Invensys Software Systems reorganises for sensor to boardroom – but not with Baan

Baan parent Invensys Software Systems (itself a division of Invensys) is reorganising again, ostensibly to make the most of its rather ageing and much copied ‘sensor to boardroom’ mantra. But Baan itself – and its CAPS Logistics supply chain and CRM sides – isn’t part of the deal. “Any number of companies can provide elements of CRM, ERP, supply chain and industrial automation solutions,” says Bruce Henderson, divisional chief executive. “But only Invensys Software Systems can provide a seamless end-to-end solution that goes from customer order to finished product, from shop floor to loading dock – from sensor to boardroom. “We’ve reorganised our various operating units to be able to maximise…” And so on. In fact, the new ISS organisation includes two new product, technology and service groups and four new regional solution businesses. Surprising then – given the rhetoric – that Baan does not figure in either. The first is the automation and real-time information solutions group, covering all of the process, discrete and hybrid industries. It comprises Wonderware and Invensys Process Systems, the latter including Triconex (triple safety redundant systems), Foxboro I/A (process control and management systems), Foxboro (instrumentation), Invensys Performance Solutions and Global Customer Support. Joe Cowan, formerly president of Wonderware, moves up to president. The other is a new APV Products Group, supplying process and automation equipment for the food and beverage industries. It’s all about bringing together the round of company names – much as rival Emerson recently did with its huge spread – with a view to getting the synergies going, with the implication of benefits for both users and the company itself. As Henderson says: “Our intent in creating these two products groups is to bring together our well-established names in the industrial automation industry and take advantage of their recognized software, hardware, and service strengths.”