In a continuing trend of software mergers and acquisitions, SAP has purchased Lighthammer Software Development Corp.

A supplier of enterprise manufacturing intelligence and collaborative manufacturing software, Lighthammer is expected to continue to supply analytical software suites for shop floor visibility, says Bob Ferrari, director of supply chain strategies for IDC Manufacturing Insights. Ferrari formerly directed SAP's supply chain.

"Lighthammer brings a lot of expertise on shop floor visibility—they're providing an offering that will give SAP a head start in this market," he adds.