Tyler Pipe Deploys Web-Based Self-Service Software from American Software

Published: September 19, 2006

by Alex Woodie

American Software, a developer of ERP software for OS/400 and other platforms, has helped improve the relationship between Tyler Pipe Company and its employees and customers as a result of the new Web-based e-Store system that introduced a new level of self-service, the vendor announced last week. Impressive quarterly results were also posted by American Software, which is coming off a year in which it posted a 45 percent increase in license revenue.

Tyler Pipe Company, a division of McWane, is a manufacturer of metal pipes and coupling and gasket materials that has operations in four states. The company recently augmented its existing OS/400 ERP system with American Software's e-Store solution, which provides users with 24/7 access to key customer data, customer orders, and item and product catalog information, via a Web browser.

The initial roll-out of e-Store targeted Tyler's customer service representatives and sales force, as well as an initial batch of 3,500 customers. So far, the product has been a success, says Mike Snyder, Tyler's utilities territory manager. "e-Store has been a huge hit among our individual branches. It really helps them stay on top of things and ahead of their customers," he says.

In other news, Atlanta-based American Software reported results for its first quarter, which ended July 31. The company increased revenues by 20 percent to $20.2 million for the quarter, and boosted profits by the same percentage, from $1 million to $1.2 million. Of particular note is a 27 percent boost in license fees that resulted in $4.4 million, which indicates that the company is continuing to grow its business. For all of fiscal 2006, the company posted a whopping 45 percent year-over-year growth in license fees.

"This quarter's positive results extended the company's track record of profitability and positive operation cash flow to 22 consecutive quarters," says James C. Edenfield, president and CEO of American Software. American also owns 88 percent of Logility.