Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

IQMS

IQMS was an American software company that developed and marketed integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) solutions tailored for small and midsized manufacturers.^[1] Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Paso Robles, California, the company offered a single-database platform to manage core manufacturing processes, including production planning, inventory control, quality management, supply chain operations, and financial accounting.^[1] Its flagship product, EnterpriseIQ, provided an all-in-one ERP system with real-time shop floor monitoring and scalability for industries such as automotive, medical devices, packaging, and consumer goods, while WebIQ delivered a cloud-based software-as-a-service alternative.^[2] By 2017, IQMS served approximately 1,000 customers across 2,000 facilities in 20 countries, generating about $56 million in annual revenue through its on-premise and cloud offerings.^[2] The company's solutions emphasized eliminating the need for multiple third-party integrations by combining ERP and MES functionalities into a unified ecosystem, enabling improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced collaboration for discrete, repetitive, and process manufacturing environments.^[1] In December 2018, Dassault Systèmes announced its acquisition of IQMS for $425 million in cash, with the deal closing in January 2019 following regulatory approvals.^[2]^[3] As part of the integration, IQMS's portfolio was rebranded as DELMIAWorks and incorporated into Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, extending its capabilities to support end-to-end business operations alongside design and engineering tools like SOLIDWORKS.^[3] This acquisition aimed to empower midsized manufacturers with cloud-based agility, fostering greater innovation and global competitiveness.^[2]

Company Overview

Founding and Location

IQMS was founded in 1989 by Randy Flamm and Nancy Flamm as a software company specializing in manufacturing solutions.^[4]^[5] The couple established the company in Southern California with the goal of providing integrated tools to streamline operations for manufacturers.^[6] The initial product developed by IQMS was IQGenesis, a Microsoft DOS-based system designed for basic manufacturing management tasks such as inventory tracking and production scheduling.^[7] This early software laid the groundwork for the company's emphasis on comprehensive, user-friendly solutions tailored to mid-market manufacturers, enabling them to manage repetitive and discrete processes efficiently without the complexity of larger enterprise systems.^[8]^[9] In 1995, IQMS relocated its headquarters from Southern California to Paso Robles, California, where it established a permanent base with a small team of seven employees.^[4]^[6] This move supported the company's growth by providing access to a supportive business environment in the Central Coast region, solidifying Paso Robles as the operational hub for ongoing development. Over time, this foundation facilitated the evolution toward more advanced products like EnterpriseIQ.^[10]

Leadership and Operations

IQMS underwent significant leadership changes during its active years as an independent entity. In 2015, Gary Nemmers was appointed as CEO, bringing extensive experience from his previous role at HighJump Software to drive the company's growth in enterprise solutions.^[11] Following IQMS's acquisition by Dassault Systèmes in 2018, Nemmers continued to lead the organization until 2020, when Cheri Williams succeeded him as CEO. Williams, who joined IQMS in January 2017 as Senior Vice President of Professional Services, assumed oversight of post-acquisition operations, serving in the role from 2020 until 2023 and leveraging her background in enterprise software and executive leadership to guide the transition to DELMIAworks.^[12]^[13]^[14] As a privately held company until its 2019 acquisition, IQMS operated with a focused structure serving global manufacturing markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.^[15]^[16] As of 2016, the company employed 312 people, supporting its expansion in software delivery for discrete manufacturers worldwide.^[17] This operational scale was underscored by a revenue milestone of $53.5 million in 2016, driven primarily by sales of its integrated ERP and MES solutions to industries such as automotive, medical, and packaging.^[17] IQMS's software platform was engineered for broad accessibility, with compatibility across Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Unix operating systems to accommodate diverse customer infrastructures.^[18] This cross-platform design facilitated seamless deployment in on-premise environments, contributing to the company's appeal in global markets where varied IT ecosystems were common.^[19]

