Thursday, February 28, 2008

DEACOM ERP Software Greases Operational Wheels of Lubricant Manufacturer

The leading provider of lubricants and specialty fluids to the automotive and industrial markets, Cincinnati Vulcan, has selected the DEACOM Integrated Accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software System, according to Deacom, Inc. The DEACOM System will replace Cincinnati Vulcan's non-integrated accounting and laboratory management software systems in order to better manage a multi-company structure.

With an ISO 9001:2000 quality system certification, Cincinnati Vulcan utilizes a research and quality control laboratory to manufacture, package, and distribute a variety of quality lubricating oils, metalworking fluids, and water-based cleaners under the Vulcan brand and other brand names. Its previous software set-up, however, was not being supported and required the company to operate two databases with customized programming and add-ons. The systems necessitated the use of a number of custom reports and external Excel® documents for sales commissions and tote tracking.

e DEACOM ERP System, once implemented in the summer of 2008, will integrate the sales order entry, purchasing, inventory control, formulation and lab management, regulatory reporting, production, web portal, labor tracking, and accounting processes of Cincinnati Vulcan in a single system. With one database, Cincinnati Vulcan will have the ability to plan material requirements for its predominantly make-to-order environment and generate configurable reports, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and invoices directly from the DEACOM System. The company will also be able to automate its bar coding and labeling process for true lot control at all of its warehouse locations.

"DEACOM, in comparison to our former software systems, makes our business operations seem too easy," says Rhett Francisco of Cincinnati Vulcan. "Having one system to integrate our entire business will save our order processing alone about one-third of our labor costs, which is vital to our commitment to continuous product and process quality improvement."

About Deacom, Inc

Headquartered in Wayne, PA, Deacom, Inc. is the producer of DEACOM, a complete accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for building component, process, and mixed-mode manufacturers with difficult-to-handle requirements. The DEACOM System seamlessly links all departments within a manufacturing company, providing a comprehensive view of the entire operation. By making complex issues simple, Deacom helps streamline manufacturing business processes to maximize productivity and profitability.

Fibre2fashion invites ERP, Business Intelligence Tools, POS, RFID, SCM, CRM, CAD/CAM, solution providers to participate in Soft-Tex 2008

Fibre2fashion invites ERP, Business Intelligence Tools, POS, RFID, SCM, CRM, CAD/CAM, Dyeing & Printing, Import Export Management, Inventory Control, Production Planning, Warehouse Management solution providers to participate in Soft-Tex 2008.

Soft-Tex will be giving software companies the effective plinth to promote their products & services to the Textile-Garment-Fashion-Retail industries. Fibre2fashion will be offering special features and helpful tools to brand your company and your products & services through Soft-Tex 2008.

Features & Benefits

- A dedicated page for participants where the companies will be showcased for one month View Sample
- Virtual booth-links to your website.
View Sample
- Special pre-show mailing to buyers
- Exclusive downloadable E-Catalogue
Download Sample
More Information about Soft-Tex 2008
Click Here http://www.fibre2fashion.com/services/promotion/softtex/#

Source : Fibre2fashion.com

Openbravo opnes the world of ERP

Openbravo is a fully functional, integrated, web-based, open source ERP (enterprise management system) that offers a unique value proposition - a higher value at a lower cost.

The system is for small and midsize enterprises that are looking for an integrated system to manage their business. One that is capable of managing daily operations, optimizing business processes, improving customer satisfaction and, ultimately, increasing profits.

Our customers have decided to take ownership of their ERP systems and only pay for the services they really need, when they need it.

Thanks to our highly qualified network of partners, Openbravo ERP has been successfully implemented in companies of different sizes and across a wide variety of sectors and activities. Openbravo offers its partners the opportunity to build a truly differentiated business based on Openbravo ERP.

Web-based

Openbravo has been designed from the ground up to be web-based, enabling universal, secure access and simplicity through any browser.

