Fourth Shift Announces Strategic Acquisition of Computer Aided Business Solutions

Manufacturing application developer Fourth Shift Corp. announced the purchase of Computer Aided Business Solutions Inc. (CABS). CABS, headquartered in Golden, CO has been providing innovative software solutions for manufacturers since 1984.

"This strategic acquisition extends Fourth Shift's product reach, including extensive consumer-to-business and business-to-business, Internet and e-commerce capabilities, into a fast growing segment of the industry," says Mel Stuckey, CEO of Fourth Shift (Minneapolis). "This acquisition enhances Fourth Shift's ability to deliver extensive connectivity for manufacturers from the automated shop floor fully integrated with the Fourth Shift ERP backbone and Internet-based supply-chain," adds Stuckey.

CABS was previously a Fourth Shift Strategic Solutions Provider developing products specifically for the Fourth Shift ERP suite. "CABS has been a Fourth Shift partner for a number of years," says Stuckey. "We have a deep respect for their technological competency and their understanding of the manufacturing marketplace."

The acquisition will include the VisiBar and VisiWatch product lines. Many Fourth Shift customers already use VisiBar for data collection. An open solution, it works with virtually any data source and a wide range of data collection hardware including barcode guns and serial devices such as digital scales, relays and vertical carousels. When combined with e-commerce capabilities, it provides a powerful supply chain solution that meets the strict requirements of the automotive and other industries. VisiWatch allows Fourth Shift customers to automate routine tasks. When specified transactions occur, VisiWatch takes predetermined actions such as sending an email message, synchronizing multiple databases, or triggering a report.