History

Early Development and Product Launches

IQMS, founded in 1989, transitioned to more advanced systems. In 1997, the company launched EnterpriseIQ as a comprehensive ERP system that integrated manufacturing processes with business functions such as accounting and supply chain management in a single-database platform designed for repetitive, process, and discrete manufacturing industries.^[20]^[21] This all-in-one solution emphasized real-time data visibility and scalability for mid-market manufacturers, providing end-to-end capabilities from production planning to financial reporting without the need for multiple disparate systems.^[22] Building on EnterpriseIQ's foundation, IQMS introduced RTStation in 2012, a ruggedized Android-based touch-screen hardware device for shop floor use that enabled real-time production monitoring. RTStation connected directly to manufacturing machines, displaying key metrics like part counts, cycle times, downtime, and job setups through intuitive interfaces, including graphs and images, to support operators in decision-making and reduce errors.^[23] This innovation extended EnterpriseIQ's MES capabilities to the production line, facilitating seamless data flow from shop floor activities to enterprise-wide operations. In April 2016, IQMS announced WebIQ, a browser-based user interface for EnterpriseIQ that provided cloud-based access and automatic data backups, allowing remote management from any web-enabled device. WebIQ enhanced accessibility for users outside the traditional on-premises environment, supporting HTML5 functionality for improved mobility while maintaining the system's integrated ERP and MES features.^[24] These early product developments solidified IQMS's focus on delivering robust, integrated solutions tailored to the operational needs of mid-sized manufacturers seeking efficiency in complex production environments.

Expansion and Industry Recognition

During the early 2010s, IQMS experienced significant growth, earning recognition on Inc. Magazine's annual list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States for six consecutive years from 2011 to 2016. This inclusion underscored the company's expanding revenue and market presence, with rankings such as No. 4723 in 2011, No. 3882 in 2012, No. 3230 in 2013, No. 3487 in 2014, No. 4032 in 2015, and No. 3929 in 2016, reflecting sustained organic expansion in the manufacturing software sector.^[25] IQMS also garnered prestigious Stevie Awards that validated its product excellence and operational strengths. In 2011, its EnterpriseIQ 7.8.1 software received a Gold Stevie Award in the New Product or Service of the Year category for Manufacturing at the American Business Awards, highlighting innovations in ERP solutions for discrete manufacturers.^[26] By 2017, the company achieved further accolades in the International Business Awards, including Gold Stevie Awards for Customer Service Department of the Year (for its Product Support team) and Executive of the Year in Computer Software (for President and CEO Gary Nemmers), along with a Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year in Computer Software.^[27] This period marked IQMS's broadening global footprint, with its EnterpriseIQ ERP system adopted by approximately 1,000 customers operating over 2,000 manufacturing facilities across 20 countries. The software saw increased implementation in key industries such as plastics (e.g., by processors optimizing production efficiency), automotive (e.g., suppliers like Tribar Manufacturing managing inventory and compliance), and electronics (e.g., firms handling complex assembly and quality control).^[3]^[28]^[22]

Acquisition and Rebranding

In December 2018, Dassault Systèmes announced its acquisition of IQMS, a California-based provider of manufacturing ERP software, for $425 million in cash.^[2] The deal was completed on January 8, 2019, following regulatory approvals, marking the end of IQMS's independent operations.^[3] Following the acquisition, Dassault Systèmes rebranded IQMS's core offerings, including the EnterpriseIQ ERP and MES solutions, as DELMIAWorks in early 2019.^[3] This rebranding integrated the technology into Dassault's broader 3DEXPERIENCE platform, enabling cloud-based deployment and enhanced collaboration for manufacturing processes.^[3] As a result, IQMS was effectively defunct as a standalone entity by 2019, with its specialized tools for ERP and MES continuing exclusively under the DELMIAWorks umbrella.^[3] The strategic rationale behind the acquisition centered on bolstering Dassault Systèmes' capabilities in serving mid-market manufacturers, who often require affordable, integrated systems for operational efficiency and digital transformation.^[2] By incorporating IQMS's industry-specific software, Dassault aimed to leverage its existing SOLIDWORKS user base and global partner network to expand access to advanced manufacturing solutions, improving business agility and scalability for smaller enterprises.^[3]

