JBA’s ERP solutions are distinguished by their high functionality and closeness of fit to customer requirements. JBA was in fact the first global ERP supplier to provide industry sector specific products based on a standard commercial product set.

These industry sector products, containing many thousands of man years’ research and development, are now entering a new generation of sub-sector specific focus as the benefits of expanded third party partner co-operation and JBA’s component based technology bear fruit.

JBA’s direction is clear and unequivocal. JBA will maintain and build on its leadership position in creating software solutions that are a better fit for customers’ business than other ERP systems.

In our target industry sectors this will be even more focused and reflected by dominant market share with resulting enhanced return on investment for our stakeholders.

JBA’s Markets

JBA supplies software to organisations that make, buy and service products. JBA operates on a global basis, selling to customers with single site or multiple international operations. JBA has approximately 1,000 customers in the Americas and Asia Pacific, and over 3,000 customers in Europe.

JBA’s expertise is focused around the midsize marketplace, with 80 per cent of customers in the $100 million to $1 billion revenue bracket. Typically, customers are in relatively fragmented sectors, with many players and few near-monopolies. Their businesses operate in highly competitive - and therefore dynamic - environments, in which every percentage point of margin is hard-won.

The emphasis within this market is on customer service, supply chain management and the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs. Software has to be capable of rapid deployment, fast playback and be highly flexible, to accommodate future changes.

JBA’s core Distribution, Financial and Manufacturing applications have always provided an excellent fit for this environment, our business is built upon their strength. The software has also shown a natural affinity for certain market sectors, such as those where the emphasis is on light assembly or fabrication. This has created a large base of customers within specific industries, such as electronic assembly or fabrication.

By developing enhanced versions of the standard product set, JBA has exploited additional marketplaces with unique requirements, not well served by generic software products - the Apparel industry is one such example.

The development of component technology has allowed JBA to expand and enrich its high fit for specific industries, providing the capability for the growth of further industry sector products. The first strategic application of this technology is to produce more complete solutions to those markets in which JBA already has a strong presence.

Following further detailed analysis of our customers’ needs, our objective is to enhance all areas of our offering to make JBA the obvious supplier of choice within these markets.

Focused Industry Sectors

JBA continually analyses sales, lost sales, customer requirements and industry trends to recognise strengths and weaknesses within our total product offering.

This analysis allows us to identify industry sector opportunities where our generic product already proves successful but will benefit further from industry specific function. To-date, this process has produced the following industry sector focus in addition to our core ERP systems:

Within JBA’s five year business plan, we will create a group of Industry Business Units operating as the leading ERP/commercial application software brand within our chosen markets. For example, the JBA Style Business Unit will have separate divisions for the footwear, clothing and textiles sectors.

These businesses will develop an unprecedented level of knowledge and involvement within their focused industry - to become an integral part of the industry, truly involved within it.

The Industry Business Units will be supported by JBA Central Services and Products, which will provide cross-industry software application components, plus a financial, marketing and systems infrastructure.

JBA is creating both the product and development infrastructure to support this vision. A key part of this development is the ability for third party products to be easily integrated using published JBA interfaces, to form part of JBA’s Industry Sector Solutions.

Software Solution Division comprises teams focused on selling software solutions primarily to larger companies, our traditional marketplace.

Computer Solution Division comprises teams principally in North America focused on the ‘one stop shop’. Because they handle a large number of small transactions, this JBA division operates on a two tier channel model, with over 200 affiliates having front line customer responsibility and JBA being the second tier supplier of both hardware and software to them. This model is increasingly used across the world and we see JBA as well positioned to be a market leader in this market, which will become one of the largest in the world.

Software Products : During 1997 substantial gains made in the specialist industry sector were largely dependent on the experience of our people and the extent of our reference list, although the fundamental success must be attributed to the software products we have created for each industry. These products contain functionality that is specific to that industry and give our customers significant benefits over and above that provided by our competitors. Our product concept has been enlarged to allow us to take the lead in producing fully integrated solutions by providing industry specific software modules irrespective of origin.

