. Edwards and SAP. ACOM is a leading developer and marketer of integrated document management solutions that are seamlessly compatible with all computing platforms and software systems.
“The relationship with ACOM provides our company with an excellent new revenue opportunity,” Misra said. “Their products extend the value and capability of ERP systems and initially, we plan to focus on introducing their EZeDocs, EZContentManager and EZConnect EDI-XML solutions to our existing client base and new business prospects. Over time, we will broaden our scope to include the entire ACOM integrated document management product line, including its EZPayManager payment solutions for check printing and ACH payments.”
Misra said that he was attracted to the ACOM partnership by the quality and user-friendliness of the product line, including their ease of integration in any business management/ERP software environment. Additionally, he said, ACOM's channel program provides extensive training and sales support in the initial phases of the relationship, as well as strong direct access to company support personnel once the program is in place and the reseller is functioning independently.
“It is an ideal partnership to support our goals for growth and profitability,” he said. “It will help us maintain a stronger presence with out customer base and allow us to expand our new business efforts in many directions.”
ACOM's Scott noted that the new partner's vision and goals fit well with those of the ACOM channel program. “The company has defined its market and its objectives very well, and we are pleased that ACOM's products will be a part of them. We are looking forward to working closely with Md2 Systems as they energetically enter this new phase of their business
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Epicor launches new ERP solution in Dubai
Businesses in the Middle East are evaluating next-generation technologies with a view to making them the basis of their IT systems, said an expert.
The enterprise resource planning (ERP) technologies include Web 2.0, which is intended to encourage creativity, information sharing and collaboration among users, and service-oriented architecture (SOA), a collection of services that can be accessed without knowledge of the underlying platform.
“The adoption rate of these technologies has increased over the past 12 to 18 months,” said Basil Daniells, Regional Director, Middle East, North Africa and India, of business software company EpicorEpicorLoading…. “These technologies are forming the base of many critical applications.
“A large number or tenders and requests for proposals are based on these technologies. These tenders are from the private, government and quasi-government sectors. They are also typically aligned at verticals like distribution, manufacturing and retail.
“A lot of mid-sized companies are working with third-party consultants to prepare RFPs and evaluate these based on next-generation ERP solutions.”
EpicorEpicorLoading…has 350 customers in the region and most are in the mid-market segment.
Daniells was speaking at the launch of the company's next-generation product Epicor 9, which is expected to be available before the end of the year.
John Hiraoka, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of EpicorEpicorLoading…, said: “Vendors have been talking about SOA but there is a huge difference between talking about it and actually seeing it happen. With our new product line customers can benefit economically and on an organisational level from SOA.
“We announced Epicor 9 at our global consumer conference in October and the next stage was to go to all the major countries and markets. We decided to come here first as this market is seen as greater than any other and also a platform for tremendous opportunities.”
The new product is built on a second-generation SOA, Epicor Internet Component Environment (ICE), which the company announced earlier. ICE fuses Web 2.0 technologies with SOA.
The company has conducted beta testing of the new product at two customer sites - one client is in Saudi Arabia and the other is Jordan-based air-conditioning manufacturer Petra Engineering Industries.
EpicorEpicorLoading…has not revealed the name of the Saudi Arabian customer as the testing is at a very early stage but the implementation at Petra will be completed by the end of the year.
Petra Production Manager Omar Ali said: “We decided to go with Epicor 9 based on the many enhancements and features it offers.
“We are currently in the implementation stage and hope to be up and running by the end of the year. EpicorEpicorLoading…has provided us with strong support over the past months and we believe once Epicor 9 is fully implemented it will improve our overall operational efficiency.”
By Nancy Sudheer
The enterprise resource planning (ERP) technologies include Web 2.0, which is intended to encourage creativity, information sharing and collaboration among users, and service-oriented architecture (SOA), a collection of services that can be accessed without knowledge of the underlying platform.
“The adoption rate of these technologies has increased over the past 12 to 18 months,” said Basil Daniells, Regional Director, Middle East, North Africa and India, of business software company EpicorEpicorLoading…. “These technologies are forming the base of many critical applications.
