Discover your next big idea in food packaging & processing this Sept.
Experience a breakthrough in food packaging & processing—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries at PACK EXPO Las Vegas.
REGISTER TODAY & SAVE

Easy, adaptable ERP is a reality

Four years ago, QAD embarked on a bold multi-year mission to change the rules—and the reputation—of ERP. Now, the company says, that platform is ready and awaiting what the future holds.

After four years, the company QAD is ready to introduce their new and improved enterprise resource planning system that's ready to keep up with the future.
After four years, the company QAD is ready to introduce their new and improved enterprise resource planning system that's ready to keep up with the future.

Business dynamics change quickly. In the food and beverage industry, for example, there are new consumer demands, shifts in the supply chain and ever-evolving safety and environmental regulations to adhere to. In life sciences, there’s quality control and patient safety mandates, increasing cost pressures and a move to new production methods, such as smaller batches for cell therapy or more efficient continuous processing techniques. CPGs are dealing with the Amazon effect, which means building out e-commerce channels. And, automotive manufacturers are figuring out how to design smarter vehicles that are more affordable.

It doesn’t matter what the industry is because business models are changing across the board. That means the technology architecture and applications that are supporting manufacturing operations and enterprise applications must be able to change too, adjusting based on business needs.

“We’ve spent a lot of time looking at vertical industries, and it’s clear that the way they do business, the products they produce, how they produce them, and who they sell to will likely change at a pace faster than ever seen before,” said Carter Lloyds, senior vice president and CMO at QAD, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems company. “When we look back at the history of enterprise apps, they were not designed to deal with change.” But that’s not reflective of today’s business environment, and, therefore, it is not okay anymore, he said. “The system will only last a few years before getting out of sync between what was designed and what is required.”

With the understanding that ERP must evolve to support future business, QAD set out on a multi-year mission four years ago to change the ERP experience. In essence, what they’ve developed over that period of time amounts to “easy ERP.” Conceived in 2014, the project is called "Channel Islands” and has been rolled out in phases—each addressing specific characteristics.

The first phase, unveiled in 2015, included a complete rewrite of the underlying architecture using standardized application program interfaces (APIs). The underlying business logic of the ERP platform did not change, but the way the logic was presented did, providing more flexibility to interact and connect with third-party software.

Proteins Innovations Report
Discover cutting-edge protein packaging innovations from PACK EXPO International 2024! Our editorial team spotlights hygienic equipment and materials designed for the demanding protein sector. From IP66-rated washdown systems and all-servo chub packaging to advanced auto-bagging technology and compostable trays replacing EPS, this report reveals how manufacturers are addressing clean, safe design while improving efficiency.
Take Me There
Proteins Innovations Report
Food safety excellence on a budget: The smart approach
When material costs rise and margins shrink, efficient cleaning becomes critical. Learn cost-effective sanitation strategies that enhance food safety while reducing resource consumption.
Read More
Food safety excellence on a budget: The smart approach