Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications White Paper Published: May 2010 For the latest information, please see http://www.cdcsoftware.com/erp and http://www.microsoft.com/cdc Abstract Microsoft partner CDC Software is a market leader in enterprise software applications, and support companies with Ross ERP, an Office Business Application (OBA) that delivers a powerful and fully-integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution using the familiar tools of the Microsoft Office System. Ross ERP is built on the flexible Microsoft.NET Framework and harnesses the power of Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Windows to provide companies with an ERP solution that is flexible, customizable, integrated, intuitive and value enhancing.
Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...2 INTRODUCTION...2 AUDIENCE...3 CDC SOFTWARE AND ROSS ERP...3 FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF ROSS ERP...3 BENEFITS...4 INCREASED USABILITY ON A FAMILIAR PLATFORM... 4 ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND WORKFLOW EFFICIENCY... 6 IMPROVED INSIGHT AND VISIBILITY... 7 CUSTOMIZATION... 7 ADVANCED SYSTEM INTEROPERABILITY... 8 SCALABILITY... 8 A PROVEN, RAPID DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM... 8 REDUCED TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP... 9 REDUCED ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN... 9 CONCLUSION...9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION... 10 Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 1
Executive Summary When it comes to enterprise resource planning, efficient and easy-to-use solutions are mission critical. Executives want systems that manage the complexity of everyday activities, integrate different departments, and bridge the gap between digital data and offline customer interactions. Anything less will disrupt workflow and compromise profits. CDC Software s Ross ERP solution, built on the reliable and scalable Microsoft Office platform, is a solution that marries efficiency and system-wide integration with the familiarity and cost-effectiveness of Microsoft technology. With Ross ERP, companies leverage their existing Microsoft expertise to maximize the long-term return on their ERP solution through: Increased Usability on a Familiar Platform Improved Insight and Visibility Customization Advanced System Interoperability Enhanced Performance and Workflow Efficiency Scalability Proven, Rapid Development Platform Reduced Total Cost of Ownership Reduced Administrative Burden Ross ERP is solidly integrated with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Microsoft SharePoint Server. Users easily share data across multiple different platforms, applications and devices, improving communication, collaboration and performance. Authorized users are able to work remotely with up-to-date ERP data on virtually any mobile device. Introduction Today s executives need to be forward-thinking when it comes to investing in their IT infrastructure. They want solutions that are reliable, adaptable, scalable and built to last. As a result, over 95% of CDC Software s Ross Enterprise customers are planning their IT environment around Microsoft tools. Microsoft s Windows Server, SQL Server and SharePoint are becoming industry standards for business systems, and the pool of IT resources skilled in Microsoft technologies is growing every day. Ross ERP is an innovative enterprise resource planning solution that responds to this industry trend, leveraging the power of Microsoft technologies for its ERP customers. Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 2
Audience This white paper is intended for IT decision makers looking for an enterprise resource planning solution that fits easily into their existing IT infrastructure and leverages their Microsoft investments. CDC Software and Ross ERP CDC Software is a Gold-Certified Microsoft Partner with over a decade-long partnership with Microsoft. Ross ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution that is rooted in Microsoft Office Business Applications (OBAs), which are software solutions that combine the familiarity and ease of use of the Microsoft Office System the clients, servers, services and tools - with the depth and structure of Line of Business (LOB) systems. Ross ERP fully embodies the OBA concept by building upon and directly embedding cutting-edge Microsoft technologies and applications. The Ross ERP product suite includes modules for financial management, manufacturing management, quality management and regulatory compliance, traceability, materials management and inventory control, maintenance management, business analytics, and data collection. The underlying technology platform of the Ross ERP suite leverages Microsoft.NET for rapid development, as well as Microsoft Smart Client, and Visual Studio for its robust user interfaces. Built on the flexible Microsoft.NET Framework, Ross ERP applications enable companies to build on their existing technology investments, and to tailor the applications precisely to meet their unique needs. Ross ERP applications are easy to use, easy to learn and people-centric, making it a solution that information workers are eager to adopt. With embedded Microsoft Office Outlook and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server applications, and a tight integration to the Microsoft Office suite, information workers are able to perform daily tasks with the tools with which they are most familiar, while simultaneously tapping into mission critical enterprise data. Through its global partnership with Microsoft, CDC Software management and development teams actively work with Microsoft teams to ensure that the Ross ERP applications move in lock step with Microsoft advancements. As a Gold-Certified Microsoft Partner, CDC Software can quickly develop and bring new innovative features and products to market, based on Microsoft s cutting-edge technology developments. Features and Benefits of Ross ERP With innovative and evolving technologies in the areas of software and hardware, Ross ERP applications help companies improve their visibility into their business Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 3
