AST acquires Inventory Technologies
May 2001
News
In a multimillion rand deal, AST Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) has acquired Inventory Technologies, a leading player in the industrial automation industry.
The acquisition of Inventory Technologies will increase AST MSI's profits through their industry specific knowledge of manufacturing. Through aggressive growth, AST MSI plans to attain a dominant position in the rapidly growing MES market, which reflects their level of competence in integrated industrial automation.
"With this acquisition, AST MSI is in an excellent position to accomplish this and we will expand our product portfolio and our solution delivery capability in the MES domain," explains Vernon Randall, GM of Subsidiaries at AST MSI. "It is our aim to offer our customers the advantages of a totally integrated automation solution with the system-wide communication capabilities of all products and systems, including those for vertical IT integration. With the integration of Inventory Technologies, AST MSI will be able to offer customers an even wider range of products and services than before."
AST MSI is the first company to offer true sensors to boardroom and supply chain management solutions. "Inventory Technologies' customers will have access to AST MSI's experience in process manufacturing, with expertise in materials planning, shop floor scheduling and optimisation of plant management," comments Ricky Huyser, MD of Inventory Technologies. "In addition, Inventory Technologies will have access to over 2500 IT professionals and best-of-breed software." The IT revolution is making huge advances within industry. The integration of corporate (ERP) and production (automation) level by means of the MES level is a development that continues unabated. "This pertains to both production automation as well as process automation," adds Randall. "We are actively shaping these changes."
AST focuses on industries such as mining, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications and government. The company has specialists in management and IT consulting, IT communications, enterprise systems management, IT services, ERP solutions, outsourcing, technology rentals and training.
AST
(012) 674 7600
[email protected]
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