EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INC
10-K405, 1998-03-02
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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                     U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

        [X]  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
             Exchange Act of 1934

                  For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997;

                                       OR

        [ ]  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
             Securities Exchange Act of 1934

        For the Transition Period from ____________ to __________________

                         Commission File Number 0-23438

                       Effective Management Systems, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                      Wisconsin                           39-1292200
           (State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer
           incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

        12000 West Park Place, Milwaukee, WI                 53224
      (Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (414) 359-9800

                             -----------------------

   Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                      None.

   Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

               Title of Class                       Title of Class
        Common Stock $.01 Par Value        Warrants to Purchase Common Stock


        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
   reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
   Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
   periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
   has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 
   90 days.   Yes [X]  No [ ]

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
   Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
   contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
   information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
   10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [X]

        The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity
   held by non-affiliates of the registrant at February 1, 1998 was
   $8,987,325.

    The number of common shares outstanding at February 1, 1998 was 4,079,455


                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

   Effective Management  Systems, Inc. Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual
   Meeting of Shareholders (to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
   Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the
   Registrant's fiscal year and, and upon such filing, to be incorporated by
   reference into Part III). 

   <PAGE>
                       EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.

                       Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K
                            For the Fiscal Year Ended
                                November 30, 1997

                                                                         Page

   Part I  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1
        Item 1.   Description of Business  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1
        Item 2.   Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
        Item 3.   Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
        Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  .   16
        Item 5.   Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder
                  Matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
        Item 6.   Selected Financial Data (In thousands, except per
                  share data)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
        Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                  Condition and Results of Operation (for the fiscal
                  years ended November 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995) . . . .   20
        Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
                   Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
        Item 8.   Financial Statement and Supplementary Data.  . . . . .   27
        Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                  Accounting and Financial Disclosure  . . . . . . . . .   53
        Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . .   53
        Item 11.  Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53
        Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                  Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53
        Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . .   53
        Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
                  on Form 8-K  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53



                                     Part I
   Item 1. Description of Business

   Overview

             Effective Management Systems, Inc. ("EMS")  develops, markets
   and supports  integrated manufacturing and business management software. 
   EMS' Time Critical Manufacturing/TM/ ("TCMJ/TM/") software is designed
   with the underlying philosophy that time is a crucial element in
   manufacturing, and that reducing time in the manufacturing process leads
   directly to increased profits for the manufacturer.  TCMJ software
   integrates technologies such as electronic data interchange ("EDI"),
   imaging, bar-coding, factory automation, engineering system integration,
   distributed numerical control ("DNC"), statistical process control
   ("SPC"), and fourth generation language ("4GL") tools with EMS'
   proprietary algorithms for scheduling and production, to optimize the
   customer's labor, capital and inventory utilization.  Software offered by
   EMS functions on the Windows NT, IBM AIX, Open VMS, SCO-Unix, and HP-UX
   operating systems.  EMS also provides services support for its software
   products and, on a selective basis, sells computer hardware.

             Software products offered by EMS include: TCM/R/, which is a
   pre-integrated enterprise resource planning, accounting and manufacturing
   execution system; and FACTORYnet/R/ I/S, which is an integrated
   Manufacturing Execution System, providing production management, shop
   floor scheduling, and operations support.  These software products are
   usually integrated with a bar code data collection system or direct
   machine controls, and provide up-to-the-minute information to track
   production and business operations.  This facilitates real-time decision
   making and enables employees throughout an organization to respond quickly
   to marketplace demands and unanticipated events.

             EMS typically focuses its sales and marketing efforts on
   discrete manufacturing plants. According to Advanced Manufacturing
   Research ("AMR") data from December 1995 there are over 24,000 discrete
   plant sites in the United States in the market segments EMS targets.  EMS
   has licensed its software products to over 1,500 customer sites.

             EMS distributes its products in the United States through
   seventeen  branch offices and through seven joint ventures and independent
   distributors.  EMS also has established distribution channels through
   independent distributors in Japan, Korea, China, the United Kingdom,
   Belgium and Poland.  In addition, the Company has joint ventures in Poland
   and China to support these distributors.

             EMS was incorporated in Wisconsin in 1978.  EMS became a
   publicly held company as a result of its initial public offering which was
   completed in February 1994.  During 1995, EMS acquired Intercim
   Corporation and the remaining interest in Effective Management Systems of
   Illinois, Inc., a joint venture subsidiary.  In 1996, EMS acquired the
   remaining interest in Darwin Data Systems Corporation another joint
   venture subsidiary.  For further details regarding these acquisitions, see
   Note 2 of Notes to EMS' Consolidated Financial Statements, which
   disclosure is included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and
   incorporated herein by reference.

   Business Risk Factors

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K and other information that is
   provided from time to time by EMS contain statements that, with the
   exception of historical facts, are forward-looking statements including,
   but not limited to, statements about:  (i) EMS' strategies, uses and
   expectations for existing and new products, services, technologies and
   opportunities, (ii) the potential future profitability of EMS' operations,
   (iii) the demand for and acceptance of new and existing products and
   services, (iv) EMS' plan to reduce its cost structure, and (v) the
   adequacy of EMS' resources to fund its operations, including research and
   development.  These statements are forward-looking statements that are
   subject to important risks and uncertainties, which could affect EMS'
   actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any
   future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
   forward-looking statements.  These important risks and uncertainties
   include, but are not limited to, the following:

        Dependence on Principal Products.  A significant portion of EMS'
   revenue is derived from license fees for TCM/R/ and FACTORYnet/R/ I/S and
   the sale of related support services.  Accordingly, any event that could
   adversely affect license fees for TCM/R/ or FACTORYnet/R/ I/S, such as
   significant flaws or incompatibility, negative publicity or evaluation, or
   obsolescence of the hardware platforms on which the systems run, could
   have a material adverse effect on EMS' results of operations.  EMS' future
   financial performance will depend, in part, on the continued development
   and introduction of new and enhanced versions of TCM/R/, FACTORYnet/R/ I/S
   and other products, and customer acceptance of such new and enhanced
   products.

        Dependence on Third Party Software.  TCM/R/ and FACTORYnet/R/ I/S
   incorporate and use software technology and software products developed by
   other companies.  There can be no assurance that all of these companies
   will remain in business or that their product lines will remain viable. 
   If any of these companies cease to do business or abandon or fail to
   enhance a particular product line, EMS may need to seek other suppliers. 
   This could result in EMS having to significantly alter its product lines
   which could have a material adverse effect on EMS' results of operations. 
   There also can be no assurance that EMS' current suppliers will not
   significantly alter their pricing in a manner adverse to EMS.

        New Products and Technological Change.  The market for EMS' products
   is characterized by rapid technological advances, evolving industry
   standards, changes in end-user requirements and frequent new product
   introductions and enhancements.  The introduction of products embodying
   new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards could render
   EMS' existing products and products currently under development obsolete
   and unmarketable.  EMS' future success will depend upon its ability to
   enhance its current products and to develop and introduce new products
   that keep pace with technological developments, respond to evolving end-
   user requirements and achieve market acceptance.  Any failure by EMS to
   anticipate or respond adequately to technological developments or end-user
   requirements, or any significant delays in product development or
   introduction, could result in a loss of competitiveness or revenues. 
   There can be no assurance that EMS will be successful in developing and
   marketing new products or product enhancements on a timely basis or that
   EMS will not experience significant delays in the future, which could have
   a material adverse effect on EMS' results of operations.  

        Variability of Quarterly Operating Results; Limited Backlog.  EMS'
   operating results can vary substantially from quarter to quarter due to
   various factors, including, among others:  the size and timing of customer
   orders; the buying patterns of manufacturers in EMS' target market; delays
   in the introduction of products or product enhancements by EMS or by other
   providers of hardware, software and components for the management
   information systems market; competition and pricing in the software
   industry; customer order deferrals in anticipation of new products; market
   acceptance of new products; reduction in demand for existing products;
   changes in operating expenses; and general economic conditions.  EMS has
   historically operated with little backlog because software orders are
   generally shipped as orders are received.  As a result, product revenue in
   any quarter is dependent on orders booked and shipped during that quarter. 
   A significant portion of EMS' operating expenses are based on anticipated
   revenue levels and are relatively fixed in nature.  If revenue does not
   meet EMS' expectations in any given quarter, operating results may be
   adversely affected.

        Competition.  The management information systems industry is
   intensely competitive and rapidly changing.  A number of companies offer
   products similar to EMS' products.  Some of EMS' existing competitors, as
   well as a number of potential competitors, have larger technical staffs,
   more established and larger marketing and sales organizations and
   significantly greater financial resources than EMS.  There can be no
   assurance that such competitors will not develop products that are
   superior to EMS' products or that achieve greater market acceptance.  EMS'
   future success will depend, in part, upon its ability to increase software
   license fee revenues in its target markets.  There can be no assurance
   that EMS will be able to compete successfully against its competitors or
   that the competitive pressures faced by EMS will not adversely affect its
   financial performance.

        Expansion Plans.  EMS plans to expand its business through continued
   product development and expansion of its distribution network in the
   United States and internationally with the objective of increasing total
   net revenues and profits.  There can be no assurance, however, that the
   efforts and funds directed to product development, and to expanding EMS'
   distribution network, will result in revenue and profit growth.  Any
   future growth of EMS will also depend on, among other things, EMS' ability
   to gain market acceptance for its products in new geographic areas and to
   monitor and control the additional costs and expenses associated with
   expansion.  No assurance can be given that EMS will be able to
   successfully manage these aspects of its business.

        Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights.  EMS regards its
   software products as proprietary, in that title to and ownership of its
   software generally reside exclusively with EMS.  EMS attempts to protect
   ownership of its software with a combination of copyright, trademark and
   trade secret laws, employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements and
   other methods of protection common in the industry.  Despite these
   precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy or
   reverse-engineer certain portions of EMS' products or to obtain and use
   information that EMS regards as proprietary.  Like many software firms,
   EMS presently has no patents.  EMS licenses the source code for its
   software to some customers for customization.  Although EMS' source code
   license contained confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions, there can
   be no assurances that such customers will take adequate precautions to
   protect such code.  In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not
   protect EMS' proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the
   United States.  There can be no assurance that the mechanisms used by EMS
   to protect its software will be adequate or that EMS' competitors will not
   independently develop software products that are substantially equivalent
   or superior to EMS' software products.  Although EMS does not believe that
   its products infringe on the existing proprietary rights of third parties,
   there can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement
   claims against EMS.

        Dependence on Key Employees.  EMS' success is dependent to a
   significant extent on its executive officers and other key personnel, the
   loss of one or more of whom could have a material adverse effect on EMS. 
   The future success of EMS will depend in large part on its ability to
   attract and retain talented and qualified employees.  Competition in the
   recruiting of highly-qualified personnel in the management information
   systems industry is intense.  While EMS has not experienced any difficulty
   in attracting and retaining talented and qualified employees to date,
   there can be no assurance that EMS can retain its key employees or that it
   can attract, assimilate and retain other qualified personnel in the
   future.

   Industry Background

             In the early 1970's, the Material Requirements Planning ("MRP")
   approach was developed to enable manufacturing companies, with the aid of
   computers, to plan and manage their businesses  more efficiently by
   managing the flow of materials at various stages of the manufacturing
   process.  In the 1980's, this management approach evolved into
   Manufacturing Resource Planning ("MRP II"), which considers labor and
   equipment planning for the manufacturing process as part of an iterative
   materials planning approach.  Concurrently with the evolution of MRP II,
   manufacturing companies (predominantly in Japan) developed a management
   technique which emphasizes the supply of component parts to "assembly-
   oriented" manufacturing plants on a "just-in-time" basis.  This technique
   not only was the first to emphasize "time" in its orientation, but also
   had other desirable outcomes for manufacturers, including improved
   quality, lower costs and lower inventory levels.

