KarenSoft, MFEA link up for ERP2 solution Business Times, Tuesday, July 20, 2004 PENANG-based software developer KarenSoft Technology Bhd sees a potential market size between RM20 million and RM50 million arising from its collaboration to promote its ERP2 (enterprise resources provider) solutions to Malaysian Furniture Entrepreneur Association (MFEA) members in the next three years. Its executive chairman Chee Chong Hwa said at least 10 per cent of the over 2,000 MFEA members would have the budget to implement the ERP2 solution, which is priced between RM150,000 and RM250,000. “This new market will likely have an impact on our financial earnings next year,” Chee said. The ERP2 is an all-inclusive e-business solution comprising sales distribution, materials requirement planning, logistics management, planning and production, financial accounting and fixed assets, human resources information, and customer relationship management. A memorandum of understanding was signed between KarenSoft and MFEA in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Both parties will collaborate to introduce the ERP2 solutions to MFEA members via seminars and roadshows to be organised at specific intervals. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Furniture Entrepreneur Association (KLSFEA) deputy chairman Steven Tan urged local furniture manufacturers to increase their competitiveness via ERP2 adoption as China, ranked number four, is fast becoming a threat, and also to capitalise on the vast market expansion opportunities in West Asia. Tan said Malaysia’s furniture exports amounted to RM5.7 billion last year compared to RM5.6 billion in 2000, and are expected to hit RM7 billion in 2005. The country is currently ranked 11th among international furniture exporters. By RUPINDER SINGH