Nakul Patel

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This document provides a comparison of the various cloud-based service offerings for ERP software based on the data collected
from various internet sources. Soft-wares, in this report, are compared on the basis of general features such as pricing, support,
etc. as well as on the basis of more specific features such as the supported modules and additional capabilities. In all, this
assignment compares 7 of the industry perceived best cloud based ERP systems (viz., Plex Online, NetSuite, Epicor, Infor, SAP
Business ByDesign, Microsoft Dynamics and Oracle) are described in detail towards the latter part of document.
Software Package Comparison for Cloud-based
ERP Systems

Prepared by:
Nakul Patel





1

CLOUD-BASED
ERP SOFTWARE
ANSWERING THE BIG WHY
CLOUD ERP
Cloud ERP is an approach to enterprise resource planning (ERP) that
makes use of cloud computing platforms and services to provide a
business with more flexible business process transformation.
Enterprise resource planning is an industry term for the broad set of
activities that helps a business manage the important parts of its
business such as purchasing and inventory management. ERP
applications can also include modules for the finance and human capital
management aspects of a business. An ERP system integrates internal
and external management information across the entire company,
assimilating accounting, manufacturing processes, sales, and customer
relationship management. ERP systems facilitate the flow of information
between all business functions inside and outside the organization.
In the cloud model, the software vendor houses and manages the
software and buyers pay a subscription price for the software - typically
on a monthly or annual basis. This removes the need for businesses to
host and maintain the software and data on their own servers. This
model is not to be confused with web-enabled software, which means
that the software is still installed on-site but the data is accessible online.
In both cases, system data can be accessed through an Internet
connection, enabling employees to remotely access their business data
through any device with online capabilities.
To some industry experts, the promise of cloud computing is that it will
provide an opportunity for business to completely transform how it uses
and pays for information technology. For example, cloud-sourcing
legacy ERP applications might eliminate the need for a business to
purchase the necessary server and storage hardware and maintain it on
site which, in turn, has the potential reduce operational expenditures
(OPEX). Other industry experts, however, point out that the problems
associated with ERP software deployments such as integration
problems between ERP modules and a companys legacy systems
would simply transfer to the cloud.
THE
CLOUD
ERP
SCENARIO
The wheels of a cloud
based ERP system
have started turning
and it is expected that
by the year 2015
global expenditure on
cloud based ERP
systems will have
increased by 21%
according to research
carried out by
Forrester!


2

According to a Gartner Forecast from late 2011, the SaaS-delivered ERP market will grow at a 14.7%
compound annual growth rate until 2015. Manufacturing software vendors are moving their attention to
the cloud and the market is divided between 4 major SaaS ERP players: NetSuite Manufacturing, Epicor
Express for Manufacturing, Infor Industrial Manufacturing, and SAP Business ByDesign.
The hope is that ERP software developed specifically for cloud computing environments will include new
feature sets that were simply not possible using old technology. Until then, cloud ERP is seen as being
good for startup organizations and new business divisions within an existing company.
ADVANTAGES OF CLOUD-ERP
The most common benefits of the cloud-based ERP systems are as follows
1. Minimized initial investment. On-site ERP solutions require purchasing, housing and
maintaining servers, then deploying, configuring, and maintaining the ERP software. The Cloud
ERP solution does not require a substantial initial investment. The process of implementing,
maintaining, and keeping the solution up to date is the responsibility of the solution provider.
2. Minimized technical staff implication. By eliminating the costs and complexities of installing
and integrating additional hardware to support the ERP, enterprises that use cloud-based
solutions dont have to hire additional technical staff to support the application on an ongoing
basis.
3. Increase ROI of the ERP application investment. Cloud ERP solutions can easily be
implemented and integrated faster into the enterprises day-to-day activity.
4. Increased scalability. Cloud ERP systems are easily scalable to meet new business
requirements. This benefit is particularly useful for enterprises with specific seasonal activities
that need to quickly develop or integrate new functions to meet their business requirements.
5. Subscription benefits. First and foremost, since all SaaS services are offered on a subscription
basis, there are no unexpected costs. Customers know exactly how much the system will cost
them this month, next month and every other month which is a very appealing prospect especially
for smaller businesses whose funds tend to be considerably smaller. Even if the prices for the
SaaS system do increase, they dont tend to increase by a great deal.

FIGURE 1: BENEFITS OF CLOUD BASED ERP
6. Faster implementation. Management and setup of an SaaS system are all the responsibility of
the vendor so there no real setup or installation process. Most parts of the system will come
preconfigured and ready to be setup integrate into your business. This results in a much faster
and simpler setup process which ultimately lead to a faster ROI since initial costs are lower.


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7. Lower initial costs. Since an SaaS system requires very little in the way peripherals and such
technology normally found in the average non cloud based ERP solution, the costs of running an
SaaS system are much lower as well. The only maintenance cost to the customer would be the
wage packet given to the employees using the software. Whats more, most ERP vendors allow
for additional users to easily be added into the SaaS system without the need for any additional
technology to be implemented so the system can expand easily if you ever need it to.
8. Fewer Responsibilities. Running an in house system means brings with it the added
responsibility of dealing with any problems that may occur such as on-site hardware implications,
software problems and network issues which makes troubleshooting an error somewhat difficult.
However, with an SaaS system all of this is the vendors responsibility so the customer does not
need to worry about any problems that may occur.
9. Focus on what you are best at. Possibly the major benefit of implementing any SaaS system is
the freedom that the customer benefits from since many of the responsibilities of running and
maintaining the system are given to the vendor so the customer can focus on doing what they do
best selling the products and services they offer.




4

A TYPICAL ERP
SOFTWARE
LOOKING CLOSELY AT ERP
MODULES
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate internal and
external management information across an entire organization
embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service,
customer relationship management, etc. ERP software integrates all
facets of an operation, including development, manufacturing, sales and
marketing. The purpose of ERP is to facilitate the flow of information
between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization
and manage the connections to outside stakeholders.
ERP software consists of many enterprise software modules that are
individually purchased, based on what best meets the specific needs
and technical capabilities of the organization. Each ERP module is
focused on one area of business processes, such as product
development or marketing. Some of the more common ERP modules
include those for product planning, material purchasing, inventory
control, distribution, accounting, marketing, finance and HR.
ERP SOFTWARE MODULES
Different ERP modules cover common functional areas. Organizations
implement the modules in ERP that are both economically and
technically feasible and profitable. We will describe some of the common
modules below.
COMMON
ERP
MODULES
Finance &
Accounting
Supply Chain
Manufacturing
Materials Mgmt.
Sales
Project Mgmt.
CRM
HRM


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FIGURE 2: ERP MODULES
Finance Module
All kind of organizations small scale, large scale organizations benefit from the implementation of ERP
financial module. The financial module is the core of many ERP software systems. It can gather financial
data from various functional departments, and generates valuable financial reports such general ledger,
trail balance, asbalance sheet and quarterly financial statements.
Production Module
In the process of evolution of manufacturing requirements planning (MRP) II into ERP, while vendors
have developed more robust software for production planning, consulting firms have accumulated vast
knowledge of implementing production planning module. Production planning optimizes the utilization of
manufacturing capacity, parts, components and material resources using historical production data and
sales forecasting.
HR Module
Human Resources is another widely implemented ERP module. HR module streamlines the management
of human resources and human capitals. HR modules routinely maintain a complete employee database
including contact information, salary details, attendance, performance evaluation and promotion of all
employees. Advanced HR module is integrated with knowledge management systems to optimally utilize
the expertise of all employees.
Purchasing Module
Purchase module streamline procurement of required raw materials. It automates the processes of
identifying potential suppliers, negotiating price, awarding purchase order to the supplier, and billing
processes. Purchase module is tightly integrated with the inventory control and production planning
modules. Purchasing module is often integrated with supply chain management software.


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Inventory Module
Inventory module facilitates processes of maintaining the appropriate level of stock in a warehouse. The
activities of inventory control involves in identifying inventory requirements, setting targets, providing
replenishment techniques and options, monitoring item usages, reconciling the inventory balances, and
reporting inventory status. Integration of inventory control module with sales, purchase, finance modules
allows ERP systems to generate vigilant executive level reports.
Sales and Marketing Module
Sales module implements functions of order placement, order scheduling, shipping and invoicing. Sales
module is closely integrated with organizations' ecommerce websites. Many ERP vendors offer online
store front as part of the sales module. ERP marketing module along with CRP supports lead generation,
direct mailing campaign and other marketing works. Scheduling of the promotion is possible using this.
CRM Module
Customers are the most integral part of the business. It is necessary for a company to manage
interactions with current and future customers. It aims at providing a 360 degree view of customer data.
It helps you to know your customer better and includes many features such as activities, history, related
contacts, addresses of your customers and their relations with your competitors. The flexible database
structures enables you whatever information you would like to keep on your customer and maintains such
information for your future reference. CRM module can also offer an effective customer complaint
management tool including repairs processing and document management.



7

CLOUD-BASED
ERP OFFERINGS
KNOWING THE OPTIONS
The software-as-a-service (SaaS) concept is being clarified, and lessons
are being learned by manufacturing companies around the globe. New
vendors are offering various cloud-only ERP solutions for
manufacturing, while many traditional vendors have developed cloud or
SaaS versions of their existing applications, or new cloud systems that
parallel the older on-premise ones. Even more significantly,
manufacturers are giving cloud deployment serious consideration as
part of their IT strategy for the future.
CLOUD-ERP VENDORS
Some of the most common Cloud-ERP vendors are listed below
Plex Systems
Plex Systems was the first software vendor to bring a cloud-based ERP
system to manufacturing software. The company got its start in the
automotive industry but recently expanded into food & beverage and
other segments.
Plex Online is well suited for a variety of manufacturing segments,
including automotive, electronics, industrial machinery and plastics, and
can support several manufacturing modes, including discrete, mixed
mode, process and make-to-order. It is a comprehensive web-based
solution that ties the whole enterprise together, including financials, to
give businesses a clear, complete snapshot of their company. It comes
with multi-language and multi-currency capabilities, and can handle
multiple locations, and is eminently scalable, so it grows as the business
grows.
NetSuite
NetSuite is a complete cloud-based ERP solution that integrates with
inventory, warehouse management, accounting, and customer
relationship management. Ideal for businesses managing production
orders and inventory restocking. In addition, the system supports
inventory for multiple different locations, assembly management
CLOUD
BASED
ERP ARE
THESE
OPTIONS
ENOUGH?
Cloud ERP adoption is
sometimes a
controversial process,
more complex than it
originally appeared.
Some ERP vendors
have had to
discontinue their cloud
offerings. Cloud ERP
offerings are not yet
mature enough or
sufficiently diversified
to fully fit the entire
manufacturing
industry.


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requirements, bill of materials, work order management, diverse methods of measurement, bar coding
procedures, and other necessary business processes in the manufacturing industry. It can also integrate
shipping processes with mainstream carriers, such as FedEx.
Epicor
With extensive functionality for inventory, accounting, pre-production materials, and manufacturing
execution, Epicor delivers a fully integrated web-based software system. Ideal for manufacturers with $1
million+ in revenue.
Epicor provides its offering in three flavors
Epicor ERP
Epicor Express
Epicor iVP
ORACLE
Using the Oracle Technology Foundation, JD Edwards' ERP software is scalable and versatile to meet
the needs of a wide variety of vertical markets. Supports multiple languages and currencies. Available as
on-premise and web-based.
It offers applications for accounts payable, accounts receivable, advanced cost accounting, expense
management, financial management and compliance, fixed asset accounting, and a general ledger. The
system can support multiple languages and currencies.
Infor
Infor provides an extended ERP system for the Microsoft platform that allows companies to
manufacture, sell, and service with speed and accuracy. It is a flexible, fully integrated, and easy to use
ERP suite that is widely deployed across many different types of industries from aerospace to biomedical,
capital equipment, precision tools and more.
Infor has two editions of offerings in
Infor Syteline
Infor Visual ERP
SAP
SAP newest Saas ERP software, Business ByDesign is a fully comprehensive integrated business
management package that is delivered On Demand through a cloud or Software as a Service (SaaS)
model. Business ByDesign is the only ERP software product that embeds SAPs best practice business
process expertise and IP. This new software solution is designed to provide manufacuturing and
distribution SMEs (small and medium businesses) with the benefits of a large scale business application
without the need for a large IT department and/or an upfront licensing fee. With Business ByDesign,
SMEs now have access to the same SAP business process expertise that has helped many of the
worlds leading companies maintain their leading edge.


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Microsoft
Originally designed as a financial accounting system, Microsoft Dynamics GP was extended to serve as
a complete ERP suite. Also includes applications for managing HR, manufacturing planning, supply
chain, IT, and more.
Microsoft Dynamics GP has applications for financial management, human resources management,
manufacturing planning, supply chain management, field service, business intelligence, collaboration,
compliance, and IT management. The Advanced Management edition contains additional features not
found within the Business Essentials edition. There are also a la carte modules which can be purchased
separately, along with hundreds of third-party applications from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)
which can be added to the system to fit additional needs.
QAD
QAD Enterprise Applications is a complete suite of software designed to support all of the key processes
of global manufacturers. The software is in use at over 5,500 sites worldwide. QAD Enterprise
Applications enables measurement and control of all key business processes, and utilizes industry
specific best practices to support companies, whether in a single plant or across an entire global
organization.
IQMS
IQMS, an innovator in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and creator of a truly single-source
software solution, provides manufacturers with all the functionality to efficiently manage and improve
business processes. The company's flagship product, EnterpriseIQ, intuitively combines real-time
manufacturing, accounting, and supply chain management into one database. IQMS provides business
and plant management software that allows manufacturers to run more effectively and more profitably.
Sage
Sage ERP X3 is designed for nearly size of company in need of an ERP solutions. Sage ERP X3 is
particularly strong in manufacturing and distribution with inventory control, supply chain management and
accounting functionality.
Sage ERP offers functionality for accounting, inventory control, material resource planning, shop floor
control, human resources, and supply chain management. The system is relatively unique for the
manufacturing and distribution software markets in its ability to offer the choice of multiple databases,
operating systems, and deployments (on-premise or web-based).
IFS
IFS has a solid, growing presence in the North American business software market. IFS North America
serves medium-size to large companies in a variety of key industries, including aerospace and defense,
industrial manufacturing, automotive, high-tech, construction, and process industries such as food and
beverage.


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TGI
TGI's Enterprise 21 ERP delivers fully-integrated sales order management, procurement, inventory
management, warehouse management, financial management, advanced planning, customer
relationship management (CRM), business intelligence, and manufacturing management software
functionality in a single ERP system.
Enterprise 21s underlying system architecture is flexible and configurable by design, enabling
organizations to implement the system to meet their unique business process requirements. Offering a
broad scope of software functionality, Enterprise 21 ERP is highly scalable ERP solution that allows your
business to grow without the addition of additional modules, bolt-ons, or third-party software packages.
ProcessPro
ProcessPro Premier is a fully-integrated ERP system incorporating industry best practice processes
from beginning sales order entry through manufacturing, inventory, and accounting.
ProcessPro Premier is the only product of its kind that is based exclusively on the Microsoft Visual
Studio suite and SQL server database. It offers the added advantage of Microsofts extensive research,
development, and testing in every package. Unlike other products that rely on proprietary languages and
databases, ProcessPro Premier delivers a fully tested standard that is accepted around the world
ensuring reliability, consistency, and a solid product future.
Vai
VAI provides flexible, fully integrated business software solutions that give companies of all sizes a true
market advantage. With VAI's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application, S2K Enterprise
Management Software, you'll obtain reliable data that will streamline your business processes to make it
more competitive, responsive, and profitable. Our ERP application features industry-specific modules for
manufacturing, wholesale distribution, warehouse management, food, retail and e-business. VAI also
provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) option featuring multi-tiered support in mindSHIFT
Technologies, Inc.s 24x7x365 data center for the S2K Distribution, S2K Manufacturing, S2K
Warehouse Management, S2K Food, S2K Retail, and S2K Service and Repair enterprise resource
planning (ERP) software solutions.



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COMPARATIVE
ANALYSIS OF
CLOUD-BASED
ERP OFFERINGS
(SAAS)
UNDERSTANDING THE OPTIONS
WHY SELECT
Once we have identified the options available to us in terms of ERP
offerings, next step is to select the right option. Whereas with the correct
ERP system (and there are an overwhelming amount to choose from),
a seamless flow of information is created between all business functions
inside the boundaries of the organization, along with connections to
outside stakeholders, selecting an inappropriate ERP package can
result in a plethora of problems.
The ill effects of wrong selection
An ERP system that is not a right fit tends to weigh down the entire
organization. There is the tendency on the part of people to generate
alternative manual approaches and work around ERP system
inefficiencies. This can compromise security and audit requirements and
have a debilitating effect on employee morale.
The financial consequence of selecting a wrong ERP is significant.
There are examples of manufacturers spending substantial amounts of
time and money on ERP implementations only to realize that a different
ERP system would have been a better fit.
The benefits of a right selection
On the brighter side, there are benefits of getting it right. We have
already discussed most of the benefits of an ERP system.
BASELINE
LIST FOR
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT
ERP
SOLUTION
Industry Fit
Core Strengths
Industry Norms
Vendor
Sustainability
Usability
1.


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When implemented effectively, ERP can improve alignment of processes with organizational strategy,
reduce costs and improve productivity. An Aberdeen group study estimated that best-in-class ERP
implementations reduced inventory by as much as 22% and operating costs by as much as 20%.

FIGURE 3: AFTER EFFECTS OF BAD ERP

FIGURE 4: BENEFITS OF ERP IMPLEMENTATION
Thus, it is very important to know the various aspects of the ERP offering you are going to choose. We
present the comparative analysis of different ERP systems in this chapter.
The comparison is done on the basis of primarily 4 criterion described below
1. General Under this we present the comparison on the basis of various aspects such as
pricing, subscription options, supported users, latest version available, supported platforms, etc.
2. Modules We compare the modules offered in different cloud based ERP packages and also
compare the functionalities provided by each of the module.
3. Additional Capabilities We also have a look at what additional modules & services are
supported by the ERP system in addition to the standard modules described previously in
Chapter 2.


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4. Service Support We also compare the additional services provided by the vendor along with
the software offering, such as, support, implementation/deployment, training and any additional
proprietary services.
COMPARISON OF CLOUD BASED ERP (SAAS) OFFERINGS
General Data
Product Name Version
Price
Range
Financing
Options
User
Range
Multi
-Site
Multi
National
Architecture
Database
Platform
Server
OS
SAAS
Plex Systems
Always
Current
$5K + per
month-
Subscription 20-1000+ Yes Yes
SaaS
Multitenant
SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Oracle,
ODBC
Compliant,
Pervasive,
Sybase,
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Universal
Compatibility,
Quickbooks
Linux,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware,
Solaris,
AIX, HP-
UX,
Compatib
le With All
Yes
NetSuite
Always
Current
$10K-
100K
Subscription
10+unlimit
ed
Yes Yes
SAAS,
Multitenant
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Universal
Compatibility,
Quickbooks
Mac OS,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware
Yes
Epicor ERP
9.05 $4K -500K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Lease to
own
1-1000+ Yes Yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
EnterpriseIQ
7.7
$20K-
200,000K
Lease,
Financing
5-Unlimited Yes yes SOA, .NET
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
Sage ERP X3
6.5
$2,600 /
User-
20-1000+ Yes Yes
MS SQL
Server,
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
No
Infor VISUAL
6.5.4
$12K-
100K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Lease to
own
5-500 Yes Yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
IFS
Applications
8.0
8 300K-2M
Lease,
Owner
Financing
40-5000 Yes Yes SOA
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Solaris,
AIX, HP-
UX
Yes
Enterprise 21
ERP
8.1
$30K-
$750K
Lease,
Interest
Free
Financing
5-1000+ Yes
English /
Spanish
SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Oracle,
ODBC
Compliant,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Mac OS,
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
SAP Business
ByDesign
Cloud
and
Mobile
Based
$150/user/
mo-
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Financing
10 to
Unlimited
Yes
US, UK,
France,
Germany,
Model-driven
"Cloud"
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Quickbooks
Windows Yes


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(Always
Current)
India,&
China
ProcessPro
Premier
10.2
$100K-
750K
Lease 5-1000 Yes Yes
.NET,
ClientServer
MS SQL
Server,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Windows Yes
Epicor
Express
9
$400-
$5K/Mo.
Subscription Jan-50 Yes Yes
MS SQL
Server,
Progress,
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Quickbooks
Windows Yes
Infor Syteline
8.01.00
$25K-
100K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Lease to
own
5-350 Yes Yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
Oracle E-
Business
Suite
Release
12
$12K-
$350K
Lease,
Financing
25-1000+ Yes yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Mac OS,
Linux,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware,
Solaris,
AIX, HP-
UX, i
Operating
System
Yes
Microsoft
Dynamics AX
AX
(2012)
$20K-
750K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Financing
5-1000 Yes Yes SOA, .NET
MS SQL
Server,
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Windows Yes
S2K
5.0.2 80K-150K
Lease,
Financing
15+ Yes
Yes
(UK, CA,
Caribbean
)
SOA
Power, Cloud-
Based (Saas)
i
Operating
System
Yes
Microsoft
Dynamics GP
2010
$10K-
100K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Financing
25-500 Yes yes SOA, .NET
MS SQL
Server, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Mac OS,
Linux,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware
Yes
Epicor iVP
5.3
$3,000 per
user-
Lease,
Owner
Financing
10+ Yes Yes SOA
IBM DB2,
Other, ODBC
Compliant,
Power, Cloud-
Based (Saas)
i
Operating
System
Yes
QAD
Enterprise
Applications
2012.1
$250/User
-
Subscription 10-20,000 Yes Yes SOA, DA
Progress,
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Windows Yes

TABLE 1: GENERAL DATA
Modules Supported
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex Systems
Inventory
Summary
Inventory
Tracking
Bill of
Materials
Bar Coding
Job
Tracking
System
Material
Requirements
Planning

NetSuite
Multi-location
Inventory for
Distributor
Advanced
Shipping
Bin
Management
Order
Promising
Real-Time
Sustem
Return
Materials
Authorization

Epicor ERP
Advanced
Material
Mgmt.
Bar Coding Handheld
Material
Handler
Interface
Material
Movement
Prioritize
Orders
Sales
Order
Allocation


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EnterpriseIQ
Inventory
Control
Vendor
Managed
Inventory
Wireless
Warehouse
Management
System

Sage ERP X3
Inventory
Control

Infor VISUAL
Enterprise
Resource
Planning
Product
Lifecycle Mgmt
Quality
Management

IFS Applications
8.0
Inventory
Forecasting
Inventory
Planning

Enterprise 21
ERP
Inventory
Management
Procurement
Warehouse
Management
System

SAP Business
ByDesign

ProcessPro
Premier
MRP IC AWS
Physical
Inventory

Epicor Express
Material
Management

Infor Syteline
Material
Management
Summary
Plant
Maintenance

Oracle E-
Business Suite
Inventory
Management
Warehouse
Management

Microsoft
Dynamics AX
Inventory
Controls
Manufacturing
Material
Planning
Warehouse
Management

S2K
Master
Production
Schedule
(MPS)
Material
Requirement
Planning

Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Inventory
Management
Materials
Requirement
Planning

Epicor iVP
Bar Code
Labeling /
Serialization
Purchasing
QAD Enterprise
Applications


TABLE 2: MATERIALS MANAGEMENT MODULES
SALES ORDER MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex
Systems
Commission
Tracking
Competitor
Intelligence
Database
Customer
Orders
E D I
Order
Entry &
Tracking
Quote
Tracking
Sales
Order

NetSuite
Automated
Order
Processing
Automated
Payments
One Click
Purchase
Orders
Order
Management

Procure-
to-Pay
Purchasing

Real
Time Order
Status
Self-
Service
Vendor
Center
Shipping
Integration

Streamline
d
Receiving
Epicor ERP
Order
Management

Sales
Mgmt.
Overview
Demand
Management

Electronic
Data
Interchange
Estimate /
Quote
Mgmt.
Storefront


EnterpriseI
Q
Packing
Slip &
Shipping
Management

Quoting
and
Estimating
Sales
Orders

Sage ERP
X3
Purchasing
Management

RF
Warehousing

Sales
Monitoring



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Infor
VISUAL
Sales
Management


IFS
Application
s 8.0
Coordinate
Projects
Sales
Sales
Quotes

Enterprise
21 ERP
Sales &
Order
Management


SAP
Business
ByDesign

ProcessPro
Premier
Order
Entry

Epicor
Express
Estimating
& Quoting
Order
Management


Infor
Syteline
Advanced
Forcasting
Estimating /
Quoting
Request for
Quote

Oracle E-
Business
Suite
Oracle
Partner
Management

Quoting
Sales
Management

Sales
Proposal

Microsoft
Dynamics
AX
Sales &
Marketing
Sales
Management


S2K
Order
Processing
Work Order
Processing

Microsoft
Dynamics
GP
Sales
Configuration

Sales
Forecasting

Epicor iVP
Customer
Returns and
Credit
Management

Estimating
and
Quoting
Invoicing
Lead
Tracking
Order
Processing

Sales
Forecastin
g and
Analysis
Warranty
Management


QAD
Enterprise
Application
s


TABLE 3: SALES ORDER MANAGEMENT MODULES
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex
Systems
Accountin
g
Overview
Accounts
Receivabl
e /
Accounts
Payable
Costing

Expense
Project
Tracking
Inventory
Valuation
Multi-
Company
Financial
Consolidatio
n

NetSuite
General
Ledger,
Payables
&
Receivabl
es
Financial
Summary
Advanc
ed
Billing
Amortizatio
n
Schedules
Multi-
currency
Transactio
ns
Project
Accounting
Revenue
Recognition


Epicor
ERP
General
Ledger
Accounts
Payable
Account
s
Receivab
le
Multi-
Currancy /
Company
Financial
Mgmt
Overview
Tax
Connect
Cash /
Asset
Mgmt
Global
Engines

Enterprise
IQ
Financial
Overview
General
Ledger
Finanaci
al
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Electronic
Data



1
7

Reportin
g
Interchange
(EDI)
Sage ERP
X3
Business
Intelligenc
e
Data
Collection

Financi
al
Overview


Infor
VISUAL
Financial
Managem
ent

IFS
Applicatio
ns 8.0
Accounts
Payable &
Receivabl
e
Budget
Managem
ent
Cash
Flow
Consolidate
Accounts
Financial
Summary
Fixed
Assets
General
Ledger

Enterprise
21 ERP
Financial
s
Overview
Financial
Reports

SAP
Business
ByDesign
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Cash
Flow
Financial
Management

Financial
Statement
s
Foreign
Currency

ProcessPr
o
Premier
Accounts
Payable
(AP)
Accounts
Receivabl
e (AR)
General
Ledger
(GL)
Project
Accounting

Epicor
Express
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
General
Ledger
Multi-
Currency
Payroll
Infor
Syteline
Financial
Managem
ent

Oracle E-
Business
Suite
General
Ledger
Accounts
Payable
Asset
Tracking


Microsoft
Dynamics
AX
AR / AP
Dynamic
AX
Financial
Features
and
Summary
Fixed
Assets
General
Ledger
Internatio
nal
Project
Accounting

S2K
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Financi
al
Highlight
s
General
Ledger