             In the 1990's, new management approaches for manufacturing
   companies have emerged which focus on "time" as the critical element in
   the manufacturing process.  In these management approaches, the
   manufacturer analyzes the component of time across its entire organization
   with the goal of correlating the expenditure of time to the addition of
   value to the finished product or service.  Beyond the production focus of
   the "just-in-time" environment, this new approach focuses on time in all
   areas of the operation from engineering to manufacturing and from customer
   order processing to shipment.  This new approach differs from MRP II in
   that it often focuses on improving business operations by treating plant
   capacity and labor resources as the primary scheduling items and treating
   material availability as a secondary consideration in manufacturing
   planning.  The new approach emphasizes "operations decision-making"
   support in contrast to the planning emphasis of MRP II and more recently
   developed planning systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP"). 
   In addition, a category of information systems has been identified as
   Manufacturing Execution Systems which compliments ERP systems by making
   available real-time information from the factory floor and enhancing
   production performance and decision-making associated with plant
   operations.  EMS believes that these Manufacturing Execution Systems
   represent a relatively new  marketplace with substantial benefit potential
   for manufacturers.   EMS believes that this "time emphasis" in
   manufacturing management, which is the focus of EMS' TCM/R/ and
   FACTORYnet/R/ I/S products, will be an essential component of the
   management approach for many manufacturers in the future.

             During 1997, the Gartner Group of Stamford, Connecticut included
   EMS in its evaluations for North American mid-market ERP solutions, Shop
   Floor Control solutions and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems. 
   In these evaluations, EMS compared favorably relative to many of its
   competitors. EMS was also the only corporation within the industry to have
   a product offering evaluated in all three of these areas for discrete
   manufacturing. Management believes this reflects the fact that EMS is the
   only provider currently offering software for all of these dimensions of a
   discrete manufacturer.  

   Strategy

             EMS' objective is to grow as a leading provider of integrated
   business software systems for discrete manufacturing plants within its
   target market.  EMS has identified three strategic initiatives to achieve
   this goal.

             Focus on Time Critical Manufacturing.  EMS believes that
   manufacturers are striving to become more "time competitive," and that
   manufacturing software which focuses solely on providing information for
   planning and on recording information for historical analysis will be
   inadequate to meet the needs and demands of manufacturers in the years to
   come.  To be effective in the future, EMS believes that manufacturing
   software will be required to empower individuals at all levels of an
   organization to make immediate decisions regarding production processes
   and business activities.  Since 1988, EMS has focused its resources on
   developing software to assist time-oriented manufacturing management. 
   EMS' software facilitates real-time decision-making by employees enabling
   them to change processes proactively and react quickly to marketplace
   demands and unanticipated events.  With few exceptions, EMS believes that
   the limited number of information system implementations currently in
   place which have this "time" focus have been developed on an individual
   customized basis.  EMS is not aware of other major  products available in
   its target market for discrete manufacturers which offers both planning
   and execution systems and has a strategy of focusing on time.

             Commitment to Manufacturing Execution Systems.  EMS believes
   that discrete manufacturers can gain significant competitive advantage by
   implementing Manufacturing Execution Systems.  These systems bring
   together the data and information from ERP Systems, Industrial  Control
   Systems, and Engineering Systems as illustrated below.

                       [FIGURE OMITTED]

             [Description of omitted figure:  This figure illustrates the
   necessary integration of data and information throughout the manufacturing
   organization.  The functional areas of engineering, manufacturing business
   systems, and office automation depend on information from each other to 
   perform efficiently and with quality.  Separate software solutions for each
   of these functional areas causes quality loss through communications errors,
   time loss through redundant entry of data, and incompatibilities of 
   necessary data.]

             EMS offered its first Manufacturing Execution System package in 
   1988 and believes that it is currently a leader in this software segment. 
   Typical business functions included in a Manufacturing Execution System are
   described below (see - "Time Critical Manufacturing - - EMS Software
   Products").  Although the people in an organization which use this
   software on a minute-to-minute and hour-to-hour basis are the factory
   operations personnel, EMS believes that the value manufacturers realize
   from implementing a Manufacturing Execution System extends far beyond this
   realm. EMS believes, based on the experience of its customers, that the
   major benefit of implementing a Manufacturing Execution System within an
   organization is improved customer service and competitiveness.  These
   systems allow an organization to reduce non-value added elapsed time in
   the overall business process.  EMS currently offers two Manufacturing
   Execution System products, one which is pre-integrated with a total
   software offering for the entire enterprise (TCM/R/) and the second is
   FACTORYnet/R/ I/S in which EMS personnel use Manufacturing Execution
   System software to "round out" and complete partial manufacturing
   execution system initiatives already undertaken by the customer. AMR
   reported in December 1995 that Manufacturing Execution System software
   packages had at that time penetrated the U.S. market by the percentages
   set forth below:

                  Industry            % Penetration

                  Electronics                   7%
                  Discrete                      4%
                  Repetitive                    0%

   Management believes Manufacturing Execution Systems provide a significant
   market opportunity for EMS and, correspondingly, has strategically
   committed EMS to enhancing its Manufacturing Execution System offerings
   and marketplace presence.

             Emphasis on Pre-Integrated Software for Discrete Manufacturing. 
   EMS' experience in the marketplace resulted in the 1995 introduction of
   the first "pre-integrated" ERP/Manufacturing Execution System/Controls
   software offering for discrete manufacturers.  This pre-integration
   initiative was facilitated by the acquisition of Intercim Corporation. The
   figure set forth below illustrates three risk and capital capacity curves
   which relate to the eras of "custom" software, "custom systems integrated"
   software, and "pre-integrated" software.

                              [FIGURE OMITTED]

             [Description of omitted figure:  This figure illustrates the 
   evolution of business software and the relationship of risk/capital 
   capacity to corporation size.  "Custom" software systems and "Custom 
   System Integrated" software systems represent the past and current eras
   of software development and implementation.  Formerly, only large 
   corporations could afford the cost and risk of customized software.  Today,
   with pre-integrated software from EMS, all manufacturers can enjoy the 
   benefits of enterprise-wide solutions without the customization risk.]

   The illustration depicts how, in the first era of "Custom" software, only
   large corporations could afford the risk and capital outlays necessary to
   develop such software.  Results from these software investments were mixed
   and implementation times generally spanned from five years to infinity.  

   During the 1980's the industry entered its second era of "Custom Systems
   Integrated" software.  During this era, which actually spans from the mid-
   1980's until the present time, systems integration organizations worked
   with manufacturing companies to procure software components (for example,
   ERP, Statistical Process Control, Plant Maintenance, etc.) and integrated
   them on a custom basis for a given facility or corporation.  The advent of
   this era dramatically reduced risk and capital capacity and for the first
   time made such products affordable for mid-sized corporations. 
   Implementation time frames were reduced to three to five years.  This
   approach represents the state-of-the-art for many  manufacturers today.

   EMS introduced the "pre-integrated" era in 1995 when it offered the first
   pre-integrated software package for discrete manufacturers.  Software pre-
   integration means that a customer can buy a comprehensive set of software
   from EMS which has already been integrated  and proven to function.  The
   various software components may be built by EMS or suppliers to EMS.  In
   the case where there are suppliers to EMS, EMS has generally established
   alliances so that it can have design influence over the software.  The
   pre-integration package also contemplates that other software, for
   example, Computer Aided Design systems, may already be in place at the
   customer site.  "Off-the-shelf interfaces" for popular Computer Aided
   Design systems which once again are proven in advance are available to
   facilitate interaction with these software products.  The figure above
   illustrates that pre-integrated software reduces risk and cost for the
   manufacturing company and also allows manufacturers of varying sizes to
   take advantage of the features offered by the software.  Implementation
   time frames for pre-integrated software are between nine and eighteen
   months. EMS plans to continue to focus on the pre-integrated software
   marketplace.  During 1996, Version 5.3 of TCM/R/ became the first industry
   product to span the business functions from ERP through Manufacturing
   Execution Systems to Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Direct
   Numerical Control (DNC) as illustrated below.  This was followed in 1997
   by Version 6.0 of TCM/R/,  which brought this functionality into a
   Graphical User  Interface (GUI) product, which improved the software's
   ease of use.

                              [FIGURE OMITTED]

             [Description of omitted figure:  This figure illustrates the 
   integration of ERP, MES, Controls, SPC, and actual physical devices on the
   shop floor.  The figure shows the inter-relationships of these systems
   and actual physical devices on the shop floor.  The figure shows the inter-
   relationships of these systems and the necessary feedback loops.  The 
   figure illustrates the value of integrated solutions through pre-defined 
   communications between various software systems.]

             EMS  believes that "pre-integration" of much of this software
   reduces the time and cost of system implementations and increases the
   business value to the manufacturer  similar to the way that "suites" of
   desktop software have affected that marketplace as compared to custom
   integration of word processing, data base, and spreadsheet desktop
   products.  

   Software Products

             EMS develops, markets and supports TCM/TM/ application software
   for discrete manufacturing companies.  EMS currently offers licenses for
   two software products:  (a) TCM/R/, which is a full function business and
   ERP software system, including a pre-integrated Manufacturing Execution
   System providing production management, shop floor scheduling and
   operations support; and b) FACTORYnet/R/ I/S, which is a Manufacturing
   Execution System that provides production personnel with correct revisions
   of drawings, specifications, procedures, and instructions to help them
   make a better product and make it right the first time.   EMS' software
   products are intended to provide a set of "tactical tools" which will
   enable the customer to achieve its strategic goals by correlating the
   expenditure of time to the addition of value to the finished product or
   service.  

             EMS' products are designed for discrete manufacturers, including
   both stand-alone manufacturing plants and autonomous divisions of large
   corporations.  "Discrete" manufacturers assemble or fabricate parts into
   finished products as distinguished from "process" manufacturers which mix,
   separate and otherwise combine or control ingredients to create finished
   products.  EMS'  focus on discrete manufacturers includes the market
   segments of repetitive and electronics manufacturers which some people
   identify as additional market segments.

   Time Critical Manufacturing -- EMS Software Products

   EMS software provides assistance for a broad range of tasks identified in
   the six categories set forth below.  The TCM/R/ product can include
   software from all of these six categories.  TCM/R/ and FACTORYnet/R/ I/S
   provide different capabilities within the Manufacturing Execution System
   and Decision Support Tools categories described below.  EMS has plans that
   over time the two Manufacturing Execution System product offerings will
   evolve into a single product which is more comprehensive than either of
   the current  Manufacturing Execution System offerings.

   <TABLE>
   <CAPTION>

                   Time Critical Manufacturing Software Suites
   <S>                                  <C>                         <C>
   I.  PLANNING
       Master Production Scheduling     Manufacturing Resource      Capacity Planning
                                        Planning II
                                        Forecasting Interface

   II. PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT
       Product Configurator             Engineering Change Control  Standard Bills of Material
       Standard Routings                Computer Aided              Document Library
                                        Manufacturing ("CAM")
       Item Master                      Computer Aided Design       Standard Cost Build Up
                                        ("CAD") Interface

   III. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
       Customer Service                 Inventory Control           Procurement
       Estimate/Quote                   Inventory Management        Requisitions
       Customer Maintenance             Distribution Management     Vendor Maintenance
       Customer Order Processing                                    Purchase Orders
       Shipping                                                     Vendor Performance
       Liability & Warranty                                         Electronic Data Interchange ("EDI")
       Electronic Data Interchange
         ("EDI")*

   IV. MANUFACTURING EXECUTION  SYSTEM
       Shop Floor Management            Job Cost
       Bar Code Factory Data            Time & Attendance
         Collection
       Plant & Equipment Maintenance    Shop Fllor Scheduling
       "As Built History"               Quality Management*
       Electronic Traveler              Machine Interface
       Messaging & Alarms               EMS Gateway
       Electronic Work Instructions
       Distributed Numerical Control
         ("DNC")

   V.  FINANCE, ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION
       Accounts Receivable              General Ledger              Fixed Assets*
       Accounts Payable                 Human Resources*
       Standard Cost                    Payroll*

   VI. DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS
       Executive Information System     Document Library
       Report Writer                    E-Mail
       Database                         Internet
       Notification Services            ODBC  Access


   *  These Products Are Provided Based On Third Party Sublicensing
      Alliances.
   </TABLE>


             I.   Planning.  The planning modules provide master
      production scheduling capability integrated with rough cut capacity
      planning to assist production organizations in planning materials
      requirements and manufacturing resource levels for the manufacturing
      facility.

