Sonata to acquire Premier United States based Microsoft Dynamics Partner I.B.I.S., Inc.

Sonata Software, a global strategic IT solutions firm, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the supply chain software and services provider I.B.I.S., Inc. (INTERACTIVE BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.). Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. has a strategic partnership with Microsoft for the Dynamics solution and delivers world-class supply chain solutions, including its proprietary Advanced Supply Chain Software solution. The acquisition of the United States based IBIS will allow Sonata, aBangalore, India based company to accelerate its footprint globally.

Advanced Supply Chain Software™ powered by I.B.I.S., Inc. is a total Dynamics® AX and CRM supply chain solution designed expressly to meet the needs of modern distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. A winning combination of industry supply chain expertise, world-class supply chain software, and 26 years of successful Microsoft Dynamics® implementations has culminated in making IBIS the preferred Microsoft Dynamics® partner and solution provider for distributors and manufacturers worldwide. The company already serves leading US enterprises.

Sonata’s vision is to provide digital transformation solutions to Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Distribution companies. Microsoft Dynamics® AX and CRM solutions are being increasingly adopted globally by companies to transform their businesses. Sonata’s expertise, intellectual property, scale, and global presence with Microsoft Dynamics® AX, especially in the retail industry, along with IBIS expertise,intellectual property, and strong local footprint in the US within the distribution industry space will create a powerhouse that caters to Retail, CPG, and Distribution companies globally who want to deploy Microsoft Dynamics®.

Speaking on the occasion, Srikar Reddy, MD & CEO of Sonata Software said, “Sonata has a strong partnership with Microsoft on Dynamics globally. We have a strong footprint in Microsoft Dynamics® based Retail solutions. Together with IBIS, we now have a strong management team, world class Advanced Supply Chain Software™ for distribution companies, a solid referenceable customer base, and a strong and deep partnership with Microsoft in the United States. The marquee customers currently with Sonata and IBIS will both gain from the complementary capabilities we bring to the table.”

Andy Vabulas, founder and CEO, I.B.I.S., Inc. commented, “IBIS is excited to be a part of Sonata, which adds significant scale, a wider geographic footprint, and client base we can now access. We have built IBIS as a company over the past 26 years and believe my team and I have the right partner in Sonata to achieve our vision of a global scale Dynamics organization. Our clients, products, and services will gain from the rich engineering and delivery capability that Sonata has in the Microsoft Dynamics® portfolio. I’m sure this acquisition will enhance our product reach as we will be capable of delivering enhanced services while reaching many more clients globally. Our customers will benefit from the depth and breadth of the products and services that a global company like Sonata brings to the table.”

About Sonata Software

Sonata Software is a global IT services firm focused on catalysing transformational IT initiatives of its clients through deep domain knowledge, technology expertise and customer commitment. The company delivers innovative new solutions for Travel, Retail & Consumer Goods and Software Product Companies by integrating technologies such as Omni-channel commerce, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and ERP, to drive enhanced customer engagement, operations efficiency and return on IT investments. A trusted long-term service provider to Fortune 500 companies across both the software product development and enterprise business segments, Sonata seeks to add differentiated value to leadership who want to make an impact on their businesses, with IT.

About I.B.I.S., Inc.

Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. provides business solutions which enable companies with complex supply chain requirements to maximize their business success. Through a Strategic Developer Partner relationship with Microsoft, the company provides world-class solutions for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), and application development. I.B.I.S., Inc. specialties include Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM solutions focused on the supply chain needs of distribution, manufacturing, and retail industries.

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Foxfire has moved

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Poll: Majority Of Manufacturers Rely On Spreadsheets Instead Of ERP

A new survey suggests that a majority of top manufacturers and distributors still rely on spreadsheets and other manual processes instead of business management software.

According to the 2015 Manufacturing Survey by Illinois-based accounting firm Sikich LLP, 53 percent of those polled used manual processes to measure key performance indicators, compared to just 26 percent that used applications such as enterprise resource systems.

“The persistence of manual processes in the industry is troubling," said Sikich’s Jim Wagner. "Technology can help companies grow more efficient, lower costs and better serve customers. It has the potential to transform the industry and drive success, but companies need to make full use of it to realize gains."

The survey found that companies use technology in greater numbers to improve manufacturing processes, business intelligence, reporting and customer service.