Products and Services

EnterpriseIQ ERP System

EnterpriseIQ is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system developed by IQMS, designed to meet the needs of manufacturers through an integrated suite of modules. Core components include accounting for financial management, customer relationship management (CRM) for sales and customer engagement, supply chain management for procurement and inventory control, and eBusiness solutions for digital commerce and data exchange. The accounting module handles general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and manufacturing-specific cost tracking to ensure precise financial oversight.^[29]^[15] CRM features enable tracking of customer interactions, sales pipelines, and marketing campaigns, fostering stronger relationships with clients and suppliers.^[15] Supply chain management tools optimize material sourcing, demand forecasting, and logistics to minimize disruptions in production flows.^[29] eBusiness solutions incorporate electronic data interchange (EDI) in formats like ANSI X.12 and XML, along with web portals for B2B transactions and employee access, streamlining external collaborations.^[15]^[30] The system's integration capabilities are built on a single, unified database that provides seamless connectivity between financials, inventory, and production planning, eliminating the need for third-party add-ons or custom interfaces. This architecture supports real-time data flow, allowing updates in one module to instantly reflect across others for accurate reporting and analysis.^[29]^[15] By avoiding data silos, EnterpriseIQ reduces integration errors and maintenance costs, enabling manufacturers to maintain operational efficiency without fragmented systems.^[29] EnterpriseIQ targets mid-market companies, particularly in discrete and process manufacturing industries such as automotive, medical devices, and plastics, where it delivers real-time visibility into operations to support informed decision-making. Its focus on scalability allows these users to handle growing complexities without overhauling their infrastructure.^[15] A primary differentiator is its all-in-one platform, which consolidates business management functions into a single solution, minimizing the reliance on multiple disparate software tools and promoting cohesive enterprise-wide control.^[29]^[15]

WebIQ Cloud Solution

WebIQ, launched in April 2016, is a cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) version of EnterpriseIQ, providing browser-based access to the same integrated ERP and MES functionalities without the need for on-premise infrastructure. It supports real-time collaboration, mobile access, and scalability for midsized manufacturers, including features like electronic data interchange, customer portals, and shop floor monitoring. Following the 2019 acquisition by Dassault Systèmes, WebIQ was integrated into the DELMIAWorks portfolio as part of the cloud ERP offerings.^[3]

Manufacturing Execution System Integration

IQMS embedded Manufacturing Execution System (MES) functionalities directly into its EnterpriseIQ suite to enhance operational efficiency on the production floor, providing manufacturers with seamless real-time oversight of manufacturing processes.^[31] This integration allows for immediate data capture and analysis without relying on external systems, enabling proactive decision-making to minimize disruptions and optimize resource utilization.^[32] Key MES features include comprehensive production monitoring, quality control, and real-time tracking of work orders and machine performance. The system captures production data such as part counts, cycle times, and overall efficiency metrics in real time, updating shop orders and schedules automatically as parts are produced.^[31] Quality control is supported through automated tracking of rejects with user-defined codes, which directly impacts production counts and links to bill of materials for associated documentation or corrective actions.^[31] Real-time tracking extends to work orders by monitoring total parts produced, remaining quantities, downtime events, and machine utilization from any networked workstation, facilitating instant identification of bottlenecks.^[31] A prominent tool in this integration is RTStation, a hardware-software solution designed for shop-floor data collection. RTStation features a touch-screen interface that displays color-coded real-time production data, including part counts, cycle speeds, machine downtime, job setups, and rejects.^[33] It incorporates downtime analysis with customized coding to log and categorize unscheduled interruptions, enabling detailed root-cause investigations.^[31] Labor tracking is handled via an integrated time clock that records employee login and logout directly at machines, assigning hours to specific jobs or work centers for accurate costing and reporting.^[33] Additionally, RTStation supports on-the-fly adjustments like lot number changes and serialized label printing to maintain traceability at the point of production.^[33] Quality management within the MES includes built-in tools for defect tracking, compliance reporting, and statistical process control (SPC). Defects are logged with codes that trigger one-click inspections and link to multimedia resources for resolution, ensuring consistent quality enforcement.^[31] Compliance reporting generates automatic shift summaries for inventory reconciliation and regulatory adherence, reducing manual documentation efforts.^[31] SPC capabilities involve automatic data collection for parameters like temperature and pressure, populating control charts and graphs while issuing alerts based on predefined rules to prevent process deviations.^[32] The synergy between the MES and EnterpriseIQ ERP ensures direct data flow for end-to-end visibility, eliminating information silos. Production data from the shop floor, including machine performance and quality metrics, feeds seamlessly into the ERP database—stored by part number, work order, or lot—for full traceability and integrated planning.^[32] This closed-loop integration supports accurate scheduling, inventory management, and financial reporting without third-party interfaces, enhancing overall manufacturing agility.^[31]