             II.  Product Data Management ("PDM").  PDM modules allow for
      product definition and control of engineering changes and
      relationships among component parts.  These modules include software
      which interface with industry popular Computer Aided Design ("CAD")
      systems and offer Computer Aided Manufacturing ("CAM") software.

             III. Supply Chain Management.  

                       Customer Service.  Modules provide control over the
      customer order cycle, including quotations, order entry,
      acknowledgment printing, pick ticket printing, shipping and
      invoicing.  These modules allow for flexible pricing tables and
      multiple order types, including telephone orders, blanket orders and
      releases, over-the-counter orders and credit memos.  EMS believes
      that its software for EDI, which facilitates electronic order entry
      and advance shipping notification, is particularly useful in meeting
      the needs of the automotive and retail supply industries.

                       Inventory Management.  The Inventory Management
      modules provide  engineering data control and offer inventory
      recordkeeping, availability projections and replenishment planning. 
      These modules provide bin, lot and serial number control, multi-
      location support, cycle counting and physical inventory control.

                       Procurement.  The Procurement modules provide
      control of the purchasing cycle, including authorized vendor price
      quotations, purchase order entry and printing, receipts entry and
      vendor performance analysis.  These modules coordinate blanket
      orders and releases, one-time purchase orders, orders for non-
      productive materials and electronic mail notification upon receipt. 

             IV.   Manufacturing Execution System.  The TCM/R/ and
      FACTORYnet/R/ I/S software products offer integrated Manufacturing
      Execution Systems which (i) provide production management, shop
      floor scheduling, distribution of "electronic drawings" as well as
      textual information on factory floor computer workstations, (ii)
      collect information from bar coding systems and (iii) facilitate the
      establishment of direct connections for virtually any NC/CNC machine
      tool and/or CAD systems.  The products also include quality systems
      integration for statistical process control ("SPC") analysis.  These
      Manufacturing Execution Systems may  operate as stand-alone systems
      or be integrated into existing customer systems, and  are pre-
      integrated with the remainder of the EMS software.

             V.   Finance, Accounting  and Administration. These modules
      provide general accounting and financial assistance in tracking and
      estimating planned and actual work-in-process costs.  Any
      information from the finance and accounting database may be readily
      pulled into personal computer spreadsheet systems for further
      analysis and reporting.  These modules also interface with third
      party human resource, fixed assets, and payroll  software products
      sold by EMS.

             VI.   Decision Support Tools.  These software modules are a
      combination of internally developed and third party software sold by
      EMS which facilitate easy data management, analysis, customization,
      communication, etc., with and between the EMS software and other
      software in the customer's computing environment.

                  EMS software modules may be licensed individually or in
      combination to allow companies with differing business needs and
      schedules to have flexibility in the implementation of the software
      system.  Customers generally license between $30,000 and $1,000,000
      of  software per plant, with the total license fees per plant based
      on the modules licensed and a per seat license fee.  

      Software Technology

                  EMS invests in a wide range of software technologies
      which are important not only for the EMS end user customer but also
      for EMS' internal software development and distribution.  In
      appropriate circumstances, EMS has licensed software developed by
      others and integrated various features of that software into its own
      software products.  For example, EMS' software products incorporate
      imaging technology, which enables the user to store and
      interactively display images such as photographs of steps in a
      particular production process, diagrams of manufacturing sub-
      assemblies or motion video depicting the proper operation of a
      machine.  This imaging capability facilitates manufacturing and
      production set-up and also assists users in satisfying ISO 9000
      certification criteria (a set of international quality standards). 
      EMS' products also include EDI, which facilitates electronic order
      entry and advance shipping notification.

                  For internal software  development, EMS employs 4GL sets
      of development tools which EMS believes are  instrumental in
      achieving software productivity improvements and allow end users
      flexibility to  customize their software systems.  EMS has also
      developed proprietary software which facilitates the conversion of
      EMS' software products into various foreign languages, including
      complex Asian languages.  EMS believes that this technology is
      useful not only in penetrating foreign software markets, but also in
      assisting customers which use EMS' software products on a multi-
      national basis.

                  For a further discussion of EMS' ongoing efforts to
      develop new software technologies, see "- Product Development."


      Customer Services

                  EMS offers comprehensive services for customers. 
      Services provided by EMS include a telephone support program, system
      integration, custom software development, implementation consulting,
      and formal classroom and on-site training.  At the customer's
      option, these services, which are available for both of EMS'
      software products, can be provided entirely by EMS or may be
      supplied in part by the customer or another third party such as a
      systems integrator or consulting firm.  These services, which
      provide a recurring stream of revenue for EMS, are offered on an
      unbundled basis for either an annual or a multi-year subscription
      period.  All of the services offered by EMS are optional, except
      that EMS requires first-time licensees of its software to subscribe
      for at least two years of telephone support.  EMS believes that the
      availability of effective customer services is critical for customer
      satisfaction and to increase software license fee revenues.  EMS
      further believes that services can provide a continuing and more
      predictable source of revenue as compared to software license fee
      revenues.  For the years ended November 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
      services revenues accounted for  37.8%, 37.4%, and 39.4%  of EMS'
      total net revenues, respectively.

                  The following is a brief description of the various
      services provided by EMS:

                  Telephone Support Program.  EMS' telephone support
      program is a comprehensive, fee-based program designed to help
      customers obtain the maximum benefit from EMS' business management
      software.  The telephone support program is handled out of EMS'
      Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin offices and is staffed by thirty
      trained professionals.  The program includes, among other services,
      answering technical questions regarding standard software, and
      diagnosing and resolving equipment and software problems. 

                  System Integration and Custom Software Development.  EMS
      offers system integration and custom software development services,
      on a fee basis, to meet specific customer requirements and to
      integrate its software with a customer's existing computer system. 
      EMS has developed a Time Critical Implementation Methodology
      ("TCIMJ"), which is a proprietary implementation methodology
      intended to facilitate integration and efficient implementation of
      EMS' products at customer sites.  This approach is designed to allow
      the customer to obtain business benefits sooner than with less
      structured methodologies.  Ongoing technical support is also
      available from EMS to all customers who elect to purchase custom
      software development services.  

                  Implementation Consulting.  EMS provides consulting
      services, on a fee basis, to assist customers in implementing EMS'
      software systems using the TCIMJ approach.  These services include
      value-added implementation planning, project management and
      specialized customer training.  EMS employs a full-time professional
      services staff to provide these and other services.  

                  Training.  EMS offers customers a series of both
      classroom and on-site training options.  Training includes classroom
      and personal instruction at a number of EMS' locations or at the
      customer's plant site.  Standardized training is offered for a fixed
      fee per class.

      Hardware Products

                  EMS sells computer hardware and data collection
      equipment in order to facilitate sales of its software products to
      customers requiring a complete management information system.  EMS
      sells, among other hardware, factory data collection equipment,
      CAMates/R/ (a small specialized computer allowing users to monitor
      and collect data from production machines), bar coding systems,
      networking and communication equipment, and occasionally server and
      client computer hardware.  The factory data collection and bar
      coding hardware is purchased from the original manufacturers and
      resold on a project basis.  This equipment ranges from fixed mount
      bar code scanners and printers to portable units and radio frequency
      network units.  EMS also offers its customers networking and
      communication hardware and server and client computing hardware
      which EMS purchases from original manufacturers, including Intermec
      Corporation,  plus two distributors, Keylink SystemsSM and Ingram
      Micro, Inc.  During the past several years, EMS has focused its
      efforts on generating an increasing percentage of its net revenues
      from software license fees, which have a higher margin than hardware
      revenues.

      Markets and Customers

                  EMS targets companies operating discrete manufacturing
      plants in the United States, Canada, the Pacific Rim, and Europe.
      These plants may be owned by privately held companies or by large,
      multi-national public corporations.  EMS' customers include, among
      others, capital equipment manufacturers, job shops, high volume
      manufacturers, automotive suppliers, consumer product manufacturers,
      and aerospace equipment manufacturers.  Based on  December 1995 data
      compiled by AMR, there are approximately 24,000 discrete
      manufacturing plants in the United States.  EMS believes that there
      are at least as many discrete manufacturers within this section of
      the market outside of the United States.  During each of the past
      three fiscal years, no one customer has accounted for more than 10%
      of EMS' total net revenues.

      Sales and Marketing

                  In the United States and Canada, EMS licenses its
      products and offers services through a direct branch office sales
      force, joint ventures and independent distributors as reflected in
      the table below:

   Branch Office Locations   

      -Austin, TX
      -Baltimore, MD
      -Boston, MA
      -Chicago, IL
      -Cincinnati, OH
      -Detroit, MI
      -Green Bay, WI
      -Houston, TX
      -Indianapolis, IN
      -Los Angeles, CA
      -Milwaukee, WI
      -Minneapolis, MN
      -Norwalk, CN
      -Philadelphia, PA
      -Port St. Lucie, FL
      -Rockford, IL
      -San Jose, CA

   Independent Distributor Territories

      -Camarillo, CA
      -Miller Place, NY
      -Menominee, MI
      -Pittsburgh, PA
      -Wausau, WI
      -West Des Moines, IA

   Joint Venture Location

      -Cleveland, OH 



      EMS owns 50% of the joint venture operating in Cleveland.  EMS
      obtained its interest in this joint venture primarily in exchange
      for technical knowledge and management expertise.  EMS has no
      obligation to fund any losses that may be incurred by the joint
      venture.  

                  EMS' direct sales personnel are compensated on a salary
      plus commission basis.  EMS' joint venture and independent
      distributor agreements generally provide that sales will be made by
      authorized resellers from offices within a designated territory. 
      The agreements obligate EMS to license the reseller at specified
      prices and to provide training to each reseller.  Resellers are
      normally obligated to sell a specified minimum amount of EMS'
      software to keep the agreements in effect.  EMS also maintains a
      staff of systems consultants who offer pre- and post-sales support
      to the sales and distribution network.

                  EMS markets its products through advertising campaigns
      in national trade periodicals and through direct mailings.  These
      efforts are supplemented by listings in relevant directories and
      trade show and conference appearances.  EMS is also given leads
      regarding potential customers by its hardware and services vendors,
      existing customers and various accounting and consulting firms.

                  Sales cycles for EMS' products vary substantially based
      on the degree of integration, consulting and training required and
      also on the status of the customer's hardware system implementation. 
      A sales cycle is usually three to twelve months from the time an
      initial sales presentation is made until the time a signed license
      agreement is entered into with a customer.  

                  In addition to its domestic markets, EMS over the last
      several years has begun efforts to develop a market for its products
      in the Pacific Rim and Europe.  EMS has established independent
      distributor relationships in Japan,  South Korea, The Peoples
      Republic of China, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Poland.  In each
      of these countries, EMS' software products have been or are in the
      process of being converted to the local language.  EMS has an office
      in Hong Kong to support its Asian distributors.  

      Strategic Arrangements

                  A facet of EMS' strategy is to establish arrangements
      with suppliers of state of the art information systems technology. 
      EMS over the last five  years has worked to expand the number of its
      strategic relationships.

                  EMS has distributor relationships with Keylink
      SystemsSM, a subsidiary of Pioneer Standard Electronics, Inc.
      Company, and Ingram Micro, Inc., which  supply computers, associated
      peripherals and third party software.  EMS has arrangements with
      Intermec Corporation relating to bar code data collection systems
      which are integrated on an "off-the-shelf" basis into EMS' software
      products.  EMS' software has been integrated with other bar coding
      systems on a customized basis. EMS also has  a  relationship with
      the Datamyte Division of Rockwell Automation for its Quantum quality
      control software product line.

                  In addition to its relationships with equipment
      providers, EMS has relationships with numerous software product
      suppliers.  These companies provide software which EMS uses within
      its TCM/R/ and FACTORYnet/R/ I/S software.  Synergex International
      Corporation  has provided the Synergy 4GL Applications Development
      Environment since 1990.  EMS purchases EDI software from Supply Tech
      and Radley Corporation.

