Manugistics Group Inc. on Monday bought privately held Western Data Systems, a company known for its asset optimization software. The announcement came the same day Manugistics released version 7 of its namesake platform.
With revenues last year of $28 million, WDS brings software that provides asset optimization for complex service and parts management processes, as well as a healthy aerospace and defense client roster. WDS client list includes BEA Systems Inc., the Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp.
WDS has more than 135 companies using its software. The acquisition also creates one of the largest aerospace and defense customer install bases in the industry, according to Manugistics officials, based in Rockville, Md.
While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Manugistics said it bought WDS for a combination of cash and stock.
From the public sector, WDS brings contracts with the Department of Defense, which implemented WDS software with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
WDS, of Calabasas, Calif., provides software functionalities that range from predictive system failure forecasting and parts optimization to finite capacity and labor resource scheduling. It also includes maintenance, repair and overhaul shop planning and execution to direct materials purchase management, all of which helps customers optimize asset availability.
According to Manugistics Chairman and CEO Greg Owen, the acquisition will help drive the companys service and parts management suite into automotive, aviation, communications, high tech, transportation and other asset-intensive sectors.
With its roots in supply chain management, Manugistics branched out in December 2000 when it bought pricing optimization software maker Talus Solutions Inc. The integration of Manugistics and Talus brought about the EPO moniker, adopted in February 2001, to define a process that combines service and parts management, supplier relationship management and supply chain management with pricing and revenue optimization.
The next iteration of Manugistics 7 brings EPO a step further by focusing on planning and execution capabilities bolstered by real-time visibility into day-to-day operations, officials said.
New capabilities in 7 include an integrated operational layer that resides over legacy and enterprise resource planning systems, providing visibility into relevant data.
Configurable application workbenches allow users to view specific events and react in real time. A new flexible portal framework incorporates an imbedded business process workflow engine that enables collaboration and exception monitoring of systems.
Vertically aligned configurations and templates are also available with Manugistics 7, which include industry-specific best practices and unique business processes.
Following other software makers lead, version 7 is built on an open architecture that supports multiple platforms, servers, standards and open application interfaces. It also provides Web services support through Simple Object Access Protocol, Web Services Description Language and XML inclusion.
The first release of Manugistics 7 will be commercially available later this month.