QAD, a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers, has become the first software company to join European automotive industry organisation Odette.
QAD brings to Odette both deep expertise in the global automotive sector and experience providing leadership and resources to help establish supply chain technology standards in the European and North American automotive industries. Its membership in Odette will help advance similar initiatives in Europe to enhance operational aspects of the supply chain for greater efficiency.
Focused on the compilation and implementation of standards in the automotive industry supply chain, Odette was founded in 1984 as a non-profit organisation by European automotive manufacturers through their national bodies. The common goal of members is to make manufacturing processes more effective by standardising work flows, tools and manufacturing products. Today, more than 4 000 European automotive companies benefit from Odette`s work to establish protocols and best practices for the design and configuration of specific operational processes in such fields as logistics, engineering and B2B communications.
"The advantages of making QAD the first software vendor member of Odette were clear, from QAD`s contributions to automotive industry standards, to its role as a valued partner to automotive manufacturers and suppliers worldwide," said John Canvin, managing director, Odette. "We anticipate QAD will provide the technological insight and industry experience that will help Odette further its work to improve automotive supply chain function. With QAD`s help, we also hope to encourage the software industry to develop solutions that support Odette standards."
QAD has a significant presence in the automotive industry worldwide including in Europe, and is actively involved in major industry initiatives to realise advanced manufacturing concepts. These include the joint Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)/Odette global Collaborative Managed Inventory: Minimum/Maximum business process work group. QAD also serves on the associations` joint global Materials Management Operations Guidelines/Logistics Evaluation (MMOG/LE) Key Performance Indicator work group. In North America, QAD has helped pioneer the AIAG Inventory Visibility & Interoperability standard for inventory information exchange, including development of protocols and contribution of open source code for free download and use by AIAG members. QAD also has incorporated support into its products for standards such as Odette and AIAG`s MMOG/LE guideline, making it far easier for suppliers to assess whether they are in compliance.
"QAD is deeply committed to the automotive industry and we`re extremely gratified to become the first software company associate member of Odette," said Pamela Lopker, president and chairman of QAD. "We look forward to providing leadership and insight from 25 years` focus on the real-world challenges facing global manufacturers, and we look forward to continued, close work with industry leaders toward standards for solutions that the entire supply chain can embrace."
Wade Gomes, country manager of QAD South Africa, comments: "We are actively working in the automotive industry in South Africa and believe that these types of initiatives globally provide us with additional value to offer the local market. QAD`s international participation in these industry forums ensures we are able to offer our automotive clients information regarding the latest international trends. We have extensive local automotive skills, but as a truly global organisation, we also have access to international resources."
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QAD is a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturing companies. QAD applications provide critical functionality for managing manufacturing resources and operations within and beyond the enterprise, enabling global manufacturers to collaborate with their customers, suppliers and partners to make and deliver the right product, at the right cost and at the right time. Manufacturers of automotive, consumer products, electronics, food and beverage, industrial and life science products use QAD applications at approximately 5 300 licensed sites in more than 90 countries and in as many as 27 languages. For more information about QAD, telephone +1 805 684 6614, or visit the QAD Web site at: www.qad.com.