Microsoft
Dynamics
GP
Business
Intelligenc
e
Financial
Managem
ent
Multicur
rency
Online
Reports

Epicor iVP
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Capital
Assets
General
Ledger

QAD
Enterprise
Applicatio
ns
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Banking
/ Cash
Mgmt.
Budgeting
Finanaci
al
Overview
Financial
Analysis
Governan
ce, Risk &
Compliance

Manage
ment
Reportin
g
Multi-
GAAP

TABLE 4: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODULES


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8

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT MODULE

TABLE 5: PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT MODULES

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex
Systems
Online
Order &
Tracking

Online
Tool
Release
Problem
Control
Supplier
Quality
Supply
Chain
Overview

NetSuite
Supply
Chain
Overview


Epicor
ERP
Supply
Chain
Mgmt
Overview

Inventory
Mgmt
Purchase
Mgmt
Shipping
&
Receiving

Sourcing

Supplier
Relationshi
p Mgmt.
Warehouse
Mgmt

Enterpri
seIQ
Capable
to
Promise
Deman
d
Planning

Materials
Ordering
Outsourc
e
Central

Sage
ERP X3

Infor
VISUAL
Enterpri
se Asset
Mgmt
Supply
Chain
Mgmt

Product Name
Plex Systems
Barcode
Labeling
Capacity
Planning
Complex
Assembly
Labor & Time
Tracking
Multi-Plants
Plant Floor Mobile
Access
PLC Machine
Integration
Preventative
Maintenance
Production
Scheduling
Overview
Shop Floor
Control
Statistical
Process Controls
NetSuite
Advanced Multi-
location Inventory
Aseembly
Management
Work Order
Management

Epicor ERP
Production Mgmt
Overview
Advanced
Production
Advanced Quality
Mgmt
Job
Management
Lean
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Execution Systm.
Planning &
Scheduling

EnterpriseIQ
Bill of
Manufacture
(BOM)
Engineering
Change Order
Manufacturing &
Production
Reporting
Material &
Capacity
Requirements
Planning
Production
Overview
Quality
Management
Real Time
Monitoring

Sage ERP X3
Discrete
Manufacturing
Process
Manufacturing

Infor VISUAL
IFS Applications
8.0
Batch Process
Constraint-Based
Scheduling
Costing Make to Order Make to Project
Multisite
Planning
Shop Order
Enterprise 21 ERP Manufacturing
SAP Business
ByDesign
Production
Planning &
Scheduling
Project
Management

ProcessPro
Premier
Advanced
Scheduler
Formulation
Manufacturing (
BOM)
Quality Control (
QC)
R & D
Security
Regulations
Standard
Reports

Epicor Express Bill of Materials
Document
Management
Engineering
Change and
Revision Control
Job
Management
Lean Production
Quality
Assurance
Routing Scheduling
Shop Floor
Control

Infor Syteline Engineering
Planning &
Scheduling
Production
Management
Project Control Shop Floor Data Workflow
Oracle E-Business
Suite
Production
Scheduling
Project Costing
Shop Floor
Management

Microsoft
Dynamics AX
Bill of Materials Product Builder
Production Key
Features

S2K
Capacity
Requirements
Planning
Shop Floor
Control

Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Bill of Materials
Manufacturing
Order Process
Quality
Assurance

Epicor iVP Bill of Materials Maintenance
Production
Control
Quality Control
Serial and Lot
Tracker
Shop Floor
Reporting
Work Order
Scheduler /
Repetitive
Scheduler

QAD Enterprise
Applications
Lean
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Execution
Manufacturing
Overview
Manufacturing
Planning
Manufacturing
Scheduling
Product Data
Management
Product Data
Management
Quality
Management

Modules


1
9

IFS
Applicati
ons 8.0
Supply
Chain

Enterpri
se 21
ERP
Material
Requirem
ents
Planning
(MRP)
Distributi
on
Require
ments
Planning
(DRP)

SAP
Busines
s
ByDesig
n
Supplier
Relations
hip
Mgmt
Supply
Chain
Mgmt

Process
Pro
Premier
Dock
Scheduli
ng
Electron
ic Data
Interchan
ge (EDI)
Master
Production
Scheduler

Purchase
Orders
(PO)

Epicor
Express
Purchas
ing
Shippin
g &
Receivin
g
Supplier
Mgmt

Infor
Syteline
Shipping
/
Receivin
g

Oracle
E-
Busines
s Suite
Supply
Chain
Executio
n
Supply
Chain
Planning


Microsof
t
Dynamic
s AX
Supply
Chain
Key
Features


S2K
Inventory
Mgmt

Microsof
t
Dynamic
s GP

Epicor
iVP
EASY
EBusines
s Suite
EDI /
Release
Accounti
ng

QAD
Enterpri
se
Applicati
ons
Consign
ment
Deman
d Mgmt
Purchasi
ng
Release
Mgmt
Supply
Chain
Overview
Supply
Chain
Planning
Supply
Chain
Portal
Transport
ation
Mgmt
Warehousi
ng

TABLE 6: SCM MODULES


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CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT MODULE

TABLE 7: CRM MODULES
Product Name
Plex Systems
Configurator
Pricing
Cost & Quote
Estimating
Customer Master
List
Customer
Relations
Summary
Field Service
Opportunity
Tracking
Quick Quoter Quote Tracking
NetSuite
Incentive
Management
Job and Project
Tracking
Partner
Relationship
Sales Order
Management
Self Service
Customer Portal
Website
Epicor ERP
Customer
Relations
Overview
Campaign
Connect
Case
Management
Informatin
Worker
Lead / Opportunity
Mgmt
Mobile Connect
Service
Management

EnterpriseIQ
Customer
Relationship
Management
(CRM)

Sage ERP X3 CRM
Infor VISUAL
Customer
Relations Mgmt

IFS Applications
8.0
CRM Features
Customer
Services
Information
Shring
Mobility Features
Enterprise 21 ERP
Customer
Relationship
Management

SAP Business
ByDesign
Customer
Relationship
Management

ProcessPro
Premier
CRM
Epicor Express
Contact
Management
Lead &
Opportunity
Management
Marketing
Management

Infor Syteline
Customer
Relations
Management
Field Service
Management

Oracle E-Business
Suite

Microsoft
Dynamics AX
Marketing
Automation
Sales Force
Automation

S2K
Customer
Relationship
Management
Marketing
Automation
Remote Sales
Force Automation

Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Customer
Relationship
Mgmt

Epicor iVP
Customer
Relationship
Management

QAD Enterprise
Applications
Configurator
Customer
Relationship
Management
Customer Self
Service
Demand
Management
Pricing Sales Analysis Sales Orders
Sales Quotes &
Orders
Trade
Management
Modules


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1

Additional Capabilities

TABLE 8: ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES
Product Name
Plex Systems
Business
Intelligence
Computer
Aided Design
Document
Control System E-Commerce
Electronic Data
Interchange
Groupware
Communication
Human
Resources
Overview
SmartPlex
Mobile Access
NetSuite
Real Time
Dashboards Security

Epicor ERP
Compliance
Overview
Enterprise
Performance
Mgmt
Global Business
Mgmt
Human Capital
Mgmt Overview
Product Data
Mgmt
Service Mgmt.
Overview

EnterpriseIQ
Payroll
Processing
Work Force
Management

Sage ERP X3
Multi-Channel
Retail and Direct
Marketing
Wholesale
Distribution

Infor VISUAL
Human Capital
Mgmt

IFS Applications
8.0
Business
Analytics
Human
Resources

Enterprise 21
ERP
Business
Intelligence e-Commerce
Enterprise 21
Workbench
Designer

SAP Business
ByDesign
Business
Analytics and
Collaboration
Compliance
Management
Executive
Management
Human
Resource
Management

ProcessPro
Premier
Business
Intelligence
Comprehensive
Lot Traceability
FDA
Compliance MSDS Multicurrency
Nutritional
Labeling
System
Manager

Epicor Express
Business
Intelligence

Infor Syteline
Human
Resources
Internationaliza
tion
Intuitive User
Interface
Multi-Site,
Multi-Plant
Quality Control
(Supplier)
Report &
Analysis
Sytline Data
Collection

Oracle E-
Business Suite
Human
Resources
Analytics iSupport

Microsoft
Dynamics AX Alert System
Business
Intelligence
Compliance
Management
Human
Resource
Service
Managment

S2K
(EDI) Electronic
Data
Interchange
Distribution
Management
e Business
Applications S2K Mobile

Microsoft
Dynamics GP

Epicor iVP
Easy e-
Business
Epicor
Analytics
Inventory
Control
System
Utilities
Time and
Attendance

QAD Enterprise
Applications Analytics
Enterprise
Asset
Management
Interoperability
Solutions

Modules


2
2

Service Support

TABLE 9: SERVICES SUPPORT
We will explore the individual modules of some of above mentioned ERP packages in coming chapters.
We will describe Plex Online, NetSuite, SAP Business ByDesign, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics and
ORACLE in detail. For more information about the rest, references at the end of assignment can be
referred.

Product Name
Plex Systems Security
Training
Strategies

NetSuite Customer Care
NetSuite
Central
Site
Consultation

Epicor ERP
Business Process
Outsourcing
Hosting
Services
Learning &
Educational
Services
Managed
Services
Professional
Services Support
EnterpriseIQ
IQMS
EnterpriseIQ
Training
Programs
IQMS
Professional
Services and
Consulting
IQMS Technical
Support
Software
Updates and
Maintenance
Program

Sage ERP X3
Infor VISUAL
IFS Applications
8.0 Implementation Support Training

Enterprise 21
ERP
Direct Developer
Support

SAP Business
ByDesign
Built in Services
and Support

ProcessPro
Premier ClientAdvantage
ProductAdvanta
ge
Professional
Services

Epicor Express Implementation

Infor Syteline
Oracle E-
Business Suite
Support
Resources

Microsoft
Dynamics AX Support Options

S2K
Microsoft
Dynamics GP Support Options

Epicor iVP
Implementation
and Training
Services
System
Utilities

QAD Enterprise
Applications
QAD Service and
Support

Modules


2
3

PLEX ONLINE
PIONEERING CLOUD BASED ERP
SOLUTION
Plex Online (often referred to as Plex Online Software or Plex Online
Cloud ERP) is a software as a service (SaaS) or cloud application ERP
that attempts to manage and monitor the manufacturing process and
support the functions of production, inventory, shipping, supply-chain
management, quality, accounting, sales, and human resource
departments, in addition to the traditional ERP roles of
finance/accounting, procurement, human capital management, etc. With
Plex Online, Plex System accomplished notoriety as the first provider of
a complete SaaS ERP solution for manufacturing companies. Plex
Online is targeted towards manufacturing industries with rigorous
traceability, quality and food safety requirements, including automotive,
aerospace, food & beverage, and life sciences or medical
manufacturing.
Manufacturers needing a solid, reliable cloud-based ERP system that
encourages business growth and innovation should look to Plex Online,
an industry leader and 2011 CODiE Award-winner for Best Operations
Management Solution. Plex Online is ideal for companies using lean
manufacturing principles that are committed to high quality products,
extensive inventory control (including WIP) and cradle-to-grave
traceability.
Plex Online is well suited for a variety of manufacturing segments,
including automotive, electronics, industrial machinery and plastics, and
can support several manufacturing modes, including discrete, mixed
mode, process and make-to-order. It is a comprehensive web-based
solution that ties the whole enterprise together, including financials, to
give businesses a clear, complete snapshot of their company. It comes
with multi-language and multi-currency capabilities, and can handle
multiple locations, and is eminently scalable, so it grows as the business
grows.
This state-of-the-art ERP system is web-based, with inclusive scalable
pricing that supports an unlimited number of users, including both
customers and suppliers. Also, because it is hosted by Plex in a secure
environment, you don't have to worry about having a large IT staff or on-
premise upgrades. Every time a user logs in, they are working on the
PLEX
ADVANTAGE
Plex Systems was the
first software vendor to
bring a cloud-based
ERP system to
manufacturing
software. The
company got its start
in the automotive
industry but recently
expanded into food &
beverage and other
segments. Several IT
software bloggers
have written about
Plexs ability to
provide a wide scope
of critical features for
manufacturers in a
SaaS model, where
larger ERP vendors
have not succeeded.





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most updated version of the software. It's completely customizable, with the ability to implement features
on-demand, as you need them.
For companies looking for traceability, precise inventory management, regulation compliance and the
ability to secure key industry certifications, Plex Online is a robust, innovative, cloud-based solution.
The system must be accessed using a web browser, making its functions available from anywhere with
an Internet connection. The software is designed to provide managers and engineers with real-time
visibility to production data. While Plex Systems calls the SaaS solution "ERP", the software goes beyond
the traditional boundaries of ERP to include the following integrated functions:
Enterprise resource planning (ERP): Plex Online supports traditional ERP accounting functions,
including costing, accounts payables, accounts receivables, general ledger and financial statement
generation; human resources and payroll; internal activities related to launching new products,
conducting R&D projects and handling major engineering part revisions; and others.
Manufacturing execution system (MES) or manufacturing operations management (MOM): Plex
Online supports MES/MOM functions such as production (pull) scheduling and Kanban scheduling;
materials management; production control and process instructions; tool, production, scrap, and labor
tracking; traceability and part genealogy; and CAD integration. The software includes native support
for bar code labeling, wireless handheld devices, PLCs, weigh scales, packaging machines, and other
common manufacturing and shipping equipment.
Quality management systems (QMS): Plex Online can gather quality data such as reports on
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) data from electronic
gauges. It helps maintain compliance with quality standards including ISO 9000 and ISO 14000, QS-
9000, TS-16949, AS-9100, etc.
Customer relationship management (CRM): Plex Online supports sales and customer relationship
activities common in manufacturing industries, including quote tracking and order entry; release
accounting and shipment tracking; revenue reporting; and others.
Supply chain management software (SCMS): Plex Online supports supply chain management
functions such as electronic Kanban, online releases, EDI, electronic invoices and shipment
notifications, online supplier quality management, cross-company inventory traceability, cross-
company quality and production data, and others. EDI is integrated with customer orders, inventory,
bar code labeling, packaging, and shipping.
PLEX ONLINE MODULES
We will now describe the modules supported by Plex Online. (For list of complete features & support,
refer the previous chapter).
Materials Management
Plex Online supports following modules under Materials Management




2
5

INVENTORY SUMMARY
Plex Online provides a powerful and highly-detailed Inventory Tracking System ideal for tracking
containers, pieces and/or assemblies as they move through the manufacturing process on the shop floor.
The Plex Online Inventory Tracking system is designed to meet the detailed and rigorous needs of the
Production and Quality Departments as well as the Accounting Department.
Plex evolved in the manufacturing industry and has always been a manufacturing execution system.
Inventory Tracking is one of our primary focus areas and often noted as a major differentiator between
us and our competitors.
Benefits of Plex Online's Inventory Tracking System:
Simple, easy-to-use design for use by shop floor personnel
Real Time
Online
Tracks individual containers, pieces and/or assemblies
Full traceability and part genealogy
Built-in Bar Code Labeling & Reading
Built-in support for mobile/wireless handheld units
Built-in integration with weigh scales, packaging machines, and other equipment

INVENTORY TRACKING
This Inventory module provides the ability to track individual containers or individual parts on the shop
floor. It is designed for manufacturing facilities, especially part manufacturers, tool shops and other
situations where detailed, real-time tracking is required. Each container or part is bar coded with a unique
serial number used for tracking and traceability. Each inventory record includes Serial No, Part Number,
Location, Status and other pertinent data. Inventory records can be seached and summarized for as
required to provide real-time inventory reports. The inventory module is the foundation for many other
modules, including Production Tracking, Heat/Lot Traceability, Tool Life Tracking, and Scheduling.

BILL OF MATERIALS
This module defines the components that make up a part. Plex Online supports infinite levels of BOM. It
provides indented BOM, exploded BOM, drilldown BOM, and a variety of other methods for visualizing
and editing BOMs. Plex Online handles BOMs with just a few components, or many thousands.

BAR CODING
Bar Code Labeling is a major strength area and product differentiator for Plex. Plex Online has built-in
support for printing, reading, and utilizing bar code labels throughout the manufacturing and business
process. Plex featues bar coding is an inherent part of our software design, rather than an afterthought
or add-on package.
Plex Online provides a huge, constantly updated library of pre-formatted bar code label formats from
Honda, GM, Ford, DCX, American Axle, and all the other OEMs and Tier 1 companies. Plex Online


2
6

supports AIAG, ODETTE, and a variety of other label standards. Plex Online can also be configured to
support any other label format you require, whether it's an obscure customer requirement or an internal
label.

Plex Online specializes in implementing bar coding systems that track containers and/or individual parts
on the factory floor using hand-held Pocket PCs. Containers or parts are scanned as they move around
the shop floor, providing a highly accurate, real-time inventory system
Additional Bar Coding Capabilities
Receiving Raw Materials and Components
Container tracking (used when there are many parts in a container)
Part tracking (used for larger, more complex/valuable assemblies)
Badges (for quick login, time and attendance, and labor tracking)
Machine/Asset Tracking
Locations
MRO Supply Crib Items
Gage Calibration
Tooling
Shipping Labels

JOB TRACKING SYSTEM
This module is used to track Jobs and Work Orders within the manufacturing facility. It depends on the
situation, but usually a Job represents an instruction to the shop floor to produce a certain Quantity of a
certain Part Number by a certain Due Date. The Job Tracking system is the foundation for production
scheduling, and can be used for simple scheduling on its own. Highly integrated with Inventory, Customer
Orders, and several other modules. Nomenclature and specific requirements vary across facilities, and
can be fully accommodated: Jobs, Work Orders, Shop Orders, Shop Travelers, Releases, etc.
MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS PLANNING (MRP)

This module is used to analyze Customer Orders, Raw Material Inventory Levels, Minimum Restock
Levels and Lead Times in order to recommend and create releases with suppliers. Similar to traditional
Material Requirements Planning (MRP). For ordering raw material and component parts.
Sales Order Management
Following modules are supported under sales order management
COMMISSION TRACKING

The Commission Tracking system provides a framework for setting up a Commission structure for sales
people. The system automatically looks up, calculates and records commission when part shipments are
made. Reports show the amount of commissions owed based on payment status of the associated
customer invoice.



2
7

Commissions owed can be selected and used to generate accounts payable records, from which pay
checks can then be cut via standard accounting module functionality.

COMPETITOR INTELLIGENCE DATABASE

This is a database of competitor intelligence, including a list of competitors, markets, personnel, capacity,
strengths/weaknesses, and other marketing facts.

CUSTOMER ORDERS & RELEASES

Easy to use Customer Order functions are used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is
stored for each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to
Job Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order

ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE

Plex Onlines electronic data interchange (EDI) system is easy to use, highly automated, and reliable.
Customers and suppliers seamlessly transmit and receive electronic documents, following industry
standards. Advance shipment notices (ASNs) are created and transmitted automatically when shipments
are made.

Plex Online incorporates all AIAG standards, plus requirements of Honda, GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota,
and other OEMs.

Release Accounting A comprehensive Release Accounting solution fulfills all the requirements for dealing
with automotive and other release-driven industries. Release Accounting provides a fully-integrated
system that includes: EDI Log, General Shipping Log and Barcoding Library.

ORDER ENTRY & TRACKING

Plexs cloud based automated order tracking software features are used to enter, track, and fulfill
customer orders. Key data is stored for each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and
Quantities. Also provides links to Job Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an
order.

Also available is Spot Buy Order Entry for quick entry of spot buy customer orders. This screen will create
Order, Order Line, Price, Approved Ship to, and Release records.

QUOTE TRACKING

Manufacturers improve the ordering process with an easy-to-use mechanism for creating, printing, and
tracking RFQs and Quotes with Plex Online. It also disables some other automatic emails used by non-
workflow customers.

CUSTOMER ORDERS

The Customer Order module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.



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8

Financial Management

Modules supported under financial management are

ACCOUNTING OVERVIEW

Plex Online includes a complete Accounting System. One of the most powerful features of the Accounting
System is its seamless integration with other parts of Plex Online. Supplier Receipts create AP records.
Customer shipments create AR records. Your accounting staff can focus their effort on analysis and
follow-up rather than data entry.

Accounts Payable
Data entry or system creation of supplier invoices in real-time. Active maintenance of outstanding
payables and historical management. Payment processing including foreign currency translation.

Accounts Receivable
Data entry or system creation of Customer invoices including consolidated billing in real-time. Active
maintenance of outstanding receivables and historical management. Deposit processing and ability to
handle over/under payments.

Bank Reconciliation
Balancing of all accounting records against bank statement in real-time.

Budgeting
A module for setting up monthly and annual budgets for revenue and expense GL Accounts, and various
reports for analyzing performance and variance to the budget.

Credit Checking
A module for summarizing the credit status of a customer.

Collections
In depth maintenance of Customer accounts. Detailed history of invoices, payments, communications,
statements and letters.

Cross Company Integration
A set of features that allow one Plex Customer to seamlessly integrate with a different Plex Customer.
This has been configured for container traceability and automatic release creation.

Employee Expense Tracking
A module for entry and management of employee expenses and reimbursement, such as travel and
educational expenses.

Expense Project Tracking
This module is used by the Accounting and Purchasing departments to track expenses for a special
project, such as a press rebuild, a building expansion, or a new R/D initiative. The Project is an auxiliary
method for tracking and budgeting expenses, above and beyond the normal Chart of Accounts. Fully
integrated with Accounting and Purchasing.

Financial Statements


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9

Standard reports including; Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow, Aging Schedules, Cash
Disbursements/Requirements and more all in real-time.

General Ledger
Data entry or system creation of journal entries, including reversing entries in real-time.

Hours Tracking
A module for a professional services organization to track internal labor hours/costs.

Inventory Valuation - Standard Cost
Using the Part Cost Structure as its base, this module provides Inventory Valuation at Standard. The
Valuation can be viewed as a detailed and/or summarized report, at the current moment in time or at
any point in the past. This is ideal for those situations where the accounting department needs to know
the inventory value at particular moments in time (at the beginning and end of the month, for example)
in order to do its month end closing. This module also allows you to value inventory based on different
Cost Models and to easily compare the results between the two.

Key Measurables
A flexible system for setting up, tracking and communicating company performance against a set of
management-defined Key Measurables. Ideal for strategic management.

Multi-company Financial Consolidation
Financial reports, such as Income Statement and Balance Sheet, which combine results for two or
more companies. Features include multiple levels of consolidation, intercompany eliminations, currency
conversion, and multiple report formats.

Outside Collections Calling
This app downloads a list of customers indicated as open for outside collections with at least one invoice
45-89 days late. An outside collections firm with access to Plex will download this list for calling.

Receiving
The Receiving module is a simple-to-use interface for receiving goods into the company, which in turn
creates a Receiving History Record, updates the Purchase Order, updates inventory, and creates an
un-vouchered Accounts Payable entry (where applicable). Highly integrated with Supplier Module,
Inventory, and Accounts Payable.

Requisitions
Module used by customers for approving items before adding them to Purchase Orders.

Strategic Planning
This modules provides a structure for developing, documenting, and sharing a detailed Strategic Plan
for the company.

Workflow
A flexible, user-configurable module for designing and implementing Workflows. Workflow formalizes the
flow of information/documents through a series of steps to fulfill a specific business process.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Data entry or system creation of supplier invoices in real-time. Active maintenance of outstanding
payables and historical management. Payment processing including foreign currency translation.


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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Data entry or system creation of Customer invoices including consolidated billing in real-time. Active
maintenance of outstanding receivables and historical management. Deposit processing and ability to
handle over/under payments.

COSTING

Plex Online tracks and records all physical events (receiving, production, inventory status changes,
scrap, subcontract, shipping, etc.) on the shop floor, making it ideal for tracking cost.
Actual Costing
Advanced Standard Costing
Cost Setup
Inventory Valuation - Standard Cost
Job Costing
Part Cost Structure

EXPENSE PROJECT TRACKING

This module is used by the Accounting and Purchasing departments to track expenses for a special
project, such as a press rebuild, a building expansion, or a new R/D initiative. The Project is an auxiliary
method for tracking and budgeting expenses, above and beyond the normal Chart of Accounts. Fully
integrated with Accounting and Purchasing

INVENTORY VALUATION - STANDARD COST

Using the Part Cost Structure as its base, this module provides Inventory Valuation at Standard. The
Valuation can be viewed as a detailed and/or summarized report, at the current moment in time or at
any point in the past. This is ideal for those situations where the accounting department needs to know
the inventory value at particular moments in time (at the beginning and end of the month, for example)
in order to do its month end closing. This module also allows you to value inventory based on different
Cost Models and to easily compare the results between the two.

MULTI-COMPANY FINANCIAL CONSOLIDATION

Organizations that operate in a multi-company structure requiring consolidation of operations and
financial positions often need additional time to create and publish need financial reports. Beyond the
need to perform a month-end or year-end closing process for each individual business entity, the
corporate accounting team needs to perform the same processes at the consolidating level of the
organization.

In Plex Online, the process of creating a consolidating structure for an organization is simple. An
authorized user selects a name for a consolidation group, than assigns the individual entities/subsidiaries
to the group. Within Plex, each entity is effectively its own operating company. Larger organizations that
consolidate many entities/subsidiaries can design and build complex structures very quickly. Sub-groups
can be created to house and report their own subsidiaries, and can be rolled up to a higher consolidation
level. There is no limit to the depth of consolidation levels.

Plex Online functionality automatically consolidates entities which have different base currencies.
Currencies are translated based on period end spot rate (balance sheet current asset and current liability
accounts), period average rate (profit & loss accounts) or using historical rates (long term assets, long
term liabilities, and equity accounts). Financial statements at the consolidated level can be designed to
report foreign currency gain/loss.


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Consolidated statements within Plex Online are reported at a category level. The user has the option to
view the consolidated numbers by themselves or to view the consolidated numbers along with each
subsidiary published numbers and the eliminations. For data validity, when an accounting period is closed
at the consolidated level, none of the reporting entities are allowed to enter or generate transactions for
that period. When a consolidated fiscal year is closed, the fiscal year for all reporting entities is also
closed.

Production Management

BARCODE LABELING

Track containers or individual parts on the factory floor using hand-held pocket PCs. Scan containers or
parts as they move around the shop floor for highly accurate, real-time inventory data.

The system provides a constantly updated library of pre-formatted barcode label formats supporting
industry and OEM standards for most manufacturing industries. Plex Online supports other label formats.

CAPACITY PLANNING

This module provides reports for analyzing the current and future load on production workcenters.
Rough-cut capacity planning for long term planning
Job Scheduling for job shops and mixed-mode plants
Support for Make-to-Stock and Make-to-Order
High volume and low volume

COMPLEX ASSEMBLY

Plex Online Cloud ERP offers enhanced functionality to support complex manufacturing in continuous
process environments.

Improve productivity and increase visibility into the shop floor through the use of programmable logic
controllers (PLCs), assembly line support, line processing and online work steps by assembly stations.
Generate unique routings and Bills of Material (BOM) based on option configurations.
A comprehensive work instruction library dynamically builds work instructions with images and a control
plan. Work instructions dynamically link to engineering changes, ensuring the information is always
current.

LABOR & TIME TRACKING

Track both direct labor and indirect labor activity, including the employee, activity, machine, part,
operation, project, date, time and hours.

