Fortune Gets New Tech From Microsoft

Vernon, Calif.–based sportswear manufacturer Fortune Fashions is overhauling its back-office operations with the latest business-management software from Microsoft Corp.

Fortune will install Microsoft Dynamics AX, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suite, which manages back-office processes from accounts receivables to shipping. In addition, Fortune will also use a warehouse management system by Manhattan Associates.

Both systems will be installed by Winston- Salem, N.C.–based Sunrise Technologies Inc. Fortune had been managing its IT needs with a number of bundled applications but was looking to streamline its operations so it could concentrate on design and production.

“The combination [of both products] enables Fortune to focus less on their back-end computing needs and more on developing quality products for their customers,” said Richard Barnett, director of vertical product management for Microsoft.

In another development, Microsoft Dynamics AX will include a new ERP product designed especially for the apparel-textile market by Porini, which is part of Blue Fox Enterprises N.V. The new product should be on the market in late 2006. As part of the move, Blue Fox will become a member of Microsoft’s industry builder initiative, which is a program designed to deliver “best-of-breed” products to meet the needs of specific industries rather than offer a blanket solution for multiple industries.

Porini’s U.S. office is based in Westlake Village, Calif. —Robert McAllister