                  EMS' relationship with the equipment and software
        product suppliers described above is basically that of a
        reseller of such suppliers' products.  As such, EMS is entitled
        to volume discounts on products which it purchases and is
        generally entitled to the benefits of cooperative marketing
        programs.

   Product Development

             EMS believes it must continue to enhance, broaden and modify its
   existing line of software products to meet the constantly evolving needs
   of discrete manufacturers within its target market.  EMS has relied on
   internal development and development related to customized projects
   implemented at field sites to extend, enhance and support its software
   products, and develop and integrate new capabilities.

             In general, EMS has historically made one new product release
   each year.  These formal releases are supplemented by periodic releases
   for its EDI software to respond to ongoing changes in trading partner
   requirements.

             During the fiscal years ended November 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
   EMS' total software investment (consisting of product development expenses
   and capitalized software development costs) was $3.4 million, $5.6 million
   and $6.9 million, respectively.  Product development expenditures which
   were expensed and not capitalized during those three fiscal years totaled
   $1.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

             Software development efforts currently in progress include the
   development of product enhancements such as additional object orientation
   features within EMS' products, enhanced client-server network operations
   on various operating systems, extended operation on various relational
   database products, and enhanced functional capability. There can be no
   assurance, however, that these development efforts will result in product
   enhancements that EMS will be able to market successfully.  Certain of
   these enhancements are dependent upon the development efforts of third
   party suppliers over whom EMS has no control.  In the event the
   development efforts of the third party suppliers are delayed or are
   unsuccessful, the software developments of EMS would be similarly delayed. 
   Software development is, however, an evolutionary process and EMS
   management believes it could eventually find other suppliers or, if
   unsuccessful in its search, that it could successfully re-engineer
   existing products to fulfill its requirements.

   Competition

             The manufacturing software industry is intensely competitive and
   rapidly changing.  A number of companies offer products similar to EMS'
   products.  Some of EMS' existing competitors, as well as a number of
   potential competitors, have larger technical staffs, more established and
   larger marketing and sales organizations and significantly greater
   financial resources than EMS.

             EMS believes that its employees' understanding of diverse
   manufacturing operations and processes and the potential business benefits
   of the TCMJ management approach to such operations allow EMS to
   differentiate itself from competitors.  Other competitive factors include
   software product features and functions, product architecture, the ability
   to function on a variety of operating systems, technical support and other
   related services, ease of product integration with third party application
   software, price, and performance.  In December 1997, Gartner Group
   identified twenty-four competitors of EMS in the North American mid-market
   Enterprise Resource Planning area for discrete manufacturers. 
   Additionally, that firm identified eight competitors in the Manufacturing
   Execution Systems market as of June, 1997.  Although Gartner Group
   identified a limited number of competitors in its Manufacturing Execution
   Systems study, EMS  generally does not encounter these competitors in the
   marketplace. EMS believes that its primary competition for its
   Manufacturing Execution System products are customized software products
   developed by internal data processing staffs or by third party customized
   software developers.  None of the competitors identified by Gartner Group
   had product offerings for both ERP and Manufacturing Execution System
   discrete manufacturers. 

   Intellectual Property

             EMS has registered or has applied for registration of its
   "EMS/TM/" and "TCMJ"  trademarks for software services and products with
   the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with the equivalent
   offices of most foreign countries in which EMS currently does business. 
   Among others, EMS has also received or applied for trademarks for products
   marketed under the names FACTORYnet/R/ I/S and CAMate/R/.

             EMS regards its software products as proprietary in that title
   to and ownership of its software reside exclusively with EMS.  EMS
   attempts to protect its rights with a combination of trademark, copyright
   and employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements. Despite these
   precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized parties to copy or
   reverse-engineer portions of EMS' software products.  While EMS'
   competitive position could conceivably be threatened by its inability to
   protect its proprietary information, EMS believes that copyright and
   trademark protection are less important to EMS' success than other factors
   such as the knowledge, ability and experience of EMS' personnel, name
   recognition and ongoing product development and support.

   Employees

   As of November 30, 1997, EMS had 349 full-time employees, of whom 79 were
   engaged in sales and marketing; 78 in product development; 153 in customer
   service; and 39 in management, finance and administration. EMS employees
   are not represented by any collective bargaining organization and EMS has
   never experienced a work stoppage. EMS considers its employee relations to
   be good.

   Item 2. Properties

   EMS' Corporate headquarters are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in a
   leased office consisting of approximately 42,000 square feet under a lease
   expiring November 30, 2003.  EMS leases additional facilities domestically
   in Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Cincinnati,
   Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Hartford, Connecticut; Houston, Texas;
   Indianapolis, Indiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
   Port St. Lucie, Florida; Rockford, Illinois and San Jose, California. EMS
   leases office space internationally in Hong Kong, and China.  Additional
   space may be required within the next twelve months, but EMS believes that
   suitable additional space will be available as required.  See Note 7 of
   the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  for information regarding
   EMS total lease obligations.

   Item 3. Legal Proceedings

   As of the date of this filing, neither EMS nor any of its subsidiaries is
   a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which, in
   management's opinion, would have a material effect on EMS' results of
   operations or financial position.

   Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter
   ended November 30, 1997.


                               Part II

   Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

   The common stock and common stock warrants of EMS are traded on The Nasdaq
   Stock Market under the symbols EMSI and EMSIW, respectively.

   The table below represents the high and low sales prices for the EMS
   common stock and warrants as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market for
   fiscal 1996 and 1997:
                                                           
                           Common Stock                     Warrants

    1996                  High        Low             High              Low

    First Quarter     $  5-3/4     $  4-1/4        $  2-1/8          $  1-1/4
    Second Quarter    $  7-3/4     $  4-1/4        $  3              $  1-1/4
    Third Quarter     $  8         $  5-1/4        $  3-1/8          $  2-1/2
    Fourth Quarter    $  8-1/4     $  5-1/4        $  3-1/4          $  2-1/2


    1997                 High         Low             High              Low

    First Quarter     $  7-3/4     $  5-1/2        $  3-3/16         $  2-1/2
    Second Quarter    $  7-1/2     $  6-1/2        $  2-1/2          $    3/4
    Third Quarter     $  6-1/8     $  4            $  1-1/2          $  1
    Fourth Quarter    $  6-1/2     $  4            $  2              $  1-1/2


   As of February 1, 1998, there were 446 shareholders of record of EMS's
   common stock and 306 holders of record of the warrants.  EMS has not
   declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock in the past, and
   currently intends to retain any earnings for use in its business. 
   Therefore, EMS does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
   foreseeable future.  EMS's credit facility also contains provisions
   limiting its ability to pay cash dividends.


   Item 6.

   <TABLE>

   Selected Financial Data (In thousands, except per share data)

   <CAPTION>
                                                                                 Year ended November 30
                                                        1993            1994          1995(4)          1996           1997
    STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
    <S>                                              <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
    Net revenues:
    Software license fees                            $  7,146        $10,163        $11,534        $19,094         $21,752
    Services                                         $  5,928        $ 7,256        $10,962        $15,412         $16,781
    Hardware                                         $  6,220        $ 5,245        $ 6,528        $ 6,751         $ 4,112
                                                     ========        =======       ========        =======         =======
                               Total net revenues     $19,294        $22,664        $29,024        $41,257         $42,645


    Cost of products and services:
    Cost of third party software license fees        $    405       $    797       $  1,419       $  2,484        $  3,065
    Software development amortization                $    342       $    515       $    879       $  1,591        $  2,535
    Cost of services                                 $  3,898       $  4,467       $  7,884       $ 12,109        $ 14,000
    Cost of hardware                                 $  4,752       $  4,146       $  5,118       $  4,979        $  3,260
                                                     ========      =========       ========       ========        ========
                  Total cost of products/services    $  9,397       $  9,925        $15,300        $21,163         $22,860


    Gross Margin                                     $  9,897        $12,739        $13,724        $20,094         $19,785
                                                     ========        =======        =======        =======         =======

    Selling and marketing expenses                   $  5,546       $  7,407       $  9,479        $14,060         $15,957
    General and administrative expenses              $  2,038       $  2,227       $  3,029        $ 3,416         $ 3,838
    Software development expenses (1)                $    621       $   752        $  1,086        $ 2,235         $ 2,391
                                                     ========       ========       ========       ========        ========
                         Total Operating Expenses    $  8,205        $10,386        $13,594        $19,711         $22,186


    Operating income (loss)                          $  1,692       $  2,353      $     130       $    383        $ (2,401)
    Other income (expense)                           $    (32)      $    342      $      80       $   (118)       $   (377)

    Income (loss) before income taxes                $  1,660       $  2,695      $     210      $     265        $ (2,778)
    Income tax expense (benefit)                     $    650       $    975      $      79      $     112        $   (618)
                                                     ========       ========      =========      =========        ========
    Net income (loss)                                $  1,010       $  1,720      $     131      $     153        $ (2,160)

    Net income per share                             $   0.39       $   0.53      $    0.04      $    0.04        $  (0.53)
                                                     ========       ========      =========      =========        ========

    Weighed average common and common equivalent                                                             
    share outstanding (2)                               2,574          3,268          3,669          3,965           4,048
 

    Other Statistical Data:

    Software investment (3)                          $  1,312       $  1,857       $  3,407       $  5,607        $  6,862

    Software investment as a percentage of                                                                              
    software license fees                                18.4%          18.3%          29.5%          29.4%           31.6%


    Balance Sheet Data:

    Working Capital                                  $     42       $  4,749       $  4,677       $  4,396        $  1,785
    Capitalized software development
    costs, net                                       $  1,271       $  1,861       $  4,000       $  5,781        $  7,717
                                                     ========       ========       ========       ========        ========
                                      Total assets   $  8,043        $17,903        $24,332        $27,446         $28,797


    Long-term obligations                            $    580       $     50       $     21       $  2,123        $  3,966
    Stockholder's equity                             $  1,541       $ 10,354       $ 14,177       $ 14,597        $ 12,573



        (1)  Does not include capitalized software development costs of $691, $1,105, $2,321, $3,372, and $4,471 recorded for the
             years ended November 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively.

        (2)  Weighed average common and common equivalent shares outstanding for the periods shown include the effect of common
             stock equivalents, if dilutive.

        (3)  Software investment consists of product development expense and capitalized software development costs.

        (4)  Includes results of Effective Management Systems of Illinois, Inc. and Intercim Corporation since being acquired
             effective March 31, 1995 and September 6, 1995, respectively.

   </TABLE>

   <PAGE>

   CONDENSED QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
   (In thousands, except per share data)


   The following table sets forth certain unaudited condensed operating results
   for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended November 30, 
   1997.  This information has been prepared by EMS on the same basis as the 
   Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this report and
   includes, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of
   normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the 
   information when read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial 
   Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.  EMS's operating
   results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for 
   any future period.

