Putting vendors to the test

Caterpillar Inc's Dealer Channel Systems Group decided to contract with third-party vendor CODA Inc for the installation of a new accounting system compatible with the information department's Dealer Business Systems. CODA came up with the Integrated Accounting Systems (IAS), a package that provides new functions such as user exits and advanced project accounting management. IAS was able to compensate for the inflexible reporting system and limited multicurrency capability found in the old system.