This module is fully integrated with the Timeclock screens, the control panel, tool manufacturing system,
maintenance system and other modules.

MULTI-PLANTS

Todays manufacturer demands a sophisticated network to track inventory, production, and
scheduling across multiple locations in different time zones and on different continents



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A single tenant may contain several buildings within a facility or several facilities in different locations.
Typically, buildings within a facility are in close physical proximity to each other and part of the same
financial entity. The separate buildings can house different functions within the manufacturing process,
including warehouse capacity, back-office functions, or redundant manufacturing stations. Multi-plant
manufacturers within a tenant can effectively leverage Plex Online to easily manage many details of
resource planning:
Individuals can be assigned by building, limiting operator access to only required and appropriate
information.
Inventory transactions such as viewing, adjustments, and shipping can be restricted by building
for better control.
Inventory locations can be specified by building and locations within buildings, if desirable.
Inter-plant shipments and receipts can be supported and tracked with barcoding and mobile
readers.
Operators can track in-transit shipments between buildings in real time.
Inventory minimums and maximums for purchased parts and supply items can be established on
a building-by-building basis.

PLANT FLOOR MOBILE ACCESS

Plant Floor Mobile Access applications allow you to use wireless handheld scanning devices exactly
where and when you perform:
Critical inventory control and management functions including cycle count
Shipping
Receiving
Supplies (MRO) management
Tool tracking

PLC MACHINE INTEGRATION

Most manufacturers have Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) on their machines and equipment to
control and monitor production, but few have learned to take advantage of the raw data the PLC collects.

The Plex Online PLC/machine integration module seamlessly links Plex Online information and your
production machines to take full advantage of its PLC-equipped machines and better manage production.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Plex Onlines comprehensive preventative maintenance module includes user-definable attributes,
checklists, maintenance request and approval functionality, preventive maintenance, spare parts
management, MRO, and more.

Automatically schedule preventative maintenance by hours, days, or number of production hits or pieces
produced. Plex Online allows the manufacturer to define specific machine parameters and to graph and
review data over time for predictive maintenance.

SHOP FLOOR CONTROL

Plex Online provides an extremely strong Shop Floor Control System (also known as Manufacturing
Execution System (MES)). Plex grew up in the manufacturing industry and has always been, first and
foremost, a manufacturing execution system. This is one of our primary focus areas and often noted as
a major differentiator between us and our competitors.


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Plex Onlines full MES solution includes job/production management, process instructions, production
scheduling, ultra-detailed real-time inventory control, tool tracking, production tracking, traceability and
part genealogy, labor tracking, PLC machine integration, and much more.

Plex Online includes the following base requirements for an Manufacturing Execution System:
Simple, easy-to-use design for use by shop floor personnel
Real Time
Online
Built-in Bar Code Labeling
Built-in support for mobile/wireless handheld units
Built-in integration with machine PLCs
Built-in integration with weigh scales, packaging machines, and other equipment

STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROLS

Plex Onlines Statistical Process Control (SPC) module collects inspection data and conducts in-process
SPCs.

It also handles capability studies, dock audits, part layouts, final inspection sheets, PPAP inspections,
and special user-defined checks. Perform all statistical calculations and print a variety of reports, such
as histograms, averages and ranges, run charts and more. Fully integrated SPC links the Plex Online
part specification, control plan and gage control modules

PRODUCTION SCHEDULING OVERVIEW

Plex Online provides a variety of production scheduling modules and methodologies, from the simplest
to the most complex. We apply these methods in combination as warranted by the manufacturing
process, the operational constraints, and the manufacturer's scheduling vision.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
This module is used to analyze Customer Orders, Raw Material Inventory Levels, Minimum Restock
Levels and Lead Times in order to recommend and create releases with suppliers. Similar to traditional
Material Requirements Planning (MRP). For ordering raw material and component parts.

Production Requirements Planning (PRP)
Evaluates Customer Releases, current Inventory levels, and Min Inventory points, in order to recommend
production. Ideal for high-volume, repetitive manufacturers.

Visual Sequence Board - Production Scheduling
A visual schedule board that displays the Production Runs scheduled into each Workcenter. Each
Production Run includes Part No, Operation, Quantity, Raw Matl Availability, Tooling Availability, Due
Date and Note. The Schedule Board represents the short term queue of production runs that are
scheduled into the machine. A visual tool for human-assisted, drag & drop scheduling.

Advanced Production Scheduling (APS)
A comprehensive, ultra-detailed, and fully automatic Finite Scheduling system. Includes visual
representations of jobs and workcenter loading. Finite Scheduling The most detailed and sophisticated
form of computer-automated scheduling and optimization.


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Electronic Pull Scheduler
This module is used to analyze inventory levels, Minimum Restock Levels, Daily Pulls, and Lead Times
in order to recommend and create production jobs and maintain required stock levels. Often used as an
electronic pull system. A simple, but powerful min-based approach to lean scheduling.

Electronic Kanban Scheduling
The Kanban system can be used to augment or replace conventional scheduling. Based on the Toyota
Production System, this methodology is especially useful for optimizing the production flow of a small
number of high-volume, repetitive parts. A highly visual but virtual method for lean Kanban scheduling.

Card-based Kanban Scheduling
The Kanban system can be used to augment or replace conventional scheduling. Based on the Toyota
Production System, this methodology is especially useful for optimizing the production flow of a small
number of high-volume, repetitive parts. Uses Plex-printed, bar coded Scanban cards.

Supply Chain Management
ONLINE ORDER ENTRY & TRACKING
The Order Tracking module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.
ONLINE TOOL RELEASES
This module provides Web-based communication of releases to Tool Suppliers. Suppliers view the
online releases screen to see the releases that have been issued to them. They then commit or reject
those release dates/quantities. When they are ready to ship the tools, they use Plex to print out a bar
coded shipper ahead of time, which is then delivered and received with the tools. This module
facilitates a high-level of real-time communication with your tooling suppliers. This is a very fast and
simple way to replace the need for paper releases, EDI, and constant phone calls to the supplier. It also
streamlines your receiving process. Because the incoming shipper is bar coded and pre-received, the
receiving process is very fast and accurate.
PROBLEM CONTROL
Plex Online enables the manufacturer to record, track, resolve and check statuses of problems across
its supply chain. The system includes forms for problem solving, corrective actions, supplier reporting
and resolutions, customer concerns and more.
It enables the company to assign to its suppliers one or more actions for containment, correction, and
problem prevention, and suppliers can respond to the issues in real time.
Plex Online includes an online cost recovery system to issue online chargebacks to suppliers when
problems are identified.


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SUPPLIER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
This module provides the ability to manage supplier quality, including Supplier Status, Certification
Level, Problem History, Quality Performance and more. Often used with E-Communication, to allow
suppliers to review and interact with their performance over time. Integrated with Supplier Module,
Problem Control, Purchasing and Shipping/Receiving.
SUPPLY CHAIN OVERVIEW

Because Plex Online is an Internet-based application, it provides a powerful suite of tools for Supply
Chain Management in all of its many forms. Plex Online connects the manufacturer with its customer
and suppliers through an online database of information, providing paperless, real-time communication
between trading partners. Our Supply Chain Management includes electronic kanban, online releases,
EDI, electronic invoices and shipment notifications, online supplier quality management, cross-
company inventory traceability, cross-company quality and production data, and much more.
Customer Module
This module establishes a master list of Customers, including various Ship To and Bill To addresses,
and maintains all customer-related data. A basic requirement for most systems.
Supplier List
This module establishes a master list of suppliers, and maintains all supplier-related data. A basic
requirement for most systems.
Online Order Entry & Tracking
The Order Tracking module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.
Online Order Inquiry
This module allows customers to login to the system and view the real-time status of orders.
Inventory Tracking
This Inventory module provides the ability to track individual containers or individual parts on the shop
floor. It is designed for manufacturing facilities, especially part manufacturers, tool shops and other
situations where detailed, real-time tracking is required. Each container or part is bar coded with a
unique serial number used for tracking and traceability. Each inventory record includes Serial No, Part
Number, Location, Status and other pertinent data. Inventory records can be seached and summarized
for as required to provide real-time inventory reports. The inventory module is the foundation for many
other modules, including Production Tracking, Heat/Lot Traceability, Tool Life Tracking, and
Scheduling.
Subcontract Shipping/Receiving
This module is used to ship inventory out to processors, track its processing, then receive it back in to
the building. Highly integrated with Inventory and Supplier Modules.



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Building List
This module establishes a master list of buildings, and maintains all supplier-related building data. A
basic requirement for most systems.
Traceability & Cross Company Integration
A set of features that allow one Plex Customer to seemlessly integrate with a diffent Plex Customer.
This has been configured for container tracability and automatic release creation.
Online Releases to Suppliers
This modules provides the ability to publish purchase orders and releases to suppliers via the Internet.
Suppliers login, commit to the delivery date, print bar codes, and handle other order fulfillment tasks.
This system provides highly-flexible, real-time, paperless, bi-directional communication between the
company and its suppliers. Highly integrated with Purchasing and Supplier Modules. We support
outbound 830's, outbound 850's, outbound 860's, inbound 856's. The inbound 856's load receipts in the
system to receive inventory against. The outbound 830's are releases provided to the suppliers. The
outbound 850's are purchase orders to the suppliers and 860's are purchase order changes.
Online Tool Releases
This module provides Web-based communication of releases to Tool Suppliers. Suppliers view the
online releases screen to see the releases that have been issued to them. They then commit or reject
those release dates/quantities. When they are ready to ship the tools, they use Plex to print out a bar
coded shipper ahead of time, which is then delivered and received with the tools. This module
facilitates a high-level of real-time communication with your tooling suppliers. This is a very fast and
simple way to replace the need for paper releases, EDI, and constant phone calls to the supplier. It also
streamlines your receiving process. Because the incoming shipper is bar coded and pre-received, the
receiving process is very fast and accurate.
Supplier Quality Management
This module provides the ability to manage supplier quality, including Supplier Status, Certification
Level, Problem History, Quality Performance and more. Often used with E-Communication, to allow
suppliers to review and interact with their performance over time. Integrated with Supplier Module,
Problem Control, Purchasing and Shipping/Receiving.
Online Supplier PPAP
A system for issuing and managing online requests for PPAP from suppliers. (PPAP = Production Part
Approval Process) A PPAP is a Production Part Approval Process, which was established by the AIAG
and is a QS/TS requirement. The system prints the final Part Submission Warrant (PSW) form.
Online Supplier Scorecard
The Plex Online Supplier Scorecard module is a flexible system for tracking supplier performance
against a set of key measurables, such as Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Technology.
Online Problem Control
Also known as Problem Reporting and Resolution (PR/R), Corrective Action, Customer Concern Log,
and a variety of other names. This module is used to record, track, follow-up on, resolve and report


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upon problems and concerns within the company. It includes forms for the 8-Disciplines of Problem
Solving, Corrective Action, Supplier PR/R, Customer Concern, and more. This module provides the
ability to assign one or more actions for Containment, Correction, and Prevention of problems. Problem
Control is a requirement of ISO/QS-9000. This system is often used in E-Communication, to assign
problems to suppliers, who then use the system online to respond to those problems.
Charge Back System / Online Cost Recovery
This module, which is usually used in conjunction with the Problem Control System, is used to issue
and track charge backs to suppliers when problems occur.
Online Document Control System
The Document Control module provides the ability to store, edit, track and view documents on line.
Includes full electronic approval and revision tracking system ideal for ISO/TS 16949. Supports many
file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, PDF, HTML, and more. This module is usually
used to control the Quality Manual, Procedures and Work Instructions. It is also used for the Employee
Handbook, Supplier Handbook, and Technical Documentation.
EDI System
EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. The EDI module provides a base system for setting up,
sending and receiving EDI documents following industry standard formats and protocols. The EDI
system supports AIAG, X.12, EDIFACT, and all other EDI protocols. Plex personnel provide EDI
expertise to help you setup and test with your various trading partners.
Customer Relationship Management

PART CONFIGURATOR PRICING SYSTEM
The Pricing System, a sub-module of the Part Configurator, provides a mechanism for setting up and
using highly-sophisticated, customized pricing structures for Order Entry and Estimating.
COST & QUOTE ESTIMATING
Expanding on the Quote Tracking system, the Estimating features provide the ability to build up a detailed
cost estimate for producing a quoted part. Also included are price markup and commission calculations.
CUSTOMER MASTER LIST
Easily establish a master list of customers, including various Ship To and Bill To addresses, and
maintains all customer-related data. This list serves as the basis for full CRM features.
Customer Relations Summary
Plex Online provides a full suite of tools for managing the sales process, from powerful Quote Tracking
and Order Entry modules, to Release Accounting and Shipment Tracking, to Revenue Reporting and
CRM.
By drawing upon is various modules, Plex provides Customer Relationship Management systems used
by corporations to establish strategies, manage day-to-day communication, and organize the
sales/service effort. The Plex Sales and CRM system can take many forms, depending on the specific
requirements.


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Customer Module
This module establishes a master list of Customers, including various Ship To and Bill To addresses, and
maintains all customer-related data. A basic requirement for most systems.
Tracking
The Opportunity Tracking Module is an essential tool for a Sales Department to manage and track their
sales opportunities. Each Opportunity is identified with a Customer, Description, Salesperson, $ Amount,
Expected Close, and so on. This is the primary module a sales department uses to organize its day to
day leads.

Contract Tracking
This module provides a central place to store and track contracts with outside third parties, such as
equipment providers, software maintenance, and so on. Automatic notification and reports when
contracts expire and/or require renewal.

Communication Log
A historical log of communication with contacts, customers and suppliers.

Quote Tracking
This module provides a mechanism for creating, printing, and tracking RFQ's and Quotes. It also disables
some other "automatic" emails used by non-workflow customers.

Estimating
Expanding on the Quote Traking system, the Estimating Module provides the ability to build up a detailed
cost estimate for producing a quoted part. Also includes price markup and commission calculations.
Weight Calculator
Calculates mass and weight of various shapes and material types. Especially useful for generating
quotes.

Quick Quoter
A quick and easy way to determine a new price based on the type, weight and price of all the existing
prices in the database. Instead of using cost to drive the price, it uses the current market as represented
in the current parts/prices.

Part Configurator Pricing System
The Pricing System, a sub-module of the Part Configurator, provides a mechanism for setting up and
using highly-sophisticated, customized pricing structures for Order Entry and Estimating.


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Order Entry & Tracking
The Order Tracking module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for each
order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job Tracking
and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.

Customer Orders & Releases
The Customer Order module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.

Spot Buy Order Entry
This is a screen for quick entry of spot buy customer orders. This screen will create Order, Order Line,
Price, Approved Ship to, and Release records.

Standard Price Module
Provides the ability to setup standard, cross-customer pricing based on quantity break levels and other
parameters.

Revenue Reporting
Provides various reports for analyzing and tracking revenue.

Customer Sales Forecast
Allows forecast data to be stored by period, and comparisons made between snapshot versions of the
forecast. Maintains Initial Sales and Manufacturing versions of the forecast and displays data by sales
dollars or manufacturing quantity respetively.

Customer Satisfaction Overview
This module provides an overview of Customer Satisfaction. Each Customer is dipslayed with a color-
coded Customer Satisfaction Level, Status Note, Account Manager Name, and so on.
Online Order Inquiry
This module allows customers to login to the system and view the real-time status of orders.

Customer Assignment
Assign employees to customer responsibility.

Field Service


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This module is used to track Field Service calls to customer locations. Service records inlcude Service
Date, Technician, Machine Serial No, Problem/Complaint Description, Resolution and all other pertinent
Data. Also tracks Spare Parts used and warranty status.

Commissions Tracking
The Commission Tracking system provides a framework for setting up a Commission structure for sales
people. The system automatically looks up, calculates and records commision when part shipments are
made. Reports show the amount of commissions owed based on payment status of the associated
customer invoice. Commissions owed can be selected and used to generate accounts payable records,
from which pay checks can then be cut via standard accounting module functionality.

Competitor Database
This is a database of competitor intelligence, including a list of competitors, markets, personnel, capacity,
strengths/weaknesses, and other marketing facts.

Mail List Manager
A system designed to manage a promotional literature for a Direct Mail campaign.

Sales Literature Request
The Sales Literature Request Module is used to Manage Customer Requests for Samples, Literature,
etc.

Special Price Request
A module, integrated into the CRM system, for tracking customer requests for special pricing.

Sales Force Coordination
This module provides the ability to track and coordinate the activities of a sales force.

FIELD SERVICE
Easily track Field Service calls to customer locations. Service records include Service Date, Technician,
Machine Serial No, Problem/Complaint Description, Resolution and all other pertinent Data. The feature
also tracks Spare Parts used and warranty status.
OPPORTUNITY TRACKING
The Opportunity Tracking Module is an essential tool for a Sales Department to manage and track their
sales opportunities. Each Opportunity is identified with a Customer, Description, Salesperson, $ Amount,
Expected Close, and so on. This is the primary module a sales department uses to organize its day to
day leads.


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QUICK QUOTER
Plexs quick quoter software is a quick and easy way to determine a new price based on the type, weight
and price of all the existing prices in the database. Instead of using cost to drive the price, it uses the
current market as represented in the current parts/prices.
To streamline the quote process, an integrated Weight Calculator calculates mass and weight of various
shapes and material types. Especially useful for generating quotes.
QUOTE TRACKING
Manufacturers improve the ordering process with an easy-to-use mechanism for creating, printing, and
tracking RFQs and Quotes with Plex Online. It also disables some other automatic emails used by non-
workflow customers.
Human Resources Overview
Plex Online provides a complete Human Resources system. The foundation of the Plex HR system is
the Employee List, which stores all the pertinent information about each employee. The fully-integrated
Time and Attendance module feeds information to the cost tracking system, and supports the
downloading of hours data to payroll services. Here are some of the modules provided within the HR
subsystem:
EMPLOYEE LIST
This module provides a master Employee List, including all employee data, such as Name, Address,
Phone, Department, Insurance Type, Gender, Marital Status, Tax Status, and all other HR data.
MANUFACTURING MASTERS
This module is used to tie together and manage a long manufacturing process that involves a complex
interconnection of parts, routings, BOM and Multi-outs. For example, this will schedule the component
parts of an assembly.
POSITIONS & JOB DESCRIPTIONS
A module for maintaining a master list of employee Positions (titles), along with their Job Descriptions,
Cost Rate, and other peritnent data.
VISUAL EMPLOYEE LIST
The visual employee module gives you a view of an employee's photograph with a listing of their
department, position and assignment. With a link for the employee to include a personal message to the
company.
DISCIPLINE TRACKING SYSTEM
A flexible module for setting up and managing employee discipline tracking systems (aka Point Systems).
EMPLOYEE RECORDS
Employee Records is a sub-module to the employee list, you store records such as reviews, disciplinary
actions, key events for your employees.
INJURY TRACKING
The injury-tracking module will keep a history on all injuries for active and inactive employees fulfilling
your needs for OSHA, workers comp. and internal time loss tracking.



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HEALTH/SAFETY INCIDENT TRACKING
The Health/Safety Incident Tracking is used to track special events related to health, safety, and the
environment. The module is ideal for tracking Hazardous Material Spills and results from Safety
Walkthroughs. This is a sister module to the Injury Tracking system.
TRAINING TRACKING
Training Tracking is used by those companies who are/goal ISO or QS certified to track employee
training.
SKILL MATRIX
A module for setting up and maintaining a Skill Matrix. Employees are displayed down the left side of the
Matrix, and Skills are displayed across the top. User-definable colors, text and/or images are displayed
in each cell to indicate the skill level attained. Each Position is defined with a list of required skills.
GRIEVANCE LOG
The Grievance Module is used to track union grievances (or other grievance issues). Each Grievance
record has a Description, Date, Article Violated, Resolution, Status, Grievance Type, Employee Involved,
Shop Steward and so on. Excellent module for tracking and documenting the grievance process.
EMPLOYEE EXPENSE TRACKING
A module for entry and management of employee expenses and reimbursement, such as travel and
educational expenses.
DISCLOSURE LOG (HIPPA)
A log of information disclosures. This module is configurable to different purposes, but is often used by
the HR Department to track Medical Record Disclosures for HIPPA compliance. This module can also be
used for tracking disclosures related to confidentiality agreements, legal proceedings, and so on.
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION SYSTEM
This module allows Employees to enter in Suggestions (Quality, Safety, Cost Savings, etc), and for
management to respond and maintain a status of those suggestions.
EMPLOYEE REVIEW PRIORITY LIST
A list of employees, along with various HR/review data, sorted by Months Since Last Review, Hire Date,
and a variety of other options for helping to prioritize and schedule Employee Reviews.
BADGE PRINTING
Prints users' ID badges, with optional barcode for quick log-in ability.
EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENTS
Third-party (Supplier) reimbursements by employees.
WORK CALENDAR
Visual calendar of scheduled and historical work shifts.

TIME & ATTENDANCE LABOR TRACKING
This module is used to track the time and attendance of employees, and at the same time track labor
activity against specific parts, jobs, and operations. This is especially useful in job shop environments,
where accurate and real-time job costing is critical. Also useful for Activity Based Costing (ABC) in larger


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production facilities. This module also tracks Lateness, Vacation, Funeral Time and other special
attendance issues. Plex can configure this module with custom business rules in order to calculate
Regular, Overtime and Double Pay (including approvals by supervisors) which can then be exported and
sent to your payroll service (such as ADP, Paychecks, etc).
TIMECLOCK PAYROLL INTERFACE
Functionality that processes the raw labor tracking data into a format suitable for weekly download to a
payroll package or service.
TEAM/GROUP SETUP
A module for setting up a team or group, and defining its champion and members.
EMPLOYEE PRIORITY LISTS
A simple-to-use tool for managing and communicating high level Priority Lists for employees. This
approach emphasizes ease-of-use and the flexibility of quick changes. For more advanced/detailed task
management, use the Activity Manager.
Additional Services
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
A suite of dynamic business intelligence tools in Plex Online provides the speed and flexibility
manufacturing enterprises need. Gather, compare, share and analyze data from the shop floor to the top
floor. Take advantage of these system-integrated tools no extra programming required.
DOCUMENT CONTROL SYSTEM
As part of Plex's cloud ERP software, the document control system module has the ability to store, edit,
distribute, and manage documents online. Plex Online document control system for managing documents
includes many features ideal for ISO, TS, QS, and other standards.
Document Imaging
Multiple Methods for Adding Files to the Control System
Online Supplier Management System Integration
Universal Attachment System (UAS) Integration
Workflow Module Integration
Electronic Approval System
Full Electronic Distribution
Revision Tracking System
User-Defined Champions and Groups
User-Defined Hierarchical Directory Structure
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
CAD formats are managed and controlled through the Plex Online Drawing Management System /
Document Control System. Plex Online integrates with CAD software in a variety of ways.
Document Control System
CAD Integration
Universal Attachment System


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E-COMMERCE
As a full-featured and comprehensive Internet-based application that interconnects manufacturers with
their suppliers and their customers, the Plex Online system fulfills the vision of an E-Commerce ERP
solution in all its many forms, ranging from online orders and shipping, to inventory tracking and online
supplier management.
ELECTRIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI)
Plex Online provides a sophisticated EDI system that is easy to use, highly automatic, and extremely
reliable. Unlike our competitors who tack on third party EDI packages, we designed our EDI system to
be an inherent part of our information system. Plex Online provides seamless and automatic transmission
and receipt of electronic documents with customers and suppliers, following EDI standards set by Honda,
Toyota, GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and other Tier 1 and OEMs. Customer Releases are retrieved and
processed automatically. Advanced Shipment Notices (ASN) are created and transmitted automatically
when shipments are made. This is EDI the way it was meant to be.
Plex Online's EDI supports the increasing demands of the industry. EDI is highly integrated with Customer
Orders, Inventory, Bar Code Labeling, Packaging, and Shipping.
GROUPWARE COMMUNICATION
The Plex Online information system provides a shared, online database that all employees can draw
from to make decisions and perform their job functions.
Activity/Task Manager
Broadcast E-Mail
Bulletin Board
Calendar
Checklist System
Contact Management
Forum
In/Out Board
Issue Management
Key Measurables
Team/Group Setup
Visitor Log
Workflow
SMARTPLEX MOBILE ACCESS
Intended for executive and managerial users, SmartPlex incorporates a PIN-enabled login screen
allowing fast, easy yet secure login from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.



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SERVICES SUPPORT
Security
The Plex Online Data Vault has been hardened against security attacks both physical and virtual. From
our ironclad firewalls and automated security sniffers to our concrete walls and biometric control systems,
the Plex Online system has been designed from the ground up to provide the highest level of security.
We maintain a dedicated staff of security experts to protect your data. All our policies, procedures and
equipment have been designed around rigorous Type II SAS-70 certification.
Plex Online stores and protects data for the U.S. military's Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) as well as
an array of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Aerospace and Defense contractors. Our systems are used to track highly-
sensitive information on everything from F15 fighter jets and Apache attack helicopters, to the B2 Stealth
Bomber and the Space Shuttle.
Training Strategies
Plex takes a just-in-time approach to training. Training takes place when a person is ready to start
engaging daily with the system; for the core team that is day one of the Conference Room Pilot phase
and for others in the organization that is during phases two and three.
You might also describe Plex Online training as a little at a time. Hundreds of implementations have
taught the Plex team that the best approach to training is to do short training sessions and then have
employees return to their work. This allows them time to try-out what they have learned and to develop
ideas for process modifications and system optimization.
Training starts in a meeting format then continues with employees at their workstations by teleconference
and on-line. As employees begin to work with the system entering data they become increasingly familiar
with the various features of the software.
Online training sessions by teleconference allow for flexibility in scheduling and the ability to immediately
access other Plex experts. This type of training also is effective because the software itself is online
everyone can instantly see the result of transactions made from anywhere in the world. Lastly, it
encourages the customer team to take ownership of the system and not become dependent on the Plex
project manager. Plex approach to training is less onerous and formal than has been typical for new
system implementations traditionally. With more than 350 modules, no one person can hold
detailedmknowledge of every aspect of the Plex system, however many team members can develop an
extensive understanding of how to operate specific modules. Many employees of a manufacturing
enterprise can perform their entire jobs using only two or three screens of their module within the Plex
System.
Plex approaches training with this principle in mind. Employees learn some overall system principles and
then get right to work learning how to operate the system, as they work with the implementation team to
validate their functions business processes. Training in the majority of modules requires an hour or less.



