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

By Tom Polischuk

• What happens if the productivity solution I purchase ceases to exist?

• How easy is the productivity solution to implement into our existing operation?

• How credible and knowledgeable is the company proposing the productivity solution?

Taylor—I feel the software industry, like the packaging industry and so many others, is undergoing quite a bit of consolidation, and has been for a number of years. I think this can be good for the market if acquisitions are done for the right reasons—for example, if they are done to increase your product line offerings, extend your services to new geographies, or to consolidate two complimentary organization to improve efficiencies and provide better service at excellent rates for clients.