In addition, 54 percent expected their revenue to increase by more than 5 percent in 2015, while 96 percent projected hiring to remain constant or increase this year.

Although about half of respondents were more optimistic about the national economy compared to 2014, Sikich analysts said that many companies remained hesitant to expand product offerings or markets.

Almost 40 percent of those polled expected existing markets to be their top opportunities for growth, while nearly one in three planned to spend less than 1 percent of sales on new product development.

The vast majority of respondents anticipated rising tax, labor and raw materials costs over the next 12 months.

“Many manufacturers continue to adopt a cautious approach to growth,” Wagner said. “But while a focus on existing markets presents less risk, it won’t sustain manufacturers forever."

The 2015 report surveyed 116 manufacturers and distributors; nearly 75 percent of participants reported annual revenue of more than $1 million.

IBS Named 2014 Qlik Nordic Rookie Partner of the Year

Ability to drive joint business growth cited as key IBS strength.

International Business Systems, a global supply chain software leader, has recently been named 2014 Nordic Rookie Partner of the Year by Qlik, a leader in visual analytics. The award recognizes IBS' contribution to the Qlik business ecosystem and ability to drive joint business growth on the strength of its industry-leading IBS Analytics solution, a data discovery platform powered by QlikView that makes data actionable for every user. IBS claimed the award during its first full year as an official Qlik OEM partner.

Unlike tools that simply put a new face on the same old data, the IBS Analytics solution optimizes data structures and provides an analytical query engine, interactive user experience, highly graphical interface and collaboration tools to support the way humans naturally search for information. With it, users can explore complex data, detect patterns, share and compare information, and make proactive business decisions using easy-to-navigate dashboards and easy-to-understand visualizations.

"Our partnership with Qlik is just one more demonstration of our commitment to IBS customers to provide the most powerful, productive and results-oriented software in the supply chain industry," said Doug Braun, IBS CEO.  "It is a great honor for us to receive this award, which we consider to be only the first in a long-term relationship that will benefit our mutual customers moving forward."

The Qlik Partner Awards recognize the Qlik partner community for excellence in several categories.

"IBS is an important partner in our go-to-market strategy and helps us extend our leadership in delivering solutions for guided analytics and self-service visualization," said Johan Salenstedt, Vice President of Nordic Sales & Managing Director at Qliktech Nordic AB, and Country Manager at Qlik. "We are proud to acknowledge the achievements made in 2014 by IBS, and look forward to our mutual success in 2015."

About IBS

International Business Systems (IBS) is a leading global integrated ERP, WMS and supply chain distribution software solution provider. For more than 35 years, we have helped customers such as WORLDPAC, Fidelitone, Associated Pharmacies, Inc., GILLIG, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Miele Inc., Tri Literal LLC, Mighty Auto Parts, Victory Packaging Inc. and many more streamline, automate and accelerate their distribution network processes, and drive profitability and efficiency.

For more information, please visit www.ibs.net or contact:

Renee Truttmann
Chief Marketing Officer
+1 760 201 6243
renee.truttmann@ibs.net

Maurice Sporting Goods Selects IBS Dynaman WMS

Advanced WMS features and ability to meet aggressive growth plans sealed purchase decision. 

International Business Systems (IBS), a global leading integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management System (WMS) and supply chain provider, today announced that Maurice Sporting Goods, the largest family-owned and operated sporting goods distributor in the world, has selected IBS Dynaman WMS to streamline processes and more fully automate the growing needs of its distribution operations in North America.

Much of Maurice Sporting Goods' dramatic growth in the past several years has been driven by a growing portfolio of sporting goods products in a widening number of categories. This has led to higher SKU counts and increased shipping volumes, prompting the search for a more advanced WMS.

The company selected IBS Dynaman WMS to help control its distribution center operations, from receiving through put away, real-time inventory management and pick-pack-ship functions. Dynaman's value-added services component will be used to meet client outbound order assembly and kitting requirements. The investment in the new WMS system is a significant part of Maurice Sporting Goods' overall commitment to providing world-class logistics support to both its vendors and its retail customers.

"We consider it a great privilege to add Maurice Sporting Goods to our growing list of world-class companies impacting the retail/e-commerce supply chain," said Bob Carver, IBS Director of Sales, Dynaman Division. "Maurice is today's leader in the outdoor sporting goods retail industry, in part by providing efficient distribution. We are honored that it has selected IBS Dynaman to further advance its distribution operations."