Fully Functional

Openbravo includes all the functionality you would expect of an extended ERP solution, as well as basic CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and BI (Business Intelligence).

Truly Integrated, Truly an ERP

Openbravo has been designed as a single ERP application: all functionalities share a common architecture, philosophy, rules and user interface, and all are seamlessly integrated.

Open Source

Openbravo is released under an open source license, with no hidden costs or ties to a particular vendor. The license ensures no usage fees, public access to source code and permission to freely modify source code.

Revolutionary Architecture

Openbravo is based on a revolutionary architecture that offers a better way to build software applications.

Adapted to Needs

Once requirements and business processes have been identified, Openbravo can be adapted to any company's needs and be fully operational in a short amount of time.

About Openbravo :

"Openbravo is the leading web-based professional open source enterprise management solution (ERP) for small and midsize enterprises. Our success is based on high-quality products and services, a powerful business plan and a team of highly experienced professionals". Manel Sarasa, CEO.

Openbravo is a fully functional integrated web-based open source enterprise management system for small and midsize enterprises (SMEs). Openbravo offers a unique value proposition - higher value at a lower cost: "Be the owner of your ERP and only pay for the professional support you really need".

If your have any inquiry please contact this company direct.

Openbravo, S.L.
c/ Pau Claris 138, 1 - 1,
08009, Barcelona,
Spain
Email : media@openbravo.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Apparel Data System's "System 9001" is a flexible, parameter driven, modular software package

Apparel Data Systems providing Apparel, clothing and fashion industry ERP Software solution.

Apparel Data Systems company Profile :

Apparel Data Systems is a major resource of industry specific software solutions to address your "Mission Critical" requirements as well as your every day business needs for the apparel, home furnishings, and accessory industries.

Apparel Data System's "System 9001" is a flexible, parameter driven, modular software package that fits the needs of ladies, men?s and children?s apparel & accessory manufacturers and importers. The system is standardized so that upgrades are universal providing stability and reliability while enhancing functionality annually through low or no cost upgrades.

Product :

Apparel Data System's "System 9001" is a flexible, parameter driven, modular software package that fits the needs of ladies, men?s and children?s apparel & accessory manufacturers and importers. The system is standardized so that upgrades are universal providing stability and reliability while enhancing functionality annually through low or no cost upgrades.
modules include:

- Base System
- Warehouse Lot Locater
- EDI Solutions
- Returns Authorization
- Production Control & Raw Materials
- RFID Module
- Import Tracking
- E-commerce Module

If your have any inquiry contact this company direct.

Apparel Data Systems, Inc.

240 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone 212-922-9001
Fax 212-922-9002


Email: sales@appareldata.com

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sage Software Again Ranked as #1 SMB Enterprise Application Vendor in Canada

New Report Confirms Company’s Continued Market Leadership

Sage Software announced today that IDC Canada has for the second consecutive year ranked the company as the leading provider of enterprise application software to small and mid-sized businesses (SMB’s)(1) throughout Canada, based on revenue figures researched by IDC for calendar 2006. The report, entitled "Canadian Enterprise Applications 2006 Vendor Shares(2)," confirms that Sage Software maintains its position as the leading provider of Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) applications to SMB’s in Canada, exceeding Microsoft, Intuit, Infor, Lawson, Epicor, and others. Sage Software was previously ranked number one in a similar report published in October 2006, based on revenue figures researched by IDC Canada for calendar 2005.

According to the IDC report, "Sage is the leading vendor in the Canadian small and medium-sized customer (SMB) segment." It continues, "Sage's Canadian operations have maintained their SMB market leadership with its strong [Sage] Accpac and Simply Accounting financial applications. Investments in CRM, both SageCRM and [Sage] SalesLogix, are also beginning to have a positive impact on the vendor's market presence in Canada. Sage targets industries such as accounting (professional services based), as well as a broad spectrum of small businesses including hospitality, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. Sage promotes its long term relationship with charter accountants and usage of its products in colleges and university courses. In the SMB space, Sage has strong presence amongst customers via its presence in education and with professional organizations, such as the Canadian Management Association. The success of Sage Accpac can be attributed to on-going customer and user familiarity with the product."

