Based on a service-oriented architecture, solution offers global distributed enterprise management, business performance management
Chicago — September 13, 2004 — Epicor Software Corp., a provider of integrated enterprise software solutions for mid-market companies, today introduced Vantage 8.0, a manufacturing solutions based on a service-oriented architecture.
Currently in beta and expected to be generally available to customers in the fall of 2004, Epicor said Vantage 8.0 is an end-to-end manufacturing system with built-in workflows managing the order cycle from marketing and sales through production and planning, sourcing and procurement, installation and service, and financial recognition. Epicor said it is specifically for make-to-order (MTO) and mixed-mode manufacturers.
The software has an n-tier architecture built with Microsoft .NET and Web services technology and has been designed to support market requirements for service-oriented architectures (SOAs), which is an application development paradigm enabling businesses to use software services through open industry standards.
Epicor said the software is the result of a two-year development effort to provide its manufacturing customers with a single services-based business framework that supports multiple workflows, and is tailored to a manufacturers needs based on size of business or industries served.
"When we embarked on the development of our Web services-based manufacturing solutions, the primary focus was to empower our customers to use new technology at a pace that would minimize risk and maximize value," explained George Klaus, chairman, CEO and president of Epicor.
Ferguson Perforating, a Providence, R.I.-based manufacturer of perforated materials used in such applications as clothes dryers, jet engine nacelles and acoustical panels, is a Vantage 8.0 beta program participant.
"The new service-oriented architecture is a huge step forward for Vantage 8.0, and manufacturing software in general," commented Keith Mailloux, manager of technical services for Ferguson Perforating. "We anticipate the new open architecture will simplify integration to the back office, and will give us more control over the look and feel of our Vantage system. We're also looking forward to the new levels of flexibility and enhanced user experience, such as the ability to quickly navigate the system and personalize views."
