Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: MAPICS, one of the leading mid-market ERP vendors, has significantly expanded its product offering during 2000. On June 15, MAPICS announced the release of XA 6.0, the latest version of its flagship AS/400-based Extended Enterprise Application (EEA). Earlier, on May 9, MAPICS announced the delivery of its second flagship product, the Point.Man Extended Enterprise Edition, which enables customers, suppliers, distributors and partners to collaborate via the Internet. We express our view regarding its latest announcements and strategic direction.

Abstract: On August 23, MAPICS, Inc., one of the leading mid-market ERP vendors, announced that it is taking steps to reduce costs through a restructuring plan. Earlier, on July 27, MAPICS reported results for the third quarter of its fiscal 2000.

Abstract: The former die-hard IBM AS/400-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) supplier to mid-market manufacturing companies, MAPICS, seems to have found its soul after the recent acquisition of its former competitor Frontstep and Frontstep's extended-ERP product line on a Microsoft .NET-based technology platform. While another acquisition of an ERP competitor is not very likely, MAPICS seems to have rather opted for lateral acquisitions of strategic extension products, starting with the MAGIK! PLM product.

Abstract: In May MAPICS Inc. announced the controlled delivery of the Point.Man Extended Enterprise Edition. Earlier, on May 4, MAPICS Inc. reported results for the second quarter of its fiscal 2000.

Abstract: MAPICS XA expands its Business Intelligence (BI) offerings via a partnership with the Vanguard Solutions Group. With GPS, MAPICS has taken a critical step forward in creating value for its customers.

Abstract: MAPICS remains at a critical point in time, where immaculate execution without much space for missteps will determine its future. Despite notable functional and technological initiatives, the biggest challenge for MAPICS and its affiliate channel remains the management of still dual flagship ERP product lines.

Abstract: MAPICS remains a stable company, with a strong financial position, depth of manufacturing knowledge, a strong customer service record, and a developed affiliate channel, which has also broadened its product offering. Combined respective MAPICS and Frontstep customers and partners should be encouraged by the progress of Frontstep’s assimilation. However, there will ultimately be inevitable rationalization within the maze of likely redundant product sets.

Abstract: Much has changed, while much has remained the same at MAPICS during 2003. With the February finalization of the Frontstep acquisition, MAPICS has become quite a large enterprise applications provider, which positions the vendor near (if not at) the top among vendors that focus on the mid-size discrete manufacturing market.

Abstract: The former staunch IBM AS/400-based ERP supplier to mid-market manufacturing companies, MAPICS, has become quite a larger vendor and with a wider choice of products due to the recent acquisition of Frontstep and its entire product line, which included ERP, CRM, and SCM, on a single Microsoft .NET-based technology platform. However, as the customers from both camps have been uncertain of their provider's strategy, given that a bigger size brings about the need to rationalize multiple products within the same marketplace, after a few months long period of buried heads and brainstorming sessions, MAPICS has lately been engaged in explaining its rationale, as to set many customers' minds at ease.

Abstract: On December 15, MAPICS, Inc. a leading provider of enterprise business applications for mid-sized manufacturing companies, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Pivotpoint, Inc., a company whose proven technology and visionary e-business solutions place them at the forefront of the extended enterprise application space. With this aggressive move, MAPICS immediately expands its offerings across multiple platforms, including Windows NT, UNIX, Linux and AS/400.

Abstract: MAPICS hereby joins the raft of enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors that are making their way into the product lifecycle management (PLM) market by bundling or partnering strategically to embed PLM functions within their suites.

Abstract: During our recent briefing, MAPICS' executives acknowledged that almost all enterprise software companies are either

Abstract: While the existing loyal client base remains MAPICS’ greatest trump for retaining its solid financial position, the company will have to figure out how to be more effective in selling beyond the existing base for the long-term success in the market.

Abstract: While the benefit of obtaining .NET-based product is evident, the downside is also that due to the companies’ dissimilar technologies in the past, MAPICS will now be burdened to look after both its AS/400 and Frontstep’s Progress based old customers, whose only common trait at this stage might be anxiety.

Abstract: MAPICS has recently departed from its traditional practice of 'pushing' the sale of the plethora of its components onto customers. Going forward, it will rather try to solve challenges for its customers and/or prospects in their quest of becoming world-class manufacturers.

Abstract: MAPICS’ acquisition of Frontstep is a real positive given that Frontstep had already spent ~$60 million to deliver its entire product line, which includes ERP, CRM, and SCM, on a single technology platform, a notable feat. The combined company will have solutions that have been implemented in more than 10,000 customer sites worldwide in only a handful of industries of focus. Now the work of battling Tier 1 vendors and mid-market juggernauts begins.

Abstract: On October 27, MAPICS, Inc. reported revenues and net income for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. For fiscal 1999, total revenues amounted to $134.7 million compared with $129.7 million in fiscal 1998. Net income for the year totaled $13.2 million, or $0.62 per share (diluted), compared with $18.7 million, or $0.81 per share (diluted) in the prior year.

Abstract: Production management remains MAPICS’ strongest spot, and, therefore, it has often been implemented only in manufacturing divisions of large global organizations that use a Tier 1 ERP product for corporate financials and/or HR applications. Therefore, executing the ambitious initiatives with its modest albeit solid resources compared to the above competitors will be a notable challenge.