"The need for a new WMS became critical for us as SKU counts and shipping volumes greatly increased among our four primary distribution centers," said Michael Olshansky, Maurice Sporting Goods CTO. "IBS definitely demonstrated that Dynaman is a superior WMS product, and its distribution expertise made us feel confident in accomplishing our aggressive global expansion plans."

About IBS
International Business Systems (IBS) is a leading global integrated ERP, WMS and supply chain distribution software solution provider. For more than 35 years, we have helped customers such as WORLDPAC, Fidelitone, Associated Pharmacies, Inc., GILLIG, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Miele Inc., Tri Literal LLC, Mighty Auto Parts, Victory Packaging Inc. and many more streamline, automate and accelerate their distribution network processes, and drive profitability and efficiency. For more information visit www.ibs.net.

About Maurice Sporting Goods
Maurice Sporting Goods, Inc. is a family-owned wholesaler of sporting goods products in the fishing, hunting, outdoor recreation, marine, fitness/athletics, sports licensing and outdoor gift categories, serving mass retailers and independent dealers throughout the United States, Canada and other international markets. For more information, refer to www.maurice.net.

For more information, please visit www.ibs.net or contact:

Renee Truttmann
Chief Marketing Officer
+1 760 201 6243
renee.truttmann@ibs.net

Advanced WMS features and ability to meet aggressive growth plans sealed purchase decision.

FOLSOM, Calif., August 6, 2015 – International Business Systems (IBS), a global leading integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management System (WMS) and supply chain provider, today announced that Maurice Sporting Goods, the largest family-owned and operated sporting goods distributor in the world, has selected IBS Dynaman WMS to streamline processes and more fully automate the growing needs of its distribution operations in North America.
Much of Maurice Sporting Goods' dramatic growth in the past several years has been driven by a growing portfolio of sporting goods products in a widening number of categories. This has led to higher SKU counts and increased shipping volumes, prompting the search for a more advanced WMS.
The company selected IBS Dynaman WMS to help control its distribution center operations, from receiving through put away, real-time inventory management and pick-pack-ship functions. Dynaman's value-added services component will be used to meet client outbound order assembly and kitting requirements. The investment in the new WMS system is a significant part of Maurice Sporting Goods' overall commitment to providing world-class logistics support to both its vendors and its retail customers.
"We consider it a great privilege to add Maurice Sporting Goods to our growing list of world-class companies impacting the retail/e-commerce supply chain," said Bob Carver, IBS Director of Sales, Dynaman Division. "Maurice is today's leader in the outdoor sporting goods retail industry, in part by providing efficient distribution. We are honored that it has selected IBS Dynaman to further advance its distribution operations."
"The need for a new WMS became critical for us as SKU counts and shipping volumes greatly increased among our four primary distribution centers," said Michael Olshansky, Maurice Sporting Goods CTO. "IBS definitely demonstrated that Dynaman is a superior WMS product, and its distribution expertise made us feel confident in accomplishing our aggressive global expansion plans."
About IBS
International Business Systems (IBS) is a leading global integrated ERP, WMS and supply chain distribution software solution provider. For more than 35 years, we have helped customers such as WORLDPAC, Fidelitone, Associated Pharmacies, Inc., GILLIG, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Miele Inc., Tri Literal LLC, Mighty Auto Parts, Victory Packaging Inc. and many more streamline, automate and accelerate their distribution network processes, and drive profitability and efficiency. For more information visit www.ibs.net.
About Maurice Sporting Goods
Maurice Sporting Goods, Inc. is a family-owned wholesaler of sporting goods products in the fishing, hunting, outdoor recreation, marine, fitness/athletics, sports licensing and outdoor gift categories, serving mass retailers and independent dealers throughout the United States, Canada and other international markets. For more information, refer to www.maurice.net.
For more information, please visit www.ibs.net or contact:
Renee Truttmann
Chief Marketing Officer
+1 760 201 6243
renee.truttmann@ibs.net

- See more at: http://www.ibs.net/en/company/news/2015/Maurice-Sporting-Goods-Selects-IBS-Dynaman-WMS/#sthash.GaUMeH7K.dpuf