INDUSTRY

MAPICS, a leading global provider of enterprise solutions for world- class manufacturers, hosted its second executive summit last week. This premier event, titled "Pathways to World Class," provided a focused forum for manufacturing executives leveraging IBM technology platforms to network and discuss the pressing industry issues they need to address to compete more effectively in a global economy. The Summit, which took place September 15-16 in Southfield, MI, was highlighted by a keynote presentation on the "Top 10 Trends for 2005 and Beyond" given by Bruce Richardson, senior vice president of Research for AMR Research, a leading analyst firm focused on the manufacturing industry. The event also featured presentations by executives from IBM, Cognos and FRx, who served as co-sponsors of the Summit, as well as members of the MAPICS executive team. Topics addressed during the Summit included "A Customer Experience," presented by Craig Hergenroether, CIO, Barry-Wehmiller, and a presentation by Dr. Martin Fleming, VP Strategy for IBM, on "On Demand Businesses Creating Value". Cognos Vice President Patrick O'Leary spoke on "Improving Corporate Performance with Business Intelligence". President and CEO of FRx Software, Chris Sherpenseel, offered a perspective on "Corporate Governance and Business Implications". "MAPICS Executive Summits are excellent forums for our customers to learn more about the solutions available to meet their unique needs and provide peer-to-peer discussions that can help them solidify their technology strategy to stay ahead of changing manufacturing industry dynamics," said Mike Dolan, vice president of Americas' Operations for MAPICS. "Pathways to World Class" is the second in a series of summits planned for MAPICS customers during 2004. Earlier this year, the company hosted a similar event for companies primarily leveraging Microsoft technologies. Background MAPICS is a leading global solutions provider focused exclusively on manufacturing. Building on more than 25 years of industry experience and proven success, MAPICS helps manufacturers be world class by gaining market share, operating at peak efficiency and exceeding customer expectations. MAPICS solutions include software -- extended ERP, CRM and supply chain management -- and professional services. The solutions are implemented on the two industry-leading technology platforms-Microsoft and IBM. Headquartered in Atlanta, MAPICS has implemented solutions in more than 10,000 customer sites in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.mapics.com/ .