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NETSUITE
INDUSTRY PERCEIVED #1 CLOUD
ERP APPLICATION
NetSuite ERP is the world's most deployed cloud ERP solution. More
than 12,000 high-growth and midsized companies and divisions of large
enterprises use NetSuite to run more effectively without the high costs
and inefficiency of on-premise systems.
Manufacturers who require production and assembly benefit from the
adoption of NetSuite Manufacturing Edition. The system is integrated
with inventory, warehouse management, accounting and financial
management, order management, customer relationship management
(CRM), and ecommerce. Partner relationshp mangement (PRM) also
allows users to better manage their contact with network partners.
NetSuite is a cloud-based solution delivered over the web as Software-
as-a-Service (SaaS).
NetSuite can be used by manufacturing businesses to manage
production orders, ensure base inventory level restocking, and ensure
the success and quality of special orders. In addition, the system
supports inventory for multiple different locations, assembly
management requirements, bill of materials, work order management,
diverse methods of measurement, bar coding procedures, and other
necessary business processes in the manufacturing industry. It can also
integrate shipping processes with mainstream carriers, such as FedEx.
NetSuite Manufacturing Edition can help track down leads and turn them
into finalized orders, while also tracking the association between
production and revenue for manufacturing companies. The
accompanying business dashboard is customizable, and leverages
established best practices in providing an accessible tool for monitoring
real-time business operations. This dashboard can also be tailored to fit
certain roles, maintaining a clearly organized business community. This
is a main staple of NetSuites differentiating business functionality.
Customization capabilities are included in the system as well, and are
simplified to allow users to more easily enhance the software to better fit
their specific requirements. As with other SaaS packages, the system
can be accessed online, with less upfront cost and a substantially less
complex implementation process.
NETSUITE
ADVANTAGE
In 2012, NetSuite was
ranked among top 20
cloud computing
companies in the world.
In 2011, NetSuite won
the 26th Annual CODiE
Awards for Best
Financial Management
Solution. In 2010,
NetSuite won for
industry excellence in
three different categories
at the CODiE Awards.
NetSuite was voted the
best cloud application by
a panel of leading
independent experts in
the Cloud Computing
World Series Awards
2010 in London.
According to Gartner,
NetSuite has been North
America's fastest
growing top 10 Financial
Management System in
North America from
2008-2010.



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NETSUITE MODULES
Materials Management

ADVANCED, MULTI-LOCATION INVENTORY FOR DISTRIBUTORS
NetSuite gives distributors advanced tools for accurate, cost-effective inventory management that drives
higher service levels for your customers. NetSuite supports your complex needs with multi-location
inventory, kits and assemblies, multiple units of measure, lot tracking, serialized inventory and specific
costing, matrix items and bar coding.
ORDER MANAGEMENT WITH ADVANCED SHIPPING
Order management is the critical connection between front office CRM and back office ERP. NetSuite is
the only hosted application with integrated order management. Integrated shipping allows you to fulfill
order directly through pick, pack and ship or indirectly drop shiping items by automatically ordering and
shipping items from the vendor to your customer.
BIN MANAGEMENT
Bin management capabilities improve inventory in the warehouse. Bin management allows for inventory
to be received at the warehouse and put-away into preferred bins within the rack system of the warehouse
for easy picking later during the order fulfillment process.
Demand-based Inventory Replenishment. Automatically adjusts for seasonal trends and ensures
stock on hand. Based on sales history and inventory reorder points, reorder levels can be dynamically
calculated, based on historical sales or seasonal demand. Average lead time, historical or seasonal-
based sales demand, and number of days' supply to stock are used to dynamically set reorder point and
preferred stock level for each item, on an ongoing basis so there will always be stock on hand but ordered
just-in-time.
ORDER PROMISING & INVENTORY COMMITMENT
NetSuite gives Sales real-time visibility into inventory availability when quoting and creating orders
increasing service levels with accurate order promising. Sales orders for inventory are automatically
committed from available stock. Back orders are automatically committed to fulfill as purchase orders are
received. In today, out today processing. Items can be manually reallocated inventory to different sales
orders if needed.
REAL-TIME SYSTEM
The key to making good management decisions is by having current, accurate data. In today's
competitive, low margin business climate, you don't have the luxury of waiting on others to complete
updates, and have a clean cutoff before providing you with the information you really need now. With
NetSuite, you will have on your dashboard the key data you need and want to make those decisions.
Most importantly, you need to know if a process has been broken, so you are reacting before the situation
affects other aspects of your business, namely customer service and cash.
RETURNS MANAGEMENT IN ONE SYSTEM
NetSuite efficiently manages the return process and provides full visibility to both you and your customers.
Either a customer service representative, or a customer logging into the Customer Center, can generate


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Return Management Authorization (RMA) forms and route them for approval so there are no more
headaches from returns.
Sales Order Management

AUTOMATED ORDER PROCESS
Using NetSuite, companies can manage orders both inside and outside the organization more cost
effectively. Additionally, they can gain a 360-degree view of the customer, improving customer service
by giving employees real-time information about inventory, vendors and customers.
AUTOMATED PAYMENTS
With proper receipt and purchase order matching, your Accounts Payable department can verify invoice
and approve for payment release. Payment can be made with a paper check, through online banking or
EFT.
ORDER MANAGEMENT
Empower sales representatives with the first and only hosted solution that lets them create estimates and
orders with one clickenabling them to focus on making the sale, not processing the paperwork.
Give customers full visibility into their order status, boosting customer satisfaction and long-term
loyalty.
Mine centralized customer purchase histories for customer profitability analysis, strategic
marketing, and upsell and cross-sell potential.
Enable sales representatives to turn estimates into orders with just one click, saving time and
increasing efficiency.
Real-time order status gives everyone access to the same, up-to-date order information, including
when an order was placed, shipped, received and billed.
A single data repository captures and manages all orders and their histories, eliminating the
hassles and costs of managing disparate systems or databases.
COMPLETE PROCURE-TO-PAY PURCHASING
NetSuite lets you move from manual, paper-based purchasing to lower cost, higher control automated
purchasing. NetSuite streamlines purchasing, saving you money that goes straight to your bottom line.
REAL-TIME ORDER STATUS
Using NetSuite, which integrates all critical business data across departments, companies can at last
have real-time order status. Using the Real-time Dashboard, employees can access instant snapshots
of key performance indicators (KPIs), such as new sales orders or support cases. With the Real-time
Dashboard, you spend your time analyzing and acting on crucial order-related datanot gathering it. As
a result, you can accelerate and improve your business decisions.
Benefits:
A single, powerful solution delivers real-time order status, enabling service and sales representatives
alike to resolve customer queries with one call.
Real-time order updating ensures that each order moves through your front- and back-office with ease
and speed, providing the customer a timely, efficient delivery and leading to higher customer satisfaction.


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Full visibility into each stage of the order process means that you can confirm that orders have been
shipped, received and billed, streamlining the entire fulfillment cycle.
Features:
Leverage over 45 pre-packaged KPIs, including forecast, pipeline, opportunities, new leads, orders,
prospects, cases, marketing campaigns and more. Or, create custom KPIs and add them to your
Dashboard.
Quick look-up features allow you to locate customers based on name, purchase order number,
transaction number, or a host of other parameters.
A single screen view delivers up-to-the-second status on each customer order.
Status notifications alert employees to tasks that require their attention.
Exception reporting enables you to track an order at any stage of the process, giving you insight into
whether an order is awaiting approval, remains overdue, or has been shipped but not yet billed to the
customer.
SELF-SERVICE VENDOR CENTER
With the integrated Vendor Center, your company can provide your vendors with direct access to
information that is relevant to your partnership, including purchase orders, accounts payable data, and
other key documents.
FEDEX SHIPPING INTEGRATION, UPS ONLINE TOOLS, AND USPS INTEGRATION
NetSuite's wholesale distribution software offers FedEx Shipping Integration, UPS OnLine Tools, and
USPS integration giving customers, suppliers and employees the ability to track packages anytime and
anywhere. This integrated offering also eliminates the problem of manually exchanging data between
separate order management, package tracking, shipping and customer service systems.
Benefits:
Integration of FedEx Shipping Integration, UPS OnLine Tools, and USPS in NetSuite provides for
advanced shipping and receiving, and eliminates redundant, disparate business systems.
Generating FedEx and UPS shipping labels within NetSuite wholesale distribution solution
dramatically reduces the time required to fulfill orders.
By giving customers faster delivery, as well as full visibility into shipment status, you increase
customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Features:
Create shipping items directly from the Real-time Dashboard, and set up FedEx Shipping, UPS
OnLine, and USPS shipping to all destinations (domestic or international) from within NetSuite.
Select shipping preferences, validate addresses, and calculate rates and handling fees. Add this
information instantly to your customer's invoice.
Do bulk fulfillment automatically by selecting the items to be fulfilled and printing the associated
labels. You can also include the shipping description on the printing label.
Assign different steps of the fulfillment process (such as picking, packing and shipping) to different
people within the company.


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Link tracking numbers to sales orders, invoices and customer records, providing employees with
complete visibility into shipping progress and delivery history from any transaction or customer
record.
Customers can log into the 24/7 Self-Service Center and view all their information, such as order and
payment history, as well as shipment status.
STREAMLINED RECEIVING
Upon receipt of your purchase order, your warehouse can view the open purchase order and either auto-
receive the material or receive by item or line number. Inventory levels will be auto-updated and customer
backorders will be automatically filled.
Financial Management
GENERAL LEDGER, ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Gain full financial visibility into your payables and receivables with real-time access to outstanding
invoices and bills. And once customers receive your goods or services, you can quickly generate invoices
from sales orders with just one click, reducing paperwork and improving efficiency.
FINANCIALS SUMMARY
Having access to key financials and reports is critical to your success. With NetSuite's financial
management services, you get comprehensive tools that allow you to control all your financial data and
processes. And since the financial management services in NetSuite financials are integrated with your
sales, support, shipping and receiving functions, you get real-time financial data directly from those
departments, enabling faster, smarter business decisions.
ADVANCED BILLING
NetSuite's Advanced Billing feature makes contract billing faster, more convenient, and easier to manage.
Many businesses invoice customers for a sale over a range of time, or a contract term. For example, a
customer might commit to a one year membership billed monthly, or a three year service contract with
quarterly invoices. Keeping track of billing schedules and managing the invoicing process (knowing when
it is time to invoice, how much to invoice...) can be a major challenge for such companies, and having
the financial management services to do so effectively is critical to successfully managing your revenue
stream.
MULTI-CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS AND REPORTING
Companies that have offices in other countries, or those that frequently do business with foreign
companies, must record and track transactions in foreign currencies. The automated currency revaluation
feature simplifies the period-end close process by generating adjusting journal entries to reflect exchange
rate fluctuations on any open accounts payable or receivable transactions. Plus, with NetSuite's financial
management capabilities you can price your items in multiple foreign currencies to ensure customers see
only current exchange rates and prices.
PROJECT ACCOUNTING
NetSuite Advanced Project Accounting lets you manage your professional services organization more
effectively with integrated project/job tracking and reporting. With NetSuite, you can automate project/job
creation when specific services are sold, and automatically track percent complete and time budgeted
and spent on project tasks. Reports for utilization and backlog help you analyze your employees'


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workload and efficiency. Estimated job profitability reporting compares your projected loaded labor cost
on projects against expected billings.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
NetSuite is the first hosted application to bring revenue recognition management to mid-size companies.
NetSuite's financial management services make it easier for companies to flexibly recognize revenue
according to customer contracts and to maintain accounting control within GAAP and other reporting
standards.
Production Management
ADVANCED MULTI-LOCATION INVENTORY
NetSuite gives manufacturers the advanced tools for accurate, cost-effective inventory management
across multiple sites that drive higher service levels for your customers. It provides support for high
volume SKU management along with advanced inventory management capabilities such as multiple
warehouse management, serialized inventory, bar coding and labels, lot and bin management,
expiration dating, pick, pack and ship fulfillment processes, drop-shipment and special orders, auto-
calculation of reorder points and preferred stock levels based on sales history, returns automation and
demand-driven replenishment.
Bin Management
Bin management capabilities improve inventory in the warehouse. Bin management allows for inventory
to be received at the warehouse and put-away into preferred bins within the rack system of the
warehouse for easy picking later during the order fulfillment process. Bin numbers are editable and you
can easily transfer items between bins at the same location without impacting your inventory value or
total quantity on hand.
Demand-based Inventory Replenishment
Automatically adjusts for seasonal trends and ensures stock on hand. Based on sales history and
inventory reorder points, reorder levels can be dynamically calculated, based on historical sales or
seasonal demand. Average lead time, historical or seasonal-based sales demand, and number of days'
supply to stock are used to dynamically set reorder point and preferred stock level for each item, on an
ongoing basis so there will always be stock on hand but ordered just-in-time.
Accurate Order Promising & Inventory Commitment
NetSuite gives your sales team real-time visibility into inventory availability when quoting and creating
orders increasing service levels with accurate order promising. Sales orders for inventory are
automatically committed from available stock. Back orders are automatically committed to fulfill as
purchase orders are received for in today-out today processing. Items can be manually reallocated
inventory to different sales orders if needed.
Order Management with Advanced Shipping
Order management is the critical connection between your front office and back office operations.
NetSuite is the only hosted application with integrated order management and integrated shipping that
allows you to fulfill orders directly through pick, pack and ship or indirectly drop shipping items by
automatically ordering and shipping items from the vendor to your customer.


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Integrated UPS & FedEx with Tracking
NetSuite also extends into the order fulfillment, packing and shipping processes of a warehouse. The
UPS or FedEx integration allows you to simply transmit your order information directly to UPS or
FedEx and instantly receive back the rate, tracking number, address verification and the ability to print
out shipping labels, to be shared among different individuals, teams and customers. You can even
improve the accuracy of inventory profitability by associating item costs with related expenses, to
calculate complete landed costs, factoring in expenses such as shipping or duty.
Returns Management in One System
NetSuite efficiently manages the return process and provides full visibility to both you and your
customers. A customer service representative or a customer logging into the Customer Center can
generate Return Management Authorization (RMA) forms and route them for approval so there are no
more headaches from returns.
ASSEMBLY MANAGEMENT
Building on NetSuite's core strength in inventory and warehouse management, manufacturers use
assembly items to more effectively manage component quantities and multi-level assemblies.
Assemblies are closely tied with work orders and allow for multi-level assemblies to be built one level at
a time, or all at once.
And because demand for the assemblies is calculated based on sales, a separate queue shows you
when it is time to build more to stock. You will achieve unprecedented ability to dynamically manage
your stock and replenishment for both assemblies and their components.
WORK ORDER MANAGEMENT
Work orders allow manufacturers to easy manage the build process for production work orders to
replenish standing inventory levels of finished goods or special order work orders built to exact
specifications for a particular customer.
NetSuite supports production work orders that track the assemblies that need to be built to increase
stock. Work orders are generated when the back-ordered quantity of an assembly reaches its assigned
build point, and a bill of materials (BOM) is generated to facilitate picking member items for the build.
When this work order is completed, the regular stock level of the assembly is increased and the
finished goods are committed to open sales orders.
Special order work orders track assemblies to be built for a particular sale. When assembly items are
sold and finished goods are not in stock but member items are, a work order is automatically added to
the work order creation queue.
NetSuite automatically calculates reorder points and preferred stock levels, allowing manufacturers to
more accurately determine the proper time and quantity when reordering components based on work
orders for those items.
Raw materials are committed to a work order as they become available; when the work order is ready
to be built, it will show up in your queue to generate an assembly build.


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Supply Chain Management
SUPPLY CHAIN OVERVIEW
A manufacturer / wholesale distributor has two critical business assets: inventory and accounts
receivable. Each asset translates directly into money earned or money lost in this highly competitive
industry. That's why the more accurate inventory information you have at your fingertips, the better
positioned your company is to improve turn-around time, save money, and satisfy customers.
NetSuite gives companies the visibility they need to track inventory effectively: where it is, where it has
been, and where it is headed. As a result, purchasing managers can use that data to make better, more
informed buying decisions. More importantly, your company will hold only the inventory it needs no
more and no less.
NetSuite bin management capabilities improve inventory management in the warehouse. Bin
management allows for inventory to be received at the warehouse and put-away into preferred bins within
the rack system of the warehouse for easy picking later during the order fulfillment process.
Additionally, with real-time inventory status, your employees can track any piece of data that impacts
inventory, such as sales orders, transactions, quotes, adjustments and accounts payable, dramatically
improving visibility and sharpening competitive edge.
Customer Relationship Management
INCENTIVE MANAGEMENT
At most companies, commissions are calculated using spreadsheets, or homegrown software. As a
result, sales people spend much of their time "shadowing" their compensationdouble-checking the
company's figures to ensure they're getting their due. But by automating commission management, you
enable your sales force to focus on what really matters: closing the sale. Sales force automation not only
reduces needless paperwork, but it also gives you a simple, accurate way to maintain and track
commissions for your entire sales force. Commissions are visible to reps and their managers as KPIs on
their Dashboard so they know exactly where they stand for actual and projected commissions.
With NetSuite CRM+, you have the flexibility to schedule complex commission structures based on how
you do business. You can structure commissions in any number of waysbased on quantity, sale
amount, service sold, profitability of the product sold, or percent of quota that is reached. While many
other vendors force you to adjust your business to their software, NetSuite CRM+ tailors itself to your
specific business needs.
JOB AND PROJECT TRACKING
For services companies, service delivery is at the heart of customer relationship management, yet project
management has been left out of most CRM vendors' solutions. Enter NetSuite. NetSuite CRM+ let's you
track projects and tie this directly to the customer record for real-time visibility.
That's why NetSuite CRM+ lets you manage multiple types of projects, including time and materials, fixed
price, and cost plus projects-all in real time. NetSuite CRM+ also organizes your tasks, calls and events,
linking them to specific projects and clients. Best of all, NetSuite CRM+ manages project and client data
in one, powerful and fully integrated system.


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PARTNER RELATIONSHIP
A business is much more than its own four walls. To succeed today, businesses need to reach beyond
their walls and collaborate with partners, often extending key customer and sales data. Only then can
businesses work effectively with partners to manage the pipeline, process orders, track marketing activity
and forecast sales.
Meeting the needs of growing businesses, NetSuite's CRM+ solution provides the industry's first and only
partner relationship management application that lets you reach all your partners, while simultaneously
allowing you full control over every element of your sales and marketing process, including: marketing
campaigns, lead management and order processing.
SALES ORDER MANAGEMENT
Order management can streamline your entire fulfillment process. Reducing paperwork for your sales
force, allowing them to focus their efforts on selling. It also ensures that customers get deliveries on time,
boosting customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
Everything in NetSuite CRM+ is built around customers and ordersreports, dashboards, and customer
intelligence all key off this tangible relationship with the customer, making it as easy to connect with them
over the Web as in person. This order management capability also allows sales people to work a deal
through the pipeline, right through to the actual close. So you can finally see booked orders in your
forecast, greatly increasing its reliability, predictability and accuracy.
With NetSuite CRM+, sales representatives can turn estimates into orders with just one click of a button,
significantly reducing their paperwork. Did you know that other CRM vendors' solutions don't include
order management? That means you can't complete the order and, importantly, you lose visibility into
customer order histories for inquiries and supportand for future marketing and sales customer
intelligence.
NetSuite CRM+'s order management system also gives everyone in organization access to the same,
up-to-date order information. Support representatives can view order statuses; sales representatives
know when to make follow-up calls; and customers can check order statuses in real time via the Customer
Center, or Web site.
SELF SERVICE CUSTOMER PORTAL
Self-service customer support centers are fast becoming the channel of choice for customers. Opens a
self-service customer portal communication to your customers by giving them a way to post service
issues, place new orders, or view their order histories. Such a site lets you stay open for business 24/7,
around the world. Moreover, it delivers a high-quality, high-touch experience for customers while reducing
the cost of customer care to your company.
Customer self-service provides real-time, cross-channel views of all interactions for delivery of superior
customer servicewhether the interaction occurred on the Web just seconds ago or with a sales rep in
person yesterday. In addition, customers can view outstanding quotes or orders and even request
returns. Most importantly, detailed order history allows an easy check of entitlement to service levels as
well as intelligent upsell/cross-sell offers, helping turn the call center into a profit center.


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WEBSITE
NetSuite CRM+ integrates what has become the customer channel of choice, and a business's most
pervasive marketing vehicle, the company Web site
Web hosting capabilities includes rich site builder tools that allow for dynamic content driven from
the CRM system, including an online product catalog, lead capture, and customer self-service.
One-to-one publishing capabilities allow for personalized and targeted content to be delivered to
prospect or customer portals.
Site Analytics adds rich integrated Web reporting that provide aggregate site metrics previously only
available through third party monitoring services, as well as unique visitor specific click-through and
page hit information invaluable to targeted sales and marketing follow up.
Robust Intranet publishing capabilities are also included with specific audience controls that allow
content to be tailored to different departments or groups of individuals such as managers versus all
employees.
Additional Capabilities
REAL TIME DASHBOARDS
View Key Performance Indicators, up-to-date status and comparative data over your defined time periods
on all your manufacturing metrics from work orders, assemblies, BOM components, and finished goods
ordered and shipped. All your business data customers, pipelines, orders, revenue to date and
forecasts are available at your fingertips.
With more than 30 out-of-the-box role-based Dashboards, NetSuite gives all users in the company a
custom dashboard that allows them to monitor everything in the business relevant to them. Finally,
"information at your fingertips" is a reality. See work orders and their status, assemblies to build or order,
as well as data trends in leads, opportunities, inventory utilization, service issues, expenses, and much
more. It's all managed with point-and-click content additions and drag-and-drop layout.
Key Performance Indicators
KPIs, with tailorable period comparisons and out-of-tolerance notifications, give you a real-time, at-a-
glance view of your company's performance.
Real-time Visibility
Real-time visibility to quotations, work orders, and support issues that have time sensitivity means critical
issues don't fall through the cracks.
Customized Reporting
You can easily create your own queries and save them for rapid, repeatable ad hoc reports that are
displayed right on your dashboard.
Group Calendaring
Calendars for individual and group scheduling allow you to see others' schedules and invite them to
meetings, assign tasks, and know their availability without exiting the program.


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RSS Content
You can see news bulletins and have direct access to outside content feeds from your choice of providers
on your dashboard.
Direct Drill-Down
Drill down allows instant access to greater detail and transaction management directly from the
Dashboard.
SECURITY
Security and availability are the most critical elements in any system that contains your business data.
You need to assure your customers that their information is safe with you and you need the assurance
that your company data is both secure and accessible with NetSuite. NetSuite has been developed and
implemented with multiple layers of data redundancy for comprehensive security and business continuity.
We embrace a three-part vision of security: availability, integrity, and confidentiality. Coupled with our
business practices, you can be assured that your data is accurate, accessible and secure.
Data Security
For many companies, the level of security and availability, disaster recovery, and back-up provided by a
software-as-a-service provider far exceeds that which they can provide themselves. NetSuite provides
multiple layers of data protection to ensure your business information security.
Availability
NetSuite's mission is to provide the access to your data that your company relies on, so you can rest
assured that your business can run continually in the face of unexpected outages or events.
SERVICES SUPPORT
NetSuite Central: Tools, templates and training
NetSuite Central is a one-stop knowledge center, full of useful resources to get you successfully started
on the right foot. These resources include:
Implementation templates and scripted best practices orient project team members to the proven
steps and methods used by NetSuite's own SuiteConsulting team.
E-learning modules provide an introductory learning environment for core NetSuite functionality
and address key areas such as basic navigation, sales force automation, marketing, support,
accounting and order processing.
Recorded customer Web seminars and new feature training sessions keep you well informed on
the newest features and best practices.
Extensive end-to-end process documentation provides a roadmap for getting maximum
productivity out of NetSuite.
Site Consultation
Applying deep industry expertise and the groundbreaking NetSuite One methodology, SuiteConsulting
professional services help you implement and customize NetSuite for your unique requirements,


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providing a platform from which you can dramatically improve and grow your business while driving
costs out of your operations.
SuiteConsulting professionals have extensive expertise implementing NetSuite in many industries,
including software, professional services, wholesale distribution, retail, financial services and
manufacturing. Depending on your company size, budget and resources, SuiteConsulting has an
implementation approach that's right for you.
SHARED CONSULTING
A Shared Consulting implementation is a cooperative, hands-on project, jointly managed by a NetSuite
Consulting team and you. If you have specific requirements such as the need for customized business
processes, complex workflows, implementation of NetSuite advanced modules, integration with other
applications, or data conversion issues a Shared Consulting Implementation is right for you
GUIDED CONSULTING
Guided Consulting projects are designed specifically for organizations that can manage their own
deployments, yet still see the benefit in leveraging NetSuite's proven implementation methodology and
extensive track record. Guided Consulting projects are available at two levels of support based on the
degree of assistance you require and the depth and breadth of functionality you seek
NETSUITE ONE METHODOLOGY
NetSuite uses a unique, proven methodology based on best practices gleaned from vast experience in
deploying NetSuite solutions to our customers. Called NetSuite One, this formal methodology is the very
first designed specifically for the requirements of mid-market, on-demand implementations



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EPICOR
ON WAY TO BECOMING #1
Epicor provides integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP),
customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management
(SCM), and human capital management (HCM) software solutions to the
midmarket and divisions of Global 1000 companies. Epicor provides
industry-specific business software solutions to thousands of companies
around the world. The next-generation business software solutions from
Epicor support manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and professional
service organizations worldwide.
Epicor Manufacturing is a fully integrated ERP solution with extensive
functionality for accounting, inventory control, pre-production materials
planning, and manufacturing execution (MES). The system is delivered
via true Service-Oriented Architecture, meaning that buyers can
purchase only the modules they need without being forced to buy other
modules that are part of the system. Epicor has gained strong market
share due to this SOA architecture and the systems overall functional
breadth.
Epicor supports just about any discrete manufacturer with more than $1
million in annual revenue. Buyers looking for an especially robust system
will opt for the vendors additional modules for supply chain
management, product lifecycle management (PLM), business
performance management (BPM), customer relationship management
(CRM), and quality performance management (QPM). Epicor
Manufacturing is deployed on-premise with a single database, providing
one centralized location for all enterprise data. Epicor typically is not
used by process manufacturers looking to automate recipes, formulas,
or batches. Its focus remains on discrete firms.
We have always recommended Epicor to manufacturing firms due to the
systems popularity, functional depth, and functional breadth.
Epicor has 3 ERP variants in cloud based format
1. Epicor ERP
2. Epicor Express
3. Epicor iVP
In this chapter, we will describe the most comprehensive of above three,
i.e. Epicor ERP among the above mentioned three variants.
EPICOR
ADVANTAGE
Epicor's ERP software
solutions are helping
midmarket
organizations and
divisions and
subsidiaries of the
Global 1000 maximize
their most important
resources for
profitable growth, and
are available for a
number of industry
sectors including
manufacturing,
distribution, services,
hospitality and retail.
These solutions offer
deep industry-specific
functionality within
each of these sectors.
Read more about our
industry specific
solutions.