   <TABLE>

                                                 Three Months Ended

   <CAPTION>

                                      Feb. 28       May 31  Aug. 31      Nov. 30   Feb. 28    May 31      Aug. 31   Nov. 30
                                       1996         1996     1996          1996     1997       1997        1997       1997
   <S>                               <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>   
   Statements of
   Operations Data:

    Net Revenues:
    Software license fees            $  3,675     $  4,255  $  4,040     $  7,124 $  4,211    $  5,317   $  4,963  $  7,261
    Services                         $  3,617     $  3,780  $  3,755     $  4,260 $  4,246    $  4,020   $  4,095  $  4,420
    Hardware                         $  2,351     $  1,668  $  1,278     $  1,454 $  1,018    $  1,045   $    624  $  1,425
                                     ========     ========  ========     ======== ========    ========   ========  ========
                 Total Net Revenues  $  9,643     $  9,703  $  9,073      $12,838 $  9,475     $10,382   $  9,682   $13,106

           Cost of Products & Total
                 Operating Expenses
                                     $  9,818     $  9,861  $  9,616      $11,579  $10,910     $10,957    $10,687   $12,492
                                     ========     ========  ========      =======  =======     =======    =======   =======
    Operating income (loss)          $   (175)     $  (158)  $  (543)    $  1,259 $ (1,435)   $   (575)  $ (1,005) $    614
    Net income (loss)                $    (91)    $    (87)  $  (333)    $    664 $   (883)   $   (381)  $ (1,044) $    148
    Net income per share            $    (.02)    $   (.02) $   (.08)    $   0.17 $  (0.22)   $  (0.09)  $  (0.26) $   0.04

    Weighed average common and                                                            
    equivalent shares outstanding       3,932        3,950     3,973        4,006    4,025       4,041      4,054     4,048
                                     --------      -------   -------      ------- --------    --------   --------  --------

   </TABLE>


   Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
   Results of Operation   (for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1997,
   1996, and 1995)


   Overview

   Effective Management Systems, Inc.("EMS" or  the "Company") recorded a
   loss of approximately $2.2 million in fiscal 1997 as compared with net
   income of $153,000 in fiscal 1996.  The decline in results of operation
   was due in part to the delayed  introduction of version 6.0 of the
   Company's TCM software product as well as increased service costs
   associated with the implementation of new products and technologies.  On
   November 26, 1997, the Company released version 6.0 of its TCM product
   which management believes will positively impact the Company's position in
   the market.  TCM version 6.0 of the Company's product basically completed
   the application of a Windows compliant interface, the lack of which had
   negatively impacted software sales in the past.  Also in fiscal 1997, the
   Company initiated a cost reduction program (the "1997 Cost Reduction")
   with the goal of reducing costs by $2 million per annum.  The Company also
   announced a restructuring of executive management, which included the
   departure of two executives.  The  results of both these cost reductions
   are expected to be fully realized as fiscal 1998 progresses.  
   The Company recorded a small increase in net income for fiscal 1996
   compared with fiscal 1995.  The increase was mainly the result of the
   introduction of new products and technologies along with the expansion of
   new market channels.  During fiscal 1996, the Company became the first
   pre-integrated supplier of manufacturing software to fully integrate
   customer service, engineering, production control, dispatching, quality
   control and machine tool communication.  

   Effective March 31,1995,  the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest
   (in addition to the 50% interest previously owned) in Effective Management
   System of Illinois, Inc. ("EMS-ILL") for a cost of approximately $793,000 
   in Company common stock, cash, and related direct acquisition costs.  The
   acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and resulted in the Company
   recording $395,000 of goodwill, which is being amortized over a twenty-
   year period.

   On September 6, 1995, the Company acquired  all of the common stock of
   Intercim Corporation  ("Intercim")  for a cost of approximately $3,355,000
   in Company common stock , warrants and related direct acquisition costs. 
   The warrants have a ten-year term and an exercise price of $6.75.  The
   acquisition was accounted for as a purchase.  Goodwill of $1,437,000
   resulted from the transaction, which is being amortized over a twelve-year
   period.  The acquisitions of EMS-ILL and Intercim are herein referred to
   as the "1995 Acquisitions".


   Results of Operations
   Total Revenue

   Total revenue for fiscal 1997 increased 3.4% to $42,645,000 from
   $41,257,000 in fiscal 1996 and grew 42.2% from $29,024,000 in fiscal 1995
   to fiscal 1996.  The mix of software, services, and hardware revenues was
   51.0%, 39.4%, and 9.6%, respectively, in fiscal 1997 as compared to 46.3%,
   37.4%, and 16.3%, respectively, in 1996, and 39.7%, 37.8%, and 22.5%,
   respectively, in 1995.  The growth in software and service revenues  as a
   percentage of total revenues during these years was the result of a
   strategic decision by the Company to focus its marketing and selling
   efforts on generating an increased percentage of its revenues from higher
   margin software and services as opposed to lower margin hardware sales. 
   International revenues represented less than 10% of total revenues for all
   periods presented.

   Software License Fee Revenues

   Software license fee revenues are customer charges for the right to use
   the Company's software products.  These revenues increased 13.9% to
   $21,752,000 in fiscal 1997 from $19,094,000 in fiscal 1996.   The main
   reason for this increase was the additional sales made to new customers
   during fiscal  1997.  Software license fee revenues increased to
   $19,094,000 in fiscal 1996 from $11,534,000 in fiscal 1995.  The 1995
   Acquisitions accounted for $4,623,000 of the fiscal 1996 increase in
   revenues.  Exclusive of the revenues from the 1995 Acquisitions, the
   increase in software license fees during fiscal 1996 was mainly the result
   of new sales from a marketing relationship with International Business
   Machines Corporation, the hiring of additional sales personnel, and
   increased productivity of existing sales personnel. 

   Service Revenues

   The Company offers both mandatory and optional services to its customers. 
   Services provided include a telephone support program, systems
   integration, custom software development, implementation consulting, and
   formal classroom and on-site training.  Service revenues increased 8.9% to
   $16,781,000 in fiscal 1997 from $15,412,000 in fiscal 1996.  Service
   revenues increased  40.6% to $15,412,000 from $10,962,000 in fiscal 1995.
   These increases were primarily due to growth in the customer base and
   normal price increases. Of the increase in fiscal 1996, $4,496,000 was
   attributable to the 1995 Acquisitions.

   Hardware Revenues

   As an option, the Company sells computer hardware manufactured by others,
   along with the Company's software and services, to provide its customers
   "integrated" solutions to their management information system needs. 
   Hardware revenues decreased 39.1% to $4,112,000 in fiscal 1997 from
   $6,751,000 in fiscal 1996.  The decrease was mainly due to increased sales
   of software on platforms for which the Company does not supply hardware.
   The Company has decided to reduce its sales of commodity priced hardware
   products and those which require specific expertise beyond the scope of
   the Company's product focus.  The Company has developed relationships with
   various system integrators which sell the hardware and provide these
   value-added hardware services.  Hardware revenues increased 3.4% to
   $6,751,000 in fiscal 1996 from $6,528,000 in fiscal 1995.  This increase
   was  primarily attributable to the 1995 Acquisitions.  

   Cost of Third-Party Software License Fees

   Most of the Company's system sales also include the sale of a report
   writer, a word processor, and/or other software components provided by
   outside suppliers.  The integration of these products into the Company's
   software products generally requires that the Company pay royalties to
   these suppliers.  Cost of third-party software license fees increased to
   $3,065,000 in fiscal 1997 from $2,484,000 in fiscal 1996, and from
   $1,419,000 in fiscal 1995.  Since these third-party software products are
   generally sold in conjunction with the Company's software license, the
   increase was primarily attributable to a rise in the level of  the
   Company's software license fees.  In fiscal 1996,  the 1995 Acquisitions
   added  $470,000 to the cost of third-party software license fees.

   Software Development Amortization

   Software development amortization represents  the amortization of past
   investments made by the Company in product development. Software
   development amortization increased from $879,000 in fiscal 1995 to
   $1,591,000 in fiscal 1996, and to $2,535,000 in fiscal 1997.  In 1994, the
   Company made a decision to significantly advance software products and
   technologies. This strategic decision resulted in a substantial increase
   in the Company's investment in software product development.  During the
   three-year period ended November 30, 1997 and prior to the final
   completion of the software products,  growth in software development
   amortization exceeded the growth of software license fees. 

   Cost of Services

   Cost of services as a percentage of related revenues increased to 83.4% in
   1997 from 78.6% in 1996. The main reasons for the increases include
   allocation of resources to assist in developing new product, educational
   costs related to new products and technologies, training costs associated
   with new personnel, increased costs related to warranty work, and the
   costs of establishing a sales and service presence in China ($245,000). 
   The 1997 Cost Reduction reduced fiscal 1997 cost of services by $264,000
   through a work force reduction and a decrease of indirect activities.  
   Cost of services as a percentage of related revenues increased to 78.6% in
   fiscal 1996 from 71.9% in fiscal 1995.  The increase was attributable to a
   rising cost of labor; additional management expense relating to expanding
   the service organization; additional expenses to further develop a
   worldwide learning initiative related to new selling relationships (3.5%
   of related revenues in fiscal 1996); and the training expense related to
   newly-hired employees.

   Cost of Hardware

   Cost of hardware as a percentage of related revenues increased to 79.3% in
   fiscal 1997 compared to 73.8% in fiscal 1996.  Cost of hardware as a
   percentage of hardware revenues decreased to 73.8% in 1996 from 78.4% in
   fiscal 1995.  Cost of hardware as a percentage of related revenues varies
   with the amount of price discounting, the proportion of high margin
   hardware sales where the Company brings technical expertise to the
   process, and the proportion of customers who purchase low margin hardware
   from the Company.  Cost of hardware as a percentage of related revenues
   can rise or fall depending on the mix of these factors.  Additionally, the
   cost of hardware as a percentage of hardware revenues can vary due to the
   proportion of lower-margin sales (cost plus 11%) made to the Company's
   joint ventures and affiliates, which were $534,000, $1,264,000, and
   $1,091,000 in fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.  Commencing
   January 1, 1996, the Company began charging 11% over cost on hardware
   sales (previously sold at cost) to EMS Solutions, Inc., an affiliated
   entity owned by certain officers of the Company, to match similar terms
   offered to the Company's joint ventures.  In  June, 1997, EMS Solutions,
   Inc. ceased the purchase of  hardware from the Company and began sourcing
   the hardware through non-affliated outside vendors.   Sales of hardware to
   EMS Solutions, Inc. were $331,000 in fiscal 1997,  $851,000 in fiscal 1996
   and $926,000 in fiscal 1995.  

   Net Product Development Expenses

   Product development expenses, net of amounts capitalized, increased from
   $1,086,000 in fiscal 1995 to $2,235,000 in fiscal 1996 and to $2,391,000
   in fiscal 1997.  These increases were mainly the result of the Company's
   strategic initiative to increase investment in the development of future
   products, including the incorporation of various new technologies into the
   Company's software products. The 1997 Cost Reduction lowered new product
   development expense by $876,000 through reduction of the use of third-
   party consultants  and a work force reduction.  Management does not expect
   the reductions to impair the Company's research and development  since
   such cost reductions represent a reduction in a temporary  ramp-up to
   speed delivery of version 6.0 of the Company's software and a reduction in
   the number of consultants retained in respect to a customer project which
   was subsequently discontinued by the customer.  In  fiscal 1996,  the 1995
   Acquisitions added $659,000 to product expense, excluding $1,329,000 
   which was capitalized in accordance with Statement of Financial Standards
   (SFAS) No. 86.  Management expects product development expense to
   stabilize in 1998 as efforts relating to the incorporation of certain new
   technologies concludes.  Total development expense (defined as net
   development expense plus amounts capitalized) increased to $6,862,000 in
   fiscal 1997 from  $5,607,000 in fiscal 1996 and from $3,407,000 in fiscal
   1995.  These expenses expressed as a percent of related software revenues
   were 31.6%, 29.4% and 29.5% in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

   Selling and Marketing Expenses

   Selling and marketing expenses increased to $15,957,000 in fiscal 1997
   from $14,060,000 in fiscal 1996 and $9,479,000 in fiscal 1995.  As a
   percent of gross margin (total net revenues minus total costs of products
   and services), selling and marketing expense  increased from 70.0% to
   80.7% between fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997, and from 69.1% to 70.0% between
   fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996, respectively.  The increase in selling and
   marketing expense as a percent of gross margin between fiscal 1997 and
   fiscal 1996 was due to: 1) lower margin due to higher costs of software
   license fees (see above) and higher costs of services (see above);  2)
   increased expenses from  developing international markets ($134,000) and
   lower productivity of new personnel; and 3) concern of prospective
   customers regarding  the Company's negative operational results for fiscal
   1997. The 1997 Cost Reduction lowered selling and marketing expense by
   $730,000 in fiscal 1997, mainly through a decrease in international market
   expansion, a focusing of market communications, and work force reduction. 
   The  1995 Acquisitions accounted for $1,756,000 of the increase in the
   selling and marketing expenses in fiscal 1996.

