Sopheon Named 'Company to Watch' by Managing Automation Magazine
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MINNEAPOLIS and LONDON-Sept. 28, 2006-Sopheon, the international software and services company, announced today that it has been selected by Managing Automation for the magazine's list of "Companies to Watch" for 2006. The annual showcase profiles ten technology suppliers characterized as "bringing new dimensions and ground-breaking products to the manufacturing technology arena." The companies are profiled in Managing Automation's September issue.
Selection to the "Companies to Watch" list is based on research by the Managing Automation editorial staff. "Generally, we look for young companies that are taking a novel approach to a common manufacturing problem or those that are addressing a completely new problem," said Managing Automation's managing editor, Chris Chiappinelli. "With companies across the manufacturing spectrum again looking to product innovation for growth, Sopheon has stepped in to answer a pressing need at a crucial time. The ability of Sopheon's Accolade product to point a company toward the right mix of new products - before that company spends precious capital on development - makes Sopheon an ideal selection as one of Managing Automation's 2007 Companies to Watch."
Sopheon's flagship offering, the Accolade product life cycle management (PLM) system, automates gate- or phase-based product development processes and provides strategic decision support for innovation decisions. Managing Automation's profile on Sopheon points up the fact that Accolade goes beyond the scope of most other PLM solutions by helping companies assess the business value of product ideas. According to the article, "The Accolade system performs two very important roles: It promises to improve program management around new product initiatives by injecting real-time visibility into projects in the pipeline, and it serves up decision-support tools and dashboards to help reduce the risk of failed product introductions by letting manufacturers zero in on the right mix of new products prior to kicking off the actual development process." Sopheon's Accolade has been adopted by industry leaders such as BASF, Cadbury Schweppes, Celanese, Electrolux, Mead Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser, Timex and Vodafone.
"Managing Automation has distinguished itself through a focus on showing companies how they can use information and automation technology to create business value and develop sustainable competitive advantage," said Andy Michuda, chief executive officer of Sopheon. "It's particularly satisfying to be singled out by this publication for our success in adapting technology to solve the critical business challenges associated with product innovation. We appreciate Managing Automation's recognition of our efforts and our progress."
About Managing Automation
Managing Automation is an online and print resource for business and technology managers in manufacturing. The print publication and website enable manufacturing management to analyze, select, implement and operate technologies to enhance their business processes for increased effectiveness and competitiveness in the market place. Editorial experts provide insight and analysis on current market conditions, technology products and the competitive landscape. For more information, please visit www.managingautomation.com.
About Sopheon
Sopheon (LSE: SPE) is an international provider of software and services that help organizations improve the business impact of product innovation. The Sopheon Accolade® product innovation process and portfolio management system automates gate- or phase-based product development processes and provides strategic decision support that allows companies to increase revenue and profits from new products. Sopheon is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and on the Euronext in the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.sopheon.com.
Press Contacts
Ron Helgeson
Sopheon
Tel.: +1 952 851 7585
E-mail: ron.helgeson@sopheon.com
Bonnie Anderson/Jessica Roeber
Bell Pottinger USA (for Sopheon)
Tel.: +1 617 210 4755
E-mail: banderson@bellpottingerusa.com;
jroeber@bellpottingerusa.com