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EPICOR MODULES

Materials Management Module
ADVANCED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
Advanced Material Management (AMM) enables businesses to produce electronic requests for
materials, dispatch those materials, and track inventory movements of all inventory including raw
materials and work in process. Using wireless terminals and bar coding technology you are able to track
inventory in real-time with complete control and visibility of raw materials and work in process as it travels
throughout the enterprise.
Bar Coding on Demand and Scanning
Print tags on demand enabling employees to properly label containers or to create custom labels (via
Seagull Scientific, Inc. BarTender) to meet customer requirements. Eliminate data entry mistakes and
increase transaction speed by simply scanning a bar code tag to complete an entire transaction.
Handheld
Allows for the transaction of work either on a graphical touch screen station or via mobile Radio
Frequency (RF) enabled device.
Material Handler Interface
Use an online queue of raw material and WIP parts to manage requests to locate and deliver the right
parts to the correct resource at the appropriate time.
Material Movement
Different movement transactions are available for you to move a job to stock, move stocked material, or
perform different returns to a job or stock.
Prioritizing Orders
Lets you treat your best customers with the highest priority by automatically allocating inventory to the
highest priority orders first. Reserve or allocate materials from stock or directly from a linked job to make
certain that you ensure your highest priority customers the greatest care.
Reserving Inventory and Sales Order Allocation
Reserve specific parts in inventory for designated orders. Manage sales order allocations with greater
efficiency and create more effective picking and shipping.
BAR CODING ON DEMAND AND SCANNING
Print tags on demand enabling employees to properly label containers or to create custom labels (via
Seagull Scientific, Inc. BarTender) to meet customer requirements. Eliminate data entry mistakes and
increase transaction speed by simply scanning a bar code tag to complete an entire transaction.
HANDHELD
Allows for the transaction of work either on a graphical touch screen station or via mobile Radio
Frequency (RF) enabled device


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MATERIAL HANDLER INTERFACE
Use an online queue of raw material and WIP parts to manage requests to locate and deliver the right
parts to the correct resource at the appropriate time.
MATERIAL MOVEMENT
Different movement transactions are available for you to move a job to stock, move stocked material, or
perform different returns to a job or stock.
PRIORITIZING ORDERS
Lets you treat your best customers with the highest priority by automatically allocating inventory to the
highest priority orders first. Reserve or allocate materials from stock or directly from a linked job to make
certain that you ensure your highest priority customers the greatest care.
SALES ORDER ALLOCATION
Reserve specific parts in inventory for designated orders. Manage sales order allocations with greater
efficiency and create more effective picking and shipping.
Sales Order Management
ORDER MANAGEMENT
Order Management drives the Epicor system. From the time an order is entered, its progress is tracked
through final shipment, producing perfect order fulfillment on demand. With Order Management, all
orders and change orders will be effectively managed online, perfecting the order-to-delivery process for
maximum customer satisfaction.
EPICOR SALES MANAGEMENT
Customers demands for choice and flexibility translate to real opportunity for companies that can respond
with agility and speed. Solutions that support your need for information about products, capabilities, and
customer information can offer measured advantage against competitors and ensure your company high
marks.
Not only are businesses today looking for price, quality, and delivery, they expect fast and accurate
responsiveness in all supplier interactions. Suppliers that can successfully demonstrate how easy it is to
do business with themthat they have the tools and systems in place to support complex processes,
products and servicesare realizing real competitive advantages.
DEMAND MANAGEMENT
In todays climate of shorter lead times, more frequent orders of smaller quantities, and where meeting
customer demand secures your competitive edge, companies must find ways to anticipate changes in
customer demand. Epicor Demand Management responds to these business conditions and incorporates
the requirements of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to help your company reduce lead time in the
office for planning and procurement, thus enabling you to respond on the production floor faster.
Demand Management offers the establishment of contracts that can be linked to sales orders and
releases. These contracts can be managed, and schedules produced, automatically with set periodicities
that match each customers unique shipping needs. Additionally, as change happens, the schedules can
be regenerated. If Advanced EDI is deployed, your customers electronic demand changes are brought


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in for review and acceptance. This is important for companies doing business in industries such as
automotive, aerospace and defense, and retail. Accountability of change and rapid flow of information to
the production floor, as a result of fully integrating EDI with your Epicor system, can elevate your supplier
status.
In addition, Demand Management not only looks at the demand side of EDI, but also focuses on the
fulfillment side with secure outbound Advanced Ship Notice (ASN) transactions that the customer
reconciles with each shipment. Through an inbound EDI document, the CUM (Cumulative) total value
and actual received quantity is then electronically sent back to you for reconciliation and potential
adjustment.
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI)
EDI is the traditional form of exchanging information electronically and is utilized by many suppliers to
manage their supply chains more efficiently. Epicor Advanced EDI, used with Demand Management,
provides a common interface for managing and exchanging large volumes of data. Demand Management
handles creation, analysis, scheduling, and reconciliation of cumulative releases from your customers.
You can use Demand Management without Advanced EDI and vice versa.
Epicor Advanced EDI functions are tightly integrated with the Demand Management module and facilitate
electronic communication of release and ASN information to and from your customers. Advanced EDI
offers direct integration with your Epicor data, reducing the turnaround time on schedule changes and
additions, and eliminating potential data entry errors. Epicor Professional Services are experienced in
making EDI work in various environments with various EDI suppliers, and can offer enhanced
functionality that is tailored to the EDI needs of your business.
ESTIMATE AND QUOTE MANAGEMENT
Easily generate and track all customer or prospect requests for quotation (RFQs), from the time of receipt
until an order is placed. You can get quotations out more quickly and be more accurate with pricing and
lead times.
STOREFRONT
New revenue opportunities and sales efficiencies are available to companies that successfully engage
customers through their website. By shortening the time from when an order is taken to the time of
shipment, you can create a competitive advantage. Opportunities to reach out to untapped markets also
drive companies to deliver e-commerce solutionsone more tool companies can deploy to demonstrate
how easy and open they are to do business with.
Epicor Storefront sits along extended portal technology to offer a fully functional extension to your website
that includes customer portal capabilities along with Epicor Sales Connect (sales portal) and web
configuration features.
Financial Management
GENERAL LEDGER
Epicor General Ledger is the heart of Epicor Financial Management, processing and posting all
accounting transactions created throughout Epicor applications, as well as entries made directly within
the ledger. While it is seldom accessed outside of the accounting and tax departments, the General
Ledger's impact is felt throughout an entire enterprise. The information and controls which flow from the


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General Ledger system enable an organization to operate efficiently, comply with fiscal regulations,
underpin strong corporate governance, and drive enterprise performance. General Ledger provides the
accounting controls and system security necessary to help ensure the integrity of your company's
financial data.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Accounts Payable (AP) allows you to enter supplier invoices for purchases that you make, then create
checks for the invoices you want to pay. The system can generate payments for all invoices due, those
for a particular supplier or only for specific invoices. If a supplier calls you to discuss an invoice, you will
have complete information at your fingertips and that history can be kept indefinitely.
Accounts Payable allows you to update both purchase orders in Purchase Management as well as actual
job costs. Adjustments are created if the purchase price does not match the invoiced price. With Accounts
Payable, you will know how much you owe and when it is due.
TAX CONNECT
Sales tax is a government-required, compulsory activity. It doesnt drive revenue and it doesnt reduce
expenses. So any time or money spent on tax compliance is, by nature, non-profitable. There are more
than 12,500 United States and Canadian tax jurisdictions alone and the rates, rules, and boundaries
change relentlessly. Keeping up with all of the tax changes is an operational distraction and a drag on
the efficiency of your organization.
Epicor Tax Connect eliminates the tedious work and complexity of determining sales tax jurisdictions of
ship-to addresses, maintaining tax codes and rates, and dealing with jurisdiction-specific and commodity-
specific taxation rules. Tax Connect also provides for automated generation of sales tax returns and
currently supports the United States and Canada. Epicor Tax Connect is offered as a software-as-a-
service (SaaS), on-demand address validation, sales tax calculation, and sales tax reporting and returns
generation.
GLOBAL ENGINES
Epicor Financial Management is built around a series of unique global engines, which in turn support the
global nature of business today, enabling effective operations in existing and new markets as necessary.
As your business is extended through a combination of organic growth, mergers and acquisitions it can
become challenged by complex and demanding global financial and regulatory burdens demands that
you must adapt to instantaneously. At the heart of the Epicor solution, Epicor global engines are designed
to add accounting agility and flexibility to your business while simultaneously allowing you to meet the
local financial and legal compliance requirements of individual markets.
CASH/ASSET MANAGEMENT
Asset Management
Effective asset management is a critical business requirement. Fixed Assets helps you record, track and
depreciate your fixed assets for optimal utilization.
Cash Management
Improve cash management through the automatic handling and reporting of discounts available, payment
due dates and payment selection methods.


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MULTI-CURRENCY/ COMPANY MANAGEMENT
Multi-Currency Management automates the process of both buying and selling in foreign currencies. With
tracking of default currencies as well as extensive exchange rate tables, manual transactions are
reduced. Lock transactions in at a specified rate with automatic gain or loss reporting, reducing the
guesswork from handling foreign transactions.
Multi-Company Management
Whether through acquisition or organic growth, more and more companies are wrestling with the
complexities of managing multiple business entities. Epicor understands that managing disparate
business units offers unique challenges and opportunities with respect to consolidation for tighter control
and reduced operational cost, enterprise wide visibility, inter-company supply chain management, and
financial consolidation. Epicor Multi-Company Management capabilities can assist your business in
consolidating operations such as procurement and accounts payable as well as offer enhanced tools to
improve operational visibility across companies.
Automation of inter-company financial transactions as well as financial recognition optimizes enterprise
performance to shorten lead times on key product lines. Additionally, from a financial perspective, multi-
company organizations may choose to not only report as individual entities but also consolidate multiple
currencies and report across business entities to a single consolidation company.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
The combination of a competitive, global environment and mandatory regulatory compliance makes
successfully managing your finances one of the biggest challenges you face. Epicor Financial
Management offers a refreshing new approach to business, a suite of accounting applications built for
the highly regulated post-Sarbanes-Oxley Act world, built around a series of global engines that support
effective financial management and control anywhere.
Epicors Financial Management software solutions deliver manufacturers the tools and functions
necessary for creating value through monitoring financial conditions and decision making. Easily monitor
and track invoicing, payments, asset management, payroll and benefits in order to cut costs and improve
cash flow. Epicors financial modules can assist you in boosting your bottom line-the definitive test of your
success and competitive advantage.
Epicor Financial Management tools include:
Global Engines
General Ledger
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Tax Connect
Credit Card Processing
Multi-Currency Management
Multi-Company Management
Fixed Assets Management
Cash Management


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Epicor Financial Management is distinguished by its broad focus on managing processes and resources,
both within and across locations, companies and global boundaries.
Production Management
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
Whether you manufacture complex solutions or simple products, you need strong production control in
order to build a competitive advantage. As the global marketplace continues to shrink profit margins and
customers become more demanding, businesses are looking for agile solutions that can provide the
infrastructure they need to respond quickly and efficiently.
Epicor offers a comprehensive solution for make-to-order, mixed-mode, make-to-stock, engineer-to-
order, and configureto-order manufacturers; including light assembly features for distribution
businesses. Modular in design, the production control suite of modules include Job Management, Lean
Manufacturing, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Quality Assurance, and Advanced Quality
Management.
ADVANCED PRODUCTION
Advanced Production deploys batching technology that enables users to group multiple parts or
operations together for key production processes. The result of this batching process is a single reporting
entity or job for simplified scheduling, tracking, and reporting of labor and materials on the plant floor.
The functionality of Advanced Production is available in the job planning and resource scheduling
functions within Epicor. Both planned and "on-the-fly" grouping provides powerful flexibility to end users.
Additionally, users can select to plan sequentially one operation after another or concurrently -
operations to be complete at the same time for nested operations.
ADVANCED QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Epicor Advanced Quality Management (AQM) is an extension of the Quality Assurance offering. AQM
provides the breadth and depth of details to not just find and fix problems faster, AQM allows you to
prevent issues from occurring. AQM manages the nitty-gritty details that make or break quality. From part
characteristics, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and control plans to inspections plans AQM
links key functions with best in class processes to assure error-proof quality. On the plant floor, AQM
manages document revisions and changes, work instructions, employee training and skills,
nonconformance and corrective actions, gages, equipment as well as a detailed statistical process control
(SPC) function.
With planning to production coverage for quality, AQM puts companies in a constant state of compliance.
AQM provides turnkey support for ISO, automotive (TS) aerospace (AS), and FDA (cGMP, 21CFR
Part11). With a single platform that meets key industry compliance needs from the bottom up, AQM drives
cost and time out of the quality and compliance functions while raising the bar of performance.
JOB MANAGEMENT
Job Management is a comprehensive production control solution designed specifically for the planning,
routing, scheduling, costing, and tracking of products; including assembled, manufactured, and semi-
finished products. It includes innovative tools for better planning and costing with historical run analysis
that compares estimates to actuals on a run-by-run basis. With Epicor Job Management, users can more


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easily identify wasted processes and continuous improvement opportunities on the production floor for
maximized profitability.
LEAN MANUFACTURING
With increased global competition and the demands of an online supply-chain, customers have more
influence than ever before. Customers are, demanding greater product flexibility, smaller, more frequent
deliveries and higher product quality, at a lower price.
Businesses are widening the scope and focus of lean principles to encompass all processes that
contribute to the bottom line. The true benefits of lean thinking will only be fully realized when the entire
enterprise adopts the lean ideology.
Specific functionality has been developed in Epicor for plant floor operations that are adopting
workorderless Kanban manufacturing strategies in part or fully to pull rather than push products through
the manufacturing process. Epicor Lean Manufacturing Kanban functionality supports this.
PLANNING AND SCHEDULING
Whether you manufacture complex solutions or simple products, you need strong production control in
order to build a competitive advantage. As the global marketplace continues to shrink profit margins and
customers become more demanding, businesses are looking for agile solutions that can provide the
infrastructure they need to respond quickly and efficiently.
Epicor offers a comprehensive solution for make-to-order, mixed-mode, make-to-stock, engineer-to-
order, and configureto-order manufacturers; including light assembly features for distribution
businesses. Modular in design, the production control suite of modules include Job Management, Lean
Manufacturing, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Quality Assurance, and Advanced Quality
Management.
Supply Chain Management
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
Linking the trading partners, process and systems that make up your supply chain has become the
differentiation you need to achieve industry leading performance. Removing processes that do not add
value and synchronizing processes within and outside a company enable you to meet customer demands
for lower cost and faster delivery. Epicor provides the most effective coordination from initial raw materials
to the ultimate consumption of the finished product by providing the visibility you need throughout your
value chain.
Epicor offers you a full range of Supply Chain Management (SCM) capabilities, built within a single
business platform, based on industry leading service-oriented architecture (SOA). Epicor SCM is a full
suite of enterprise application capabilities including purchase management, sourcing and procurement,
inventory management, advanced material management, and warehouse management, and is
complemented by order and demand management capabilities of Epicor Sales Management. Combined,
you have the solution needed to satisfy customers and customer demand in todays increasingly global
market place.


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INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Inventory Management provides the key functions necessary to update and maintain raw materials, WIP,
and finished goods inventory quantities and costs. MRP creates inventory allocations for jobs entered
through Job Management or generated from Order Management. These allocations are relieved as
inventory items are issued to the job, or as purchase order receipts are posted.
Issued inventory reduces quantities on hand, which are continually replenished through the processing
of purchased or manufactured item receipts into inventory. Receipt processing provides a continual
update of inventory average and last costs for every item. A variety of screen inquiries provide
management analysis of MRP, shortage monitoring, reorder analysis, stock status, valuation, and critical
items.
PURCHASE MANAGEMENT
Purchase Management handles purchase order writing and the tracking of supplier performance.
Detailed line items indicate planned receipts to inventory or a job, although their destination may be
changed at the time of actual receipt entry. Purchase order receipt processing updates suggested
supplier and detailed purchase history files, which provides continual reference to aid in making
purchasing decisions. With Purchase Management, you can reduce inventory levels, improve on-time
deliveries, enhance your cash flow, and increase your profit levels.
SHIPPING & RECEIVING
Shipping and Receiving provides a central application within Epicor to monitor incoming and outgoing
items, whether they are shipments against an order, subcontract parts being sent to a supplier, raw
material being received from a purchase order to a job or into inventory, or filling an order from stock. All
activity relating to shipments and receipts can be performed and tracked. Online transaction processing
promotes efficiency and ease of use, while online editing promotes accuracy. With Shipping/Receiving,
a consistent interface processes all shipments and receipts in an efficient, accurate and cost-effective
manner.
SOURCING
Strategic sourcing is the most important, value-added activity that procurement professionals perform for
their company. Doing it well requires a wide range of skills and subject matter expertise.
Sourcing by "old school" methods requires an inordinate amount of time gathering and comparing
offerings from multiple suppliers. Automating those tasks with Epicor Sourcing not only allows the
purchasing professional to focus more time and energy on strategic activities, it also provides for online
collaboration and fosters competition that amplifies the value of their work.
Electronic sourcing solutions give companies the tools they need to negotiate optimal agreements with
their suppliers and to provide the best value to the organization. Left to manual methods, organizations
can only afford to manage competitive bidding processes for a very small number of contracts.
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) provides tools for buyers, procurement staff and purchasing
agents, or those providing quotes, to request quotes for raw materials or subcontract services from one
or multiple suppliers. Request for quotations (RFQs) are generated with one or more lines, each line
having the ability to request pricing from one or more suppliers.


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WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
Management of the supply chain requires robust logistics capabilities as part of the overall system.
Epicors Warehouse Management System (WMS) leverages Epicor SOA, mobile ID data collection, and
wireless communications to seamlessly link your warehouse with your order processing and
manufacturing operations to optimize your pick, pack, ship and receiving processes. With Epicor, your
warehouse becomes a key part of the supply chain.
Customer Relationship Management
EPICOR CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Customer relationship management (CRM) strategies are as important to business today as they have
ever been. Weve designed Epicor CRM to help you stay ahead of the curve and successfully meet the
challenges that the market brings helping you manage your entire customer lifecycle, from prospect to
cash to care effectively, improve operational efficiency and accelerate growth both internally and
externally.
Modular in design, the Epicor CRM suite of modules includes Contact Management, Marketing
Management, Campaign Connect, Lead and Opportunity Management, Case Management, Sales
Connect and Mobile Connect. It can also be extended with Epicor Information Worker.
CAMPAIGN CONNECT
Epicor CRM Campaign Connect is a comprehensive Web communication tool that helps you design and
distribute e-mail communications to customers, suppliers, and business partners as well as to internal
teams and departments. Whether developing a marketing campaign or creating a company statement to
business partners, Campaign Connect ensures your company is professional, takes advantage of its e-
mail marketing opportunities, properly responds to market requirements for opt-out controls, and
analyzes e-mail communication results for better effectiveness in the future.
LEAD AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT
The primary goal of many businesses is to grow their revenue. Whether your growth will come through
attracting new customers or retaining existing ones, Epicor CRM can help you. With Epicor CRM Lead
and Opportunity Management you can proactively manage your sales territories and the entire life cycle
of all your opportunities. Lead and Opportunity Management enables you to convert more prospects to
customers, target the highest value opportunities and increase sales revenues.
Outfitting your sales team with advanced, easy-to-use software is not just smart; its a matter of survival.
Epicor CRM is equipped with the tools you need to find more prospects and quickly convert them to
satisfied customers. Your sales people can manage the complete prospect-to-customer lifecycle, give
accurate revenue forecasts to management and automate many administrative tasks. The bottom line?
Better qualified prospects, shorter sales cycles, reduced lead time, and higher revenues.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Case management is an essential part of building better business. Improving the productivity and
effectiveness of your support center leads to increased customer satisfaction. Epicor CRM Case
Management delivers solutions that help you deliver first-rate service to your customers while controlling
costs. The result? A strong return on investment through happy customers who make additional
purchases and generate new business through referrals.


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From initial call to resolution and follow-up, Case Management provides a customer focused solution for
personalized, high quality service. This comprehensive one-stop solution enables your service team to
manage current case load and respond quickly to customers for industry leading customer satisfaction.
The case management workbench is equipped with time saving links to customer focused activities (e.g.,
new quotes, orders, RMA requests, or service calls). In addition, there is a search-driven knowledgebase
and case-driven workflow for standardizing case resolution.
Case Management is fully integrated with Field Service, part of Epicor Service Management, for easy
access to dispatching field activities and providing field service representatives access to online answer
books, existing customer field service calls, warranty information, and service contracts.
INFORMATION WORKER
According to current industry surveys, desktop productivity tools are used by 95% of business workers,
with Microsoft Office as the standard for desktop applications. Epicor Information Worker (IW) provides
a secure, seamless interface to your Epicor CRM applications within Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel,
or Microsoft Word. Imagine the productivity and business visibility you will gain by using Epicor IW as an
interface for both traditional and non-traditional Epicor users.
Epicor IW is an innovative productivity tool that works seamlessly within a familiar Microsoft Office
environment to enable business users to get all the information they need, in context, in realtime when
they need it and where they want it. It does this by blurring the lines between enterprise software and
desktop productivity software to create a single immersive solution.
LEAD AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT
The primary goal of many businesses is to grow their revenue. Whether your growth will come through
attracting new customers or retaining existing ones, Epicor CRM can help you. With Epicor CRM Lead
and Opportunity Management you can proactively manage your sales territories and the entire life cycle
of all your opportunities. Lead and Opportunity Management enables you to convert more prospects to
customers, target the highest value opportunities and increase sales revenues.
Outfitting your sales team with advanced, easy-to-use software is not just smart; its a matter of survival.
Epicor CRM is equipped with the tools you need to find more prospects and quickly convert them to
satisfied customers. Your sales people can manage the complete prospect-to-customer lifecycle, give
accurate revenue forecasts to management and automate many administrative tasks. The bottom line?
Better qualified prospects, shorter sales cycles, reduced lead time, and higher revenues.
MOBILE CONNECT
Epicor CRM gives you control over your customer interactions: generating leads, developing
opportunities and monitoring orders. Epicor CRM functionality is available from anywhere in the world.
The Mobile Connect series incorporates a disconnected database, enabling you to work anywhere you
can take your laptop. Using the SonicMQ messaging engine, mobileConnect is comprised of three
components: Sales mConnect, Sales Engineer mConnect and Hub mConnect. Epicor Mobile Connect
helps your sales representatives and sales engineers stay connected with their customers without
requiring network connections.
SERVICE MANAGEMENT
Epicor Service Management optimizes customer service with timely response to customer requests and
puts knowledge in the hands of customer service personnel. Epicor understands that customers want


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rapid response service. From initial contact with the customer regarding an incident, to in the field
operations, to processing returns quickly and efficiently, Epicor Service Management provides the
visibility and accountability your business needs.
Human Capital Management
Epicor Human Capital Management (HCM) encompasses a range of solutions that help manage an
organization's most valued assets its employees in a strategic and coherent manner. Todays HCM
solutions demonstrate the progression beyond the confines of the HR department, core payroll services
and human resource management systems (HRMS) to managing and developing talent and labor
resources on a global scale, both strategically and cost effectively. Epicor HCM delivers the necessary
software support for all employee-related functions whether distributed or centralized. This enables
organizations to manage a geographically dispersed workforce in a global manner, ensuring support for
various local payroll and legal reporting requirements.
PAYROLL
Epicor Payroll handles the processing of all employees paychecks and provides necessary company
and US governmental reporting. Comprehensive employee information and memo fields allow you to
track employee personnel information, like performance reviews and outside training. Because payroll is
so tightly integrated with Job Management and Manufacturing Execution, you will normally only have to
review your payroll entries, make adjustments, print your checks, and then post. With Payroll, there is no
longer any need to have your payroll done with an outside service, when it is so easy to do yourself.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Epicor Human Resource Management (HR) is a comprehensive solution that streamlines your HR
processes. It efficiently administers applicant tracking, benefit programs, workforce training and
development, complex union dues calculations and benefits, and ever-changing governmental
regulations such as EEO, VETS, OSHA, and Affirmative Action Program reporting (AAP).
Online communication via your companys intranet helps your employees stay up-to-date on their
benefits, training, and life event changes. An add-on module, Epicor Employee Self-Service is designed
for employee satisfaction as well as operational efficiency.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
The Training module is used to schedule courses and instructors as well as record training history,
reducing the pain of your next regulatory audit.
Any organization operating under the oversight of OSHA, EPA, FAA, FDA or similar federal or state
agencies is required by those agencies to provide specific training to certain employees on a recurring
basis, and to certify that the appropriate training took place. Records must be maintained of training taken
and when it was completed.
Training information is integrated with all other aspects of each employee, providing a complete picture
of an employees lifecycle. It includes both internal and external classes, instructors, course outlines, and
class scheduling all captured and retained within the HCM database.
EMPLOYEE SELF-SERVICE
Epicor Employee Self-Service places the responsibility for employee and manager updates on their
shoulders, freeing up the HR and payroll department personnel for more strategic activities.


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Epicor Employee Self-Service allows access by employees and managers from a kiosk, your intranet, or
the Internet. Both Manager and Employee Self-Service are designed to be extremely easy to use, so
even individuals with little or no computer skills can easily navigate through the system with minimal
effort.
EMPLOYEE SELF-SERVICE
Your employees can make their own elections during open enrollment without assistance from HR
personnel. They can update addresses, emergency contacts, change dependents, and reprint their own
W-2. They can display check detail from history, print benefit statements, verify vacation as well as other
paid-time-off balances, and more.
MANAGER SELF-SERVICE
Managers are able to view selected employee information, post requisitions, initiate pay changes,
reassign jobs, and approve time off. A manager can monitor training, upcoming reviews and produce
compensation reports covering only their employees. Furthermore Manager Self-Service falls under
Epicor HCM security control so a manager can only access those employees who report to them and see
just the data that youve approved.
Additional Capabilities
COMPLIANCE OVERVIEW
Effective Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) initiatives help companies and their employees stay
compliant, and ensure that employees at all levels of the organization are aware of the associated risks
of non-compliance.
Epicor GRC is delivered through a combination of embedded capabilities, modules and related services.
Compliance is at the heart of the design of our software and Epicor takes every effort to ensure that any
new functionality is consistent with published international standards and best practices. These include
published standards in corporate and financial governance such as international accounting standards
(IAS), international financial reporting standards (IFRS), and other generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) while also incorporating support for international trade standards such as restriction of
the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Epicor GRC is designed to tackle these very requirements through a combination of capabilities covering:
Enterprise Performance Management, Security Management, Business Process Management, Financial
Governance, Global Trade Compliance, Environmental and Energy Management.
Enterprise Performance Management
Many of the requirements for effective GRC programs involve accelerated disclosure of information to
external entities. This requires companies to have better visibility of changes than they had in the past.
Epicor GRC incorporates the ability to infuse business insight through Epicor enterprise performance
management (EPM) a solution that supports overall risk management objectives by keeping users
abreast of changes in the business.
Security Management
Epicor GRC provides comprehensive user and group security to restrict data and application accessibility
as needed. Security can be granted at user and group levels for all security objects including forms,


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fields, reports, menus, and method calls. Data tier security is also available for both tables and columns.
There is also an option to use Windows Authentication to support a Windows single sign-on and
password policy.
Business Process Management
As the global regulatory environment grows ever more challenging for companies, it is becoming
increasingly important to have embedded controls in your enterprise application so that your users can
be more productive. Epicor GRC helps you move away from the management of day-to-day compliance
by leveraging technology and optimizing operational efficiency. Epicor Business Process Management
(BPM) in combination with Epicor Service Connect, allows you to identify risky processes to your
organization and to effectively mitigate risk through business-defined workflows.
Financial Governance
The current business environment is simultaneously complex and increasingly regulated, which can
challenge even the largest businesses to remain competitive in todays global markets. This fact is
perhaps most important when it comes to financial control which encompasses all aspects of the
financial health of the organization. Epicor GRC helps control this risk effectively enabling users to
handle regulatory compliance and ultimately driving business performance by providing cross-
organizational financial visibility and control over financial reporting, planning and forecasting processes.
Global Trade Compliance
In order to conduct business globally, you need enterprise business software that enables compliance
with local laws, satisfies international security measures and meets the myriad of local and regional
documentation requirements. Epicor applications provide a comprehensive platform for managing these
trade compliance necessities.
Environmental and Energy Management
As the world continues to analyze energy availability and the long-term effects of climate change,
businesses too are turning their attention to areas of opportunity reduction of carbon emissions, energy
conservation and supply chain sustainability. Companies will look to IT and software solutions to help
them find opportunities to be better stewards of the environment and extend the tangible benefits of
corporate social responsibility (CSR) through the extended supply chain. Some of the more notable areas
that corporations are placing emphasis on when deciding on a path to good environmental and energy
management surround strategic sourcing and procurement, logistics, lean manufacturing, and
virtualization.
EPICOR ENTERPRISE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
The pace of business continues to accelerate. To keep up, your organization must move rapidly with
precision and agility, reducing reaction time and optimizing performance. You cant afford to miss an
opportunity or delay a necessary course adjustment. Todays information workers what decision support
in real-time, and they want it deployed in the tools they already use, day in and day out. Epicor Enterprise
Performance Management (EPM) is an end-to-end solution that removes the barriers to better business
insight through a combination of intuitive user experiences, user driven key performance indicators (KPI),
and pre-packaged analytics that have real meaning to the business. Epicor EPM leverages the advanced
analytic capabilities of the Microsoft platform and incorporates modern Web 2.0 concepts for
unprecedented ease of use and ultimately business results.