"This report is further, strong proof of our ongoing market leadership and continued strong growth in Canada," said Laurie Schultz, Sage Software general manager for the Sage Accpac and Simply Accounting by Sage business unit. "In a very competitive marketplace, this #1 ranking from an independent third party is clearly a testament to the strength of our solutions, well-established business partner channel, and loyal client base, and certainly bodes well for our continued market leadership with SMB’s across Canada."

About Sage Software
Sage Software supports the needs, challenges and dreams of nearly 2.8 million small and mid-sized business customers in North America through easy-to-use, scalable and customizable software and services. Our products support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking, merchant services and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. Sage Software is a subsidiary of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of accounting and business management software solutions and related products and services for small and mid-sized businesses. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and the Group now has 5.5 million customers and employs over 13,900 people worldwide.

Source : Sage Software

Sunday, February 24, 2008

SAP Business All-in-One at Solar Module Manufacturer SOLON: New ERP for Renewable Energy

The sun shines all over the world. This naturally opens up international opportunities for production and sales for SOLON AG, the largest manufacturer of solar modules in Europe. However, this requires an integrated ERP software that supports international processes and accounting standards.

"The Pioneers of Power" is the motto of SOLON AG, an enterprise specializing in solar technology with headquarters in Berlin. Formed in 1997, and floated on the stock exchange in 1998 as the first solar enterprise in Germany, the group is one of the pioneers and innovators in the area of solar technology. The enterprise has enjoyed rapid growth since its formation, and is now one of the largest European solar module manufacturers, with subsidiaries and production locations in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and the United States, which are all part of a holding company. Total sales in 2006 – with more than 650 employees across the whole group – amounted to about 346 million euros, an increase of more than 70 percent on the previous year.

Expansion with IT support

"Because of the strong expansion, we need IT support that provides a transparent overview of all business processes and cash flows across the whole group," says Dieter Neberg, IT manager at SOLON AG. This was not possible with the old heterogeneous IT landscape, which consisted of ERP software from Sage and a stand-alone solution for production.

This situation was unsatisfactory, and the changeover to an integrated, sustainable, and international ERP solution that would support the enterprise's rapid development effectively was absolutely essential. The management of SOLON AG therefore decided to bring together all business areas and locations on a standardized ERP platform.

After careful consideration of the options available on the market, the enterprise chose the SAP Business All-in-One solution SPEED ME from IT total system supplier ai informatics. SPEED ME offers numerous preconfigured processes typically used in the industry, which enables rapid implementation. SOLON AG was also won over by the attractive fixed price, the industry expertise of the ai informatics consulting team, and the international product support offered by the IT service provider.

Together with the consultants, the enterprise was able to implement the industry solution in just seven months. In January 2007, the system went into productive operation for the 120 users at the Berlin and Greifswald locations successively, just two weeks apart. After the international rollout of SPEED ME at the SOLON locations in the United States and Italy, productive operation will start there in early 2008. In the final expansion phase, about 300 to 400 users will be working with the solution worldwide.

Overview of warehouse stocks a mouse click away

In Berlin and Greifswald, the benefits of the business processes integrated with the help of the SAP-based industry solution quickly became obvious. Supported by SPEED ME, the solar enterprise now maps its core processes in a standardized group structure and on the basis of consolidated master data.

All information, from sales and purchase order processing right through to billing, is entered, managed, and distributed centrally. Employees in the purchasing and production departments can access an overview of all warehouse stocks across the group with just a few mouse clicks and can compare these with the material requirements from the orders. As a result, scheduling and material planning, as well as procurement, production, and warehousing processes, can be controlled economically and on a demand-driven basis.