“A large number or tenders and requests for proposals are based on these technologies. These tenders are from the private, government and quasi-government sectors. They are also typically aligned at verticals like distribution, manufacturing and retail.
“A lot of mid-sized companies are working with third-party consultants to prepare RFPs and evaluate these based on next-generation ERP solutions.”
EpicorEpicorLoading…has 350 customers in the region and most are in the mid-market segment.
Daniells was speaking at the launch of the company's next-generation product Epicor 9, which is expected to be available before the end of the year.
John Hiraoka, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of EpicorEpicorLoading…, said: “Vendors have been talking about SOA but there is a huge difference between talking about it and actually seeing it happen. With our new product line customers can benefit economically and on an organisational level from SOA.
“We announced Epicor 9 at our global consumer conference in October and the next stage was to go to all the major countries and markets. We decided to come here first as this market is seen as greater than any other and also a platform for tremendous opportunities.”
The new product is built on a second-generation SOA, Epicor Internet Component Environment (ICE), which the company announced earlier. ICE fuses Web 2.0 technologies with SOA.
The company has conducted beta testing of the new product at two customer sites - one client is in Saudi Arabia and the other is Jordan-based air-conditioning manufacturer Petra Engineering Industries.
EpicorEpicorLoading…has not revealed the name of the Saudi Arabian customer as the testing is at a very early stage but the implementation at Petra will be completed by the end of the year.
Petra Production Manager Omar Ali said: “We decided to go with Epicor 9 based on the many enhancements and features it offers.
“We are currently in the implementation stage and hope to be up and running by the end of the year. EpicorEpicorLoading…has provided us with strong support over the past months and we believe once Epicor 9 is fully implemented it will improve our overall operational efficiency.”
By Nancy Sudheer
ERP won't solve your organisational problems
when change is introduced into a business, there will naturally be a period during which people must adapt to the new processes and procedures. In this period, work outputs and efforts may drop dramatically. The focus of change management is to minimise the length of this decline and introduce the new processes into the standard operating procedures and culture of the business, so that optimal performance levels can be quickly realised.
No matter what the size of a business, changing its processes is a challenging task, Fenner says. Since processes need to be as repetitive as possible to ensure constant quality and delivery times to customers, these business processes tend to be difficult to change. In this era of mass customisation, flexibility is a key issue and change management should therefore take the desired level of flexibility into account.
“Change has become an ongoing phenomenon and business process re-engineering has become a necessity for the survival of businesses today. One of the innovative ways to manage change in the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is to adopt a comprehensive change management methodology.”
The key drivers of opting for an ERP system are the introduction of industry-standard processes which are embedded in the application, integration across business functions leading to transparency, access to real-time information, analytical reporting for business decisions, and adoption of state-of-the-art technology providing security and scalability. The objectives of embarking on an ERP implementation are to align business objectives with technology solutions, evolve the organisational value chain by enhancing customer confidence and stakeholder commitment, and achieve better organisational resource and asset utilisation.
In the lead up to large-scale change brought about by business system implementations, there are multiple complex influences at play that impact perceptions that the organisation might not be ready for the change effort. These influences manifest in uncertainty, ambiguity in roles and responsibilities and in many cases, information overload. Organisational change management is often considered to be one of the most important success factors for enterprise system implementations and has even be referred to as a critical success factor.
It is interesting to note that most implementation failures are concerned with organisational, not technical issues, Fenner says. “In order to mitigate the risks of these failures, businesses must recognise that change management is critical to the success of the project. By focusing the ERP implementation on change management, an organisation is better positioned to understand, ahead of time, the risks to project success and make appropriate adjustments to the business processes to combat failure.”
He defines change management as managing modifications to an organisation's culture, hierarchy, and business processes in order to achieve a desired outcome. Therefore, change management should be seen as a continual process or method rather than a series of tools or exercises. What is important to consider is that change management must be maintained throughout each stage of the ERP implementation, from pre-adoption through implementation, to post implementation.
“One way to ensure success is to understand from the outset that an ERP system is a means and not an end. Merely implementing an ERP system will not increase the efficiency of the business - it is a tool and a process for improving operations. So, expecting the ERP system to solve all the organisational problems is like adopting performance measures but never checking on the progress of the measures. Certain factors cannot be compromised when considering adoption. One of these is that staff must actively manage the implementation of the ERP system and know what the greatest project risks are,” Fenner concludes.
