IBS , in alliance with IBM, has announced a development plan for its software portfolio. In order to offer customers increased flexibility regarding technology infrastructure and to increase market share in selected industries, IBS will during 2006 offer versions of its supply chain-focused enterprise software suite, ASW, to run on i5/OS, Linux, Unix and Windows.
IBS AB International Business Systems, in alliance with IBM, has announced the main elements of its product strategy and development plans. The IBS product strategy consists of the following key areas:
*Securing ROI for customers by developing solutions that facilitate increased automation, e-business, collaboration and integration throughout the supply chain
*Extending the supply chain-focused enterprise software suite, ASW, to multiple platforms
*Adding advanced functionality for key business processes and integration
*Continued development of industry-specific solutions.
Most companies today have reached a fairly high level of efficiency within their organisations. The big potential in process improvements for cost and customer service is in communication with customers and suppliers. IBS develops solutions that secure customers´ improvement potential through increased collaboration and integration with their customers, suppliers and other business partners.
In order to maximise business advantage for customers, IBS software solutions are built on open and widely available technology standards. By combining the IBM WebSphere platform with IBS´ business solutions, new and existing customers can build on current IT assets without having to replace existing servers. IBS software solutions use a combination of advanced technology with object-oriented Java for e-business, middleware such as IBM WebSphere and proven technology for handling high volume business transactions in mission critical systems. Using an efficient process that protects the investments made by IBS and its customers, the IBS software portfolio is expanded onto multiple deployment platforms.
IBS’ product range covers applications for CRM and sales order management, distribution and warehousing, planning and forecasting, service management, manufacturing and production, supplier relationship and procurement management, financial management, business intelligence and performance management, integration and collaboration as well as HRM in many countries. Current development activities cover enhancements in the areas of project management and planning, accounts receivable, credit control and management, inventory handling and stocktaking, pricing mechanisms and controls, sales restrictions and validations, backorder handling, shipment handling, returns handling, picking efficiency, multi-distribution centre handling, advanced planning and many other functional areas. IBS software is also developed to handle RFID. These enhancements will be part of the next release of the IBS product range that will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005.
IBS software is developed for mid-sized companies or subsidiaries of large international groups in selected industries. The common denominator for these industries is the need to handle high transaction volumes. IBS software has specific functionality for industries such as pharmaceutical distribution, automotive aftermarket, paper and packaging, electrical distribution and electronic components, consumer durables, food and industrial supplies. Coming releases will contain added industry-specific functionality.
In the fourth quarter of 2005 IBS will introduce the next release of its ASW software. The new release will initially be offered for iSeries/i5OS and will be followed by additional Java deployment versions during 2006 for customers who wish to run the solution on other operating systems or databases.