MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — SoftBrands Inc., a global leader in next-generation enterprise software for manufacturing and hospitality businesses, has released a new version of its SAP-centric ERP system, Fourth Shift Edition for SAP Business One. Version 8.2 builds upon previous versions with localizations for the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and South Africa. The new version also includes enhanced functionality for pricing and discounts for sales orders, as well as the new Fourth Shift Edition software development kit.

“As we continue to develop our Fourth Shift Edition solution, we are expanding our global footprint to support manufacturers worldwide, including SAP-centric multinationals with plants spread across many geographies,” said Ralf Suerken, senior vice president and general manager of manufacturing for SoftBrands. “We have long-established and very capable direct and indirect networks in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, and we’re excited to offer Fourth Shift Edition into these markets starting today.”

Fourth Shift Edition for SAP Business One reinforces its commitment to openness, interoperability, flexibility and control with version 8.2, which provides users with a new FSE software development kit. The SDK, which is a .NET framework, allows users to easily import data into the Fourth Shift Edition system from a variety of sources. Users are empowered to use and create specialized products that connect with FSE, extending its ERP capabilities through seamless links to other systems.

“Many of our customers have point solutions that are specialized to their specific needs, and they want to integrate them with Fourth Shift Edition,” Suerken said. “The SDK allows them to do just that, and our customers will be thrilled with how easy it is to use.”

Fourth Shift Edition 8.2 also includes new functionality that extends FSE to include both price lists and special prices for items. Instead of using one price per item, the new functionality allows for unit-pricing flexibility by price list or by discount structure. FSE 8.2 also includes customer-level discount functionality for sales orders, allowing discount rates to be applied to entire sales orders rather than individual items.

Fourth Shift Edition for SAP Business One combines strong manufacturing functionality, integrated with the strength and security of SAP, a worldwide leader in business application software. Fourth Shift Edition provides small and midsize manufacturers with a modular, manageable and affordable solution that offers the best of both Fourth Shift and SAP, and a scalable investment to meet future needs.