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Trackers and Dashboards
Built directly into all Epicor applications, Epicor Dashboards permit the combination of multiple different
capabilities such as inquiries, ad-hoc reports, workbenches, graphical analyses, tactical business
intelligence, alerts and business monitoring all in a single dashboard. They provide a robust one-stop
interface that replaces traditional menu systems with personalized role- or context based views and links
into core transactions of the system. In addition, they put the visual indicators and functions you use the
most right at your fingertips. Tooled with unique flexibility, Dashboards enables users to develop their
own workbenches using a series of online views of information such as a tracker. From a tracker, open
with technology is deployed to drill into any part of the system, whether it is to enter a new order, modify
an existing one, or update a customer record.
The power of Epicor Dashboards is in how they enable users to specify how they work and tailor their
workspace to fit their needs. The power of the Dashboard is in its ability to act much like the instrument
cluster of your car. The Dashboard is used to provide real-time exception-driven indicator flags which
alert you to possible problems in your business. From these business activity indicators, you will be able
to easily drill down to appropriate parts of the system to see more information. Through integration with
the Internet, Dashboards can merge Epicor application and external data as one to help drive your daily
activities. From monitoring your employee intranet site to live access to industry-related Web sites, each
Dashboard contains the information you and your employees need to more proactively run your business.
Management Reporter
Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Management Reporter is an advanced financial reporting application
designed to enable information workers to take control of their business by analyzing feature rich and
intuitive reports. Offered in conjunction with Epicor Financial Management, it delivers a purpose-built
environment for financial and accounting personnel to create, maintain, deploy and view boardroom
quality financial statements. Users can easily monitor the health of the business and quickly understand
whats happening at any point in time.
Management reporting plays a key role in performance management. Displaying business results,
performing variance analysis, comparing projections and consolidating data from disparate general
ledgers provides business users with the business insight they need to make timely and relevant
decisions. Accurate and auditable reporting is also essential to regulatory compliance.
Management Reporter is a part of Microsoft PerformancePoint Server, which is built on the powerful
Microsoft SQL Server platform, and helps you to provide accurate reporting in real time, from a centrally
managed source. With Management Reporter, financial data can be combined from multiple financial
models or general ledger companies and consolidated into a single report, giving your business users
financial visibility into disperse operations.
Budget, Planning and Forecasting
For those companies that need advanced analytics such as budgeting and planning or advanced
forecasting, Epicor offers Microsoft PerformancePoint Server. This platform is particularly flexible,
scalable and can easily handle very large implementations across multiple installations, as well as
managing mixed content from multiple sources.


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Many organizations needs to have more control over their budget process or want to be able to test
various business scenarios before they are actually deployed internally. At the same time they also want
to have an easy and flexible environment that most people are familiar with to reduce education and
environments that needs extra support. Microsoft Performance Point Server uses Microsoft SQL Server,
Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services and Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server to create a very powerful
platform for advanced and collaborative Budget Planning and Forecasting, even for very large
organizations.
Performance Point Server
Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server is a comprehensive performance management solution that
allows organizations to formulate strategy, drive execution and more effectively monitor performance
through integrated monitoring, analytics, and planning capabilities. It provides all of the functionality that
is needed for performance management including scorecards, dashboards, management reporting,
analytics, planning, budgeting, forecasting, and consolidation. The application reaches all employees,
across all business functions (finance, operations, marketing, sales, and human resources).
Operational Data Store and Data Warehousing
Your Epicor next-generation enterprise applications offer far reaching business functionality that spans
literally hundreds of business processes, backed by an ever growing transactional database of
information. Business performance is based not just on how these applications help run day to day
processes but by how they support greater business insight from historical reporting to advanced
analysis. At the same time, although your Epicor applications are optimized for transaction processing,
ad-hoc inquiries and scheduling, a more advanced solution is required for when reporting and inquiry
volumes increase and for longer term performance analysis.
Epicor Replication Server
Epicor Replication efficiently replicates all database transactions from one or more production companies
and application server to a single or multiple separate ODS environments. Replication Server is designed
to offload processing from the main application server in support of enterprise performance management
requirements and supports offline reporting, offline access to archived as well as live data, offline ad hoc
queries (including those from Epicor Portal/Information Worker), offload of external system processing
(Mobile Connect, Sales Connect, etc), cloud based services, aggregated database holding records from
multiple companies across multiple servers, and data transfer for additional business intelligence.
Through Replication Server, your business holds the keys to a massively scalable environment that
grows as your business does through effective load balancing of essential business processes.
Epicor Cube Connect
Epicor databases often store millions of business transactions. This huge amount of business data can
provide valuable insights into your business and give you information that is immediately actionable if
you know how to get to it.
OLAP is the preferred way of extracting meaningful information from large datasets, because it provides
intuitive analysis and makes it easier to find trends, patterns, ratios, and quantities in transactional data.
OLAP is built on multidimensional data structures called cubes, which traditionally need to be custom
designed for each set of transaction data. In addition, designing a cube is not a trivial task: it requires


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considerable knowledge of the structure of the source database. Once the cube has been created, there
is no easy way to deploy it to other Epicor installations.
GLOBAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Managing disparate business units offers unique challenges and opportunities with respect to centralized
or distributed operational control, enterprise-wide visibility, inter-company supply chain management, and
financial consolidation. To support the needs of todays increasingly distributed business; Epicor offers
robust global business functionality within its design.
Alongside comprehensive multi-company functionality is end-to-end multi-site managementwhich
provides companies with multiple facilities, flexible options when setting up operations. Some companies
may prefer to run most business functions centralized within the same company but at multiple facilities,
or they may run completely separate company entities with the ability to consolidate financial information
at month or quarter-end. However you choose to define your business, Epicor supports transactional
functions between systems and entities including inter-company transactions such as inter-company
orders, transfer orders, and shipments between plants and warehouses. Epicor facilitates these
scenarios within a single application that is flexible enough to grow with you as you expand your business.
Epicor Global Business Management offers organizations the essential tools needed to create and
maintain a single version of the truth.
Multi-Company Management
Epicor understands that managing disparate business units offers unique challenges and opportunities
with respect to consolidation for tighter control and reduced operational cost, enterprise wide visibility,
inter-company supply chain management, and financial consolidation. Epicor Multi-Company
Management capabilities can assist your business in consolidating operations such as procurement and
accounts payable as well as offer enhanced tools to improve operational visibility across companies.
Automation of inter-company financial transactions as well as financial recognition optimizes enterprise
performance to shorten lead times on key product lines. Additionally, from a financial perspective, multi-
company organizations may choose to not only report as individual entities but also consolidate multiple
currencies and report across business entities to a single consolidation company.
Underpinning this functionality is a complete technology framework to support global enterprises that is
scalable, offers choice in deployment, and includes a set of productivity enhancing tools designed for
global business operations.
Global Multi-site Management
Best-In-Class enterprises are outpacing their competitors today with new initiatives to drive out
redundancies in corporate operations. Maximizing the use of internal supply chain resources can be a
key differentiator. Supply chains demand synchronization of production with distribution and logistics.
This is most effectively accomplished with a single system providing visibility and consolidation of
resources in multiple facilities. Companies may also prefer to run business functions centralized with
separate production and distribution functions, or they may run them separately with the ability to
consolidate financials at month- or quarter-end. Epicor supports both scenarios within one application.
Multi-Site Management provides support for centralized accounting and purchasing, while allowing
separation of production and distribution facilities.


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Financial consolidation through Epicor Multi-Company Management is only one way that Epicor Multi-
Site Management helps businesses achieve their goals. For example, manufacturing and distribution
organizations can leverage the planning and scheduling efficiencies with Epicors robust multi-plant
functionality. Not only are manufacturers and distributors looking for new tools to oversee multi-plant and
warehouse operations, they are also looking to maximize the use of existing resources.
Multi-lingual Data Management
Corporate growth and expansion inevitably leads to new markets and new geographies. Epicor Multi-
Lingual Management, alongside Epicor Global Configurable Engines facilitates this growth, with resource
that can manage your business wherever you take it, or it takes you, with support for country-specific
requirements around tax, currency and languages. For example, an organization that is headquartered
in one country can deploy applications in the native language for that country. When a satellite office in
another country needs to add users that require another language, the only difference for the user is the
language. All corporate processes that the headquarters have deployed are unchanged and no local
language customizations are required at either location.
Master Data Management
As organizations grow, decentralize, or make acquisitions, the potential for multiple, inconsistent versions
of the same data in different parts of the company can cause real problems with the quality, reconciliation
and potential redundancy of data. The recent emphasis on regulatory compliance, the advent of Service-
Oriented Architecture (SOA), and mergers and acquisitions has made the creation, stewardship and
maintenance of accurate and complete master data a business imperative. Epicor Master Data
Management (MDM) can help to ensure that your multi-company and multi-site data meets regulatory
requirements and also provides the consistency needed for real-time distributed operations, leading to
greater customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and business performance.
PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT
Epicor Product Data Management (PDM) serves as a central knowledge repository for process and
product history, and promotes integration and data exchange among all enterprise users who interact
with productsincluding project managers, engineers, salespeople, buyers, and quality assurance
representatives.
Epicor offers a solution for manufacturers that manages the powerful information traditionally contained
in engineering documents, plant floor routings, change orders, sales orders and quality documentation
within a single solution that is easily shared across the enterprise.Promoting collaboration throughout the
value chain, Epicor PDM provides a complete end-to-end solution to manage all aspects of a products
lifecycle, enabling enterprises to control the enormous amount of electronic documents that they produce.
Bill of Materials
Epicor supports traditional BOM management with single-level part formats that recognizes the materials
and components required to build end parts. In addition, Epicor introduces multi-level BOM management
that incorporates not only single-level components and material requirements, but also internal and
external routing steps for complete end assembly visibility, planning, scheduling, and costing. Epicor
introduces visual engineering technology with indented tree structures and drag-and-drop BOM
management.


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Routings
Detailed routings facilitate planning, scheduling and costing of products more efficiently. Everything
needed to produce a product is managed in one central location.
Managing changes to routings is simplified. Changes are automatically communicated to the plant floor
execution system and operators have online visibility of the latest routing production notes as well as
standards and resource requirements
Engineering Change and Revision Controll
Achieve control and consistency in your engineering change and revision process. Engineering Change
and Revision Control is designed to enable engineering change management, multiple revision control
of products, engineering workflow management, and offers detailed cost analysis of products during the
engineering process.
Product Lifecycle Management
Epicor Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) serves as a central knowledge repository for process and
product history, and promotes integration and data exchange among all enterprise users who interact
with a product. Epicor PLM manages all documentation associated with a product throughout its entire
product lifecycle, and includes full integration with more than 12 computer aided design (CAD) systems.
Epicor PLM is particularly useful for companies that:
Design what they manufacture
Want visibility into, and standardized methodologies around, work flow
Use CAD systems
Use drawings to produce a quote or an order
Epicor PLM provides an electronic vault where documents can be securely stored and where access and
versioning can be tightly controlled. The type of sophisticated document management that PLM offers is
critical for those organizations that need excellent audit tracking and control of all documents across the
enterprise. PLM also provides advanced document search and retrieval functionality. Increase your
productivity by more efficiently managing the product life cyclefrom design to end-of-life.
Product Costing
As a manufacturer, you consistently monitor product cost and analyze profitability as a way to pass on
cost savings to customers while staying competitive. Epicor offers the flexibility and accuracy that
manufacturers need to analyze their product cost on a customer-by-customer, part-by-part, and job-by-
job basis.
Product Configuration
Product Configuration enables on-the-fly configuration of highly customizable and dimensional products
via a straightforward question and answer evaluation. Product Configuration can be accessed from quote
entry, order entry, and job entry. It is Web-enabled, and is also available to disconnected users employing
Epicor Mobile Connect.


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SERVICE MANAGEMENT SUITE
Epicor Service Management
Epicor Service Management optimizes customer service with timely response to customer requests and
puts knowledge in the hands of customer service personnel. Epicor understands that customers want
rapid response service. From initial contact with the customer regarding an incident, to in the field
operations, to processing returns quickly and efficiently, Epicor Service Management provides the
visibility and accountability your business needs.
Contract Management
Epicor Contract Management used in conjunction with Epicor Field Service ensures the timely and
accurate execution of service contracts. Additionally, this solution holds the historical activities against
the contract to better meet customer expectations.
Field Service
Epicor Field Service is designed for people who install, repair or service offsite or at the plant or depot.
You can centralize all processes related to the dispatching of technicians and cost reporting of service
calls in the field. This application supports drop shipment of service parts directly to the customer site.
The application is set up for a single interface, so a dispatcher can track all stages of each service call
with just a few mouse clicks.
Case Management
Case management is an essential part of building better business. Improving the productivity and
effectiveness of your support center leads to increased customer satisfaction. Epicor CRM Case
Management delivers solutions that help you deliver first-rate service to your customers while controlling
costs.
From initial call to resolution and follow-up, Case Management provides a customer focused solution for
personalized, high quality service. This comprehensive one-stop solution enables your service team to
manage current case load and respond quickly to customers for industry leading customer satisfaction.
The case management workbench is equipped with time saving links to customer focused activities (e.g.,
new quotes, orders, RMA requests, or service calls). In addition, there is a search-driven knowledgebase
and case-driven workflow for standardizing case resolution.
Case Management is fully integrated with Field Service, part of Epicor Service Management, for easy
access to dispatching field activities and providing field service representatives access to online answer
books, existing customer field service calls, warranty information, and service contracts.
Return Material Authorization
Enhanced return processing offers enterprise-wide tracking of pending returns and disposition of these
parts by unique returned material authorization (RMA) number. Enter information about returns, and
transfer that information to the different groups that may need to take action (e.g., inspection, billing and
order processing). Armed with full notes capabilities and document management functionality, tracing the
steps of a returned part for requirements certifications is inherent in the system.


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SERVICES SUPPORT
Business Process Outsourcing Services
Epicor Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services offer customers a way to effect business
transformation through transition and on-going task management of non-value added processes. As a
natural progression from Epicor managed services, Epicor BPO customers do not just free themselves
to focus on their core business; they gain time and resources to maximize new opportunities. At Epicor,
business process outsourcing is far more than a cost-saving mechanism, it is a key business tool to
manage cost, gain access to skilled resources when needed, and helps drive value into the business.
Today, Epicor cannot only provide you with robust business applications for operational and financial
needs such as accounts payable, we can manage a payables process on your behalf. With operations
in Bratislava, Slovakia; Monterey, Mexico; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Epicor provides a global
outsourcing opportunity.
Hosting Services
Epicor hosting services provide the first step towards the end-to-end management of your mission-critical
IT environment so you can focus on strategic growth. For many Epicor customers, IT infrastructure
performance, availability, and cost are no less important than the business applications that they support,
but often become a focus that inhibits business improvement when they should be supporting growth.
Backed by Navisite, a world leader offering a broad portfolio of Web-hosting and co-location options with
24x7x365 data centers, Epicor is able to provide a cost-effective and efficient hosting solution combining
software, infrastructure and services. From a single dedicated server, to server farms, Epicor hosting
services IT experts take care of data back-up and disaster recovery, ensure continuity and complete
security, and provide complete un-interrupted access to your business applications and the infrastructure
they require.
Learning & Educational Services
The most important investment you can make to ensure the success of your business software solution.
Today, Epicor offers extensive and comprehensive educational content designed to suit your specific
learning needs. From online courses and virtual classrooms to scheduled training center content and
custom onsite programs, Epicor learning and education services are there to help you succeed at your
chosen pace and in the most convenient manner. Alongside cost-effective self-service tools, there are
encompassing Premier education plans, and even specialized course work materials to assist with
upgrade planning and success.
Managed Services
Epicor managed services offers a unique value-add to Epicor customers, providing total peace of mind
by ensuring that your business systems and processes stay up and running and operating at peak levels
at all times. Alongside application hosting services, Epicor managed services deliver complete application
portfolio management, and enhance normal support and maintenance offerings with comprehensive
release and application infrastructure management and administration - backed by full service desk
access and underlying service level protection. Complete reliability, high availability, reduced risk, total
service.


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Professional Services
Epicor professional services maintains a team of more than 500 highly skilled, and tenured consultants
whose unmatched experience in delivering industry solutions that span manufacturing, distribution, retail
and hospitality, and services is backed by a proven track record of successful delivery around the world.
Our professional services teams offer local know-how and global outlook so as to ensure tangible results
for our customers anywhere in the world - always with a focus on your profitable growth.
Support
Today, Epicor offers encompassing round the clock Support Services through a network of worldwide
support centers located in Irvine and San Diego, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Portland, Oregon;
Minneapolis, Minnesota; Orlando, Florida; Newburgh, New York; Monterrey, Mxico; Bracknell, UK;
Budapest, Hungary; Stockholm, Sweden, Espoo, Finland; Rome, Italy; Bucharest, Romania; Moscow,
Russia; Sydney, Australia; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



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INFOR
GETTING ALL ATTENTION, FOR
ALL THE RIGHT REASONS
Infors main enterprise resource planning (ERP) products include Infor10
ERP Enterprise, Lawson M3 ERP Enterprise, Infor10 ERP Business,
Infor10 ERP Express and Infor10 ERP Process Business. At first glance
the products look similar with each offering common ERP capabilities.
But upon closer inspection, youll notice the products offer unique
functionality for different industries and manufacturers. For example,
Infor10 ERP Process Business is designed for process manufacturers
such as chemical, food and beverage and pharmaceutical
manufacturers. Meanwhile, Infor10 ERP Express is aimed at discrete
manufacturers such as aerospace and defense, automotive and
machinery manufacturers
In addition to common ERP applications, Infor offers enterprise asset
management (EAM) software for organizations that need to track
financial and maintenance information of assets and buildings. They
offer four EAM products: Infor10 EAM Enterprise, Infor10 EAM Asset
Sustainability, Infor10 EAM Business and Infor10 EAM (MP2). With the
exception of the Sustainability product, each one is aimed at a specific
size of organization. For example, Infor10 EAM Enterprise is targeted at
large enterprises. According to Infor, it is used by more than 60% of the
Fortune 500. Meanwhile Infor10 EAM Business is targeted towards
small- and mid-sized organizations. EAM Asset Sustainability is unique
because of its capabilities to track the energy-efficiency and
environmental impact of buildings.
Infor provides its cloud offerings in three flavors
1. Infor VISUAL
2. Infor Syteline
3. Infor Adage
All of the above has a varying support for different features and one will
always have to choose after careful understanding of business
requirements and close examination of above options. Although, none
of these is comprehensive version of all, we will discuss Infor VISUAL in
this chapter.
INFOR
ADVANTAGE
Through an aggressive
acquisition strategy, Infor
has emerged as one of
the largest providers of
enterprise software.
They offer a full set of
applications ranging
from enterprise resource
planning (ERP) to
enterprise asset
management (EAM) to
product lifecycle
management to
workforce management.
The company has
acquired roughly 30
software companies in
its short history, giving it
a strong portfolio of
products with many high-
profile customers.



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Infor VISUAL software is a flexible, fully integrated, and easy to use ERP suite that is widely deployed
across many different types of industries from aerospace to biomedical, capital equipment, precision tools
and more. Infor VISUAL is a scaleable solution with powerful technology to deliver real-time information,
streamline operations, increase profitability and customer satisfaction. With state of the art advanced
planning and scheduling, quality management, customer relationship management, time and attendance,
business intelligence and warehouse management system capabilities built in, Infor VISUAL appeals to
manufacturers and distributors with a combination of affordability, depth of functionality and ease of use.
INFOR SUPPORTED MODULES
Materials Management
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING
In today's world of globalization and price pressures, it's imperative that your enterprise resource planning
systems offer business-specific solutions with industry experience built in. This is true whether you
produce goods made from distinct parts and components such as automobiles, electronics, and
machinery or goods made by blending ingredients such as foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and
chemicals.
As an ERP software vendor, Infor offers a variety of ERP solutions that help companies in a wide
spectrum of subsectors automate, plan, collaborate, and execute according to their unique business
requirements. Built on an open, flexible, service-oriented architecture (SOA) with modern, web-based
user interfaces, our scalable ERP solutions never lock you in to one mode of operating. Instead, they
offer a breadth of functionality that enables you to automate key manufacturing and financial processes,
meet fluctuating customer demand and compliance requirements, and collaborate internally as well as
externally across your supply chain-all at a low total cost of ownership. Lean manufacturing capabilities
are built in to our ERP solutions to minimize waste and increase quality and productivity; strong
aftermarket service capabilities expedite service management.
With multiple deployment and buying options for Infor ERP, including SaaS, manufacturers can choose
the model that meets their specific requirements.
PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
Successful new products are the lifeblood of your companys growth and profitability. The success of
60% of most new products is determined in the product development phase, including 80% of costs and
90% of regulatory risks. Supplier collaboration early on can improve your products capabilities, as well
as minimize costs and time to market.
Infor PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) helps your business maximize profit by optimizing every stage
of your products life from portfolio management to product development to ongoing maintenance and
retirement. It integrates product information from design and engineering with sourcing, compliance,
suppliers, and supply chains to speed product development, ensure quality, and mitigate regulatory risks.
Infor PLM helps to:
Improve product innovation
Drive revenue growth with successful new product introductions


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Boost new product profitability by up to 10%
Reduce time to market by up to 50%
Improve on-time product launches by up to 98%, including regulated industries
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
In today's global market, quality is king as manufacturers face increased competition for customers. The
pressure to reduce time and error makes it imperative that companies establish and maintain quality
assurance criteria that fully support industry regulations. To remain competitive, manufacturers need to
optimize their engineering and product lifecycles-and leverage supply chains-to bring superior products
to market on time and on budget.
For order-driven manufacturers looking to balance productivity, quality assurance, customer satisfaction,
and profitability, Infor delivers a solution for fully integrated, robust, scalable automated quality
management designed to fit their specific industry requirements. Our solution integrates all logistic and
quality management processes, enabling manufacturers to improve operational performance and
leverage their supply chains to attain superior quality-and exceed customer expectations.
Infor ERP's quality management solutions:
Manage quality across multiple plants and distributed teams
Improve decision-making with real-time, accurate engineering and product data
Monitor supplier performance against industry benchmarks
Increase customer satisfaction with shorter response times
Establish and manage criteria to support industry standards and regulations
Improve collaboration between employees, suppliers, and customers
Reduce the cost of goods sold
Ideal for makers of complex products, the quality management components of Infor ERP help companies
improve quality levels and take corrective action when necessary. They allow you to streamline business
processes by automating associated concept, design, pre-production, production, and post-production
activities, and by facilitating the collection, analysis, and control of key data. You'll get support for cost-
effective decision-making with pre-production process analyses, including performance and capability
indices. You'll also improve response times; increase customer satisfaction by maintaining accessible,
detailed customer histories; and monitor and manage communications with customers and suppliers to
improve all supply chain relationships. And through better process management, you'll prevent and
reduce failure-increasing your profit margins.
Sales Order Management
SALES MANAGEMENT
To remain competitive, companies must coordinate sales efforts across the entire customer lifecycle
pulling cross-organization customer intelligence into the sales process, helping sales representatives
become trusted advisors, and making appropriate, targeted offers to customers.
Infors CRM sales solution optimizes customer interaction time and gives salespeople the tools they need
to be successful. It puts customer intelligence and guided processes in the hands of field sales, telesales,
and account representatives and prepares them for calls and closing sales with quick access to consistent


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and accurate customer information. It simplifies the ordering process as well as the configuration of
complex products.
Infors CRM sales software helps:
Increase sales productivity
Shorten sales cycles and increase sales revenue
Achieve more frequent orders and higher order values
Streamline the quote-to-order process
Reduce product configuration and pricing errors
The sales component of Infor CRM centralizes data from across the enterprise, giving your sales team
quick access to consistent, accurate customer information including the entire scope of each customers
previous interactions with the organization at all stages of the sales cycle. The following are included:
Sales manages the entire sales cycle with lead routing and prioritization, contact management,
opportunity and pipeline management, call scripting, and mobile access.
Configuration allows you to meet every customer's need with the ability to pick the right product from a
catalog, perform mass customization of complex products, and manage engineer-to-order and make-to-
order configurations.
Financial Management
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Enterprising finance and accounting organizations help drive company performance by efficiently
handling a multitude of daily transactions, sharing valuable information hidden in transactional data, and
adapting processes fluidly as business conditions and regulatory environments change.
Infor FMS (Financial Management System) enables companies to integrate and streamline local and
multinational financial resource management processes from end to end. By doing so, they achieve a
reliable, apples-to-apples view of financial performance across the entire enterprise, as well as the
flexibility and control necessary for adapting to the demands of even the most challenging business
environment.
Infor FMS corporate multinational financial management solution helps to:
Reduce transaction costs
Shorten process cycle times
Achieve data consistency
Enforce global financial standards and processes
Improve financial transparency
For more than 30 years, Infors dependable multinational financial management solutions have helped
organizations leverage the value of their existing financial resource management technology systems
and platforms, extending them with the user-friendly features and rich functionality necessary to maximize
productivity and performance. Infor FMS solutions include:


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Financial Accounting general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing,
inventory, and fixed assets applications.
Project Accounting asset management and project tracking applications.
Expense Management expense report, travel plan, payment request, and time capture
applications.
Supply Chain Management
ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT
An effective enterprise asset management solution for monitoring and managing the deployment,
performance, and maintenance of company assets may be the single most important tool for preventing
operational surprises and uncovering hidden profits.
Infor EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) enables manufacturers, distributors, and services
organizations to save time and money by optimizing maintenance resources, improving equipment and
staff productivity, increasing inventory efficiency, and strengthening their ability to collect on warranty-
related claims. Infor EAM software includes reporting tools that enable better decision-making to help
improve future asset performance management and profitability.
Infors enterprise asset management software helps to:
Increase labor efficiency and reduce overtime
Implement effective equipment-based maintenance schedules to reduce downtime
Manage work order processes to ensure on-time delivery
Reduce maintenance-related inventory levels for increased savings
Model various scenarios to determine optimum asset levels and drive decision making
Track information to improve the ability to collect on warranty claims
The Infor EAM software solution is much more than computerized maintenance management software
(CMMS), which captures only standard transaction maintenance metrics. Infors asset performance
management solution enables enterprising companies to create a more comprehensive vision by also
capturing and consolidating metrics from a variety of operational and financial systems. The result is
improved visibility into not only current performance, but also into likely future performance.
Infor EAM software has been helping enterprising companies worldwide, including more than 60 percent
of the Fortune 500, for over 20 years. Backed by domain experts who understand the enterprise asset
management and maintenance requirements of todays competitive businesses, Infor EAM software
solutions address:
Maintenance deploy resources for maximum effectiveness.
Inventoryoptimize inventory and purchasing to save money.
Uptimeforecast likely failure points and the causes to improve uptime.
Reliability/Risk Management predict and take action on reliability issues to prevent problems.
Strategic Planningincrease visibility into asset performance management to better align these
resources with corporate goals.