Softline Accpac
Softline Accpac is a global provider of business management solutions including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Its solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through its global network of solution providers including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac's product line includes: Accpac ERP, Accpac CRM, Accpac RMS, Accpac Warehouse Management System and Accpac Insight.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium-sized and large companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run its businesses efficiently. Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group plc, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium-sized and large business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
US: Brandix opts for Lawson ERP solution
Software and service solutions provider Lawson Software has struck a deal with Sri Lankan garment manufacturer Brandix.
It has successfully implemented Lawson Fashion, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that is part of the Lawson M3 Enterprise Management System.
Brandix initially went live on the Lawson M3 Finance Management Suite in 2007, following an implementation that took less than five months, a statement said.
Since founding in 1965, Brandix has grown into a US$350m group of companies producing primarily casual pants, intimates and active wear.
Brandix owns and operates three mills that produce cotton fabrics, woven products, knits and finishes for apparel brands.
The Lawson Fashion solution replaced Brandix's in-house ERP system used to track customer order processing, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and procurement across different divisions.
“We initially had to decide whether to build our own ERP product against the products that were currently available in the market,” said Lalith Withana, executive vice president for Brandix. “After evaluating different vendors, we felt that the Lawson solution was much more suitable for our type of business. We found there was a fit, because of the functionality geared specifically for the fashion industry.”
It has successfully implemented Lawson Fashion, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that is part of the Lawson M3 Enterprise Management System.
Brandix initially went live on the Lawson M3 Finance Management Suite in 2007, following an implementation that took less than five months, a statement said.
Since founding in 1965, Brandix has grown into a US$350m group of companies producing primarily casual pants, intimates and active wear.
Brandix owns and operates three mills that produce cotton fabrics, woven products, knits and finishes for apparel brands.
The Lawson Fashion solution replaced Brandix's in-house ERP system used to track customer order processing, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and procurement across different divisions.
“We initially had to decide whether to build our own ERP product against the products that were currently available in the market,” said Lalith Withana, executive vice president for Brandix. “After evaluating different vendors, we felt that the Lawson solution was much more suitable for our type of business. We found there was a fit, because of the functionality geared specifically for the fashion industry.”
SoftBrands Rolls Out ERP Software, Service Bundles for Remote Sites
Seeking to connect with large manufacturing enterprises that are expanding operations into emerging geographic markets, SoftBrands Inc. today introduced a bundled package of ERP software and services that will be sold by SAP AG's direct sales force.
The Emerging Markets Platform consists of SoftBrands' FourthShift Edition for SAP Business One ERP suite, as well as deployment services and templates, and integrated support for language and fiscal requirements in 40 regions of the world.
Daniel Head, SoftBrands' vice president for SAP large enterprise, said the bundled Emerging Markets Platform is intended to appeal to large enterprises that are expanding their operations into emerging parts of the world, but do not want to spend the hundreds of thousands of dollars it might cost to deploy large, complex ERP packages there. SoftBrands' target, Head told Managing Automation, is to sell 10-user deployments, complete with deployment templates and services, for under $100,000 per site.
The Emerging Markets Platform consists of SoftBrands' FourthShift Edition for SAP Business One ERP suite, as well as deployment services and templates, and integrated support for language and fiscal requirements in 40 regions of the world.
Daniel Head, SoftBrands' vice president for SAP large enterprise, said the bundled Emerging Markets Platform is intended to appeal to large enterprises that are expanding their operations into emerging parts of the world, but do not want to spend the hundreds of thousands of dollars it might cost to deploy large, complex ERP packages there. SoftBrands' target, Head told Managing Automation, is to sell 10-user deployments, complete with deployment templates and services, for under $100,000 per site.
Centage Corporation Achieves Sage Software Gold Development Partner Status
Centage Corporation, a leader in Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting solutions for the Small to Mid-Sized Business market, today announced that it has achieved Sage Software Development Partner Gold Tier status. Gold Tier status is a new Sage Developer certification program that is aimed at giving Sage customers and business partners a level of consistency, predictability and confidence while implementing products that integrate with Sage's ERP systems.