The old manual, paper-based intercompany processes are now carried out largely automatically, which accelerates procedures in internal ordering and settlement and ensures high process reliability.

Rapid consolidated financial statements

Another advantage of the industry solution is that data on costs and sales from the connected group areas and companies is immediately available in Financial Accounting and can be analyzed there at any time.

At the same time, the solar module manufacturer can create uniform standards across the group for internal and external reporting. As a result, it will be possible in future to create both the quarterly and annual statements for the group promptly in accordance with IFRS and the individual statements of the subsidiaries in accordance with local legal requirements. "As a result, we have a more accurate overview of the group's development and will in future be able to implement our growth strategy in an even more targeted way," states Dieter Neberg.

SOLON AG has outsourced operation of SPEED ME to the ai informatics computer center in Pforzheim – and is reaping multiple benefits. The IT operating costs can be clearly calculated, because a user-based settlement model ensures maximum transparency. In addition, the solar module manufacturer does not need to concern itself with administration and maintenance work such as updates or release upgrades. Dieter Neberg: "We can fully concentrate on our core competencies – and those are the development, production, and sale of innovative and high-quality solar modules."

Source: SAP INFO

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

FIT selects Yunique as software partner for new program

Academic leader The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software developer Yunique Solutions Inc are partnering to bring an innovative new fashion product lifecycle management program to FIT students and fashion industry professionals.

Facilitated by $400,000 software and services donation by Yunique Solutions and a State University of New York (SUNY) grant, FIT will develop new training programs centered around the latest techniques and technologies for product development and other front-end fashion business processes. In addition to their plmOn software, the Yunique Solutions donation also includes related system installation, implementation, and training services.

FIT will initially offer the new PLM training as a program in the school’s Enterprise Center. Under the management of Ms. Christine Helm, the center serves as a business training resource for artists, designers, and fashion industry professionals.

The new program will be promoted through a series of upcoming FIT seminars aimed at helping students and fashion companies realize the benefits of PLM. The new PLM program will also complement the extensive Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop training courses currently being offered at FIT.

Following an evaluation of fashion industry PLM solution providers, FIT selected Yunique as the software partner for the new program. “We were impressed with the flexibility of the Yunique software”, noted Holly Henderson, assistant adjunct professor and fashion industry consultant.

“They have a true understanding of the needs of fashion companies. In our research, we confirmed the importance for PLM in the industry and see it as a key driver to remaining competitive in today’s global fashion industry.”

“We are proud to partner with FIT on such an important industry initiative”, added Darioush Nikpour, vice president of business development at Yunique. “The fashion industry requires advanced training and game-changing technology to meet rapidly accelerating consumer and competitive demands for more innovative products, greater product value, and faster business execution. This combination of training and technology will drive the innovative business processes needed to succeed in the future of fashion.”

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) has rapidly become one of the hottest technology applications in the apparel, accessories, footwear, textiles, and other fashion-related industries due to its ability to support and integrate the merchandising, design, development, pre-production and sourcing activities that are critical in today’s consumer-driven marketplace.

Source : Fibre2fashion.com

Monday, February 11, 2008

QAD Named “Top ERP Provider For Customer Experience” In Consumer Goods Technology's Annual Readers' Choice Awards

QAD, Inc a leading provider of enterprise software and services for global manufacturers, today announced that Consumer Goods Technology magazine has selected QAD as the top provider for customer experience in the Enterprise Resource Planning section of the magazine’s annual Readers' Choice Awards, published in the January 2008 issue. The annual Readers' Choice Awards honor winners across twelve different categories focused on service and solutions for consumer goods companies.

Consumer products manufacturers worldwide rely on QAD as a trusted partner to analyze, plan and manage every aspect of their enterprise at every stage in the manufacturing process. QAD develops and delivers enterprise solutions designed to solve the immediate challenges consumer products manufacturers face today while laying the groundwork for future success and lasting bottom-line results.