   General and Administrative Expenses

   For fiscal 1997, general and administrative expense increased to
   $3,838,000 from $3,416,000 in fiscal 1996 and from $3,029,000 in fiscal
   1995.  As a percent of gross margin (total net revenues minus total costs
   of products and services), these expenses were 22.0%, 17.0% and 19.4% in
   fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.  The  increase in general and
   administrative expense as a percent of gross margin from fiscal 1996 to
   fiscal 1997 was mainly due to an increase in the provision for bad debts
   (2.5%).  The 1997 Cost Reduction lowered general and administrative
   expense by $303,000 in fiscal 1997 mainly through a work force reduction.  
   The 1995 Acquisitions increased general and administrative expense by
   $1,009,000 in fiscal 1996.  Other primary reasons for the increase in
   fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal 1995 include additional depreciation from
   rising levels of capital purchases ($161,000); added support personnel for
   system and facilities needs ($71,000); and additional administrative costs
   attributable to the growth in hardware and service revenues. 

   Other Income/Expense

   Other income/expense provided $377,000 of expense for fiscal 1997 compared
   with $118,000 of expense for fiscal 1996 and $80,000 of income for fiscal
   1995.  Equity losses from affiliates were  $25,000 in fiscal 1997 compared
   with $25,000 of income for fiscal 1996 and $31,000 of losses in fiscal
   1995.  The equity earnings for fiscal 1995 declined , in part, due to the
   merger with EMS-ILL, which resulted in reduced equity earnings from this
   former joint venture.  Interest expense and interest income were $399,000
   and $47,000, respectively, in fiscal 1997; $145,000 and $89,000,
   respectively, in fiscal 1996; and $52,000 and $176,000, respectively, in
   fiscal 1995.  The decrease in interest income and the simultaneous rise in
   interest expense were mainly due to the Company's reduction in cash and
   short-term assets  to fund investments in products, distribution channels,
   and service infrastructure.  The Company anticipates that interest expense
   will continue to rise in the short-term with continued application of cash
   for operating and capital expenditure purposes.

   Income Tax Expense

   The effective income tax benefit rate was 22.2% for fiscal 1997 versus an
   effective income tax rate of 42.3% for fiscal 1996 and 37.6% for fiscal
   1995.  In fiscal 1997, the Company recorded a valuation allowance equal to
   100% of the net deferred tax assets based on uncertainty regarding
   realization of such assets and thereby reduced the amount of tax benefit
   recorded by $329,000.  In fiscal 1996, the effective income tax rate was
   higher than in fiscal 1995 due to reduced tax-exempt interest income and
   non-deductible meals and entertainment expenses. 

   Liquidity and Capital Resources

   Cash provided by operations was $1,733,000 in fiscal 1997,  $2,906,000 in
   fiscal 1996 and $1,915,000 in fiscal 1995.  Non-cash expenditures,
   including both depreciation relating to capital expenditures and
   amortization associated with software product development, contributed to
   the cash provided. 

   Investment activities used cash of $5,363,000 in fiscal 1997 compared to
   $4,163,000 of cash in fiscal 1996 and $1,850,000 of cash in fiscal 1995. 
   The cash was used to fund capital expenditures of $1,177,000, $1,424,000,
   and $1,430,000 in fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, and to fund 
   investment in capitalized software product development of $4,471,000,
   $3,372,000 and $2,321,000 in fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. 
   The Company sold $505,000 of available-for-sale securities in fiscal 1997, 
   $1,247,000 of available-for-sale securities in fiscal 1996, and $1,584,000
   of available-for-sale securities  and  $743,000 hold-to-maturity
   securities in fiscal 1995, which funded, in part, the capital expenditures
   and capitalized product development.  For fiscal 1998, the Company
   estimates that capital expenditures will approximate $1,000,000 and
   capitalized software product development will approximate $4,000,000.
    
   Financing activities provided $2,778,000 of cash in fiscal 1997,
   $1,788,000 of cash in fiscal 1996, and  used $10,000 of cash in fiscal
   1995.  As of November 30, 1997, the Company had $ 2,538,000 of
   availability under its then existing $6,300,000 revolving line of credit
   based on the level of the Company's eligible accounts receivable.  On
   December 31, 1997, the Company entered into a new borrowing agreement with
   Foothill Capital Corporation to replace its prior facility.  The new
   facility includes a $6,000,000 revolving line of credit and a three-year
   term note for $3,112,500.  Interest on the revolver is payable monthly
   based on the bank's base rate plus .75% (9.25% on December 31, 1997); the
   term note bears interest at 13.5% per year.  The new agreement does
   contain certain restrictive covenants relating to income (EBITDA) ,
   tangible net worth and level of capital expenditures.  In order to meet
   these covenants, the Company will need positive operational results in
   fiscal 1998.  As of December 31, 1997, the Company had $3,751,000 of
   availability under the new revolving line of credit.

   The Company believes its cash flows from operations and funds available
   under its line of credit will be adequate to finance capital expenditures
   and working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

   The Company utilizes a combination of its own software and custom written
   systems for running its own operations. Based on its own evaluation, the
   Company believes that there will be no significant costs associated with
   ensuring year 2000 compliance of its internal systems.  Since the release
   of version 5.1.2 of the Company's software product, the Company's software
   product has been year 2000 compliant.

   American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position
   97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition" (SOP 97-2), was issued in October
   1997. SOP 97-2 is effective for transactions entered into in fiscal years
   beginning after December 15, 1997. Therefore, SOP 97-2 will effect
   transactions entered into by the Company beginning December 1, 1998. SOP
   97-2 addresses various aspects of the recognition of revenue on software
   transactions and supersedes SOP 91-1, the policy currently followed by the
   Company. SOP 97-2 provides guidance on software arrangements consisting of
   multiple elements, evidence of fair value, delivery of elements,
   accounting for service elements, and software arrangements requiring
   significant production, modification, or customization of software. The
   Company is currently evaluating the impact SOP 97-2 will have on the
   Company's consolidated financial statements. 

   Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

   Certain matters discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis (as well
   as elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report) are "forward-looking
   statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability
   established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 
   Statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking
   statements.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks
   and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially
   from those currently anticipated.  In addition to the factors set forth in
   Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (See "Business-
   Business Risk Factors"),  risks and uncertainties include customer
   acceptance of version 6.0 of the Company's software product, the Company's
   ability to implement successfully its cost reduction initiatives, 
   generation of adequate cash  to fund on-going research and development
   needs and requirements, and maintenance of an experienced level of sales
   and service personnel.  Shareholders, potential investors, and other
   parties are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the
   forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance
   on such forward-looking statements. 

   Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

                   Not Applicable


   Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

                       Effective Management Systems, Inc.

                        Consolidated Financial Statements

                  Years ended November 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995


                                    Contents

   Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . 28

   Consolidated Financial Statements

   Balance Sheets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
   Statements of Operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
   Statements of Stockholders' Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
   Statements of Cash Flows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
   Notes to Consolidated Financial 
     Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35


   <PAGE>

   Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

   The Board of Directors and Stockholders
   Effective Management Systems, Inc.

   We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Effective
   Management Systems, Inc. (the Company) and subsidiaries as of November 30,
   1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
   stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the
   period ended November 30, 1997.  Our audits also included the financial
   Statement Schedule listed in the Index at Item 14.  These financial 
   statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
   Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 
   and schedule based on our audits.

   We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
   standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
   obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
   free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
   basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
   statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
   used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
   the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
   provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

   In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
   present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
   position of the Company and subsidiaries at November 30, 1997 and 1996,
   and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
   each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 1997, in
   conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our 
   opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in 
   relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents 
   fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.


   /s/ Ernst & Young
   Ernst & Young

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   January 16, 1998

   <PAGE>

                       EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets
                             (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                           November 30
    Assets                                           1997              1996
    Current Assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                    $   14         $   866
      Investment in available-for-sale
        securities (Note 3)                             -             505
      Accounts receivable:
         Trade, less allowance for doubtful
         accounts of $462-1997; $346-1996          12,370          11,146
    Related parties                                   604             693
                                                   ------          ------
                                                   12,988          11,839

      Refundable income taxes                         312             159
      Inventories                                     280             391
      Deferred income taxes (Note 10)                   -             175
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets       146             174
                                                   ------          ------
    Total current assets                           13,726          14,109

    Software development costs, net                 7,717           5,781
    Investments in and advances to
      unconsolidated joint ventures                   182             199
    Equipment and leasehold improvements, net
      (Note 4)                                      3,917           3,961
    Intangible assets, net (Note 5)                 2,444           2,690
    Other assets                                      811             706
                                                   ------         -------
    Total assets                                  $28,797         $27,446
                                                   ======         =======
                                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders' equity
    Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable                            $ 2,272         $ 2,026
      Accrued liabilities                           2,773           2,846
      Deferred revenue                              5,887           4,605
      Customer deposits                                63             109
      Current portion of long-term obligations        946             127
        (Note 7)                                  -------         -------
    Total current liabilities                      11,941           9,713

    Deferred revenue and other long-term
    liabilities                                       317             453
    Long-term obligations (Note 7)                  3,966           2,123
    Deferred income taxes (Note 10)                     -             560

    Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

    Stockholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, $.01 par value;  
        authorized 3,000,000 shares, none issued
        or outstanding                                  -               -
      Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
        20,000,000 shares, issued 4,067,310 and
        4,011,018 shares; outstanding 4,054,685
        and 4,008,393 shares                           41              41
      Common stock warrants                             4               4
      Additional paid-in capital                   11,328          11,137
      Retained earnings                             1,260           3,420
      Cost of common stock in treasury 
        (12,625 and 2,625 shares)                     (60)             (5)
                                                  -------         -------
                                                   12,573          14,597
                                                  -------         -------
    Total liabilities and stockholders'
      equity                                      $28,797         $27,446
                                                  =======         =======

   See accompanying notes.

   <PAGE>

   <TABLE>

                       EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.

                      Consolidated Statements of Operations
                    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)
   <CAPTION>
                                                                            Year Ended November 30
                                                                 1997                    1996              1995
    <S>                                                         <C>                    <C>               <C>
    Net revenues:
      Software license fees                                     $21,752                $19,094           $11,534
      Services                                                   16,781                 15,412            10,962
      Hardware                                                    4,112                  6,751             6,528
                                                               --------               --------          --------
                                                                 42,645                 41,257            29,024
    Costs of products and services:
      Cost of third-party software license fees                   3,065                  2,484             1,419
      Software development amortization                           2,535                  1,591               879
      Cost of services                                           14,000                 12,109             7,884
      Cost of hardware                                            3,260                  4,979             5,118
                                                               --------               --------          --------
                                                                 22,860                 21,163            15,300

    Selling and marketing expenses                               15,957                 14,060             9,479
    General and administrative expenses                           3,838                  3,416             3,029
    Software development expenses                                 2,391                  2,235             1,086
                                                               --------               --------          --------
                                                                 45,046                 40,874            28,894
                                                        
    Income (loss) from operations                                (2,401)                   383               130

    Other income (expense):
      Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated
        joint ventures                                              (25)                    25               (31)
      Interest income                                                47                     89               176
      Interest expense                                             (399)                  (145)              (52)
      Other                                                           -                    (87)              (13)
                                                               --------               --------           -------
                                                                   (377)                  (118)               80
 
   Income (loss) before income taxes                             (2,778)                   265               210
    Income tax benefit (expense)                                    618                   (112)              (79)
                                                               --------               --------           ------- 
   Net income (loss)                                            $(2,160)               $   153            $  131
                                                                =======               ========           =======

    Net income (loss) per common share -
      Primary and fully diluted                                   $(.53)                 $ .04             $ .04   
                                                                =======                =======            ======

    Weighted average common and common equivalent
    shares -
      Primary and fully diluted                                   4,048                  3,965             3,669
                                                               ========               ========           =======

   See accompanying notes

   </TABLE>

   <PAGE>
   <TABLE>

                       EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.