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SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Operating a chaos-tolerant supply chain in a world of increasing uncertainty is an impossible mission
unless you have business-specific SCM software that helps you manage complexity and increase your
profitability, competitiveness, and growth.
Infor SCM (Supply Chain Management) meets the challenge with specialized functionality that takes into
account the different supply chain perspectives and unique business challenges of manufacturers,
retailers, and transportation and logistics service providers. By partnering with Infor, you're assured of
having comprehensive SCM solutions delivered by a single vendor, with best practices and low total cost
of ownership built in, that match all of your business priorities from network design/order inception to
delivery-from concept to customer.
Infor's supply chain logistics and inventory management software solutions can:
Reduce supply chain operational costs for increased profitability
Improve customer service to enhance competitiveness
Manage growth and expansion to improve revenues and market share
Become supply chain leaders
Infor Supply Chain Management is a global solution with implementations at over 1,600 customer sites
in 40 countries. Backed by domain experts who know supply chain management and the challenges you
face, our supply chain planning and execution solutions comprise the following key components:
Strategic Netware Design modeling and optimization tools for determining the most effective
number, location, size, and capacity of facilities to meet customer service goals; time-phased
tactical planning for determining where and when to make, buy, store, and move product through
the network.
Demand Planning forecasting tools, web-based collaboration interface, and sales and
operations reporting and metrics that help companies predict and shape customer demand with
greater accuracy.
Distribution Planning inventory analysis and time-variable stock target calculations for
ensuring the optimal balance between service levels and inventory investment; synchronized
replenishment plans for all network points right back to manufacturing and supplier sources for
better visibility.
Manufacturing Planning constraint-based advanced planning system for engineering,
assembly, and repetitive manufacturing environments; similar tools for process manufacturers.
Production Scheduling finite capacity scheduling for engineering, assembly, and repetitive
environments, as well as batch-process production facilities.
Transportation and Logistics Planning transportation planning, transportation procurement,
route planning, transportation management, small parcel shipping, and international trade
logistics for global, multi-modal operations.
Warehouse Management Systemend-to-end fulfillment and distribution including inventory,
labor, and work and task management, as well as cross-docking, value-added services, yard
management, multiple inventory ownership and billing/invoicing, and voice-directed distribution.


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RFIDcomprehensive RFID-enablement framework delivering business value through process
optimization for manufacturers and other companies, as well as compliance solutions for retail,
pharmaceuticals, the US Department of Defense, and others.
Event Management proactive, real-time exception management technology for detecting
conditional change anywhere in the supply chain and communicating it instantly for resolution.
Customer Relations Management
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT
Leading customer-focused companies view every customer interaction as an opportunity to make a
new offer, improve retention, increase revenue, build loyalty, or strengthen their brand. Infor CRM
(Customer Relationship Management) helps companies optimize customer relationships by integrating
marketing, sales, and service. By providing a full 360-degree view of customers, the system enables a
consistent and continuous customer dialogue based on real-time information. With this advanced CRM
solution set, you can make the most of every interaction with every customer across every channel or
touch point. As a result, you gain true customer insight, along with the ability to act on that insight.
Infor's CRM software system can:
Run campaigns that align with your customers' preferences
Tightly integrate marketing across all inbound and outbound channels
Increase sales productivity by providing customer insight
Manage marketing and sales resources more efficiently
Turn contact centers into profit centers
Infor's CRM solution provides the tools your company needs to engage customers in a multi-channel,
closed-loop dialogue that nurtures their loyalty to your products and services and improves your
bottom-line results. Infor CRM is comprised of the following key components:
Marketingdelivers inbound and outbound marketing capabilities that streamline the campaign
process and create real-time customer profiles which can be analyzed to identify high-impact
offers at the moment of customer interaction.
Sales provides sales force automation and opportunity management capabilities that facilitate
customer conversations by driving intelligence into every customer interaction.
Service serves as the foundation for personalized contact center operations, giving customer
service representatives a unified view of customers across all existing systems and empowering
them to shorten call times and resolve issues on the first call. Powerful real-time analytics drive
personalized, customer-focused processes and offers, turning customer interactions into
revenue opportunities across emails, phone calls, and web inquiries.
Human Capital Management
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
One of a companys biggest ongoing investments is in its people. Managed properly, this asset can be
the source of innovation and growth, competitive advantage, and future leadership.
The Infor HCM (Human Capital Management) system helps enterprising businesses optimize the entire
recruit-to-retire process. With this human resource management system, you can attract and retain a


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qualified workforce, effectively schedule your workforce, access and share vital workforce information
safely and securely, adapt workforce processes as your company grows and changes, provide self-
service capabilities to employees and managers, and enable effective decision-making relative to your
workforce.
The Infor Human Capital Management system helps to:
Improve competitiveness by hiring, retaining, and empowering the best people
Make informed decisions by gaining visibility into and control over workforce performance
Save money and time by streamlining workforce-related processes, including scheduling and
time and attendance
Achieve goals by aligning staffing practices with corporate strategy
Profit from more effective and efficient global operations
Infor HCM is a web-enabled human capital management system that is used by enterprising companies
around the globe to turn human resources into competitive advantage. This HR software
accommodates multiple languages, currencies, banks, tax definitions, benefits, security configurations,
and platforms, and includes the following key components:
Resource Management encompasses the spectrum of resource management processes
including human resources, benefits administration, flexible spending accounts, compensation,
and payroll.
Workforce Management cost-effectively addresses complex workforce management
challenges with support for scheduling, time and attendance, absence, planning, and
performance.
Talent Management introduces best-practice workforce development capabilities related to
learning management, employee performance management, recruitment, competency
management, and succession planning.



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SAP BUSINSS
BYDESIGN
GETTING BETTER CONSISTENTLY
SAP Business ByDesign is a software as a service (SaaS) enterprise
resource planning (ERP) system. Acknowledging the increasing
adoption of SaaS solutions, especially in the middle market, SAP made
the bold decision to develop an entirely new code base to target the
SaaS opportunity. With Business ByDesign now generally available and
in use by a wide range of customers, SAP is aggressively expanding the
products feature set.
SAP newest Saas ERP software, Business ByDesign is a fully
comprehensive integrated business management package that is
delivered On Demand through a cloud or Software as a Service (SaaS)
model. Business ByDesign is the only ERP software product that
embeds SAPs best practice business process expertise and IP. This
new software solution is designed to provide manufacuturing and
distribution SMEs (small and medium businesses) with the benefits of a
large scale business application without the need for a large IT
department and/or an upfront licensing fee. With Business ByDesign,
SMEs now have access to the same SAP business process expertise
that has helped many of the worlds leading companies maintain their
leading edge.
SAP Business ByDesign is designed to serve all the key needs of a
business. The system offers applications for customer relationship
management (CRM), financial management, project management,
supply chain management, supplier relationship management, human
resources, executive management dashboards, and compliance. The
financial management capabilities of SAP Business ByDesign include
general ledger, fixed asset management, inventory valuation, and
management accounting.
SAP Business ByDesign is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) package,
accessed over the Internet on a web browser. SAP manages all of the
hosting, maintenance and upgrades of the system. Set-up and
configuration takes between four and eight weeks. SAP Business
ByDesign is designed to scale with young businesses as they grow into
mid-size enterprises.
SAP
BUSINESS
BYDESIGN
ADVANTAGE
In 2003, exactly 10
years after SAP R/3
was first introduced,
SAP decided to go for
new architecture,
which was called
"Ether" and then later
"Enterprise SOA."
SAP spent four years
in R&D developing
Business ByDesign as
a new foundation for
SAP's ERP software.







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The SAP Business ByDesign solution is business management software delivered on demand and
fully managed by SAP. Because it is an on-demand solution, there are no upgrades to manage, no
maintenance, and no up-front capital costs. It is managed, monitored, and maintained by SAP experts in
worldclass hosted data centers, which means you dont have to invest time and money in any additional
IT resources to build or support it. SAP Business ByDesign is the best fit for companies that want the
benefits of a large-scale business management solution without a large IT infrastructure
SAP Business ByDesigns intuitive software is easy to learn and easy to use. SAP Business ByDesign
features simplified navigation, interactive graphics, and tight integration with Microsoft Office. The rich,
intuitive user experience helps speed adoption and increase productivity. And, with built-in support for
mobile computing, you gain secure access to your business processes anytime, anywhere, on any
device.
BUSINESS BYDESIGN SUPPORTED MODULES
Financial Management
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Keeping control over outstanding payments and receivables can be a difficult task and one that is often
understood only by accounting professionals. The focus of the solution is to reduce complexity and
increase transparency by automating the processing of payments and due-payment clearing. This
speeds up processing and increases your cash flow. You can support your companys policies by defining
your own payment block reasons, deduction types, and grouping or clearing strategies for payments.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Make sure that your outstanding receivables are up to date by sending dunning letters or reminders to
customers with overdue payment items, requesting payment of the outstanding amount. Flexible dunning
functionality in the solution helps you optimize your cash flow with a streamlined dunning process. You
can decide to initiate the dunning process, or you may opt to let the software trigger the process by using
the automatic scheduling function.
CASH FLOW
Optimizing a companys cash flow is the core duty of a cash manager, who is also responsible for
managing statements for house bank accounts. The solution helps your cash manager in these activities
with functions that support uploading, processing, and monitoring house bank statements. Additional
functionality enables cash managers to analyze financial transactions and identify future trends by
creating periodic liquidity forecasts.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
With SAP Business ByDesigns Financial Management module, SMEs can get a single, up-to-date view
of their financial condition by integrating core business processes with financials. The SAP Business
ByDesign solution lets SMEs keep track of payables and receivables, payment and liquidity, inventory
and fixed assets, taxes and expenses, and compliance and reporting. The solution enables SMEs to
streamline period-end closing and make better-informed financial decisions every day of the year.


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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
When creating financial statements, you want to meet legal requirements with the least possible effort
as this is not a value-add activity. The solution enables you to reduce the time to close books and create
financial statements by streamlining the process, making use of functionality such as the closing cockpit.
You can save time when performing the reporting part of the process because the solution provides a
comprehensive set of GAAP-compliant reports that you can adapt to your companys requirements.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
Perform foreign currency remeasurement for your open receivables and payables items by using a built-
in framework. The solution also supports converting balances held in foreign currencies, such as bank
accounts or petty cash locations, at a key date. You can schedule the remeasurement jobs to run
periodically and in the background, thereby minimizing the need for manual intervention while supporting
legal compliance.
Production Management
PRODUCTION PLANNING & SCHEDULING
You can plan, execute, and continuously monitor projects of all types and sizes, including cost collectors.
You can create an overall project structure, set up a detailed project plan and schedule, search for and
assign appropriate project staff, and procure the goods and services needed to carry out the project. You
can choose from several interactive graphical views, depending on the activities you need to perform.
For example, you can use network diagrams to plan process-oriented projects, while Gantt charts help
you visualize a projects schedule and task dependencies.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The most important pillar of success for project based companies is the excellence by which they deliver
service engagements. With SAP Business ByDesigns Project Management module, professional
services firm have the capabilities they need to improve project efficiency: The solution enables project
managers to plan and track projects through graphical tools such as Gantt charts and network diagrams;
project teams have can work together more easily through shared information and workflow-driven task
management. In addition, the solution enables up-to-the-minute project data to be shared with the rest
of your company for easy tracking of costs, purchases, and employee and contractor hours.
Supply Chain Management
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
SAP Business ByDesigns Supplier Relationship Management module enables SMEs to strengthen their
relationships with suppliers, improve their procurement processes to reduce costs, and turn their supplier
base into a competitive advantage. The SAP Business ByDesign solution helps SMEs identify and
efficiently source from the best suppliers for materials and services. The solution enables SMEs to
integrate their procurement processes with other functional areas (e.g. manufacturing), thereby bringing
all the data needed for effective negotiations and strong supplier relationships. It provides built in
analytics so SMEs can gain the insights they need to find savings opportunities and it automates all
procurement processes so that can easily stay on top of changing data. The solution uses exception
based management to give procurement staff the bandwidth they need to focus on activities that drive
the most value.


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SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
SAP Business ByDesigns Supply Chain Management module enables SMEs to make excellence in
supply chain management a key cornerstone of their success. The solution is provides SMEs with the
tools to capture product requirements and ensure that these inform not only product design but also
supply chain design. The solution allows SMEs to configure a supply chain that works best for them, and
then to establish plans that will help them best match supply to forecasted demand. The solution provides
all the capabilities required to execute on plans efficiently to source raw materials, manufacture and
distribute products most efficiently to meet demand.
Customer Relationship Management
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
With SAP Business ByDesign CRM, SMEs can get comprehensive, flexible support for customer
relationship management processes that span marketing, sales, and service activities. The SAP
Business ByDesign solution helps SMEs exploit the right opportunities and maximize customer
satisfaction and revenue. The solution includes centralized operational data that is integrated with other
business areas to let SMEs speed their sales cycles, bring in revenue faster, and control costs.
Additional Capabilities
BUSINESS ANALYTICS AND COLLABORATION
SAP Business ByDesign includes rich business intelligence and analytics capabilities to help SMEs gain
more and better insight into the performance of their business and respond appropriately to changing
market conditions. The SAP Business ByDesign solution enables SME employees to run reports
whenever they need to, create what-if analyses, drill down into granular details, and generate easy to
understand graphics. The solution includes reporting functionality that enables SMEs to find ways to save
money or reveal additional revenue potential.
The solution also allows SMEs to collaborate, communicate, and exchange information both within the
company and between the company and its business partners. The SAP Business ByDesign solution
enables SMEs to integrate desktop applications, instant messaging, and its telephone system with the
business applications within the solution. The solution also allows SMEs to leverage external Web
services to complement their own business data. With the solution, SMEs also have the ability to find
information they need quickly and easily by searching through company data and documents using new
enterprise search technology.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
The SAP Business ByDesign solution is designed to empower management with more control over their
business and the ability to make better decisions. With the SAP Business ByDesign solution, managers
can easily get a 360 degree view of business performance and can access the organizational information
they need to steer the company. Management dashboards provide real-time, customized analytics and
allow managers to accurately track the most important aspects of the business.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
SAP Business ByDesigns HR module helps SMEs ensure they can leverage and maximize the potential
of their most important asset most effectively their employees. With the SAP Business ByDesign
solution, employees get personalized business portals tailored to their job functions, and self-service
features to streamline execution of daily tasks. The solution enables SMEs to adapt HR services to


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changing business needs by adding, enhancing, and automating processes, including workloads,
personnel, and payroll.
COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
With SAP Business ByDesigns Compliance Management module, SMEs can keep up-to-date and
compliant with changing laws and regulations. The SAP Business ByDesign solution comes
preconfigured for a customers accounting practices, applicable tax structures, and relevant labor
legislation. Frequent and automatic updates help ensure that each customers financial books and
government reporting continue to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, the solution enables SMEs to
implement a wide range of built-in controls across the company, such as data entry controls, plausibility
checks, and automated workflows, to prevent unauthorized data access and modification.
SERVICES SUPPORT
Built in Services and Support
SAP Business ByDesign is designed to simplify IT with built-in IT services, automated maintenance and
support, and a quality-assured service model. The SAP Business ByDesign solution is connected to
SAP experts who monitor and maintain each customers on-demand system. The solution includes
automatic health checks to continuously monitor and manage system performance as well as built in
safeguards to ensure the integrity, safety, and security of every customers invaluable company data.
The SAP Business ByDesign solution can be personalized by fine-tuning and adapting it at any time
using the built-in business configuration functionality. In addition, built-in learning and help provide 24/7
access to resources and the SAP Business ByDesign community, enabling SME customers to get
knowledge and help whenever they need it.



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ORACLE
RELYING ON TRIAD & TRUSTED
Oracle provides a complete and integrated system for optimized
management of enterprise-wide performance. Oracle provides the
complete cloud based enterprise solution in two very popular packages.
Oracle E-Business Suite
With E Business Suite, businesses can achieve excellent management
practices which drive competitive advantage and leverage their
operational ROI.
AgileProvides Information Integration from financial
performance management, business intelligence, and
transactional applications
SmartEnables advanced integration that improves agility and
lowers costs of ownership
AlignedDrives pervasive intelligence across the enterprise by
unifying financial, strategic, and operational management
processes
Oracle JD Edwards EntrepriseOne
Oracles's JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is an integrated applications suite
of comprehensive enterprise resource planning software that combines
business value, standards-based technology, and deep industry
experience into a business solution with a low total cost of ownership.
Integrated, business-driven applications supports a wide variety of
business processes with one common database for a single source of
information. JD Edwards EnterpriseOne uses the Oracle Technology
Foundation, a package of integrated software products that allow
implementation and maintenance of system applications.
While both the flavors of Oracle Solutions are equally popular, we will be
discussin Oracle e-Business Suite in this chapter.
ORACLE E-
BUSINESS
SUITE
ADVANTAGE
Oracle is the software
leader in Enterprise
Performance
Management (EPM),
unifying Business
Intelligence and
Performance
Management (BI),
while supporting
complex strategic,
financial and
operational
management
processes.






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ORACLE E-BUSINESS SUITE ERP MODULES
Materials Management
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
With Oracle Inventory Management you can improve inventory visibility, reduce inventory levels and
control inventory operations. All of your material in each line of business and stage of the inventory
lifecycle can be tracked in a single system. Increased transparency will reduce the need for local buffer
stocks, and inventory will be located where it previously wasn't known to exist.
Oracle Inventory Management is part of the Oracle Logistics solution and integrates seamlessly with
other Supply Chain Management applications, including Oracle Warehouse Management, Oracle Order
Management, Procurement, Discrete and Process Manufacturing, and Oracle Financials.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Improve Global Inventory Visibility
Oracle Inventory Management allows you to consolidate your disparate inventory tracking and
control systems into a single, global inventory management solution for material in every stage of
the product or production lifecycle as well as for your different business types. For manufacturers
and distributors, this visibility is not limited to current state balances but also includes global track
and trace information including inventory source and where-used analysis.
Reduce Inventory Levels
Oracle Inventory Management gives you a variety of tools to reduce your inventory levels. The
more accurate your inventory levels and efficient your replenishment, the less safety stock you
need to hold. The more proactive your exception management, the more readily you can respond
to shortages, quality issues and backorders before costly expediting is required.
Control Multi-Mode Inventory Operations
Whether you are running manufacturing centers, distribution centers, service depots, spare parts
warehouses or other types of parts storage facilities, Oracle Inventory Management provides the
multi-mode inventory capability that helps you control all your inventory operations.
Comprehensive material and transaction attributes capture gives inventory managers and
operators flexible visibility into material aging, qualitative characteristics, material status.
ORACLE WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
Adapt to Volatility and Innovation
Your complex warehouse operations must adapt quickly and easily to changes. Your company is
constantly innovatingand as your business model rapidly changes, the expectations for warehouses
change, too. Whether because a customer radically increases their order volume to accelerate their
inventory velocity, or your business decides to ship products with the longest remaining shelf life to their
best customers, your Warehouse Management Solution must quickly respond.
Oracle's Warehouse Management Solution delivers adaptive customer processes enabling your
organization to make logistics a source of competitive differentiation.


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Converge Multiple Supply Chain Processes
Warehouses increasingly perform more and more functionsassembly, manufacturing, repair. They are
part of extended supply chain processes including transportation management, procurement,
manufacturing, order management, spare parts and repair operations, asset management, and
maintenance.
Oracle's Warehouse Management Solution pre-integrates with the processes and applications driving
these functions in your company. As a result, you get optimized execution of materials handling
transactions on mobile and traditional terminals.
Scale in Complexity from Small to Large Operations
Customers demand the goods they want, when they want them, in perfect conditionand to their unique
specifications. Warehouses must handle more items, with greater velocity, in increasingly complex
orders. To address these challenges, businesses need a robust and scalable solution. They need a
solution that will help them to optimize their operationsno matter how large or small.
Oracle's Warehouse Management Solution offers a broad range of materials management functionality
from the most basic to the most advanced. No matter how big or small, you will improve inventory
accuracy and labor productivity while reducing overall warehousing and distribution costs.
Sales Order Management
ORACLE PARTNER MANAGEMENT
Oracle's Partner Management solution enables companies to extend their business processes to work
collaboratively with distribution channel partners. Oracle Partner Management efficiently manages the
entire partner lifecyclefrom recruiting and managing partners through marketing, channel sales and
performance measurement. Partner Management gives you the tools and processes you need to sell
more through partners and strengthen relationships while lowering partnership costs.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Align sales efforts across channels
Align sales efforts with collaborative partner flows
Reduce partner management costs
Reduce costs with distributed partner functionality
Monitor and improve channel performance
Monitor performance with dashboards and key metrics
ORACLE QUOTING
Oracle Quoting is an automated sales quote generation application that enables the easy, consistent and
secure creation and management of customer quotes across all customer interaction channels, such as
field sales, telesales, e-commerce and business partners. Sales representatives using Oracle Quoting
can submit a quote as an order, perform manual price overrides or create new customer information.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Increase Sales: Boost sales effectiveness and reduce sales cycle time by automating the quoting
and approval process.


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Reduce Costly Errors: Provide Sales Reps self-service access to relevant information stored
throughout the enterprise, including pricing campaigns and inventory levels.
Enable Collaborative Selling: Quotes can be created and then shared across multiple channels
from field sales reps to call center agents and web storefronts for collaborative selling.
ORACLE SALES
Oracle Sales provides a comprehensive solution for planning, managing and optimizing activities across
all sales channels. Automate the entire sales cycle, including account and contact management,
opportunity management, forecasting and pipeline analysis, and order management. Business benefits
include increased visibility into the sales cycle, increased sales revenues, and long-term, profitable
customer relationships.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Share Critical Information over the Internet Provide managers and sales reps instant access
to critical information via Sales Portal Homepage.
Deliver Complete View of Customer Provide comprehensive customer information, such as
products installed, outstanding service requests, payment histories, key contacts, open
opportunities, and quotes and orders.
Provide Task and Schedule Management Provide the tools for reps to manage daily activities.
Synchronize with company-wide calendars to drive awareness of upcoming campaigns and
events.
Manage Leads Automate, manage, and track generation of leads. Evaluate and distribute leads
in real time using flexible, rule-based business logic. Manage and track lead follow-up.
Support Global Sales Gain multi-language, multi-currency capabilities. Create virtual global
teams by sharing leads, opportunities, quotes, contacts, notes, tasks, and more.
ORACLE PROPOSALS
Oracle Proposals is a sales application that enables users to dynamically generate proposals based on
templates. It drives sales effectiveness by accurately automating the labor-intensive proposal process.
Oracle Proposals allows users to create customer presentable proposals using standard, approved
content. Users can personalize their proposal structure, sequence, look, and feel, all before generating
a dynamic proposal and e-mailing it to their customers. With Oracle Proposals, you can shorten sales
cycle length by drastically reducing the time taken to generate proposals, eliminate errors in proposals,
and enforce use of approved content.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Increase Sales Effectiveness: Boost sales force productivity by reducing the time taken to create
proposals from days to hours.
Increase Accuracy: Improve business process compliance and project consistent, professional
image by enforcing use of standard and approved content in proposals.
Lower Costs: Reduce costs and improve your competitive edge by creating professional,
accurate proposals in less time.