“We are pleased to be included in this year’s Readers' Choice Awards,” said Phil Friedman, vice president, consumer products, QAD. “Consumer products manufacturers have to deal with many different layers of suppliers, distributors and channels in taking their product to market these days. QAD is committed to supporting these manufacturers in achieving their goals in brand development, demand management, and new product introduction.”

QAD Enterprise Applications are designed to streamline the management of manufacturing operations, supply chains, financials, customers, technology and business performances all in one suite. Built on a deep, foundational understanding of manufacturing and designed for maximum flexibility anywhere in the world, QAD Enterprise Applications are available in 27 languages and can handle multiple currencies. For both single-site manufacturers with customers and suppliers in many locations around the world, and global enterprises with factories and plants in dozens of countries, QAD can provide the solutions and support to operate multi-national businesses efficiently and profitably.

The Readers' Choice Award winners are included in the January 2008 issue of Consumer Goods Technology and can be viewed online at: Consumer Goods Technology Readers' Choice 2008. This is the eighth annual Readers' Choice Awards for GCT.

About QAD

QAD is a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturing companies. QAD applications provide critical functionality for managing manufacturing resources and operations within and beyond the enterprise, enabling global manufacturers to collaborate with their customers, suppliers and partners to make and deliver the right product, at the right cost and at the right time. Manufacturers of automotive, consumer products, electronics, food and beverage, industrial and life science products use QAD applications at approximately 5,800 licensed sites in more than 90 countries and in as many as 27 languages. For more information about QAD, telephone +1 805 684 6614, or visit the QAD Web site at:
http://www.qad.com.
Source : QAD Inc.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Ms. Gerdien Cammeraat transfers to it suits IT

Gerdien Cammeraat, a well known IT professional in the Microsoft Dynamics-, Exact- and apparel industry, made the transfer to the promising new Microsoft partner it suits IT.

Gerdien Cammeraat, formerly successful as Director Product Management & Development at Pebblestone Fashion International and Account Manager at Exact Software, will focus on consultancy for Microsoft Dynamics partners and customers and the coordination of international Microsoft related events.

After a small side step to Exact Software, the transfer of Cammeraat to it suits IT reunites a successful team. Together with Theo Doelman, Paul Jonker, Yildiz de Leeuw and Jacko Stokman, Gerdien Cammeraat formed the team which was responsible for the very successful international roll out of a specialized ERP solution for the fashion industry.

Source : http://www.fibre2fashion.com

eVision selects BroadSign's software solution

BroadSign International Inc, a leading worldwide provider of hosted software for operating digital signage networks announced that BroadSign's Software as a Service (SaaS) solution BroadSign Suite will be deployed to run the eVision network of digital screens in all U.S. Virgin Megastores. eVision is a content creator and an operator of digital signage networks in hospitality, recreational, retail and medical environments.

Using BroadSign Suite will allow eVision to operate a network of 400 digital displays of different sizes in 10 Virgin Megastores across the U.S. Each location will have up to 40 screens geared to the affluent 18-44 year old demographic creating an 'experiential environment' by entertaining shoppers and informing them of the latest movies, music releases, games, books, electronics, apparel and fashion accessories on a playlist-style programming loop.

The displays will feature an 8-hour mix of high-definition content to be updated daily while allowing customer interaction via mobile phones and Internet.

"Our solution was designed to support complex programming and pinpoint targeting that can be done easily from one central location, so the BroadSign Suite's rich functionality will be put to good use here," said Rick Engels, president and CEO of BroadSign International Inc. "I'm also glad that eVision will be able to appreciate our latest enhanced campaign performance reporting system that further facilitates communication with advertisers."

eVision's roster of clients has included McDonald's, Macy's, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock Cafes, H&M, Ralph Lauren/Polo, Levi Strauss, JC Penney and the U.S. Armed Forces, among many others.

"Turning this bold and innovative concept into reality at Virgin Megastores was a challenge," said Gary Hunt, president of eVision. "The vast amount of content, the need for customizing the program for each store and potentially for each area in the store as well as custom requirements from our advertisers led us to BroadSign. The company has proven that its software is the best fit for many of our networks."

