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172 Chapter 6 • Software and Vendor Selection

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Oracle/PeopleSoft—Oracle technology can be found in nearly every industry around the world
and in the offices of 98 of the Fortune 100 companies. Oracle is the first software company to develop and
deploy 100 percent Internet-enabled enterprise software across its entire product line: databases, business
applications, and application development and decision support tools. Oracle provides solutions divided
by industry category. The company promises long-term support for customers of PeopleSoft, which it
acquired in 2004. They have 40,000 professionals, working in more than 100 countries around the world.
Their three principles are as follows: simplify, standardize, and automate. Oracle is headquartered in
Redwood Shores, California (www.oracle.com).
Lawson—Founded in 1975, Lawson provides industry-tailored software solutions. Lawson’s solutions
include enterprise performance management, distribution, financials, human resources, procurement, retail
operations, and service process optimization. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lawson has offices
and affiliates serving North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia (www.lawson.com).
SSA Global—By acquiring Baan in 2004, SSA Global effectively doubled the company’s size.
They claim to offer solutions that accomplish specific goals in shorter time frames and that they are
more efficient with time. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, SSA also has offices all over the world
(www.ssagt.com).
Great Plains—Great Plains offers integrated capabilities for financial management, distribution,
manufacturing, project accounting, HR management, field service management, and business analytics.
Part of the Microsoft Business Solutions group of products, its solutions can be tailored according to busi-
ness needs (www.microsoft.com/businesssolutions/greatplains/).
Epicor—Epicor focuses on enterprise software solutions for midmarket companies around the
world. The company claims to have solutions to a variety of needs, whether a customer is looking for a
complete end-to-end enterprise software solution or a specific application. It provides solutions for a
limited number of specific industries including nonprofit, distribution, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Epicor is headquartered in Irvine, California (www.epicor.com).
Infor Visual—This ERP 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 ERP is a scaleable solution with powerful technology
to deliver real-time information, streamline operations, and 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, Visual appeals to manufacturers and distributors with a combination
of affordability, depth of functionality, and ease of use.
Plex Online—Plex Online’s full suite of enterprise resource planning, manufacturing execution
system, and supply chain management features let you eliminate the need for costly, time-consuming
software and hardware installations. You gain the flexibility to meet the unique needs of your
enterprise. A continuously improved ERP system means you avoid disruptive updates and the hassle of
version control. You’ll better manage and streamline your operations and realize key achievements
such as the following:
•Increased productivity
•Reduced inventories
•Reduced scrap
•Reduced lead time
•Full compliance with ISO, QS-9000, TS-16949, Honda, and other mandates
•Improved decision making through timely and accurate information
IFS—This global enterprise applications company provides software solutions that enable
organizations to become more agile. Founded in 1983, IFS pioneered component-based enterprise
resources planning software with IFS Applications, now in its seventh generation. IFS’s component