Scala Business Solutions has signed an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) agreement with Swedish reseller IT Group for iScala Query Designer, a comprehensive and easy-to-use querying, reporting and analytical tool for iScala 2.1, Scala's Collaborative ERP platform launched last May. iScala Query Designer is available immediately.
The OEM agreement includes a professional edition of iScala Query Designer that incorporates sophisticated data search capabilities to enable users to analyse a company's key figures by drilling down into individual transactions. This gives better transparency of data throughout business processes. iScala Query Designer is supplied with suggested standard queries, and customised reports can easily be created.
"By combining our software's business logic with the iScala Query Designer, iScala 2.1 users can now create and run ad hoc queries for themselves," says Hakan Ebersj"o, Product Director at Scala Business Solutions, and responsible for the company's business intelligence package. "No special knowledge is needed, so you can use the iScala Query Designer to full advantage immediately, without training. By removing the difficulty of creating and running complex queries, users can easily access relevant data, combine it with other data sources and analyse their business more efficiently."
Once iScala Query Designer has extracted data from the Scala ERP system, it can be viewed on screen for printouts, analysed or presented in programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Crystal Reports, iScala Web Reporter, or graphics tools. Chosen data can also be exposed as Web parts to enable a user to tailor a dashboard to obtain exactly the type of information required without the need to run complicated queries or learn how to use reports set up by another department.
"We are delighted at this opportunity to extend our partnership with Scala Business Solutions and add to its solid Collaborative ERP offering," said Bo Vilbern, IT Group's Managing Director. "We have been reselling our business intelligence product together with Scala's ERP system since May 2000, and this agreement means that Scala is confirming the product's proven benefits. Our customers tell us that this is a very good tool for extracting data that can form the basis for making sound business decisions, as well as to follow up on those decisions speedily and efficiently. Simplified reporting helps management run a well-organised business, which is crucial in today's competitive markets."
Shamik Sinha, CEO of Scala Africa, notes that this development enhances the already considerable reporting capabilities of iScala 2.1. "IT Group's iScala Query Designer is a solid product that adds value to our business intelligence offerings," he says. "Together with the iScala Web Reporter - built on technology from Crystal Decisions - a business intelligence package is emerging that will give users easy access to data from every level in the Scala system. Our customers rely on data from Scala to make operational and strategic decisions. By giving them the right tools at the right time, we will help them make global business simple," concludes Sinha.
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Scala Business Solutions creates collaborative ERP software - integrating Internet technology and traditional ERP functionality - to make global business simple. With Scala, global companies can fully integrate all their ERP systems anywhere in the world, whether in a subsidiary, division or headquarters, and extending to their partners and suppliers. Scala's collaborative ERP software makes it possible for global companies to meet the requirements for advanced e-business as well as use a standard ERP product for managing traditional business processes. This enables them to gain measurable benefits from trading electronically, building a private exchange or global portal, or optimising the supply chain. From offices in Europe, North America and the Far East, and through its network of partners and dealers, Scala delivers software and services that are available in over 30 languages in more than 140 countries.
Scala is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: SCALA). 2001 revenue was $70.6 million (EUR79.1 million).
Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.net for press information including press releases, information for investors, and company and product information.
Scala Africa
Scala Business Solutions is represented in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands by Scala Africa, which provides sales, consulting and implementation skills to a customer base of 70 companies in SA and a further 300 in the rest of Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Headquartered in Johannesburg and with offices in countries including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Scala Africa (Pty) Ltd, is a truly pan-African concern that offers integrated, collaborative ERP solutions to businesses across the continent. Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.co.za for press information including press releases, information and product information.
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