To further this concept a number of initiatives are underway particularly within the clothing and footwear sector and partnerships have been created with several companies, the most significant being in the apparel retail sector with a product called Retail Express.

The Retail Express modules are currently being integrated within the JBA Style product which will provide apparel companies with a total supply chain solution that we believe has superior functionality to any other competitor today.

Technology : Our object component tool set, Constructor, is complete and ready for use on the NT, UNIX and AS/400 platforms. The Component Application Development Environment (CADE) is complete and being used by JBA developers to create component repositories. CADE operates fully and only in the NT Windows environment.

The accelerated product development investment in 1997 was concentrated upon the creation of components and we have been able to bring forward the installation of Beta sites into the end of the first quarter of 1998.

Alongside these tools reside the JBA Work Management engine and the JBA corporate modelling tool.

Database Systems Hewlett-Packard (HP/9000). JBA System 21 runs on the dominant commercial operating system platforms of our time - NT, OS/400, and major versions of UNIX such as HP UX. Database choices include DB2 for the AS/400, Oracle for NT and UNIX, and SQL Server for NT.

JBA Millennium Policy : During 1997 the 3.5 product release was thoroughly tested through a simulated millennium date change. These tests were done in conformance with the BSI (British Standards Institute) DISC PD2000-1 and certified by the ITAA (Information Technology Association of America).

JBA has recognised that many companies may be particularly sensitive to the year 2000 issue, or may have significant legacy system problems to focus on. These companies will want a stable system installed in 1998 and supported over the millennium without continual changes during 1999.

JBA is therefore committing to support Version 3.5 of System 21 through to 30^th June 2001. No further function changes will be made to this version from the middle of 1998, (release 3.5.3), to allow customers to stay on this release if they desire.

Programming Language : Visual Basic

Development Tools : JBA System 21 is created and maintained by programmers using the System 21 Development Environment. This toolset is also being used to build our next generation product, code named Enterprise Vision.

The System 21 Development Environment is a highly productive, wholly native, NT development environment.

Accreditation : · ITAA (Information Technology Association of America). Certified Year 2000 compliant

& Partnerships · BS EN ISO9001 & TickIT certifications

· JBA was awarded the IBM AS/400 Star Stream Award in 1997 for its integration of Lotus Domino with System 21 ERP solutions

· JBA is one of IBM’s largest strategic Business Partners worldwide, is an IBM Premier Solution Provider, IBM Distributor, IBM Global Financing Partner and Lotus Notes Business Partner.

Applicable to System 21 Financials:

· BSI Kitemark Certification

· Meets mandatory criteria defined by L’Ordre des Experts Comptables & approved by La Compagnie de Commissaires aux Comptes - the French chartered accountant body and auditors association

Services Offered : · Consultancy

· Education and Training

· Implementation Support

· 24hr Support Desk

· On-line Support

· Project Management

Application Profile : JBA System 21 - Worldwide Manufacturing Solutions

Functional Summary : JBA System 21 Manufacturing delivers a true mixed-mode manufacturing environment. Process production methods can be mixed with true schedule driven repetitive and discrete small batch methods as needed, giving the right solution for the right situation at all times. System 21 Manufacturing supports every level of the manufacturing process, from strategic planning to detailed control. It provides accurate and flexible reporting, production and product definition, timely planning and scheduling, with precise execution and control.

System 21 Manufacturing encompasses; Product Definition Management, Master Production Scheduling, Material Requirements Planning, Production Support, Production Order Control, Production Schedule Control, Capacity Planning, Finite Capacity Scheduling, Plant Maintenance and Quality Management.

Technical/Development: Developed from analysis of marketplace requirements over a period of 17 years and joint developments with customers.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Example Clients : The Hoover Company

Hepworth Building Products

Elizabeth Arden

Application Profile: JBA System 21 - Worldwide Customer Service & Logistics Solutions

Functional Summary : JBA System 21 Customer Service & Logistics provides full visibility and time-phased allocation of resources to match demand throughout the supply chain. This allows for Efficient Consumer Response, for increased customer satisfaction levels and reduced logistics costs.

