Upgraded FourthShift Edition Allows Better Integration With SAP Products

by Mark Palony

Version 8.5 Enables More Efficient Integration with SAP Business One and Other Business One Add-Ons

SoftBrands, Inc., a global supplier of enterprise application software and an ISV partner of SAP AG, today released version 8.5 of its manufacturing enterprise management software, FourthShift Edition for SAP Business One. With this upgrade, FourthShift Edition for SAP Business One takes greater advantage of the inventory and business management functionality that are at the core of SAP Business One, allowing for quicker development and implementation of new functions and tools for manufacturers.

FourthShift Edition for SAP Business One version 8.5 also represents an architectural shift in the ERP system, one that opens the door for SAP Business One partners and customers to add FourthShift Edition to existing SAP Business One implementations that need more manufacturing and inventory management capabilities than native SAP Business One provides.

Finally, version 8.5 also allows for easier integration of SAP Business One add-on enhancements, such as warehouse management, offered through other ISVs that rely on SAP Business One's native inventory management functions.

"FourthShift Edition 8.5 is built to rely on the natural strengths of SAP Business One, which lets us focus on more quickly developing and delivering the specific manufacturing functionality our customers need," said Diane Palmquist, vice president of SAP products at SoftBrands.

FourthShift Edition for SAP Business One combines strong manufacturing functionality with the strength and security of SAP, the worldwide leader in business software solutions. FourthShift Edition provides small and midsize companies with an affordable, easy to use solution that meets the needs of independent manufacturers and subsidiaries of large organizations that want to standardize on SAP-centric solutions. SoftBrands designed FourthShift Edition to address the needs of manufacturers in nine specific industries: food and beverage, chemicals, medical devices, electronics, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics, industrial machinery, and automotive.

"As SAP Business One develops and matures, we have to adjust our approach to complementing it with our specific manufacturing expertise," Palmquist said. "This new version of FourthShift Edition is a great fit for manufacturing businesses with an eye toward the future and the desire to build an agile enterprise."