transactions, improve collaboration amongst their trading partners and improve interoperability between existing and planned business systems. Whether companies are tracking inventory, orders or assets within their plants or across their enterprise, their users are looking for more ways to get more data out of their ERP application in the office, on the road or from home. To achieve these objectives, Ross ERP applications leverage Microsoft technologies to: Expand desktop usage via software object technology Gain fast access to ERP data via web-based, mobile clients Employ smart clients, built for on-click deployment Build web portals to aggregate enterprise data, organized for the users specific knowledge needs, with links to related system functionality and capabilities. Workflow processes within Ross ERP improve collaboration between business departments, suppliers and customers. With greater visibility, consistency, accountability and control over their business processes, companies can increase production efficiencies and achieve higher customer service levels. Benefits Increased Usability on a Familiar Platform Because most Ross Enterprise customers are already operating in a Microsoft environment, the learning curve for Ross ERP is faster; tasks can be accomplished in fewer steps and with fewer errors. This in turn increases users effectiveness, efficiencies and satisfaction levels with the applications. Ross ERP s close connection to Microsoft solutions extends to the level of the user interface as well. Ross ERP offers a Microsoft-style interface that most users find intuitive and familiar, enabling them to learn how to use the system in less time and with less training, and to enjoy a more seamless experience when performing their daily work in both the ERP solution and Microsoft applications. Furthermore, Ross ERP offers task and role-sensitive navigation that changes in context with the area of the system being used and/or the role of the user, intelligently pushing content and features to the user when and where they are most relevant and useful. Because it embeds the Microsoft tools users love into the ERP system, and it also allows easy incorporation of third-party information and applications via its Microsoft SharePoint-based portals, Ross ERP becomes a natural hub for information workers, providing a single central location for daily activities without compromising the functionality and ease of use that employees enjoy with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office applications. With Ross ERP, information workers can: Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 4
Adapt their user interfaces to fit the way they work. Users can tailor their user interfaces to fit their job-specific roles, tasks and individual work styles. Work fluidly in both ERP and Microsoft applications Users can work in both the ERP and Microsoft systems simultaneously and use the tools that are most relevant to them, but with fewer applications, screens and clicks. For example: o Users can access ERP data from Microsoft Outlook or any Microsoft Office file by right-clicking on any piece of information, such as a customer or company name, to look up and even insert related ERP data without leaving the Microsoft application, thereby eliminating the need to toggle back and forth between applications. o The Ross ERP document management module utilizes SharePoint as its repository for business documents, which makes it easy for end users to employ the familiar content management and search capabilities of SharePoint, while working in ERP. o The Ross ERP customer portal development and Dashboard use SharePoint, which offers end users an interface they already recognize. o Microsoft Outlook is embedded in ERP Smart Client, rather than replicated through code. This creates simple user interfaces with familiar Outlook add-ons, including the calendar, tasks and contacts components. For example, the Ross ERP business process management (BPM) module workflow tasks are actually the end user s Outlook tasks. o Users can generate multiple e-mails, meetings and tasks directly within Outlook based on ERP workflow; there is no need for duplication or copying and pasting of e-mail into the ERP system. o Users can read and manage RSS feeds and blogs within Microsoft Outlook. o Outlook emails and attachments are viewable within the ERP system and tied to contact, company and/or opportunity records. o The Microsoft Visual Studio Form Designer enables users to embed URL-based Web pages and.net controls within a form, which allows buttons that perform tasks outside the ERP system. Find, assemble and analyze information quickly Information workers can save the headache and time associated with generating, locating and utilizing the data they need. Specifically, Ross ERP allows workers to: o Access the specific ERP information needed to allocate resources and time effectively and to make informed, data-driven decisions that support and enhance company performance and customer satisfaction. Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 5