Legacy and Impact

Adoption in Manufacturing Sector

IQMS software has seen widespread adoption in the plastics manufacturing sector, particularly for injection molding processes, where it enhances operational efficiency through real-time monitoring and resource optimization. Companies such as Advantage Plastic Products implemented IQMS ERP in 2017 to streamline plastic injection molding operations, achieving improvements in on-time delivery, order accuracy, inventory management, and mold tracking via features like drag-and-drop scheduling and regrind material usage. Similarly, Miniature Precision Components, a thermoplastic parts producer serving automotive and commercial markets, deployed EnterpriseIQ across five plants in the US and Mexico, resulting in better labor allocation, real-time costing, and enhanced inventory control. In the automotive parts industry, IQMS supports Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers worldwide, facilitating compliance with standards like ISO 9001 and TS16949 through automated EDI processing and quality management tools. Nissen Chemitec America, a plastic injection molder for automotive giants including Honda and Toyota, utilized IQMS to automate file transfers and EDI, eliminating shipping errors and reducing EDI costs by approximately 90%. For electronics assembly, IQMS is tailored for high-tech manufacturers, providing integrated MES and MRP capabilities to manage complex production, with a reported 94% customer retention rate indicating strong suitability for the sector. Observed benefits across these implementations include enhanced supply chain efficiency and quality control, often leading to reduced operational costs and improved regulatory compliance. For instance, Texas Injection Molding's IQMS ERP rollout automated material and machine planning, eliminating redundant data entry and enabling real-time production connectivity to boost consistency and service quality. These outcomes stem from IQMS's integrated ERP-MES architecture, which briefly references quality control modules for statistical process control without requiring extensive customization. Such efficiencies have proven particularly valuable in mid-sized firms, where IQMS minimizes overhead by offering a single-database solution for scaling operations. Global implementations of IQMS highlight its appeal to mid-sized manufacturing firms seeking robust, out-of-the-box ERP-MES integration. With offices worldwide and deployments supporting verticals like plastics and automotive across regions including North America, Europe, and Asia, IQMS has been adopted by approximately 1,000 customers, many of which are mid-market manufacturers transitioning to digital operations. This international footprint enables seamless data exchange and compliance in diverse regulatory environments, further solidifying its role in efficient, compliant manufacturing.

