Management information systems (MIS) lead the way for lean manufacturing initiatives and productivity enhancements.

By Tom Polischuk

pP: The business/production software segment is very fragmented. Do you see this changing in the future in the form of consolidation? If so, will this be this be good for the industry overall?

Drisler—Consolidation seems to be inevitable in almost every industry. That has not been as true in the software industry because anyone with knowledge of software and a computer has the potential to create a saleable product. However, as industry-specific systems mature, the bar is continually raised for a start-up company to enter the market. The benefits of consolidation are mature product offerings from companies experienced in providing the service necessary to satisfy the requirements of their customers. The downside is that as consolidation occurs, innovation may suffer.