Customer Service is achieved through a workflow enabled, graphical order processing system. For all types of order it includes, telesales, schedules, JIT configure/assemble/make to order, direct supplier deliveries, EDI, customer returns and transhipments. It covers national and fiscal boundaries and enterprise wide requirements.

The core Logistics system includes an interactive, integrated Warehouse Management Solution, together with a single production solution for discrete, repetitive and process environments. This provide solutions for production control, quality, resource planning and scheduling.

Technical/Development: Developed from analysis of marketplace requirements over a period of 17 years and joint developments with customers.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Example Clients : Computacentre

Whessoe

Sleepeezee

Application Profile : JBA System 21 - Worldwide Financial Solutions

Functional Summary : JBA System 21 Financial applications provide a complete, integrated financial infrastructure for your business. They enable faster and more effective decision making on complex issues with the most up-to-date and accurate data. By streamlining the difficult processes of exception analysis, performance measurement, budgeting and forecasting, it leads your financial managers to accurate conclusions faster and more efficiently with advanced analytical tools. It supports the myriad of legal, accounting and taxation differences of the global marketplace, handling multiple charts of account by company, tax calculation, payment methods, consolidation, multiple currencies, languages, and international statutory reporting.

Technical/Development : Developed from analysis of marketplace requirements over a period of 17 years and joint developments with customers.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Elizabeth Arden

Greenalls

Zellweger

Application Profile : JBA System 21 - Worldwide Service Management Solutions

Functional Summary : JBA Service Management is a comprehensive control tool that dramatically improves the quality, simplicity and efficiency of administrating after-sales services. With its power, flexibility and ease of use, it significantly eases the task of the operation.

Service Management is the key to achieving more efficient response to calls and more effective deployment of engineers, as well reductions in paperwork, errors and costs. Combined with faster and more accurate invoicing which reduces disputes and increases revenue, Service Management provides significant improvements to profitability.

Technical/Development : Developed from analysis of marketplace requirements over a period of 17 years and joint developments with customers.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Example Clients : Stoves

Domo Service

Toshiba

Customer Testimonial : "We chose JBA’s Service Management software to enhance the service given to our customers by our dedicated customer care team. The JBA software will improve the functionality of our in-house designed system and provide a more integrated approach to all aspects of customer care".

Ray Parry, Stoves PLC, one of the UK’s leading domestic cooking appliance manufacturers.

Application Profile : JBA Drinks

Functional Summary : JBA Drinks Solutions provide the most comprehensive and flexible business solution available to the drinks and beverage industry today. It is the result of a close understanding of the issues crucial to your business.

Designed specifically for the drinks and beverage industry, System 21 provides a completely integrated solution comprised of customer service, logistics, financial, service management and production solutions. Together, they offer improved customer service and higher productivity right through the supply chain, supporting every level of the manufacturing process.

It allows you to maximize the potential of the rapid changes that characterize market activity, and provides you with a highly customer focused operation, as well as covering such key issues as variety of process, speed of operation and market sophistication.

Technical/Development : Developed from an analysis of marketplace requirements and co-developed with leading distributors and manufacturers within the beverage industry.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

IDV

Youngs & Co Brewery

Customer Testimonial : "We chose JBA because it has a good understanding of the drinks industry, and is committed to long term development of System 21 Drinks. JBA is a package that requires very little tailoring therby easing Young’s ability to take future product upgrades".

Torquil Sligo-Young, Youngs and Co Brewery PLC, one of the UK’s leading independent breweries.

Application Profile : JBA Food

Functional Summary : JBA Food is a fully integrated business solution comprising finance, manufacturing and customer services & logistics applications. It delivers dedicated industry functionality including process manufacturing, recipes and formulations and quality management. Developed in close co-operation with market leading companies, System 21 Food is designed to meet the business needs of a wide range of food companies, from primary food producers and finished goods processors to wholesalers, distributors, food service organisations and retailers.

