“Perfect Plant” Vision: SAP to acquire Visiprise, enhancing MES capability

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff June 17, 2008

SAP AG announces its intent to acquire Visiprise , a provider of manufacturing execution system (MES) software. The buy seeks to expand on SAP’s “Perfect Plant” strategy to complement existing applications and solutions with smart purchases that offer innovative technologies and capabilities to discrete manufacturers.The integration of Visiprise plant-level MES solutions brings discrete manufacturing industry users a robust product offering to increase production responsiveness, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance quality and regulatory compliance.Visiprise already serves many SAP customers in high-tech, aerospace & defense, automotive, and medical device.According to Jim Hagemann Snabe, corporate office and member of the executive council, SAP AG, “[Combining] Visiprise’s manufacturing execution solutions with the power of the SAP Business Suite… will offer manufacturers better visibility by linking the operations of the plant floor to production planning and operations management, enabling manufacturers to respond profitably to the growing demands of their global customers.”Currently, Visiprise solutions are fully integrated into live end-to-end manufacturing process scenarios showcased by Tata Consulting Services (TCS) at SAP’s “Perfect Plant” center of excellence in Newtown Square, Pa. The collaboration between the vendors creates a smooth foundation for integration efforts.“Best-in-class manufacturers understand the value of the integration of MES with ERP to provide a comprehensive manufacturing control solution,” says Sean McCloskey, president and CEO, Visiprise. “We look forward to working together to further serve our customers as their needs continue to evolve.”SAP anticipates the acquisition will be completed in July 2008. Visiprise employs approximately 300 employees.