eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Manugistics Group Inc. upped the ante for EPO software makers last week with the announcement that it had acquired Western Data Systems and released Version 7 of its namesake platform.
WDS, which reported revenues of $28 million last year, brings to Manugistics asset optimization software for complex service and parts management processes, as well as an aerospace and defense client roster.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Manugistics, of Rockville, Md., said it had purchased WDS for cash and stock.
WDS, of Calabasas, Calif., provides software functionalities that range from predictive system failure forecasting and parts optimization to finite capacity and labor resource scheduling.
Manugistics said it plans to drive WDS service and parts management suite into the automotive, aviation, communications, high-tech and transportation sectors.
WDS clients include BAE Systems, Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. WDS also brings contracts with the Department of Defense, which implemented WDS software at the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
Meanwhile, the next iteration of Manugistics 7, which will ship this month, pushes EPO (Enterprise Profit Optimization) a step further by focusing on planning and execution capabilities bolstered by real-time visibility into day-to-day operations, officials said.
Manugistics branched from its supply chain management roots in December with the acquisition of pricing optimization software maker Talus Solutions Inc. The integration of the two products brought about the EPO moniker in February.
New capabilities in Version 7 include an integrated operational layer that resides over legacy and enterprise resource planning systems, providing visibility into relevant data.
The Configurable application workbench allows users to view specific events and react in real time. A new flexible portal framework incorporates an embedded business process workflow engine that enables collaboration and exception monitoring of systems.
Vertical configurations and templates are available with Manugistics 7, which include industry-specific best practices and unique business processes.
The latest upgrade is built on an open architecture that supports Web services through Simple Object Access Protocol, Web Services Description Language and XML.