Technical/Development : Development from analysis of marketplace requirements and consultation with industry bodies, customers and senior executives from within the industry.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Example Clients : Gold’n Plump Poultry

McDougalls Catering Foods

Vitana

Food & Drinks Plc

RHM Foods

Customer Testimonial : "We are able to run a large sophisticated operation successfully dealing with multiple retailers who are now looking for fewer and fewer suppliers, all of which they can trust with providing goods and services of the highest quality."

Robert Gawne-Cain, Van Heyningen Brothers Limited, one of Europe’s largest fresh produce suppliers.

Application Profile : JBA Automotive

Functional Summary : JBA Automotive is an agile enterprise-wide information system to solve the key business issues facing automotive component suppliers today. It provides production management, competitive purchasing, flexible scheduling, labour projections and plant requirements.

Throughout the entire business process, Advanced Business Costing supports the analysis of cost drivers, providing Business Intelligence Planning (BIP) and comprehensive financial management. A Quality Management module also assists in the implementation of QS9000, the automotive-specific Quality Standard.

Technical/Development : Developed from analysis of marketplace requirements and co-developed with leading distributors and manufacturers within the automotive industry.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Example Clients : Lear Seating

Birmid

AP Pressings

Ring Group

John McGavigan Holdings Ltd

Customer Testimonial : "There is now much greater visibility of information at all levels of our business, providing a consolidated view of our operations and enabling us to drill down by division."

Jeremy Shaw, Ring Group, manufacturer of consumer, commercial and automotive lighting.

Application Profile : JBA Style

Functional Summary : JBA Style is an integrated distribution and manufacturing solution which enables apparel and footwear companies to streamline customer service, production, distribution and financial procedures.

It includes a unique four dimensional matrix of style, colour, size and fit for managing entire business processes.

Forecasts can be generated at SKU, style/colour, style and product levels for output into the planning applications of DRP or MPS. Production systems allow Bills of Materials (BoM), to be created at style level with drill down to details at SKU level if required. The BoM information is used to create Style and SKU costing information, reducing the need for data maintenance.

Technical/Development : Developed from analysis of marketplace requirements over a period of 17 years and joint developments with customers.

Open Application Management allows System 21 applications to work alongside other MS Windows, Unix and AS/400 applications in one user environment. Advanced Information Management tools provide critical information on time and an Open Integrated Infrastructure enables existing and new applications to be linked into System 21 at a functional level.

Release Strategy : JBA continues to offer increased functionality with major releases approximately 15 months apart. Current release 3.5.1

Example Clients : Addidas Jockey

New Balance BS Europe

Dunlop Slazenger Europa Sport

British Shoe Corporation Rossignol

Maidenform Williamson Dickie

Simon Jersey Airwair (Doc Martens)

Customer Testimonial : "When we really got down into the software, there weren’t a lot of software companies that could handle a $500m company."

Craig Mackey, Williamson Dickie, one of America’s leading workwear companies.

Application Profile : JBA System 21 - Advanced Information Management Solutions (AIMS)

Functional Summary : JBA’s implementation of Business Intelligence is its Advanced Information Management Solutions (AIMS) portfolio. AIMS provides a unique plug and play capability through a pre-defined knowledge base to integrate the AIMS portfolio and On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP) business applications. A series of software tools and applications, AIMS gives comprehensive, but simple access to all types of enterprise wide information from traditional hard copy report writing, through end-user query and analysis, to fully blown On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) requirements.

According to the Gartner Group, Business Intelligence systems are the successors to executive information

and decision support systems, applications "that enable a business professional to access the information which describes the enterprise, to analyze it, to gain insights into its workings, and to take action based on its findings, via integration with other office functions."

Technical/Development : The AIMS strategy has been developed to support System 21 by allowing JBA to link together, in one solution, the best of breed arguments for both transaction based business applications and business intelligence planning applications.

The AIMS portfolio will constantly be under review to ensure that the best of breed approach to business intelligence planning is maintained.

Release Strategy : Major releases are approximately 6 months apart.

Example Clients : Guerlain

One2One

Van Heyningen Brothers