                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
   <CAPTION>

                                                                              Common
                                                                               Stock
                                                                                and
                                                                    Common   Warrants
                                                        Common      Stock      to be    Paid-in  Retained   Treasury
                                           Shares        Stock     Warrants   Issued    Capital  Earnings    Stock      Total

    <S>                                 <C>                <C>        <C>        <C>    <C>      <C>            <C>   <C> 
    Balance, November 30, 1994          3,545,215          $36        $-         $-     $7,187   $3,136         $(5)  $10,354
      Issuance of common stock:
         Acquisitions                     328,393            3         -          -      2,338        -           -     2,341
         Stock options                     30,002            -         -          -         71        -           -        71
         Employee stock purchase
            plan                           18,671            -         -          -         96        -           -        96
      Issuance of common stock
        warrants for acquisitions               -            -         3          -        970        -           -      9763
      Common stock and warrants to
        be issued to complete Intercim
        transaction                             -            -         -        211          -        -           -       211
      Net income                                -            -         -          -          -      131           -       131
                                        ---------        -----      ----      -----     ------    -----       -----    ------
    Balance, November 30, 1995          3,922,281           39         3        211     10,662    3,267          (5)   14,177
      Issuance of common stock:
         Acquisitions                      24,000            -         -          -        132        -           -       132
         Stock options                     35,000            1         -          -         60        -           -        61
         Employee stock purchase
            plan                           29,718            -         -          -        113        -           -       113
         Warrants                              19            -         -          -          -        -           -         -
      Issuance of additional common
        stock and warrants to complete
        Intercim transaction                    -            1         1       (172)       170        -           -         -
      Purchase of shares from
        dissenting former Intercim
        shareholder                             -            -         -        (39)         -        -           -       (39)
      Net income                                -            -         -          -          -      153           -       153
                                        ---------        -----      ----       ----     ------    -----        ----    ------
    Balance, November 30, 1996          4,011,018           41         4          -     11,137    3,420          (5)   14,597
      Issuance of common stock:
         Stock options                     39,500            -         -          -         68        -           -        68
         Employee stock purchase
            plan                           26,792            -         -          -        123        -           -       123
      Purchase of treasury shares         (10,000)           -         -          -          -        -         (55)      (55)
      Net loss                                  -            -         -          -          -   (2,160)          -    (2,160)
                                        ---------        -----      ----       ----    -------  -------       -----   -------
    Balance, November 30, 1997          4,067,310          $41        $4        $ -    $11,328  $ 1,260        $(60)  $12,573
                                        =========        =====      ====       ====    =======  =======       =====   =======
   See accompanying notes.

   </TABLE>
   <PAGE>

   <TABLE>

                       EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
   <CAPTION>
                                                                                    Year ended November 30
                                                                      1997                   1996                1995

    <S>                                                              <C>                    <C>               <C> 
    Operating activities
    Net income (loss)                                                $(2,160)               $ 153             $ 131
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
      cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation                                                     1,234                1,037               730
      Amortization, other                                                246                  189                82
      Amortization of capitalized computer software
        development costs                                              2,535                1,591               879
      Equity in losses (earnings) of joint ventures                       25                  (25)               31
      (Gain) loss on disposal of equipment and
        leasehold improvements                                             -                  (24)                4
      Deferred income taxes                                             (385)                 202               554
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
         Accounts receivable                                          (1,135)              (1,770)             (297)
         Inventories and other current assets                            100                  341               265
         Accounts payable and other liabilities                        1,273                1,212              (464)
                                                                    --------             --------          --------
    Total adjustments                                                  3,893                2,753             1,784
                                                                    --------             --------          --------
    Net cash provided by operating activities                          1,733                2,906             1,915

    Investing Activities
    Acquisition of Darwin Data Systems, net of cash
      received of $19                                                      -                  (51)                -
    Acquisition of EMS-Illinois, net of cash received
      of $160                                                              -                    -              (238)
    Acquisition of Intercim                                                -                    -              (225)
    Additions to equipment and leasehold
      improvements                                                    (1,177)              (1,424)           (1,430)
    Purchases of available-for-sale securities                             -                 (495)                -
    Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale
    securities                                                           505                1,247             1,584
    Proceeds from sales of held-to-maturity securities                     -                    -               743
    Proceeds from sale of equipment and leasehold
      improvements                                                         7                   68                39
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance                   (25)                 (25)              (31)
    Software development costs capitalized                            (4,471)              (3,372)           (2,321)
    Other                                                               (202)                (111)               29
                                                                     -------             --------           -------
    Net cash used in investing activities                             (5,363)              (4,163)           (1,850)

    Financing activities
    Proceeds from issuance of stock to employees                         191                  174               167
    Proceeds from increase in debt                                     2,797                1,864                 -
    Payments on long-term debt and capital lease
      obligations                                                       (155)                (250)             (177)
    Purchase of treasury stock                                           (55)                   -                 -
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing
    activities                                                         2,778                1,788               (10)
                                                                     -------             --------            ------
    Net increase (decrease) in cash                                     (852)                 531                55
    Cash:
      Beginning of year                                                  866                  335               280
      End of year                                                      $  14                $ 866             $ 335
                                                                     =======             ========           =======
    Supplemental cash flow information:
      Interest paid                                                    $ 399                $ 133              $ 52
      Income taxes paid (refunded), net                                 (172)                (464)              357
      Noncash transactions:
         Equipment recorded under capital lease
            obligations                                                   20                  371                 -
         Issuance of common stock and warrants
            for acquisitions                                               -                  132             3,525
   See accompanying notes.

   </TABLE>
   <PAGE>

                       Effective Management Systems, Inc.

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                November 30, 1997
                (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

   Consolidation

   The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
   Effective Management Systems, Inc. (the Company) and its subsidiaries. All
   significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
   consolidation.

   Business and Concentration of Credit Risk

   The Company develops, sells, and services computer software and related
   hardware throughout the United States and certain foreign countries that
   meet the Company's credit policies. The Company performs periodic credit
   evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally follows a
   policy to obtain deposits for sales to new customers.

   Cash and Cash Equivalents

   For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all
   highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or
   less to be cash equivalents.

   Use of Estimates

   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
   accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
   assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
   and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

   Revenue Recognition

   Revenue is recognized in accordance with the provisions of AICPA Statement
   of Position (SOP) 91-1, "Software Revenue Recognition," as follows:

   Software and Hardware Sales

   Revenue is recognized when the product is delivered.

   Professional Fees and Services

   Revenue is recognized as time and material costs are incurred.

   Software Support Fees

   Revenue is recognized ratably over the terms of the nonrefundable support
   contract.

   Annual Upgrade Fees

   Revenue is recognized ratably over the nonrefundable annual upgrade
   contract period.

   In October 1997, the AICPA issued SOP 97-2, "Software Revenue
   Recognition," which changes the requirements for revenue recognition and
   supersedes SOP 91-1 effective for transactions that the Company will enter
   into beginning December 1, 1998. The Company intends to review the
   provisions of its software license contracts and make the changes
   necessary to have them meet the standards of the new SOP.

   Investments

   Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at
   fair value, which approximates cost. Realized gains and losses and
   declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale
   securities are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is
   based on the specific identification method. Interest on securities
   classified as available-for-sale is included in interest income.

   Inventory Valuation

   Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market with cost
   determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

   Software Development Costs

   In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
   86, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or
   Otherwise Marketed," the Company capitalizes internal costs in developing
   software products upon determination that technological feasibility has
   been established for the product, whereas costs incurred prior to the
   establishment of technological feasibility are charged to product
   development expense. When the product is available for general release to
   customers, capitalization ceases and such costs are amortized on a
   product-by-product basis based on current and future revenue with an
   annual minimum equal to the straight-line amortization over the remaining
   estimated economic useful life of the product.

   Capitalized software development costs, stated at the lower of cost or net
   realizable value, were $7,717 and $5,781 at November 30, 1997 and 1996,
   respectively, which is net of accumulated amortization of $7,877 and
   $5,342, respectively.

   Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

   Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for on the
   equity method wherein the Company's share of the joint ventures' net
   earnings or losses is recorded as an adjustment to the investment. 

   Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

   Equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and are
   depreciated using the straight-line method for financial reporting
   purposes. The estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation are as
   follows:

                                                        Years

                   Leasehold improvements                 5
                   Furniture and fixtures                10
                   Equipment                              5

   Assets under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over
   their useful lives.

   Intangible Assets

   Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method for
   financial reporting purposes over the following estimated lives:

                                                        Years

                   Customer list                         15
                   Goodwill                             12-20
                   Other intangibles                     6-40

   Income Taxes

   Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between
   financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, and
   are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect
   when the differences are expected to reverse. 

   Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

   Net income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted
   average number of common shares outstanding for the periods presented. Net
   income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options and
   warrants calculated using the "treasury stock" method. 

   In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
   Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share,"
   which is required to be adopted for periods ending after December 15,
   1997. In the first quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company will be required to
   change the method currently used to compute earnings per share and to
   restate all prior periods. Under the new requirements, basic earnings per
   share will exclude the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants.
   Basic earnings per share for the year ended November 30, 1997 and 1996
   would have been the same as previously reported primary earnings per
   share. The impact of Statement No. 128 on the calculation of fully diluted
   earnings per share is not expected to be material.

   Fair Value of Financial Instruments

   The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash
   equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables, related-party
   receivables, trade payables and debt instruments. The book values of cash
   and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables, related-
   party receivables and trade payables are considered to be representative
   of their respective fair values. None of the Company's debt instruments
   that are outstanding as of November 30, 1997, have readily ascertainable
   market values; however, the carrying values are considered to approximate
   their respective fair values. See Note 8 for the terms and carrying values
   of the Company's various debt instruments.

   Stock Compensation

   As is permitted under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
   Compensation," the Company accounts for employee stock compensation (e.g.,
   stock options) in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), "Accounting
   for Stock Issued to Employees." Under APB 25, the total compensation
   expense recognized is equal to the difference between the award's exercise
   price and the underlying stock's market price (referred to as "intrinsic
   value") at the measurement date, which is the first date that both the
   exercise price and number of shares to be issued is known. See Note 9.

   New Pronouncements

   The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
   Comprehensive Income," for years beginning after December 15, 1997. This
   statement requires that all items that are required to be recognized under
   accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in
   a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
   financial statements. Since this standard applies only to the presentation
   of comprehensive income, it will not have any impact on the Company's
   results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

   SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
   Information," is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1997.
   This statement changes the way that public business enterprises report
   information about operating segments in annual financial statements and
   requires that those enterprises report selected information about
   reportable segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders.
   Management has not completed its review of SFAS No. 131, but does not
   anticipate that the adoption of this statement will have a significant
   effect on the Company's reported segments.

   Reclassifications

   Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and 1995 financial
   statements to conform to the 1997 presentation.

   2. Acquisitions

   Effective April 15, 1996, the Company completed the purchase of the
   remaining 75% of Darwin Data Systems (Darwin). Consideration for this
   acquisition was $303, consisting of $101 in notes payable, 24,000 shares
   of the Company's common stock valued at $132 and $70 of acquisition costs.

   Effective March 31, 1995, the Company completed the purchase for $793 of
   the remaining 50% of the capital stock of EMS-Illinois not then owned by
   the Company.

   The purchase price consisted of 50,200 shares of the Company's common
   stock valued at $395, $380 in cash and $18 of acquisition costs.

   On September 6, 1995, the Company acquired all of the common stock of
   Intercim for approximately $3,355, composed of 278,193 shares of the
   Company's common stock valued at $7.50 per share and 278,193 of the
   Company's warrants valued at $3.75 per share, and direct acquisition costs
   of $225. Because the average trading price (Price) of the warrants for the
   15 trading days prior to April 18, 1996, was less than $3.8075, the
   Company was required to issue 123,719 additional warrants, which was equal
   to the difference between the number of warrants originally issued and the
   warrants which should have been issued at the Price above, had the Price
   been known at September 6, 1995.
    
   The acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of
   accounting. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of such companies have
   been adjusted to their estimated fair values. The excess of cost over the
   net assets acquired has been allocated to goodwill.

