Spring 2025 QAD Midwest User Group Conference: Key Takeaways for Clients Navigating Uncertainty

Posted on: April 15, 2025 | By: Alexa Leitner | QAD Practice News, QAD Business Process

The QAD Midwest User Group recently held its annual Spring Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, amid a time of considerable change at QAD. For those unable to attend, the event provided meaningful insights into QAD’s current direction—and the mindset of its most experienced customers.

Since the last Fall Conference in Grand Rapids, QAD has seen significant executive and strategic shifts. Over the past month, the company has replaced its CEO and paused the rollout of its much-anticipated O3 version, which had been positioned as a major evolution of the platform over the past two years. Brett Baumeister, QAD’s VP, addressed these developments directly in the opening keynote.

Tone of the Keynote: Accountability and Recalibration

In a notable shift from prior communications, QAD struck a tone of contrition. Leadership acknowledged continued challenges with cloud performance and support, as well as unresolved issues in the current AUX 2024 release. This level of candor was well received, but tempered by a clear sentiment among attendees: while the messaging was appreciated, real progress will be measured by actions, not intent.

Who Was There: A Loyal but Pragmatic User Base

The conference brought together a contingent of mostly long-time QAD customers—many with over 20 years of experience on the platform. The prevailing tone was pragmatic. While there is hope that QAD will address its current challenges, most clients are adopting a wait-and-see posture, focusing in the near term on maximizing value from their current implementations.

Where the Focus Lies: Practical Optimization

The bulk of conference sessions centered on how clients can drive value today. Breakouts included focused improvements across finance and operations, as well as technical workshops offering tips for reporting, integration, and data visibility. In conversations throughout the event, the consistent feedback from users was clear: they are prioritizing internal improvements and operational optimization while QAD recalibrates its direction.

What This Means for You

If you were unable to attend, the key message is this. While QAD’s long-term direction is still coming into focus, clients are not standing still. There is a strong emphasis across the community on driving tactical wins—whether through improved reporting, process streamlining, or better use of existing capabilities.

Now may be the right time to assess how your organization can strengthen its QAD footprint while remaining agile. Whether through targeted enhancements or planning for potential change, there is value in staying proactive—especially as clarity from QAD evolves.

Next Steps 

If you’re ready to elevate your team’s QAD expertise, we’re here to help. Logan Consulting specializes in QAD training tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Contact us today at info@loganconsulting.com or call (312) 345-8817 to learn more about how we can support your team’s growth and development.