The network will be rolled out in February-March 2008. Most of the store chain suppliers have already committed to buying time on the network.

"TheVirgin Megastores have always been about innovation and evolving the retail environment to meet the needs and desires of our customers," said Dee McLaughlin, Vice President of Marketing, Virgin Entertainment Group, North America. "With the launch of Virgin Mega TV we are continuing that commitment. We are excited about the new technology that allows us to have a 'live' show playing in our stores."

BroadSign International Inc is a leading worldwide provider of hosted solutions for managing digital signage networks. The BroadSign Suite resolves the challenges facing modern digital signage networks: the need for full campaign execution functionality, accountability and true scalability. The software enables operators to target out-of-home audiences, sell network airtime, reliably play back scheduled content on each screen and account for campaign performance.

eVision is a leading provider of Digital Signage Networks, creating cutting-edge digital signage content to a myriad of environments; hospitality, recreational, retail, medical, to name but a few. eVision combined Emmy Award-winning creativity with state-of-the-art technology to reach an increasingly elusive consumer with targeted messages.

eVision is poised to take full advantage of tomorrow's technology today and set the standard for out-of-home programming, advertising and deployment; utilizing dynamic content to reach and affect your consumer when and where you want.

Virgin Entertainment Group is the world's leading multi-channel music and entertainment retailer, providing customers with a range of entertainment experiences through a family of integrated Virgin-branded businesses.

Source : http://www.fibre2fashion.com

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Northern California Public Broadcasting Leverages SAP Solutions for Enterprise Performance Management

SAP Empowers CFOs with Innovative Solutions to Drive Performance and Manage Growth; Rapid Deployment of SAP Solutions Drives Increased Operational Efficiency and Reporting Accuracy for the Financial Planning Process

SAP AG today announced that Northern California Public Broadcasting, Inc. (NCPB), one of the nation’s leading public radio and television broadcasters, has successfully implemented the SAP® Business Planning and Consolidation application, a key component of the growing portfolio of SAP solutions for enterprise performance management. As NCPB undergoes significant business transformation, the broadcaster is using SAP solutions for enterprise performance management to better manage the company’s business plan, acquisition road map and growth strategy. Since deploying SAP solutions, NCPB has seen a significant increase in operational and financial reporting accuracy and efficiency, allowing more time for analysis and strategic planning. The NCPB deployment demonstrates continued momentum for SAP’s global strategy to transform and enhance corporate performance by putting innovative and user-friendly business and financial management solutions in the hands of CFOs.

NCPB owns and operates public radio and television stations across Northern California, making it one of the largest, most-watched public television and most-listened-to public radio broadcasters in the United States. In 2006, NCPB was in the process of merging with two regional broadcast stations and needed a robust performance management platform that could scale to support the company’s growth while addressing several core financial and operational functions in a highly customized and cost-effective manner.

NCPB required a solution that would decrease time spent reconciling data aggregated manually in Excel spreadsheets, re-engineer the arduous annual financial planning process by creating monthly forecasts, and increase the integrity and transparency of numbers across the business. After a competitive search, CFO Jeffery Nemy selected SAP solutions to improve financial performance and operational efficiencies across all station holdings and departments throughout the company, including finance, communications and human resources.

The initial implementation process for NCPB’s deployment took approximately 90 days to complete, with the first forecast presented to the Board’s Finance Committee less than five months after the project began.

“We were in the middle of a critical corporate transition and needed a holistic solution that could consolidate budgets of disparate departments and projects instantaneously, eliminate time-consuming reconciliations of interdepartmental charges, and automate and standardize documentation of assumptions and justifications for spending requests as well as provide account-level reporting across departmental and project boundaries,” said Nemy. “SAP solutions proved to be the best fit and since the initial implementation, we have successfully achieved several measurable benchmarks including elimination of the manual consolidation process, which has reduced our cycle time by up to six weeks. The entire NCPB leadership team is now equipped with direct online access to more timely and accurate information and a better way to view, measure and plan the strategic direction of the company — literally transforming the way we do business.”

