IQMS, a leader in the design and development of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, today announced the launch of its innovative online Community ServerTM, which substantially allows its customers to shape the future software development and provide feedback from the entire customer base to the submitting company.

With IQMS Community Server, IQMS customers can see the development cycle of ERP solutions, new releases and modules and have up-to-date information on their own submissions. Community Server is the Web 2.0 version of IQMS’ annual in-person user group conference, where customers discuss ideas and help lead software development. While most software companies work behind closed doors on new releases and even on solutions requested by their own customers, IQMS Community Server creates a 24/7 forum that actually opens up the development process and encourages customers to call out suggestions step-by-step. Additionally, as with many other perks, Community Server is free to all active IQMS customers.

“Our software has never been designed in a vacuum,” said Randy Flamm, president and CEO of IQMS. “One of the ways we stay current on industry trends is by listening to manufacturing experts - our customers. Instead of sitting back and waiting for our customers to come to us, we’re coming to them and getting their feedback. With IQMS Community Server, we are emphasizing that our customers are essential in the development and improvement of our software. Essentially, this has increased our development staff by about 1,000 people overnight.”

Community Server demonstrates IQMS’ unique approach to software development and its commitment to its customers. As such, IQMS has a 98 percent customer retention rate.

“A hallmark of IQMS, which helps drive its record success, is the company's dedication to listening and working closely with its customers. The IQMS Community Server takes that customer intimacy to the next level,” said Julie Fraser, president and principal industry analyst, Cambashi Inc. “The Community Server not only delivers unprecedented on-line visibility to progress on changes, it creates a mechanism for the customers themselves to suggest, refine and prioritize IQMS software enhancements. This is bound to accelerate important changes and keep customer satisfaction high.”

IQMS’ community server is consistent with the company’s customer-centric development model and differentiates it from other software companies.

“Community Server provides the user community with an intuitive forum for exchanging ideas and proposing enhancements to the current software,” said Eric D. Paules, vice president of Crescent Industries, Inc., a world-class contract manufacturer. “We especially appreciate the software development feature, which allows our company to collaborate with others companies when requesting software enhancements. Together, we can build a consensus of good ideas and a best-of-class solution that meets the needs of many and adds value to the entire user base.”

IQMS, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, continues to provide innovative solutions for its customers. This year, IQMS released a new version of its flagship product, Enterprise IQ 7.6.1, which includes more than 900 customer-driven enhancements. The company also debuted RackTruck, a customized ERP solution that combines inventory scanning, forklift mounted monitors and stocking location mapping for manufacturers. The customized ERP solution, created by the IQMS Automation Group utilizes forklift mounted monitors and scanners making companies leaner, more agile and competitive.

About IQMS

IQMS ERP Software Company Launches Community Server for Customers Encourages Software Development and Collaboration.

Community Server is a trademark of Telligent.