o Access ERP information from Microsoft Office, Outlook and SharePoint. For example, an end user can right-click on the name of a company when working on a contract in Word, and it will bring up the company's ERP record on a sidebar so that the user can get the company's fax number and other details in a snap. o Stay within a Microsoft application to create documents and spreadsheets; with Ross ERP, there is no need to switch back and forth between applications. o Export content to any Microsoft Office document format in one click. o Extract data from the ERP for off-line analysis in Microsoft Excel using the Excel extraction wizard built into the Smart Client. o Use queries to reference multiple tables in a single search. o Create sophisticated target lists in seconds, then perform mail merges to instantly generate e-mails, letters or faxes. o Use SharePoint portals within the Ross ERP dashboard to turn the vast data housed within the ERP system into more usable, personalized business intelligence by enabling users to view past due accounts, outstanding requisitions, late customer shipments or whatever they need to be more effective and focused. o Maximize compliance efforts through, among other things, the use of SQL Server Analysis Services for OLAP services, which gives access to Data Warehouse data from both of the BI dashboards, and Reporting Services and Excel for end users. The Ross ERP database used by over three quarters of the customer base is SQL Server. The ERP system supports current releases of SQL Server, including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2. Enhanced Performance and Workflow Efficiency Improvements in visibility, automation, usability, and interoperability all combine to enable customers to avoid redundancies, reduce unnecessary complexity and make critical decisions better and faster. For example: The integration of ERP and Microsoft applications eliminates the need to perform the same task twice in two different locations. Information that was once retained on individual hard drives and in personal files is now integrated into one system, thereby eliminating the cumbersome tasks of locating data and documents in the middle of mission critical tasks. Phone communications, email, documents, spreadsheets, online and offline modes of communication are now merged. End users have an easier time sharing data across multiple different platforms, applications and devices, which improves communication, collaboration and, ultimately, company performance. Expenses are easily tracked and managed, which helps workflows keep budgets in check and business processes running smoothly. Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 6
Authorized end users are able to work remotely with up-to-date ERP data anytime, anywhere, on virtually any mobile device. This streamlines operations and increases user adoption and satisfaction. Repetitious processes commonly associated with data entry are automated, and multi-step approval processes are streamlined. Improved Insight and Visibility Ross ERP gives companies a more granular level of enterprise data, which offers improved metrics and analytics, enabling companies to better evaluate their customers needs, make smarter business decisions and gain a competitive advantage. By tapping into the ability of Microsoft SQL Server to store, synchronize and distribute data, enterprises can further enhance the value of the data stored in their ERP system. Customization Ross ERP is designed to meet each customer s unique requirements by providing flexible architecture that empowers companies to mold the software to fit their business, without having to hire additional developers or consultants. This allows them to provide the best and most relevant experiences for their employees and business partners. Specifically, enterprises can: Deploy Developer Studio to customize and extend the functionality of out-of-the-box Ross ERP applications through.net development, specifically addressing: o ERP databases and forms. o Client and server-side business logic, including workflows, standards and data models. o Role and task-based ERP navigational structures, including custom lists of role-specific links, tools and reports. o Rich data for custom business intelligence. Access Ross ERP on their choice of device Authorized users of Ross ERP can access the system from anywhere, at anytime, and on their choice of browser and device, including Windows Mobile. Allow information workers to tailor their user interfaces to fit their unique roles and individual work styles Ross ERP s Smart Client user interface enables administrators and end users to personalize dashboards, creating personal "hubs" that integrate pre-built, custom or third-party SharePoint Web Parts to combine the data feeds and applications of their choice. In addition, end users can create their own shortcuts and personalized information, including performance and lead-generation metrics, to-do lists, charts and graphs, reports, KPIs, knowledge base links, Outlook e-mail inboxes and Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 7