Awards and Long-Term Influence

IQMS received notable recognition for its innovations in manufacturing software, including a Gold Stevie Award in 2011 for its EnterpriseIQ 7.8.1 software in the New Product & Product Management category of the American Business Awards. In 2017, the company earned Gold Stevie Awards for its customer service team in the Customer Service Department of the Year category and for CEO Gary Nemmers in the Executive of the Year - Manufacturing category, alongside a Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year in the International Business Awards.^[27] Additionally, IQMS appeared on Inc. magazine's 5000 list of fastest-growing private U.S. companies annually from 2011 to 2016, highlighting its sustained business expansion during that period.^[25] The company's long-term influence stems from its early development of integrated ERP and MES solutions tailored for mid-market manufacturers, which addressed the need for seamless data flow between planning and execution processes in repetitive, discrete, and batch manufacturing environments.^[22] This approach set a precedent for unified platforms that minimized silos between enterprise and shop-floor operations, influencing subsequent systems by demonstrating the value of all-in-one software for compliance-heavy industries like automotive and medical devices.^[9] Following its 2018 acquisition by Dassault Systèmes and subsequent rebranding to DELMIAWorks, IQMS's legacy persisted through integration into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which extended its ERP-MES capabilities to support advanced simulation and digital twin technologies for virtual factory modeling and optimization.^[3] This fusion enabled mid-sized manufacturers to leverage real-time digital replicas for predictive analytics and process improvements, enhancing efficiency in supply chain and production planning post-2019.^[34] IQMS contributed to broader industry trends toward consolidated software suites, reducing IT fragmentation by promoting end-to-end visibility that connected design, manufacturing, and business intelligence—a model now embedded in modern ecosystems like 3DEXPERIENCE.^[2]

