ERP is and remains a very important part of a whole e-business strategy. In the past, ERP has relied heavily on user interface applications. And with so many products, Lopker contends that no one should have to build their own e-business system just like no one would think to create their own ERP system today. And then we integrate that into ERP products. Lopker explained that QAD researched what future trends ERP would have to adjust to and decided to focus on e-business and business exchanges.
Customers are concerned about functionality.
QAD knows they have to stay ahead of the game in order to keep their current customers. Four years ago, no one wanted the functionality available in eQ, but now the demand is high and if QAD did not offer it, the customers would go elsewhere. QAD's future technology and business directions come largely from current customers. Customer participation in streamlining QAD products is one area QAD takes very seriously. The company has a development group for each of their six verticals made out of 10 QAD users.