Kumfs Signs Contract with Lawson for New Software
Kumfs Signs Contract with Lawson for New Enterprise Software System
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 18 February 2008 -
Lawson Software, a global provider of enterprise resource
planning (ERP) software applications, has signed a contract
with leading New Zealand footwear brand, Kumfs. Under the
contract, Kumfs will acquire the Lawson M3 Enterprise
Management System along with Lawson Business Intelligence
and related maintenance and services. The contract was
signed during Lawson's second quarter of fiscal 2008, which
ended Nov. 30, 2007.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Kumfs has been designing and making a wide range of women's shoes since 1946. Since then, the business has grown steadily with 40 stores currently in operation across the Australian and New Zealand region, establishing the Kumfs brand as a household name. Internationally, the popular footwear brand has earned a strong reputation for its comfort, style and quality.
Under the new agreement, Kumfs will deploy the Lawson M3 solution for the fashion industry, incorporating Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Warehouse Mobility modules.
"We were looking for a system that is well proven in the fashion industry and able to accommodate the complexity of a footwear manufacturing business such as ours," said Peter Scott, operations manager for Kumfs. "As we design, manufacture and stock a wide variety of footwear in many different styles, sizes and widths, we believe the Lawson M3 solution will assist us in meeting the needs and demands of our customers."
During its most recent fiscal year, Kumfs recorded a 14 percent increase in sales. It also recently celebrated a number of successes, including the one-year anniversary of its first American store in Fresno, Calif., and the opening of a new store in Hong Kong to answer demand for high-quality fashionable shoes.
Lawson secured the Kumfs contract after the company decided it needed to move to a modern integrated ERP system to support its expanding business needs. Kumfs joins Lawson's growing portfolio of fashion industry customers, which currently includes well-known brands such as Rip Curl, Quiksilver and RM Williams.
"With the Lawson M3 solution, we will move to an integrated finance, manufacturing and logistics system that supports fashion industry-specific functionality. This means a more efficient supply chain, a reduction in operating costs and better customer service," Scott added. "Once the Lawson solution is fully implemented, we anticipate a raft of improvements such as faster access to business-critical information and improved data on customer orders. We also anticipate greater visibility of information relating to raw material purchasing, inventory levels, production flow and costs."
"The Kumfs win reflects our growing reputation as a leading provider of ERP solutions for the fashion industry in ANZ," said Stephen Moore, managing director for Lawson in ANZ. "Our deep understanding and knowledge of the sector positions us well to serve customers in the ANZ fashion industry."
ENDS
About Kumfs
Since 1933 Kumfs has
been designing and manufacturing blissfully comfortable
women's shoes. Kumfs leads the market in orthotic capable
women's shoes and is the most recommended fashion footwear
brand of podiatrists and physiotherapists in Australasia.
Kumfs has over 500 stockists worldwide and 38 retail stores
throughout Australasia. Kumfs also has a retail store in
Fresno, California and another store recently opened in Hong
Kong, with plans for continuing expansion. With a New
Zealand heritage focusing on quality and integrity, and a
unique blend of style and comfort, Kumfs shoes continue to
be embraced by modern women everywhere. For more
information, visit: www.kumfs.co.nz.
About Lawson
Software
Lawson Software provides software and service
solutions to 4,000 customers in manufacturing, distribution,
maintenance and service sector industries across 40
countries. Lawson's solutions include Enterprise Performance
Management, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Resource
Planning, Customer Relationship Management, Manufacturing
Resource Planning, Enterprise Asset Management and
industry-tailored applications. Lawson solutions assist
customers in simplifying their businesses or organizations
by helping them streamline processes, reduce costs and
enhance business or operational performance. Lawson is
headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., and has offices around the
world. Visit Lawson online at www.lawson.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release
contains forward-looking statements that contain risks and
uncertainties. These forward-looking statements contain
statements of intent, belief or current expectations of
Lawson Software and its management. Such forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future results and involve
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to
differ materially from the potential results discussed in
the forward-looking statements. The company is not obligated
to update forward-looking statements based on circumstances
or events that occur in the future. Risks and uncertainties
that may cause such differences include but are not limited
to: uncertainties in Lawson's ability to realize synergies
and revenue opportunities anticipated from the Intentia
International acquisition; uncertainties in the software
industry; uncertainties as to when and whether the
conditions for the recognition of deferred revenue will be
satisfied; increased competition; uncertainty regarding
potential future deterioration in the market for auction
rate securities which could result in additional permanent
impairment charges, global military conflicts; terrorist
attacks; pandemics, and any future events in response to
these developments; changes in conditions in the company's
targeted industries and other risk factors listed in the
company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the
most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Lawson assumes no
obligation to update any forward-looking information
contained in this press release.