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Financial Management
ORACLE PRODUCTION SCHEDULING
Oracle Production Scheduling, designed for schedulers by schedulers, enables you to take control of
your production scheduling problem, and helps you to maximize shop floor throughput while optimizing
resource investment. You can optimize the usage of your critical resources, calculate realistic and
feasible schedules that the shop floor can execute, and easily determine the schedule that best meets
your objectives. In addition, you can leverage the out-of-the-box integration with the Oracle E-Business
Suite (discrete, process, and lot-based manufacturing) to implement quickly and obtain immediate value.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Maximize throughput of bottleneck resources: Simultaneously consider capacity and calendar
constraints on machines, crews and tools with automatic floating bottleneck detection to optimally
schedule your shop floor. Create feasible schedules using sequence dependent setup
minimization and campaign run optimization.
Improve shop floor performance: Schedulers can minimize the effect of unplanned downtime,
easily identify exceptions, and use a powerful drag-and-drop scheduling workbench to quickly
adjust schedules.
Quickly determine the best production schedule: Fast easy simulation enables your
schedules to quickly compare scenarios and key performance indicators before deciding which
schedule to release for execution. Planners can also review both planned and actual production
orders to make their decisions.
Implement quickly by leveraging out-of-the-box integration: Production Scheduling is fully
integrated with the Oracle E-Business Suite, enabling you to start quickly by leveraging existing
setup. It supports discrete, process, and lot-based manufacturing without the need for extensive
configuration
PROJECT COSTING
Oracle Project Costing provides a completely integrated cost management solution for all projects and
activities across your enterprise, with the ability to cross currency and organizational boundaries. Line
managers are empowered with timely, detailed cost information to monitor project performance in a
format that optimizes their productivitywhile financial managers track the total cost of running the
business.
Monitor Project Performance
Utilize timely, integrated cost information to assure project execution meets expectations.
Capitalize on Global Opportunities
Link dispersed project teams to meet work demands.
Drive Enterprise Profitability
Enable activity-based and project-based management capabilities to improve cost performance.
Evaluate Expenditures
Compare expenditures to forecasts, budgets, and revenue to track progress and profitability


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ORACLE SHOP FLOOR MANAGEMENT
Oracle Shop Floor Management enables comprehensive, real-time management of shop floor activities,
including complex lot transactions, dynamic routing, end-to-end genealogy of products, and modeling
and tracking of operation yield costs. A single repository of shop floor information helps ensure the
continuum between planning, scheduling, and execution.
Manage Complex Lot Transactions
Split or merge lots. Update lot name, product, routing, and quantity. Enable bonus lot creation.
Track Lot Genealogy
Track products back to raw materials. Enable backward or forward genealogy "surfing."
Enable Dynamic Routing
Determine routing dynamically, depending on process needs or resource availability. Gain ability to jump
to any operation.
Integrate Planning and the Shop Floor
Support lot-based jobs and operation yields. Schedule orders with network routing. Gain CO-product
planning capabilities.
Gain Yield-Based Operational Costing
Accurately measure operation yield levels, yielded cost of products, and cost variance at operations.
Support standard costing methods.
Supply Chain Management
SUPPLY CHAIN EXECUTION
The Oracle E-Business Suite Supply Chain Execution family of applications supports the complete order
to cash business process, capturing demand from any channel, providing inbound and outbound
transportation management, and supporting large, complex distribution operations. A unified data model
provides a single, accurate view of the entire supply chain execution process, so you can plan, manage,
and control the flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the
point of consumption in order to meet customer requirements. And when Oracle Supply Chain Execution
runs on Oracle technology, you speed implementation, optimize performance, streamline support, and
maximize return on your investment.
Seamless Integration, Complete Flexibility. Oracle Supply Chain Execution is part of the Oracle E-
Business Suite, integrating with other E-Business Suite applications, including Oracle Manufacturing and
Oracle Procurement, and leveraging technologies such as Oracle Sensor-Based Services. Implement
one or several application families or implement the complete Oracle E-Business Suite for the fastest
way to high-quality enterprise information.
ADVANCED SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING
With today's rapidly changing business conditions, you need a planning tool that surpasses the traditional
latency of disconnected planning processes or Excel planning spreadsheets. You can leverage Oracle
Advanced Supply Chain Planning to be more responsive. You can perform simultaneous material and
capacity planning across multiple distribution and manufacturing facilities and time horizons in a single


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planning run, while at the same time accounting for the latest consensus forecast, sales orders,
production status, purchase orders, and inventory policy recommendations. You can choose to start
immediately with more advanced constrained and optimized planning, leveraging the out-of-the-box
optimization, or you can decide to get to that point gradually by starting with unconstrained planning.
Reduce Planning Cycle Time - Holistic Supply and Distribution Planning
Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning enables you to run holistic plans that span long term
aggregate planning to short term detailed schedules, multiple manufacturing processes (lot based,
process, discrete, configure-to-order, and project based), and all organizations across a virtual supply
chain. As a single solution for distribution, supply chain, and manufacturing planning, it is based on one
supply chain model, one planning engine, and one setup. Its flexible configuration, however, enables you
to define different models that can co-exist (hub-and-spoke planning; single plan) and evolve as your
organization grows without requiring reimplementation. Extensive defaulting logic, paired with a
productivity enhancing UI and strong exception management, enables planners to quickly use the tool to
make their planning decisions.
Comprehensive Distribution Planning
Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning offers comprehensive support for companies that focus more
on solving distribution and replenishment problems. Distribution planners can leverage a comprehensive
Distribution Planner Workbench that presents global visibility of material positions, automates allocations
and redistribution between regional and central distribution centers, with the ability to manually override,
consolidates individual shipments into optimal truckloads, highlights exceptions, and releases planning
recommendations for execution while taking into account kitting, end item substitution, date effective
sourcing, distribution, allocation rules, global forecasting, alternates (components, suppliers, facilities,
and ship methods), and supplier capacity constraints.
Increase planner productivity and reduce decision making latency
Planners can leverage robust exception management and root-cause analysis in combination with
graphical supply chain pegging to identify and resolve problems from end demand to the lowest level
component or resource requirements. Extensive use of workflow to enable process automation and
automated corrective action enables you to significantly reduce the non-value added costs of manual
activity. In addition, planners can leverage extensive personalization to tailor their workspace to their
needs. Combined with the powerful simulation and multi-planner collaboration capabilities, it enables
them to perform their planning tasks quickly and efficiently.
Additional Capabilities
ORACLE HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYTICS
Oracle Human Resources Analytics helps organizations improve overall workforce performance and
managerial effectiveness while reducing costs. With numerous key performance indicators, more than
85 reports, and four dashboards, Oracle Human Resources Analytics provides your human resources
(HR) professionals and front-line managers with the tools to gain up-to-the-minute insight into productivity
levels across your organization. The resulting benefits help reduce workforce costs, increase employee
productivity, effectively manage employee compensation, improve retention, and reduce voluntary
turnover.


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Compensation
Understand how compensation impacts performance, ensure compensation is equitable and consistent
across roles, and align incentive compensation with objectives and company goals
HR Performance
Assess HR performance against recruitment and retention goals, monitor and improve employee
productivity, and assess compensation competitiveness to attract top talent
Retention
Understand drivers of employee turnover, proactively identify top performers who are likely being
recruited by competitors, and reduce recruiting and involuntary termination costs
Workforce Profile and Compliance
Reduce time and cost of compliance reporting, increase employee satisfaction and retention, and
manage overall profile and background of workforce
ISUPPORT
Oracle iSupport enables you to provide a secure, self-service web portal that delivers self-service
functionality to customers and employees 24/7. Its sophisticated knowledge management system
provides the information needed to solve problems, manage product configurations, and track orders,
payments, shipments, returns, and contracts. The result: you improve customer satisfaction while driving
down service costs.
Provide Solutions via Knowledge Management
Enable users to conduct basic or advanced searches across multiple repositories. Tailor
knowledge base content to different user types. Track solution usefulness, then rank searches
accordingly.
Drive Sales
Provide notifications about special events, product upgrades, and contract renewals on customer
homepages.
Speed Resolution for Complex Issues
Capture all critical data upfront via an option to require customers to answer key questions online
before contacting an agent.
Empower Large Customers to Manage Their Own Users
Enable customers to designate employees as administrators of their own user communities.
Support Transactional Inquiries
Allow customers to access and search orders, invoices, payments, contracts, returns, and service
requests. Permit customers to initiate product returns.



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MICROSOFT
DYNAMICS
SOLID PLAYER, SOLID PARTNER
CHANNEL
Designed for midsize and larger companies, Microsoft Dynamics AX
(formerly Axapta) is a multiple language, and multiple currency
enterprise resource planning (ERP) software suite with core strengths in
manufacturing and e-business. Microsoft AX also is equipped with
strong capabilities for the wholesale and services industry sectors. Its
complete end to end scalability and flexibility enables and enhances
mid-sized and large multinational companies to take control of their
operations and continue to grow and to best take advantage of future
opportunities.
There are two versions of Microsoft Dynamics Cloud based offering
1. Microsoft Dynamics GP (2010)
2. Microsoft Dynamics AX (2012)
We will be describing Microsoft Dynamics AX for the sake of recency
and new module addition & support.
Microsoft Dynamics AX is a unified ERP solution that:
Seamlessly integrates from front to back all of business activities.
Connects to and interacts with customers, vendor partners, and
employees. Keeping all "in the loop" of changes and new
opportunities
Provides powerful and comprehensive functionality to reduce
business setbacks and enhance the ability to see and take
advantage of future business opportunities on the horizon
Microsoft Dynamics AX also helps raise productivity bar by automating
most critical business operations and changing to mold into style and
type of business, helping to ensure the greatest relevant insight. By
creating a user experience modeled around roles and tasks and merged
with familiar productivity applications like Microsoft Office. With
integration between Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft SharePoint
technologies foster a culture of collaboration among customers, vendors
MICROSOFT
DYNAMICS
ADVANTAGE
Microsoft Dynamics
AX is the ERP solution
for enterprises that
provides a purpose-
built foundation across
five industries, along
with comprehensive,
core ERP functionality
for financial, human
resources and
operations
management. It
empowers people in
organization to
anticipate and
embrace change so
your business can
thrive.





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and employees. Through integration of customer relationships, financials and supply chain processes
internal and external efficiencies are realized which lower costs and increase performance and revenues.
Microsoft Dynamics AX includes applications for financial management, customer relationship
management, supply chain management, human resource management, project management and
analytics.
Manufacturing. Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP software can be tailored to support the exact needs of
manufacturing business while delivering a low total cost of ownership (TCO). It supports build-to-order,
engineer-to-order and build-to-forecast supply-chain models, across both discrete and batch-process
manufacturing modes. Its particularly suits mixed-mode manufacturing environments, and since the
acquisition of the eBECS lean modules - you are now fully supported on lean journey.
Globalization. Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP software can help drive global business opportunities as it
supports high transaction rates and thousands of users across multiple sites. With built-in languages,
currencies and legal requirements for more than 30 countries, it can help you make the most of new
business opportunities, whether nationally or internationally
Financial Management. Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP software delivers a range of financial capabilities
that help company consolidate accounts with subsidiaries or distribution centers all over the globe. In
addition to this, employees can access accounting, reporting and detailed analysis at levels appropriate
to their job positions.
Customization. Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP software can be fully customized to help growing business
collaborate more effectively with customers, partners, employees and suppliers. With the MorphX
development environment, developers can make changes by designing, editing, compiling and
debugging, all within a single screen. This all-in-one solution can scale as company grows, too. Use the
functions you need now, and unlock additional capabilities as needs evolve and multiply.
MICROSOFT DYNAMICS AX SUPPORTED MODULES
Materials Management
INVENTORY CONTROLS
Logistics in Microsoft Dynamics AX gives you the flexibility to manage inventory and purchasing
according to your needs, with functionality to support forecasting, classifying, and tracking inventory and
the efficient creation and management of bills of material (BOM). The solution exchanges information
with many other functional areas in the solution including production, master planning, trade, finance,
and CRM, to help ensure a high degree of synergy between logistics and other key areas of your
business.
MANUFACTURING ELEMENTS
Finite and infinite capacity and materials planning
Job scheduling and sequencing
Resource management
Shop floor management


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Work order management with job costing
Product configuration
Quality management
Lean manufacturing
MATERIAL PLANNING
By using the information within your company and associated supply chain, Master Planning can help
you optimize production, material planning, and scheduling. Finite material and capacity scheduling can
be performed at the same time so that available capacity, inventory levels, and purchase and
transportation lead times are taken into consideration in your production planning. This helps you plan
purchase, production, and transfer orders more reliably, which can help you optimize your production
flow and provide on-time delivery to your customers.
WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
Warehouse Management in Microsoft Dynamics AX gives you the flexibility and control to help you
optimize your warehouse processes according to your individual requirements. By improving your insight
into your inventory and warehouse management tools, you can be better equipped to increase customer
satisfaction and reduce your costs.
Sales Order Management
SALES & MARKETING
Sales force and marketing automation
Lead and opportunity management
Telemarketing and telesales
Sales management
Customer self-service portal
Document management
SALES MANAGEMENT
Sales Management in Microsoft Dynamics AX is a window into the heart of your sales operations,
providing a detailed view of your sales pipeline. With this solution you can view and analyze the activities
and performance of individuals, teams and your entire sales organization, broken down by your choice
of registered values.
Are your sales teams going to reach their quotas? Why is one region outperforming another? Which
accounts are doing well? Sales Management offers you a set of easy-to-use tools that provide graphical
views of key sales-related information. Opportunity and pipeline management are made easier because
you can achieve an instant overview of your sales and marketing efforts.
Sales Management is closely integrated with the Sales and Marketing in Microsoft Dynamics AX module
to provide efficient collaboration between sales and marketing managers and their teams.


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Financial Management
AR / AP
Accounts Receivable
Set up credit parameters and flexible payment terms, and handle prepayments and advanced
payments.
Preauthorize and authorize credit card payments for sales orders.
Calculate interest and generate collection letters
Accounts Payable
Use three-way matching with the ability to set up price variance tolerances.
Support flexible terms, including advanced payment schedules, promissory notes, and multiple
payments.
Use multiple invoice entry options, including separate handling of approved and unapproved
invoices, and matching invoices to physical deliveries.
Calculate interest and generate collection letters.
FIXED ASSETS
Implement transaction reversals, additional asset groups and attributes, and asset adjustment
reason codes.
Quickly update the replacement cost and insured value for selected fixed assets.
Order and receive fixed assets through purchase orders and inventory, and create a new fixed
asset when the packing slip or invoice is posted.
Forecast, monitor, and control the entire life cycle of your fixed assets
GENERAL LEDGER
Post financial information into multiple ledgers, enabling the business to maintain a separate set
of books for reporting purposes, such as tax.
Add flexible year-end procedures for distributing profits by financial dimensions.
Configure multiple and recurring journals with approval and workflow capability.
Book transactions across subsidiaries and eliminate intercompany transactions to consolidate
financials.
Create cash flow forecasts to anticipate cash requirements and liquidity.
INTERNATIONAL
Easily conduct business across geographic borders by supporting multiple languages and
currencies.
Adjust accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger transactions to current
exchange rates.
Expand functionality to comply with country-specific regulations.


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PROJECT ACCOUNTING
Project Accounting in Microsoft Dynamics AX is a complete and easy-to-use module that helps you
efficiently manage project accounting across your company with full financial overview and controls and
real-time integration into supply change management and other related modules.
KEY BENEFITS:
Help maintain tighter control of project accounting and drive efficiencies.
Improve cash flow management.
Help improve productivity.
Obtain strategic business insight.
Maintain tighter control of projects
Project Accounting can support the accounting needs of multiple project types such as time and materials
and internal projects such as cost and time projects. By enabling you to deconstruct a large, complex
project into manageable subprojects and providing easy-to-use graphical project family trees, Project
Accounting helps you rapidly identify and address delays and avoid cost overruns.
You can specify different properties for each project task, such as start or end date, capacity load, or the
relationship between tasks. You can also schedule tasks for work center groups or work centers. A Gantt
chart is provided to give you an overview of capacity load.
The solution helps you manage day-to-day administrative financial tasks and anticipate potential delays
by helping you and your employees estimate and record the completion percentage of activities. Your
employees can easily register their working hours on-site or remotely by using the Internet, providing you
with an always-updated view of employee hours spent on a project.
Production Management
BILL OF MATERIALS
Create BOMs quickly and easily
The graphical BOM designer is a graphical suite used to create and manage BOMs based on Microsoft
drag-and-drop technology. The familiar, user-friendly environment makes it faster and easier to construct
BOMs using a graphical tree structure. The BOM designer displays all levels and components of the
BOM, and you can drag relevant items from the inventory table into the BOM.
The BOM designer also displays the route for the current BOM so you can drag items from the BOM into
the operations on the route where they are to be consumed. This helps to achieve more accurate lead
time calculations when scheduling production in Master Planning for Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Flexible management of BOMs
Logistics gives you an efficient and flexible means of managing BOMs to help ensure you get the most
accurate costing and materials requirements information.



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You can effectively manage 40 BOM levels and accurately calculate consumption of raw materials by
using formulas specific to each component. Price calculations, using cost price, can be performed for
each level of the BOM, giving you accurate and detailed pricing information, which is updated throughout
the solution. You can create multiple BOM versions to provide maximum flexibility, and you can use the
version date of each BOM to control the validity of different versions. You can access and reuse previous
BOM versions anytime.
PRODUCT BUILDER
Microsoft AX Product Builder enables your employees, as well as your customers, to configure complex
products via a Microsoft Windows client or over the Web.
Both your customers and your employees can use the Product Builder to configure customized products
and quickly obtain accurate pricing and delivery dates. Your employees can configure products using the
Product Builder within the Microsoft Axapta client. In combination with Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal,
your customers can configure products through your company Web site to match their unique needs.
With Microsoft Axapta Product Builder, your business is open to your customers 24/7.
The Product Builder enables you to create flexible product models which define each products
configurable options according to variables such as color, size and materials. Products can then be
configured which match your customers individual requirements based on the options provided in the
product models.
When the product has been configured, your customers receive up-to-date pricing and delivery
information based on their choices. Because Product Builder links to other modules within Microsoft
Axapta, updates to products, prices and lead times are automatically reflected throughout the solution
and on your company.
Supply Chain Management
SUPPLY CHAIN KEY FEATURES
Demand forecasting
Intercompany trade
Inventory management
Distribution planning
Procurement management
Vendor self-service portal
Business-to-business trading partner integration
Multi-site warehouse management
Order handling with trade agreements
Item and lot number reservation and tracking
Order promising
RFID-enabled
Distribution planning


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Customer Relationship Management
MARKETING AUTOMATION
Marketing Automation in Microsoft Dynamics AX gives you the necessary insight to create targeted,
personalized campaigns across all your companys communication channels.
KEY BENEFITS:
Helps you take advantage of customer knowledge to increase the effectiveness of your marketing
activities.
Easily gather and use customer feedback to build more effective campaigns.
Helps you easily and credibly measure the profitability of campaigns.
Increase the effectiveness of marketing activities
The key to successful direct marketing is to give your contacts the information they needhow and when
they need it. Marketing Automation helps you easily identify the registered customers and prospects that
will respond favorably to your marketing campaigns. You can quickly plan and execute personalized
campaigns by using a campaign window that consolidates all the information and functionality needed to
communicate via direct sales, call centers, e-mail, fax, and the Internet.
Defining and selecting a campaign target group can be both the most difficult and the most important
phase of campaign planning. With Marketing Automation you can segment your target audience into
meaningful profiles to facilitate personalized campaigns targeted at specific customers needs. Selection
criteria are based on information stored in the Microsoft Dynamics AX database, and results can be
modified and filtered to meet your exact requirements. You can then save and reuse these selections for
future campaigns.
Campaigns are organized in a hierarchical structure, indicating relationships between different marketing
efforts. To keep the process as simple as possible, one employee has overall responsibility for each
campaign, but numerous employees can be assigned tasks within multiple campaigns.
Easily gather and use customer feedback
You can learn from your customers by using questionnaires in conjunction with your campaigns. Web-
based functionality helps you to interact easily with your customers over the Web, and Web integration
helps make it both faster and easier for customers to respond to your questionnaires. Marketing
Automation can also save Internet responses directly into the Microsoft Dynamics AX database, and this
information is instantly propagated to users.
SALES FORCE AUTOMATION
Sales Force Automation in Microsoft Dynamics AX helps you manage your customer relations more
effectively by giving you the insight to help identify your customers needs and make optimal sales and
marketing decisions.
KEY BENEFITS:
Customer and prospect-related data repository helps increase sales force productivity and
effectiveness.
Easily identify and seize sales opportunities.


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Companywide overview of all customer and prospect-related interactions, including correspondence,
phone logs, and auto-generated activities.
Increase sales force productivity and effectiveness
Sales Force Automation in Microsoft Dynamics AX is your sales organizations toolbox, containing the
tools to organize contact information, track opportunities, manage accounts, and establish and monitor
the sales pipeline. Time previously wasted on manual, repetitive administrative tasks can be spent more
productively by taking care of customers and making sales.
By giving your sales teams insight into each of your customers needs and purchasing habits, Sales Force
Automation helps manage customer relationships more effectively. You can access and update all
customer, prospect, and vendor information through the business relations window. This presents all
information related to the sales flow, including outstanding sales orders, current offers, activities, forecast
data, and related documents. Using this real-time information, your sales staff can quickly identify up-
selling and cross-selling opportunities and predict future behavior, so you can attract and retain
customers with the highest lifetime value for your company.
A workbook containing day, week, and month planners gives your sales staff an instant overview of all
sales activities with to-do lists and activity details, and helps them work more efficiently. You can view
sales quotations and open orders, or check the calendar for your colleagues. You can also synchronize
appointments, tasks, and contact persons with Microsoft Office Outlook manually or automatically.
Make document handling easier with a document list containing all documents organized by contact
person, sales order, quotation or activity assigned to that business relation. E-mail messages sent from
the contact window of Sales Force Automation are automatically stored in the document management
system of Microsoft Dynamics AX. Documents can be dragged from Microsoft Dynamics AX to an Outlook
e-mail message.
Identify and act on sales opportunities
You can quickly view and manage the sales pipeline from opportunity management to win/loss and
SWOT analyses, helping you identify new opportunities, meet customer demands, and make confident
and accurate decisions based on real-time information.
The quotation functionality helps you make instant quotations based on customer buying history, price
simulations, stock availability, and delivery dates. If the contact receiving the quotation is not already a
customer, the system will automatically create a customer profile, making the information available to the
supply chain when the quotation is converted to a sales order. You can assign a different status to each
quotation, which helps you maintain a complete overview, and use win/loss and SWOT analysis to help
focus future sales efforts. Sales Force Automation can also analyze all sales against a budget or compare
a specific activity with a customer against the revenue of that customer.
When it is integrated with Enterprise Portal, your remote employees and salespeople on the road can
use Sales Force Automation to get contact data, produce quotations, and update company sales
information from remote locations via the Internet. You can even import sales


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prospect contact information from third-party database vendors to help identify opportunities and
proactively initiate contact with customers and prospects. The mailing feature helps you generate and
manage mailings of newsletters, product catalogs, and other material using a selection in the database.
Companywide insight into customers and prospects
Sales Force Automation is integrated with other modules in Microsoft Dynamics AX, giving customer-
facing employees and back-office staff real-time information from other relevant parts of the business, so
every employee can become a customer expert. For example, using Sales Force Automation, employees
can quickly and easily retrieve relevant customer information to help solve customer issues. However,
management can decide how much access each department or individual should have to company
business information. Also, the system can track every contact with the customer, and trace all
transactions.
Back-office staff can use information from the sales process to keep up with demand and limit excess
stocks. You can assign percentage probability values to sales quotations to help make more accurate
and timely sales forecasts. Data from other parts of the system can also be used to alert colleagues to
crucial customer-specific information, such as customers with poor payment records. Use the Note-It
function to insert short notes for other users regarding a business relation, contact person, or quotation.
Additional Capabilities
ALERTS SYSTEM
Alerts in Microsoft Dynamics AX helps drive workflow efficiency and empower people to keep a close,
accurate eye on whats happening across your business. Rather than relying on random e-mail messages
or other on-the-fly processes, people across your organization can quickly and easily create alert rules
that deliver automatic notifications of changes and events that are critical to their jobs. For example, they
can receive notification when a customer record has been created or deleted, when a purchase order
has been open for more than a certain number of days, or when a job is marked as completed.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND REPORTING
Standard, ad-hoc, and analytical reports with Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services
RoleTailored, predefi ned, multi-dimensional data cubes
Dashboard views of key performance indicators (KPIs)
Integration with Microsoft Office PerformancePointTM Server 2007
COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
Easily track and manage compliance status and activities using Compliance Center.
Automate compliance with corporate policies using workflows.
Help ensure segregation of duties using reports related to access control and workflow.
Configure the control environment using The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO) framework for internal controls.
Use the integrated task recorder and document repository to store critical business processes and
controls
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Organizational and workforce management
Recruitment and selection
Employee development and performance


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Skills mapping
Training
Expense management
Employee self-service portal
SERVICE MANAGEMENT
Service orders and contracts
Service calls and dispatching
Repair management
Service subscription
SERVICES SUPPORT
Support Options
Service plan benefits range from basic and self-support resources to personalized account management.
Support resources within tiered plans include support calls, unlimited online training, access to a technical
and support portal, access to upgrades and updates, varied levels of support calls, and more. When you
need personalized, one-to-one support, Microsoft Dynamics software support professionals can handle
most requests immediately. And when an on-the-spot solution isn't available, guaranteed response times
help to ensure customer issues are answered promptly.



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BEST CLOUD
BASED ERP
SYSTEMS OF
2012
DELIVERING THE PROMISE
If you are a regular observer of the latest trends and developments in
software technology including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs),
chances are you have noticed how some publications and websites
come up with their best lists on a regular basis. It has become the
standard in the industry to review and assess the different kinds of ERPs
that made available to the market. In fact there are some pundits that
see entertainment when ERP giants like Oracle and SAP are pitted
against each other. So, what was expected and how it turned out in year
2012 when it came to ERPs and the trend expected by companies and
the end users? The prime candidates which emerged are given on the
right (See the heading Great Expectations). We will briefly describe
the expectations below.
SAP
A listing of the top ERP software is never complete without mentioning
SAP. The market is now flooded with up-and-coming ERP providers by
SAP managed to retain its role as an industry leader. The last estimate
is that this software supports more than 35,000 customers that can be
found in more than 100 countries. Surveys that are made yearly suggest
that this software takes a lead when it comes to market share. The
software solution from SAP tackles a wide range of concerns from
accounting to human resources.
Oracle
Oracle is direct competition of SAP and is intent on snaring the lead from
SAP. The latest moves of the software giant that include the acquisition
of PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems allowed for Oracle to position its
GREAT
EXPECTATIONS
At the beginning of
2012, anticipations
were made which
enterprise software
would be industrys
prime choice for cloud
based ERP
implementations. The
hopes were riding high
on following ERP
systems:
SAP Business
ByDesign
Oracle
Microsoft
Dynamics
Epicor
Infor
Lets find out if they
stood up to the
promise.


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software well. This software is known for the flexibility it offers to customers.
Microsoft
This is another solid player when it comes to ERP and serves more than 80,000 customers. This ERP
provider offers its end users with the Customer Relations Management software and the business
solutions tools that can help facilitate the flow of communications from one business to the next or from
a business to its captive consumers. If SAP is high end, then Microsoft ERP is packaged just a few levels
below when it comes to cost.
Epicor
Though Epicor may lack the shine that comes with the Oracle, SAP and Microsoft brands, still this ERP
provider delivers when it comes to software that truly works. This software is best known for solutions
when it comes to professional services automation, retail, distribution, manufacturing and even hospital
operations. One of the best advantages in owning the software from Epicor is that this is considered for
its lower total cost of ownership or TCO which can be important for businesses.
Infor
Your ERP software need not be famous for it to work for your business. Just take the case of Infor.
Though not well know, the software provided by the vendor is considered one of the best. Its software is
deemed best for many warehousing processes and in supply chain management.
There are hundreds of vendors out there but you can be sure that only a few mattered for many
companies. What are listed here are the common brands that get to rank consistently well.
RESULTS
When looked at results, its nice to find out that the all five of predicted winners maintained their ranks in
Top ERP Service Providers of 2012, although the orders were little unexpected. Here are the top 5 coud-
based ERP service providers of 2012
1. Epicor
Epicor currently supports over 20,000 customers in 150 countries. The software they offer is
designed not only to organise, but also to inspire ideas and innovation within your company. All
innovation and improvement is focused on the end goal of improving profitability and the customer
experience which your company offers. With an excellent track record of post-sale support, this
reasonably price ERP solution offers companies the chance to renovate their entire management
systems to create a more profitable business.
2. Infor
Infor is the third most used ERP solution in the world. With over 70,000 customers this is a far
reaching company with a huge influence on the market of ERP solutions. Infor offers a huge range
of ERP solutions which are tailored to fit particular needs; from Workforce Management to
Customer Relations Management. All ERP systems provided by Infor are vertically focused and
priced moderately for the services provided by the software. Infor currently offers services to over


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1,100 government agencies, over 7,000 machinery manufacturers, and over 3,000 financial
service groups.
3. Microsoft
Microsoft is a trusted software provider at all levels and the same can be said for their ERP
solutions. With over 83,000 customers, Microsoft are a well and truly tested company with a very
strong partnership channel. Microsoft offers Customer Relationship Management and Business
Solutions software which concentrate on improving communication channels in both B to B and
B to C directions. The Microsoft ERP software is priced at the lower end of the scale and offers
an excellent range of solutions for the price.
4. Oracle
Oracle ERP solutions are application based and are able to boast over 30 years of experience
and 37,000 customers. Flexibility for your company is a large focus for the Oracle ERP solutions.
Enabling a high number of simultaneous users to access the system and offering a very functional
piece of software which enables your business to focus on profitability and customer service. This
software is priced at the higher end of the range but it offers excellent solutions for a wide range
of businesses.
5. SAP
With more than 35,000 customers in 120 countries, SAP can make an honest claim to be the #1
ERP market share leader. The SAP Business Suite aims to improve the strategic use and
efficiency of your staff and everything through to your finances. This ERP software is priced at
the high end of the spectrum but it offers an experienced and developed range of solutions to
improve your business practices at every level.

FIGURE 5: TOP 5 CLOUD-BASED ERP VENDORS - I

FIGURE 6: TOP 5 CLOUD-BASED ERP VENDORS - II


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