CDC unveils new version ERP solution

BANGALORE, INDIA: CDC Software, a provider of enterprise software applications and business services, recently announced the availability of Ross ERP version 6.3.2, the latest version of its enterprise resource planning application solution that helps chemical manufacturers comply to recent international regulations.

The new version of Ross ERP automates, processes and provides documentation that helps chemical companies comply with their obligations under the specific guidelines set forth in the European Union (EU) legislation called registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances (REACH), which became effective in June 2007, and which has recently been supplemented in January 2009, said a press release.

Ross ERP version 6.3.2 not only helps EU companies maintain compliance with REACH, but it also assists U.S .and other non-EU companies to comply with REACH reporting.

Furthermore, REACH requires registration and selective evaluation of more than 30,000 chemical substances and it applies to chemical substances manufactured in, or imported into, the EU for ownership or conversion into finished products, the release added.

REACH is designed to help ensure that all parts of the supply chain -- from manufacturers to downstream users such as distributors -- have the information they need to use certain chemicals safely.

This requires several steps, including the communication of information related to the health, safety and environmental properties of these chemicals, as well as required risk and risk management measures up and down the supply chain, it added.

“The increasing complexity of regulations in the EU comes at a time of growing commoditization, shifting global demand and intense competition in the chemical industry,” said Alan MacLamroc, Global Chief Product and Technology Officer, CDC Software.

He added that all these regulations, particularly REACH, chemical manufacturers are weighing the costs for compliance against their overall profitability.

They believe that the Ross ERP is one of the lowest total cost of ownership solutions that help chemical manufacturers balance their operational costs and margins, while streamlining the compliance process for REACH.

“We are delighted to see this new version of Ross ERP offering these enhanced compliance capabilities specific to the chemical industry,” said Kelly Starr, executive vice president, Finance and Administration, at Summit Industrial Products.

He added that they expect that this latest version of Ross would help chemical manufacturers simplify management of the increasing complexity in domestic and international regulatory compliance.

The latest version of the Ross Enterprise suite further extends CDC Software’s comprehensive portfolio of compliance solutions for the process manufacturing industry, the release added.