J.D. Edwards Introduces Business Modeler for Supply Chains

by Alex Woodie

J.D. Edwards fleshed out its new suite of ERP software recently with the introduction of a business modeling tool for manufacturers and distributors. The Supply Chain Business Modeler provides a centralized repository for data originating from the various third-party applications that manufacturing and distribution organizations may use, such as supply chain planning, order management, multi-mode manufacturing, and logistics applications. The Supply Chain Business Modeler, which is available now, provides elements of integration as well as business intelligence.

The core focus of Supply Chain Business Modeler is integration. By consolidating information from applications across the supply chain, Supply Chain Business Modeler gives JDE customers in the manufacturing and distribution sector a single view of their data, and serves as the first step in event management. The Supply Chain Business Modeler will also make use of JDE's Distributed Object Messaging Architecture, which JDE uses across its supply chain applications, including its Advanced Planning solution.

Supply Chain Business Modeler, along with its recently announced Demand Forecasting application, are key components of the J.D. Edwards 5 suite of applications that JDE announced last year, the company said. One of the key elements of JDE's next-generation ERP applications is the greater componentization that the company promised to offer its customers. Instead of forcing companies to purchase monolithic application stacks, JDE says its strategy now allows companies to purchase smaller pieces of the solution. The new Supply Chain Business Modeler addresses this componentization effort by supporting third-party applications and providing integration, from a JDE-centric viewpoint.

Supply Chain Business Modeler also addresses elements of business intelligence. The application provides key performance indicators and key performance predictors for the different events it monitors across the supply chain. A META Group analyst, Dwight Klappich, says Supply Chain Business Modeler's support for business intelligence will help customers keep costs down and allow companies to adapt to changes more quickly. "Flexible applications are essential for companies eager to minimize implementation length and the cost of customization and integration between different supply chain systems," Klappich says.

Supply Chain Business Modeler works with versions of J.D. Edwards 5 ERP applications, as well as older versions from the Denver, Colorado, company, including OneWorld and WorldSoftware. The software is available now. For more information, go to www.jdedwards.com.

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