Prior to the implementation of SAP solutions for enterprise performance management, the annual planning and consolidation process at NCPB took months to complete, which monopolized thousands of man hours and did not provide the level of visibility needed to support the company’s growth. After deploying the SAP solutions, NCPB completely replaced its annual financial planning processes with a rolling monthly forecast that projects not only the balance of the current fiscal year, but also the following 36 months. At the end of each month, actuals are uploaded into the system, thus overriding the previous forecast for that month. Variance reports are then prepared comparing actual results against both budget and previous forecasts. Automating the planning and consolidation process has resulted in a significant increase in efficiency for the overall financial planning process.

“SAP has been diligent in its commitment to deliver a world-class suite of software solutions that address the specific needs and business objectives of CFOs today,” said Sanjay Poonen, senior vice president and general manager of Enterprise Performance Management, Business Objects, an SAP company. “The success of customers like Northern California Public Broadcasting further validates our strategy to empower CFOs through delivery of the most comprehensive and innovative technology solutions. In addition, SAP was positioned in the leaders quadrant in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPM Suites, 20071.”

Source : SAP

Monday, February 4, 2008

Arvind Mills to implement Oracle ERP for its retail outlets

Textile major Arvind Mills Limited has decided to implement Oracle' s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to manage its growing chain of retail outlets. The project cost is estimated at around Rs10 crore.

Arvind Mills has two retail store formats, Mega Mart Outlet Centres (large discount stores), and the smaller Mega Mart stores. For the short term, Arvind Mills is looking to open eight large stores in cities such as Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai, while it plans to expand its smaller stores to tier II cities.

With each store requiring an investment of around Rs4 crore, the total outlay of Rs400 crore would be funded from internal accruals. As per Sanjay Lalbhai, managing director of Arvind Mills, last year retail stores contributed Rs100 crore to the top line of the company, and a 6 per cent profit. He said the Mega Mart Outlet Centre has been positioned as a discount store, with the tag line 'Sale on. 365 days.'

According to J Suresh, CEO, Arvind Brands & Retail, which is the retail arm of Arvind Mills, the company plans to have 30 large discount stores and 200 Mega Marts across 100 cities, and plans to achieve revenues of Rs2,000 crore by 2012. Presently, the company has 75 outlets in 25 cities.

Unlike the smaller Mega Mart stores that sell in-house brands, the large stores stock other brands as well. K E Venkatachalapathy, business head, Mega Mart says that in order to provide value to other brand owners, the company has tied-up with a minimum number of brands while offering sizeable shelf space of around 200 to 250 sq ft.

Source: http://www.domainb.com/companies/companies_a/Arvind_Mills/20080201_arvind_mills.html

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Microsoft Proposes Acquisition of Yahoo! for $31 per Share

Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has made a proposal to the Yahoo! Inc. Board of Directors to acquire all the outstanding shares of Yahoo! common stock for per share consideration of $31 representing a total equity value of approximately $44.6 billion. Microsoft’s proposal would allow the Yahoo! shareholders to elect to receive cash or a fixed number of shares of Microsoft common stock, with the total consideration payable to Yahoo! shareholders consisting of one-half cash and one-half Microsoft common stock. The offer represents a 62 percent premium above the closing price of Yahoo! common stock on Jan. 31, 2008.

“We have great respect for Yahoo!, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. “We believe our combination will deliver superior value to our respective shareholders and better choice and innovation to our customers and industry partners.”

“Our lives, our businesses, and even our society have been progressively transformed by the Web, and Yahoo! has played a pioneering role by building compelling, high-scale services and infrastructure,” said Ray Ozzie, chief software architect at Microsoft. “The combination of these two great teams would enable us to jointly deliver a broad range of new experiences to our customers that neither of us would have achieved on our own.”

