News | November 22, 2000

Epicor announces eManufacturing with Microsoft SQL Server support

Source: Microsoft Corporation
Epicor Software Corp., an Irvine, CA-based provider of integrated enterprise and e-business software for discrete manufactures and manufacture-to-order producers, revamped its Vantage manufacturing software to help mid-market companies launch e-commerce and global business initiatives.

As the next generation of its Vantage manufacturing solution, Epicor eManufacturing features enhanced database support and now supports both Progress and Microsoft SQL Server databases.

Epicor eManufacturing also features the incorporation of Epicor eCommerce Storefront, to bring manufacturers a more complete solution for e-commerce and global business.

"Mid-market companies demand products that are specifically designed with their needs in mind, including expanded platform support, international support, and e-commerce tools," says Mollie Hunter, VP of product marketing for Epicor. "Not only will Epicor continue to support its strong base of existing Vantage customers using the Progress-based software, but the addition of a SQL Server version enables Epicor to extend its brand to a wider community of mid-market manufacturers."

Traditionally, Epicor's Vantage solution has included a Progress-based database. Although many mid-market manufacturers continue to use this technology, increasing numbers of companies have standardized on Microsoft SQL Server, and Epicor has created a solution to meet the needs of users who support this platform.

"With Epicor eManufacturing, Epicor has proven its commitment to meeting the needs of its mid-market customers," says Andy Hoover, director of manufacturing and engineering industry management for Microsoft Corporation. "Epicor and Microsoft have long enjoyed a strategic relationship that is enhanced by this platform support. This is a smart move that significantly expands Epicor's market since many mid-market organizations have increasingly chosen SQL Server as their corporate standard."

In addition to increased platform support and front office integration, Epicor has added a number of enhancements to extend the international functionality of Epicor eManufacturing, including enhanced support for European taxes and multi-currency price lists.

"In a global economy companies need the tools to sell their products to specific foreign and vertical markets," says Celia Fleischaker, director of product marketing, manufacturing solutions for Epicor.

The company also released a Simplified Chinese version of Epicor eManufacturing. This builds on the momentum that Epicor has built in international markets recently, including expansion into Asia and the Australia/New Zealand earlier this year, and continued sales of its products in Europe.

Epicor eManufacturing offers added functionality to support some key vertical industries, including additional project capabilities for capital equipment manufacturers. This is the first in a series of customized manufacturing solutions designed to help mid-market companies get up and running on their software solutions.

Edited by Jim Lardear
Managing Editor, PlantAutomation.com



For more information on Microsoft technologies – like SQL Server – in manufacturing applications, please visit the Microsoft Partner Pavilion at Plant Automation.com.