Frequently Asked Questions

Does VBS Maintain a Corporate Headquarters?

VBS is a virtual organization that enjoys the communication advantages of the latest technology (such as via the Internet-based and low cost video-teleconferencing) as the principle means of exchanging information both internally and externally. This is punctuated by quarterly face-to-face executive meetings, as well as biannual company meetings and the annual regional User Conference.

As a virtual company, VBS enjoys operational savings and efficiencies in true

The decision to “go virtual” was a natural application of our Best-In-Class philosophy and direction. As a field based sales and support organization, it made no sense to continue to maintain a “corporate headquarters” when all our staff and customers are located across multiple states and a large geography. Instead, we have put our people where our customers are. This has improved our client service levels, as well as our clients’ overall satisfaction with us.

The cost-savings associated with the virtual paradigm have been directly responsible for us being able to maintain affordable product and service rates. Of equal importance, the virtual model has enabled us to passively reduce our carbon footprint through reduced energy use including heat, electricity, and CO2.

While being virtual does have its challenges, it has become easier over time, and increasingly looks to be one of the best strategic decisions the company has ever made.

Where Is VBS Located?

VBS is currently based in Chicago, IL and has sales offices in IL, WI, MN, IN, OH, MI, MO, KA, ND, SD, NE, NY.

Who is/was Lilly Software Associates?

Lilly Software Associates, Inc. was founded in 1992 by Richard T. Lilly, an icon of the software and manufacturing industries in the US and abroad. His long and successful career is highlighted by the three companies he founded, the last of which bore his name.

A group of hand-picked “associates” located across the US and later around the world helped bring to market the first windows-based solution for manufacturers with its unique graphical user interface that provided for real-time visibility across all mission critical functions. This application was called VISUAL Manufacturing (today Infor ERP Visual) and contained an award-winning, patented scheduling capability that is as powerful and popular today as when it was first launched.

VBS was one of the original hand-picked Lilly Associates, and survives today as the exclusive channel partner in the Midwest for Infor which bought Lilly Software in 2005.

Who is INFOR?

Infor is a different kind of software company, providing business solutions to enterprising firms who want the best of both worlds: solutions as business-specific as those offered by smaller providers, backed by a company with the financial stability and global scale of the market’s enterprise software giants. This combination simply was not available until now. Filling the void was the reason Infor was founded, and our strategy is working. Last fiscal year 1,700 new customers chose Infor over our competitors. With more than 70,000 customers, Infor is one of the largest software providers in the world.

www.infor.com/company/
www.infor.com
go.infor.com/visual

How many Customers does VBS have?

More than 750 Midwest based companies have chosen to work with VBS - not just as a service provider, but a valuable member of the executive team and staff – pushing to achieve Best-in-Class results in their industries.

What industries do they serve?

VBS serves multiple vertical industries across the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

This includes discrete manufacturers who make a wide variety of finished goods in a every conceivable manner including Make-to-Stock, Make-to-Order, Engineer-to-Order, Assemble to Order, and all mixed modes in between.

VBS customers do not choose VBS just for the Best-In-Class software we sell, but also for the creative and solid advice our Solutions and Engagements staff provides both during and after the initial engagements. The capability, flexibility, and knowledge of our seasoned staff enable us to help our customers maximize their operating environments regardless of what they make or how they make it.

What size companies does VBS serve?

VBS customers range from growth focused $2MM to over $1B in annual revenue. The majority of our clients are between $10MM and $50MM in sales.

Name three differentiators that distinguish VBS from other ERP vendors?

1. Best-In-Class products that conform to defined measures such as: Real-time visibility, integrated functionality, and alert management

2. Best-In-Class practices that conform to methodologies designed to streamline, automate, and report in real-time mode for maximum throughput and information-based decision making.

3. Depth and breadth of skilled service professionals with an average of 10 years experience in implementing manufacturing environments – and that doesn’t include the average 15 years of “real life” experience prior!