Linking the chain
Steve Freshwater, Head of Supply Chain, Capgemini Consulting UK discusses how some ERP systems are improving from an integration standpoint.
11 March 2008
Publication
“ERP is starting to make sense and connect,” Steve explains, referencing the
key drivers for change among both the vendors and end users.
Moving away from the ‘Frankenstein’ image with lots of acquired companies’s systems bolted together has seen the emergence of structures and architectures that are allowing plug and play, modular approaches with Open Standards.
Steve also states that we are now witnessing the convergence of whle business models in some cases. “At one end you have the software vendors, such as i2, putting managed services around their software - not just implementation - and at the other end there are some 3PLs who are moving into the market of offering technology,”
“In addition, some consultants are talking to and working with companies to manage their logistics, so moving away from just the procurement outsourcing and into logistics service provision, and into planning as well. So there’s a trend towards the service provider running the software. This activity is out there and there are studies and reports about this activity going on.”
To read the full article at Manufacturing & Logistics IT, click here.
