Sanderson shrugs off old image: launches ‘collaborative commerce’ software

UK enterprise software (ERP) stalwart Sanderson has finally announced a replacement for its ageing flagship PICS system, after what the firm claims was a four year, multi-million pound development cycle. Its launch of the Unity suite could mark the beginning of a new era for the firm in terms of getting back on the manufacturing business IT map. Sanderson’s endeavours with ERP across much of discrete manufacturing – and the process industries with its separate Formul8 suite – have for some time now been generally well received in terms of customer service, but marred by systems mired in ‘old tech’. Although updates and patches have been introduced over the years – including a complete revamp of its look and feel to Windows-orientated a couple of years ago, the criticism has been ‘too little too late’ from a company that seemed to have lost its way – and certainly its willingness to seriously invest – in manufacturing. All that could now be about to change. Its Unity, which includes new functionality, web-based collaborative commerce facilities, XML and BizTalk connectivity with the promised Microsoft .Net platform and modern interfaces, and is fully backwards-compatible with PICS, although very late to the party could mark a turning point in its fortunes. Unity remains targeted at mid-sized manufacturing and distribution businesses, as well as the company’s extensive customer base, with the focus on aerospace, automotive, capital goods, electronics, furniture, general engineering, plastics and steel stockholding. It has more than 40 core integrated or stand-alone manufacturing and business management modules which include supply chain coverage, and is available immediately. Sanderson says it developed the suite on the back of customer demand, following research with around 1,000 UK-based customers and focusing its efforts on delivering a seamless exchange of information and data between customers, suppliers and partners. As previously, the firm is offering the full end-to-end service, taking responsibility for hardware, software, systems integration, project management and on-going support. However, marketing director Chris Buckham indicates that there will now be more of a move to emphasising channel partners and building third party implementation partners.