Supply Chain Software offers business collaboration features.
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Press Release Summary:
Supply chain management solution M2M SCM includes demand forecasting, planning, and scheduling. Enhancements to latest version include EDI, XML, expanded search capabilities that enable vendors to search and view purchase orders, automatic scheduling of catalog updates, ability to export updates into an Excel spreadsheet, and advanced reporting capabilities. EDI/XML capabilty allows users to exchange documents of any format with trading partners.
Original Press Release:
Made2Manage's Supply Chain Management Solution for Mid-Market Manufacturers Enhanced With Business Collaboration Features
EDI via XML Solution, CTP Capabilities and Web Portal Upgrades Part of Commitment to Deliver Comprehensive Enterprise Business Solution
CHICAGO and INDIANAPOLIS, September 4, 2002-Made2Manage Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: MTMS), a leading provider of comprehensive enterprise business systems for mid-market manufacturers, announced today at the IMTS Manufacturing Conference in Chicago significant enhancements to its supply chain management solution, M2M(TM) SCM. M2M SCM is a suite of interlocking supply chain management tools that include demand forecasting, planning and scheduling applications.
In an effort to help manufacturers optimize supply chain performance and better communicate both internally and externally with customers and suppliers, Made2Manage Systems has enriched its M2M SCM application with developments in many levels of the Made2Manage® Enterprise Business System product suite. The company has added several new functions to its enterprise portal, M2M VIP, and enhanced its Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) capabilities with XML technology in its enterprise integration tool, M2M Link. Both applications are fully integrated with the M2M SCM solution and the Made2Manage Enterprise Business System. In addition, Capable to Promise (CTP) functionality has been imbedded within M2M ERP to work in tandem with M2M Synchronizer, an application server that enables the M2M SCM planning and scheduling functionalities.
"Today, mid-market manufacturers that connect with larger companies over the Internet must demonstrate an increased maturity in using enterprise-class software," said David Wortman, president and chief executive officer of Made2Manage Systems. "To ensure our customers maintain an edge against both domestic and global competitors, Made2Manage has built a comprehensive solution specifically geared toward the unique needs of manufacturing companies with revenues up to $250 million. We continuously strive to provide our customers with leading technologies and tools needed to conduct business with their customers and partners using the efficiency of the Web."
M2M VIP Enterprise Portal
M2M VIP enables manufacturers to leverage the Internet to communicate and collaborate with all members of their supply chain, from customers and suppliers to employees and partners. The portal creates an easy-to-implement collaborative environment where users can gain access to critical information housed within the M2M SCM solution.
In addition to M2M VIP's core features, which include real-time account and order tracking, shipment tracking, inventory availability, product quotes, reporting capabilities and a marketplace for the exchange of goods and services, the following key features and functionalities have been added:
o Expanded search capabilities enabling vendors to search and view purchase orders based on a variety of search criteria.
o Automatic scheduling of catalog updates and the ability to export updates into an Excel spreadsheet for easy modification.
o Advanced reporting capabilities using a "My Profile" feature or other desired classifications.
EDI via XML
EDI is the most common form of automated electronic communication used by businesses today and is often a requirement for manufacturers working with large customer organizations. Understanding the important role collaboration plays in enabling manufacturers to do business online, Made2Manage has gone a step further with its existing EDI solution, which enables system-to-system communication to improve data accuracy and create a faster, more responsive supply chain.
Via EDI/XML technology, key information such as customer orders can flow into a customer's back office and be accessed through a shared database with M2M SCM, enabling more effective forecasting, planning and scheduling. XML stands for Extensible Markup Language, a common data format that separates the data from the way it is displayed so it doesn't require a particular programming language, application or operating system for different systems to be able to understand it.
The new Made2Manage EDI/XML solution allows users to seamlessly exchange documents of any format (e.g., EDI, XML, flat file) with trading partners without the hassles of having to deal directly with a Value-Added Network (VAN). Made2Manage Systems now provides the VAN services usually associated with a third party. By using Microsoft's BizTalk Server instead of a third-party translation software, both XML files and EDI documents can be exchanged seamlessly.
"Made2Manage continues to be a leader at helping mid-sized manufacturers leverage the right technology to make them more competitive in today's global marketplace," said Charles Johnson, managing director for manufacturing at Microsoft. "By collaborating with innovators like Made2Manage, companies of every size can access solutions that make the best use of the benefits and capabilities of Microsoft technology."
Capable to Promise (CTP)
With CTP, order takers can quickly determine whether they can meet their customer's requested date based on available capacity and material. If the requested date can't be met, CTP determines the earliest date that can realistically be promised, and gives alternate delivery options such as split orders.
Previously only available through M2M SCM, CTP is now accessible from the M2M ERP system. Without having to look in a separate planning or scheduling system, users can now determine CTP dates directly from the sales order screen.
About Made2Manage Systems Inc.
Made2Manage Systems delivers a comprehensive, fully integrated Enterprise Business System designed specifically for the unique needs of mid-market businesses. The enterprise solution addresses the most critical business processes facing mid-market manufacturers, creating a system that requires minimal customization and administration. Utilizing Microsoft technology, the end-to-end solution guarantees Made2Manage customers get their businesses online and working efficiently as quickly as possible, helping them to compete effectively against growing global competition. With more than 25,000 licensed users, Made2Manage works with leading suppliers behind some of the nation's biggest brand names. Visit the Made2Manage Systems Web site at www.made2manage.com. Made2Manage Systems can be reached via e-mail at info@made2manage.com or by calling (800) 626-0220.
