Lawson Launches QuickStep for Distribution

May 15, 2007 Alex Woodie

Lawson Software last week rolled out a new IT software and services program designed to cut the implementation time of its M3 (Make, Move, Maintain) suite of Java-based ERP software for companies in the distribution industry. Called QuickStep for Distribution, the new program includes pre-configured ERP software, and follows other similar programs offered by Lawson for other industries. The company also launched S3 in Asia for the first time.

According to Lawson, the new QuickStep for Distribution program will cut in half the time it takes to complete an M3 implementation for today’s demanding distribution environment, which is faced with a number of challenges, including: high transaction volumes; large product sets and diverse units of measure; different delivery methods, including drop-ship, buyer collect, and joint delivery; cross docking and automated transport planning; flexible pricing, discounts, rebates, and promotions; and specialized “buy-to-order” situations.

Lawson expects the new QuickStep program to be a hit in parts of Asia undergoing rapid growth. “We hear our customers in Singapore, Greater China, Japan, and other parts of Asia,” says David Hope, regional managing director of Lawson Software Asia and Japan, “and they tell us they need powerful solutions that are simple to own, implement, and use–with the kind of visibility into supply chains and other enterprise activities needed to help them compete globally.”

At the same time, the company expects strong interest in QuickStep for Distribution among companies in Europe and North America. The company cites a recent survey that shows a majority of companies in the distribution industry are looking to add capacity as a route to growth, as opposed making acquisitions.

This is the third QuickStep program offered by Lawson. Other QuickStep programs include QuickStep Fashion and QuickStep Food and Beverage (F&B). Intentia, which Lawson acquired last year, started the QuickStep program for its Movex NextGen product line, which is now called M3.

In other news, Lawson last week announced the launch of its other ERP suite, called S3 (for Staff, Source, Serve) in Asia. S3 was Lawson’s original ERP product before the merger with Intentia was completed 12 months ago. The move is significant because S3 has its largest customer base in North America, whereas the M3 product has a much stronger presence in the international market, primarily Europe but also Asia Pacific.

Lawson is counting on its Asia-Pacific assets, which has historically focused on M3, to sell lots of S3 this year. “We have put in an aggressive plan to triple Asia Pacific’s contribution to the company’s total revenue, from the current 5 percent to 15 percent,” Hope says. “This target is achievable with the increasing demand for our software in Asia Pacific and our strategic growth plans.”