To achieve this strategic tier, Centage customers and business partners had to complete a survey to ensure that Centage's products and support maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
Centage's flagship product, Budget Maestro, integrates budgeting, forecasting and reporting functionality into a single solution. Budget Maestro features built-in financial and business logic that frees companies from budgeting with spreadsheets, allowing users to produce accurate budgets and what-if scenarios without risking complex formula errors and bad workbook links. Users can generate integrated income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports, as well as numerous analytical and managerial reports, all in real-time.
Link Maestro (R) provides direct connectivity to Sage MAS of 90/200/500 of ERP and Sage Accpac ERP systems to automate the data transfer process and improve the accuracy of data analysis for actual vs. budget variance reporting.
“This achievement marks an important strategic initiative with Sage and affirms our commitment to providing exceptional financial management solutions to Sage customers and partners,” said Kamran Sassoon, president and CEO of Centage Corporation.
About Centage
Centage Corporation offers Business Performance Management (BPM) solutions that give small to mid-sized businesses the tools to make better financial decisions by improving their planning, budgeting, forecasting, consolidation and reporting capabilities. Since 1996, thousands of licenses of Centage's Budget Maestro software have been sold worldwide. The scalable solution is used by companies in all industries. Budget Maestro and Link Maestro are available directly from Centage and its authorized resellers. Sage resellers who wish to join the Centage Partner Program can contact Centage
HP, NetSuite Reach Channel Deal
Hewlett-Packard will resell NetSuite's on-demand ERP (enterprise resource planning) software through its 15,000-strong channel of value-added resellers, initially in the U.S., the companies announced jointly on Tuesday.
HP and NetSuite previously linked up in 2003, when NetSuite was called NetLedger.
“It was more of an alliance back then,” said Mini Peiris, vice president of product marketing at NetSuite. “This one's secured by a contract, and the initial time we tried this we were a little bit ahead of the curve. Cloud computing was still new… we're in a very different climate today.”
Peiris declined to reveal how much of a cut HP's channel partners will receive on software sales. They will also be able to make money by offering “value-added management and implementation services” for NetSuite, according to the announcement. In addition, NetSuite is providing HP partners with a training resource portal and a toll-free sales support hotline.
The channel agreement applies only to the U.S for now. “We want get some success stories under our belt and see where that takes us,” Peiris said.
It also remains to be seen where HP goes from here.
Janet Pretti, vice president of channel marketing at HP, said the deal with NetSuite is not exclusive.
But Pretti declined to discuss what other agreements might be down the road with companies like SAP. That long-time HP ally is slowly rolling out its on-demand Business ByDesign ERP offering, which competes with NetSuite.
Meanwhile, NetSuite picked the right partner in HP, said Ray Wang, an analyst with Forrester Research. “The HP channel base is a good one. It has true SMB users? it's more likely that they're going to use something like NetSuite.”
Customers may also be more inclined to buy a SaaS product if they can do so through a familiar face like their HP provider, he suggested: “I think for a lot of people, they want to deal with something have existing relationship with.”
HP and NetSuite previously linked up in 2003, when NetSuite was called NetLedger.
“It was more of an alliance back then,” said Mini Peiris, vice president of product marketing at NetSuite. “This one's secured by a contract, and the initial time we tried this we were a little bit ahead of the curve. Cloud computing was still new… we're in a very different climate today.”
Peiris declined to reveal how much of a cut HP's channel partners will receive on software sales. They will also be able to make money by offering “value-added management and implementation services” for NetSuite, according to the announcement. In addition, NetSuite is providing HP partners with a training resource portal and a toll-free sales support hotline.
The channel agreement applies only to the U.S for now. “We want get some success stories under our belt and see where that takes us,” Peiris said.
It also remains to be seen where HP goes from here.
Janet Pretti, vice president of channel marketing at HP, said the deal with NetSuite is not exclusive.
But Pretti declined to discuss what other agreements might be down the road with companies like SAP. That long-time HP ally is slowly rolling out its on-demand Business ByDesign ERP offering, which competes with NetSuite.
