IFS and Atos Origin have agreed on the next significant phase in their worldwide collaboration. Initiated in 2000, the collaboration has its base in manufacturing solutions. The new jointly developed solution addresses the cost-saving potential of improved planning, optimisation and execution of the supply chain in the metal industry.
IFS and Atos Origin expect to carry out joint sales and implementation activities during 2003 valued in excess of 10 million euros. The companies will also launch a programme where existing customers will be offered upgrades on their present solutions.
"Our solution will fill a significant gap in the supply chain market for the semi-finished process industry. We have been a recognised solution provider in this market since 1983, which ensures a broad base of experience and industry know-how for the new state-of-the-art solution that we have developed to meet the specific needs of the metal industry. We estimate this market to be worth more than 500 million euro over the next five years," said Helmut Eifert, responsible for the market segment at Atos Origin Germany.
The cost-saving potential of improved planning, optimisation and execution of the supply chain (eg from raw material supplier to end-user) in the metal industry is huge. Based on the success with Atos Origin`s recognised reference customers, such as Thyssen-Krupp-Stahl, Alcan and Wuppermann, who already use parts of the solution, the IFS and Atos Origin Metal Solution will be a key enabler to realise cost-saving potentials. Through its industry-focused suite of applications, the solution is expected to gain significant market share.
The Metal Solution, based on core components from IFS Applications and Atos Origin Planning & Optimisation solutions, combines the best functionality from both companies. Atos Origin adds industry-focused planning and optimisation software tools to IFS`s leading component-based business applications.
One of the cornerstones of the offering is IFS Manufacturing, a proven solution that effectively supports the entire process from demand planning and customer-order handling to delivery and invoicing of goods.
The metal industry is characterised by asset-intensive operations, with a clear focus on increased availability and cost containment. A particularly important goal is to increase the utilisation of production resources and reduce downtime through further integration of maintenance planning and optimisation in supply chain management processes. IFS`s Asset Lifecycle Management solution provides powerful support for plant design, preventive maintenance planning, work order planning, procurement, and inventory management.
"IFS`s unique component architecture has allowed us to quickly integrate our solutions with IFS Applications. IFS provides the openness, scalability, and advanced portal and integration technology required to deliver cost-effective solutions to a very competitive industry segment. We are particularly impressed with how IFS has managed to combine flexibility and power with productivity and ease of use for both application and solution developers," said J"org Arnold, manager for software development at Atos Origin, Germany.
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Atos Origin is a leading IT services provider, delivering true global solutions and creating value throughout an enterprise and beyond through the application of management consulting, enterprise, e-business and outsourcing solutions. Atos Origin has annual revenues of $3 billion, operates in more than 30 countries worldwide and has 27 000 employees. Atos Origin has a strong reputation and its historical roots in industry, including high-tech electronics, telecommunications, consumer-packaged goods, process industry and of course the semi-finished product industry.
Atos Origin develops and implements supply chain optimisation, planning and execution systems for the semi-finished process industry, and here, in particular, for the metal industry.
Clients in the metal industry include Thyssen-Krupp Stahl, Alcan, Wuppermann, Theis, Prymetall, Sundwiger Messingwerke, and Wickeder Westfalenstahl. The company is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (SBF 120 Index and Euronext 100) and has its operative headquarter in Amsterdam, NL.
For more information, visit the company`s Web site at www.atosorigin.com.
IFS and IFS Applications
IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises. IFS Applications, which is based on Web and portal technology, offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financials, engineering, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS provides customers step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise with e-business solutions that offer partner, customer and supplier collaboration.
A leading global business applications supplier, IFS has 3 150 employees, with sales in 47 countries. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (XSSE: IFS).
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