References

[1]
IQMS - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees ... - CB Insights
IQMS was founded in 1989. Where is IQMS's headquarters? IQMS's headquarters is located at 2231 Wisteria Lane, Paso Robles. What is IQMS's latest funding round ...
[2]
Dassault Systèmes Acquires IQMS to Extend the 3DEXPERIENCE ...
With the acquisition of the California-based IQMS, Dassault Systèmes extends the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to small and midsized manufacturing ...
[3]
Dassault Systèmes Completes IQMS Acquisition
Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced the completion of the acquisition of IQMS, a leading manufacturing ERP software company, for ...
[4]
A tech giant - New Times San Luis Obispo
Jul 15, 2009 · Since 1989, IQMS has been providing programs that have become indispensable tools for manufacturers globally. When founders Randy and Nancy ...
[5]
Dassault Systemes buys Paso Robles CA IQMS for $425 million
Dec 11, 2018 · IQMS in Paso Robles was founded by Randy and Nancy Flamm. The company is now being sold to French software company Dassault Systèmes. Jayson ...
[6]
IQMS Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Growth and Stability
Jun 10, 2010 · Founded in southern California in 1989, IQMS moved to Paso Robles, CA in 1995 with a staff of seven employees. Since then, IQMS has grown to ...
[7]
IQMS company information, funding & investors - Dealroom.co
Initially, IQMS introduced a DOS-based product named IQGenesis, which laid the foundation for its future offerings. Over the years, IQMS steadily grew its ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[8]
IQMS Inc. Asset Profile | Preqin
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Paso Robles, US, IQMS Inc. offers manufacturing ERP solutions tailored for the mid-market.
[9]
IQMS | TCV
IQMS is a manufacturing software provider that uniquely combines ERP and MES functionality to give manufacturers a comprehensive end-to-end suite for running ...
[10]
IQMS of Paso Robles gets new leader, more investor money to fuel ...
Dec 21, 2015 · IQMS of Paso Robles gets new leader, more investor money to fuel growth ... moving the operation to Paso Robles in 1995 with a staff of seven.Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
[11]
IQMS Receives Additional $40m Growth Investment - FinSMEs
Aug 4, 2015 · Led by new CEO Gary Nemmers, who joined from WMS vendor HighJump, and founder Randy Flamm, who will be transitioning to the role of chief ...Missing: appointment | Show results with:appointment
[12]
DELMIAworks, Formerly IQMS, Appoints New CEO - Quality Magazine
Aug 2, 2020 · Williams brings nearly three decades of experience in enterprise software, professional services, education, management consulting and executive ...
[13]
DelmiaWorks promotes Cheri Williams to CEO spot
Jul 29, 2020 · Dassault Systèmes recently promoted Cheri Williams into the CEO spot at its DelmiaWorks (formerly IQMS) manufacturing software business.
[14]
IQMS EnterpriseIQ Manufacturing ERP Review
IQMS has developed its manufacturing ERP solution since 1989 for discrete, process and repetitive operations. ... IQMS remains privately held and has never had an ...
[15]
IQMS/US - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets
IQMS serves automotive, medical, food, packaging, and metal industries worldwide. SECTOR. Technology. INDUSTRY. Software & Tech Services. SUB-INDUSTRY.Missing: held | Show results with:held
[16]
Meathead Movers, 5 other SLO County companies make Inc. 5000 list
Aug 25, 2017 · The company had an annual revenue of $53.5 million in 2016, and employs 312 people. Morris & Garritano Insurance Agency. Finally, Morris and ...
[17]
IQMS Training | IQMS Online Training | Certified Trainer - MaxMunus
The IQMS Company's solution can be deployed on both as an on-premise or cloud-based and supports the Linux, Microsoft Windows and UNIX operating systems.
[18]
ERP Software: The Ultimate List (87 ERP software Reviews & Rates)
Aug 23, 2023 · Supported operating systems by IQMS Enterprise are Windows 7, Linux, Unix and Web browser (OS agnostic).This software is available for small and ...
[19]
Industrial Automation Engineering & Factory Systems | Wireless aids ...
The IQMS system Cornucopia uses evaluates signals ... EnterpriseIQ (EIQ) system has been hooking simple sensors up to machines since 1997. ... IQMS ...
[20]
EnterpriseIQ by DELMIAworks (Formerly IQMS) Product Review ...
DELMIAWorks (Previously IQMS) Manufacturing ERP software is an innovator in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) ...Missing: history early 1997
[21]
What is IQMS? - The SOLIDWORKS Blog -
Aug 4, 2023 · IQMS manufacturing ERP software, now known as DELMIAWorks, uniquely brings together enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) ...
[22]
IQMS Develops Hardware Solution - Gardner Business Media
Apr 25, 2012 · Specifically, the RTStation displays machine information ranging from part counts and cycle speeds to downtime and job setup information via ...Missing: WebIQ | Show results with:WebIQ
[23]
[PDF] ERP TECHNOLOGY VALUE MATRIX 2016 - Sunrise Technologies
In April 2016, IQMS debuted its WebIQ browser-based user interface which allows. EnterpriseIQ to be accessed from any web-enabled device. With the same.
[24]
IQMS | Inc.com
IQMS: Designs and develops comprehensive real-time ERP software and MES services to the automotive, medical, packaging, consumer goods and other ...
[25]
Tribar Industries Case Study for EnterpriseIQ - The Top ERP Systems
Badge producers Tribal Manufacturing explains how EnterpriseIQ improves inventory and maintains acceptable automotive supplier delivery scores.
[26]
Manufacturing ERP Software Systems from DELMIAWorks
### Summary of EnterpriseIQ ERP System Core Modules
[27]
Web Portals from DELMIAWorks - SolidWorks
DELMIAWorks (formerly IQMS) WebDirect B2B and employee web portals meets your growing business needs for an end-to-end, integrated eBusiness solution.
[28]
[PDF] EnterpriseIQ RealTime™ Production Monitoring
BENEFITS. • Improve on-time machine performance. • Eliminate the need for expensive and inefficient third-party interfaces.Missing: MES RTStation integration
[29]
IQMS launches real-time process monitoring module that links to ...
IQMS (Paso Robles, CA) launched its debut of RealTime Process Monitoring module, which directly connects manufacturing machines with the existing EnterpriseIQ ...
[30]
IQMS integrates monitoring for plant-wide management
Mar 31, 2015 · IQMS strengthened its offerings that tie production monitoring data from the shop floor to its ERP systems by upgrading its RTStation touch-screen work station.Missing: tracking | Show results with:tracking
[31]
https://www.acorn-gencon.com/uploads/docs/Realtime.pdf
[32]
DELMIAWorks | Dassault Systèmes
Legacy, homegrown and fragmented systems solve problems in silos, leaving business leaders without the comprehensive information necessary to strategically ...