Meanwhile, NetSuite picked the right partner in HP, said Ray Wang, an analyst with Forrester Research. “The HP channel base is a good one. It has true SMB users? it's more likely that they're going to use something like NetSuite.”
Customers may also be more inclined to buy a SaaS product if they can do so through a familiar face like their HP provider, he suggested: “I think for a lot of people, they want to deal with something have existing relationship with.”
ERP rates for some gantries lowered during December school holiday
The Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates at some gantries will be reduced by between 50 cents and S$1.00 during the December school holiday.
Rates at the Central Expressway (CTE), Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), Shenton Way, Bendemeer, Thomson and Lor 6 Toa Payoh gantries will be cut from Saturday, November 15 till December 31.
The ERP rates will revert to the pre-school holiday rates from 2 January 2009.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the next ERP rate review will be in February, which is the first quarterly review for 2009.
Rates at the Central Expressway (CTE), Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), Shenton Way, Bendemeer, Thomson and Lor 6 Toa Payoh gantries will be cut from Saturday, November 15 till December 31.
The ERP rates will revert to the pre-school holiday rates from 2 January 2009.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the next ERP rate review will be in February, which is the first quarterly review for 2009.
Automotive press tools maker goes for CpiO configured Sage ERP
Automotive punches and dies manufacturer AW Precision says it expects to achieve an estimated saving of £10,000 a year in labour costs when it goes live with £25,000 worth of Sage ERP from specialist implementer CPiO.
The company, which employs 110 at its UK site in Rugby, was finding accurate stock control and word processed invoicing a growing challenge, as customer demand for both printed and online brochures and PDF pricing lists grew.
Sage 200 will provide a range of management reports, while also integrating seamlessly with Microsoft Excel, according to AW Precision's IT manager Andy Whitworth.
“We expect to see a return on our investment within a couple of years and will immediately benefit from staff having a greater amount of time to spend working on more productive areas of the business,” says Whitworth.
“Initially, there will be 35 users on the system, but we do expect this to increase. CPiO will tailor the system to our growth ambitions by incorporating the function to expand the solution,” he continues.
“CPiO understands what is best for our business. We are a small company, so it is key to us that we work with a supplier who can support us. This is a large investment but with a huge payback, which ultimately will enable us to deliver our customers a better service,” adds Whitworth.
The company, which employs 110 at its UK site in Rugby, was finding accurate stock control and word processed invoicing a growing challenge, as customer demand for both printed and online brochures and PDF pricing lists grew.
Sage 200 will provide a range of management reports, while also integrating seamlessly with Microsoft Excel, according to AW Precision's IT manager Andy Whitworth.
“We expect to see a return on our investment within a couple of years and will immediately benefit from staff having a greater amount of time to spend working on more productive areas of the business,” says Whitworth.
“Initially, there will be 35 users on the system, but we do expect this to increase. CPiO will tailor the system to our growth ambitions by incorporating the function to expand the solution,” he continues.
“CPiO understands what is best for our business. We are a small company, so it is key to us that we work with a supplier who can support us. This is a large investment but with a huge payback, which ultimately will enable us to deliver our customers a better service,” adds Whitworth.
Data acquisition specialist logs on to Infor Syteline ERP
Data acquisition and control products manufacturer Campbell Scientific says it has selected Infor ERP SyteLine to drive efficiencies and hone its competitive advantage.
The system, which replaces a decade old legacy suite, is intended initially for 25 users at its European HQ, and will integrate production, purchasing, sales, accounting, contract management, warehousing and service functions.
Says Mark Pimperton, IT manager and ERP project manager at Campbell Scientific: “Throughout the selection process, Infor consistently demonstrated a keenness and ability to understand our business processes and requirements for an ERP system. Infor's sales team is steeped in industry expertise, thorough and professional throughout.”
The system, which replaces a decade old legacy suite, is intended initially for 25 users at its European HQ, and will integrate production, purchasing, sales, accounting, contract management, warehousing and service functions.
Says Mark Pimperton, IT manager and ERP project manager at Campbell Scientific: “Throughout the selection process, Infor consistently demonstrated a keenness and ability to understand our business processes and requirements for an ERP system. Infor's sales team is steeped in industry expertise, thorough and professional throughout.”
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