calendars and even data feeds from back-office systems, Web sites and other third-party sources. Perform out-of-the-box customization without custom programming Microsoft Visual Studio allows users to design forms the way they want to, without writing any code. They can control attributes such as color, justification, size and read/write rules, as well as organize data into tabs, thus eliminating scrolling. The guided form designer enables them to easily take advantage of screen real estate, and they can even create different forms to display to different user groups based on authorization or needs. Advanced System Interoperability Connectivity between Ross Enterprise and third party applications is achieved using web services. With a growing list of web services, users have greater visibility and control over various financials, purchasing and manufacturing business transactions. Scalability Because Ross ERP is rooted in Microsoft technology, and CDC s longstanding partnership with Microsoft allows it to develop products in lock step with Microsoft advancements, Ross ERP customers take comfort in knowing that their platform will remain relevant, supportable and scalable in the long term. A Proven, Rapid Development Platform Built on the interoperable Microsoft.NET Framework, Ross ERP harnesses the robust Microsoft Windows Server platform, the analytical and data management capabilities of Microsoft SQL Server and the data-protection services of Microsoft Windows to offer enterprises an ERP solution that they can depend upon to effectively manage their sales, marketing and customer service business data and processes. Most Ross ERP installations are either on, or planning to migrate to Microsoft s Windows Server 2008. CDC Ross ERP also leverages Microsoft Visual Studio as its primary development tool, allowing developers to use its form designer to create and manage all Ross ERP forms, and manage all Ross ERP workflow projects and code files..net is the preferred platform, and applications like the new CDC Ross TraceExpress module are based on.net 3.5 and WPF, which provide a crisp, clean user interface and accelerate the development processes. Thanks to the widespread adoption of Microsoft technologies and the.net Framework, developers, implementers and users of Ross ERP are able to leverage Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 8
technology with which they are already familiar, rather than learning new proprietary code or processes. Reduced Total Cost of Ownership Today, companies are looking for quicker and easier methods to integrate their various software applications in order to reduce integration, maintenance and overall cost of ownership. To that end, Ross ERP increases system connectivity and performance through the use of: Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), a set of modular business services XML, an industry standard data interchange format, which enables ERP application API s to communicate to third party applications, regardless of platforms and technologies Web services, which offer data and functional capabilities that can automatically update ERP data from third party applications, with the benefit of being insulated from application changes and upgrades. Companies with lean IT infrastructures also save money by leveraging the Microsoft technologies they ve already licensed and existing support staff trained on Microsoft tools. Reduced Administrative Burden Enterprise companies save time with Ross ERP in the form of shortened timeframes for system updates and reduced administrative complexity because of available Microsoft tools that are intuitive and familiar. Conclusion CDC Ross ERP uses Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Office Business Applications to provide a robust, high-performance and stable environment that meets the critical needs of customers in industries that are highly regulated, highly competitive and operate very lean IT departments. By using these applications with which customers are already familiar, CDC Ross ERP provides a cost effective environment that is also easy to use and enjoys solid user acceptance. Together, Microsoft and CDC Software support enterprises with Ross ERP, a leading enterprise resource planning solution that combines the familiarity and ease-of-use of Microsoft Office applications with the depth, structure and flexibility of Ross ERP. Ross ERP is a flexible, customizable solution built on the Microsoft.NET Framework that harnesses the power of Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Windows to enable enterprises to establish the exact infrastructure they need to increase user adoption, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their unique companies and boost customer service and satisfaction. Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 9
Additional Information CDC Software Ross ERP Web site: www.cdcsoftware.com/erp Microsoft.Net Framework Web site: www.microsoft.com/net/ Microsoft Office System Web site: www.office.microsoft.com Microsoft Windows Server Web site: www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008 Microsoft SQL Server Web site: www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008 Microsoft Windows Web site: www.microsoft.com/windows Microsoft-CDC Software Alliance www.microsoft.com/cdc Please e-mail your questions to info@cdcsoftware.com. The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication. This white paper is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property. 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows Server, Windows Vista, Excel, Groove, InfoPath, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Visual Studio Windows, Fluent, and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Ross ERP from CDC Software: Leveraging the Power of Microsoft Office Business Applications 10