The online advertising market is growing at a very fast pace, from over $40 billion in 2007 to nearly $80 billion by 2010. The resulting benefits of scale along with the associated capital costs for advertising platform providers make this a time of industry consolidation and convergence. Today this market is increasingly dominated by one player. Together, Microsoft and Yahoo! can offer a competitive choice while better fulfilling the needs of customers and partners.

“The combined assets and strong services focus of these two companies will enable us to achieve scale economics while reaching R&D critical mass to deliver innovation breakthroughs,” said Kevin Johnson, president of the Platforms & Services Division of Microsoft. “The industry will be well served by having more than one strong player, offering more value and real choice to advertisers, publishers and consumers.”

The combination will create a more efficient company with synergies in four areas: scale economics driven by audience critical mass and increased value for advertisers; combined engineering talent to accelerate innovation; operational efficiencies through elimination of redundant cost; and the ability to innovate in emerging user experiences such as video and mobile. Microsoft believes these four areas will generate at least $1 billion in annual synergy for the combined entity.

Microsoft has developed a plan and process that will include the employees of both companies to focus on the integration of the combined business. Microsoft intends to offer significant retention packages to Yahoo! engineers, key leaders and employees across all disciplines.

Microsoft believes this proposed combination would receive all necessary regulatory approvals and expects that the proposed transaction would be completed in the second half of calendar year 2008.

Microsoft is also committed to working closely with Yahoo! management and its Board of Directors as they, along with Yahoo! shareholders, evaluate this compelling proposal.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed transaction, Microsoft Corp. plans to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents regarding the proposed transaction. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of Yahoo! Inc. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF YAHOO! INC. ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Source : Microsoft

Friday, February 1, 2008

Lawson Software Announces Partnership with Accruent

Lawson Software (Nasdaq: LWSN) today announced a partnership with Accruent Inc., a provider of real estate performance management (RPM) solutions. Under the agreement, Lawson and Accruent will offer customers a solution designed to help customers take innovative approaches to solve their real estate and facilities management challenges. The partnership will initially focus on retail organizations, but the two companies will also target other industries, including healthcare, financial services, and public sector organizations.

The solution, which can work with the Lawson S3 Enterprise Financial Management Suite, will help Lawson customers manage their real estate portfolios more strategically. This capability can ultimately help them manage real estate-related revenue and costs while helping to facilitate regulatory compliance. Real estate costs are among the most significant capital investments and operating expenses for many companies, which creates a growing need for technology solutions focused on real estate performance.

More than 340 of the world's largest companies, including 20 percent of the Fortune 500 and 40 percent of the Top 100 Retailers use the Accruent real estate solution. Lawson and Accruent currently have more than 30 joint customers.

"Our customers face a number of challenges managing their overall financials, including their real estate assets," said Colleen Holm, product manager for Lawson. "By working with Accruent, we can help our customers obtain a better understanding of the effectiveness of their capital investments in real estate - ultimately helping them turn real estate into a more strategic part of their broader financial strategy."

"Businesses recognize the direct link between real estate and bottom-line performance," said Mark Friedman, chief executive officer for Accruent. "By combining Lawson's enterprise software solutions and expertise with Accruent's focused solution for optimizing the real estate lifecycle, our shared customers will have access to innovative technology solutions to help them with real estate and facilities management."

About Lawson Software

Lawson Software provides software and service solutions to 4,000 customers in manufacturing, distribution, maintenance and service sector industries across 40 countries. Lawson's solutions include Enterprise Performance Management, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management, Manufacturing Resource Planning, Enterprise Asset Management and industry-tailored applications. Lawson solutions assist customers in simplifying their businesses or organizations by helping them streamline processes, reduce costs and enhance business or operational performance. Lawson is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., and has offices around the world. Visit Lawson online at http://www.lawson.com/.

Source : Lawson Software