   The results of operations for Darwin, EMS-Illinois and Intercim have been
   included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from their
   respective acquisition dates. The unaudited pro forma results of
   operations below for EMS-Illinois and Intercim assume that the
   acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the period. In addition to
   combining the historical results of all the entities, the pro forma
   calculations include adjustments for amortization of various intangibles
   acquired in conjunction with the acquisition and elimination of
   intercompany transactions with EMS-Illinois. However, no adjustments have
   been reflected for nonrecurring expenses as a result of the combination of
   the entities.


   Year ended November 30, 1995 (Unaudited):

               Total net revenue                        $ 34,174 
               Net income (loss)                            (505)
               Earnings per share                           (.13)


   Pro forma results have not been included for 1996 for the Darwin
   acquisition because the impact was not significant.

   3. Investments

   The following is a summary of investment securities at November 30, 1996:

                                            Available-for-Sale Securities
                                                         Gross
                                                       Unrealized   Estimate
                                                         Gains       d Fair
                                            Cost        (Losses)     Value
    Obligations of states and
       political subdivisions                $505           $ -      $505

   All of the above securities were due in one year or less.

   During the years ended November 30, 1997 and 1996, debt available-for-sale
   and certain debt held-to-maturity securities with fair market value of
   $505 and $1,247, respectively, were sold, with proceeds received
   approximating cost. The sales were made to provide funding for certain
   acquisitions, software development and normal operations. No unrealized
   holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, which would be
   included as a separate component of shareholders' equity, have been
   recorded as cost approximated estimated fair value as of November 30,
   1996.

   4. Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

   Equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following at
   November 30:

                                                     1997           1996

    Equipment                                       $7,119         $6,090
    Furniture and fixtures                           1,346          1,199
    Leasehold improvements                             478            426
    Equipment under capital leases                     416            454
                                                  --------        -------    
                                                     9,359          8,169
    Less accumulated depreciation and
    amortization                                    (5,442)        (4,208)
                                                  --------        -------
    Equipment and leasehold improvements, net       $3,917         $3,961
                                                  ========        =======


   5. Intangible Assets

   Intangible assets consisted of the following at November 30:

                                                  1997            1996

    Goodwill                                    $1,445             $1,445
    Customer list                                1,400              1,400
    Other                                          200                200
                                               -------             ------
                                                 3,045              3,045
    Less accumulated amortization                 (601)              (355)
                                               -------             ------ 
    Intangible asset, net                       $2,444             $2,690
                                               =======             ======


   6. Affiliated Company

   Certain of the Company's stockholders also own all of the common stock of
   an affiliated company, EMS Solutions, Inc. (Solutions), which develops and
   sells computer software and related hardware to the food vending and food
   distribution industry. The Company has provided certain services to
   Solutions for which the Company received fees of $122, $269 and $321 in
   1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, that are recorded as an offset to
   general and administrative expense. The Company also sells computer
   hardware to Solutions that totaled $331, $851 and $926 in 1997, 1996 and
   1995, respectively. Amounts due from Solutions were $404 and $445 at
   November 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Material transactions with
   Solutions must be approved by a majority of the Company's external
   directors.

   On July 1, 1997, Solutions moved to new facilities and no longer utilizes
   office space or other material services of the Company. In addition,
   Solutions no longer purchases computer hardware from the Company.

   7. Long-Term Debt and Lease Commitments

   Long-term obligations consist of the following at November 30:

                                                  1997               1996

    Line of credit                               $3,762            $1,864
    Notes payable                                   910                27
    Capital lease obligations                       240               359
                                               --------           -------
                                                  4,912             2,250
    Less amounts due within one year               (946)             (127)
                                               --------           -------
                                                 $3,966            $2,123
                                               ========           =======

   On December 31, 1997, the Company entered into a loan and security
   agreement (Agreement) with Foothill Capital Corporation (Foothill), which
   includes a revolving line of credit facility (Revolver) providing for
   maximum borrowings of $6,000 and a three-year term note for $3,112. The
   term note calls for 36 monthly payments of $65 with the remaining balance
   of principal due December 30, 2000. Amounts outstanding have been
   classified as long-term based upon the stated maturity date and the
   Company's estimates that borrowings will not decrease during fiscal 1998.
   Interest on the Revolver is payable monthly based on the bank's base rate
   plus .75% (9.25% at December 31, 1997); the term note bears interest at
   13.5% per year.

   Borrowings under the Agreement are secured by substantially all assets of
   the Company (except inventory subject to the lien of a vendor). In
   addition, the Agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with
   various covenants, including minimum levels of tangible net worth and
   adjusted operating income. The Company is also required to pay a monthly
   commitment fee of .50% per annum on the difference between the commitment
   amount and balance outstanding under the Revolver in lieu of a minimum
   monthly interest payment.

   The Company leases computer and other equipment under capital leases. The
   Company also leases office space, automobiles, and certain other equipment
   under operating leases. 

   At November 30, 1997, future payments under capital and noncancellable
   operating leases were as follows:

    Fiscal Year Ending November 30      Capital Leases     Operating Leases

    1998                                         $162              $1,198
    1999                                          111               1,159
    2000                                            -               1,132
    2001                                            -                 989
    2002                                            -                 713
    Thereafter                                      -                 849
    Total minimum lease obligations               273              $6,040
    Amounts representing interest                 (33)
    Capital lease obligations                    $240

   Amortization expense relating to assets under capital leases is included
   in total depreciation expense for the period.

   Total rent expense on all operating leases was approximately $1,663,
   $1,404 and $1,042 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

   8. Stockholders' Equity

   As of November 30, 1995, the Company had 18,801 shares of common stock and
   18,801 warrants with an aggregate value of $211 that were to be issued in
   exchange for common stock of former Intercim stockholders. These amounts,
   which were classified as common stock and warrants to be issued in
   stockholders' equity at November 30, 1995, were substantially issued in
   1996.

   In connection with the acquisition of Intercim (see Note 2), the Company
   issued common stock warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder, at any
   time prior to September 6, 2005, to purchase one share of the Company's
   common stock at $6.75 per share.

   9. Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans

   The Company maintains the 1986 Employees' Stock Option Plan (the 1986
   Plan) pursuant to which executive officers and other key employees of the
   Company have received options to purchase shares of the Company's common
   stock. Options under the 1986 Plan were granted at exercise prices equal
   to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options
   to purchase an aggregate of 57,000 shares have previously been granted and
   remain outstanding at November 30, 1997. No additional options will be
   granted under the 1986 Plan.

   In December 1993, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Effective
   Management Systems, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (the 1993 Plan). The 1993
   Plan, as amended, provides for the granting of both incentive stock
   options and nonqualified stock options to employees and nonqualified stock
   options to non-employee directors of the Company covering up to a maximum
   of 550,025 shares. Under the 1993 Plan, the exercise price of options
   granted cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of
   the Company's stock at the date of grant. 

   On September 6, 1995, in conjunction with the merger of Intercim (see Note
   2), the Company adopted a new stock option plan, pursuant to which the
   Company granted stock options to those holders who agreed to the
   cancellation of their Intercim stock options.

   The Company has also issued nonqualified stock options to certain of its
   executives and other nonemployee directors. These options have various
   vesting schedules.

   Information with respect to stock options granted under all plans is as
   follows:

   <TABLE>
   <CAPTION>
                                                                                                  
                                                             Number of      Exercise Price Per    Weighted Average
                                                               Shares              Share           Exercise Price
    <S>                                                        <C>                <C>                      <C>
    Outstanding at November 30, 1994                           389,424            $1.57-$8.00
      Granted                                                  518,352             6.125-7.25
      Exercised                                                (29,949)             1.57-6.25
      Canceled or expired                                      (47,399)                  6.25
                                                               -------             ----------           --------
    Outstanding at November 30, 1995                           830,428              1.57-8.00
      Granted                                                  124,043              4.75-7.00
      Exercised                                                (35,000)                  1.71
      Canceled or expired                                      (14,569)             5.75-7.50
                                                               -------             ----------           --------
    Outstanding at November 30, 1996                           904,902              1.71-7.50              $6.13   
      Granted                                                  109,938              4.63-6.75               5.73
      Exercised                                                (39,500)             1.71-1.71               1.71
      Canceled or expired                                      (54,961)             4.75-7.50               6.63
                                                               -------              ---------           --------
    Outstanding at November 30, 1997                           920,379            $2.29-$8.25              $6.24
                                                               =======             ==========           ========
   </TABLE>


   At November 30, 1997, options to purchase 513,287 shares were exercisable
   under all plans, at a weighted average exercisable price of $6.29 and a
   weighted average contractual life of 7.3 years. 

   In determining the effect of FASB Statement No. 123, the Black-Scholes
   option pricing model was used with the following weighted-average
   assumptions for 1997: risk-free interest rates of 5.36%, dividend yields
   of 0%, volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's
   common stock of .92, and a weighted-average expected life of the options
   of 4.93 years.

   The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
   estimating the fair value of  traded options which have no vesting
   restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation
   models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the
   expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock
   options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded
   options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
   materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the
   existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of
   the fair value of its employee stock options.

   The Company's pro forma information, as if these options had been expensed
   in accordance with FASB Statement No. 123, follows:

                                                     1997           1996

       Pro forma net income (loss)                $(2,286)           $114
       Pro forma earnings (loss) per share           (.56)            .03

   In December 1993, the Board of Directors adopted the 1994 Employee Stock
   Purchase Plan (Stock Purchase Plan), which permits employees to purchase
   shares of the Company's common stock during six-month periods beginning on
   June 1 and December 1 of each year. The purchase price of such shares will
   be equal to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the
   beginning or end of each six-month offering period. During fiscal 1997 and
   1996, 26,792 and 29,718 shares, respectively, were purchased under the
   Stock Purchase Plan. The maximum cumulative number of shares that may be
   purchased under the Stock Purchase Plan is 100,240.

   The Company has reserved 1,508,813 shares of its common stock for
   potential conversion of common stock warrants and issuance under the stock
   option and purchase plans described above.

   10. Income Taxes

   Income tax expense (credit) in the consolidated statement of operations
   consists of the following:

                                      Year ended November 30
                                1997            1996           1995
    Current:
      Federal                   $(233)          $(170)         $(485)
      State                         -              80             10
                              -------         -------       --------
                                 (233)            (90)          (475)
    Deferred                     (385)            202            554
                              -------         -------       --------
                                $(618)           $112           $ 79
                              =======         =======       ========
             

   The reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) computed at the U.S.
   federal statutory rate to income tax expense (benefit) is:

   <TABLE>
   <CAPTION>

                                                                              Year ended November 30
                                                                   1997                  1996                 1995
    <S>                                                           <C>                   <C>                 <C>
    Tax at U.S. statutory rate of 34%                             $(945)                $ 90                $ 71
    State income taxes, net of federal benefit                        -                   14                   7
    Nondeductible items                                               -                  112                  82
    Tax-exempt investment income                                      -                  (13)                (32)
    General business credits                                          -                  (98)                (69)
    Change in valuation allowance                                   329                    -                  22
    Other                                                            (2)                   7                  (2)
                                                                 ------              -------             -------
                                                                  $(618)                $112                $ 79
                                                                 ======              =======             =======

   </TABLE>
   
   The significant components of the deferred tax accounts recognized for
   financial reporting purposes at November 30 were as follows:


                                                        1997             1996
    Deferred tax liabilities:
      Capitalized computer software costs              $3,087           $2,341
      Depreciation                                        342              328
      Other, net                                           16               15
                                                      -------          -------
    Total deferred tax liabilities                      3,445            2,684

    Deferred tax assets:
      Net operating loss carryforwards                  2,902            1,578
      Allowance for doubtful accounts                     185              108
      Deferred revenue                                    127               72
      Inventory                                            30               40
      General business credit                             442              448
    carryforwards
      Other, net                                           88               53
                                                      -------          -------
    Total deferred tax assets                           3,774            2,299
    Valuation allowance                                  (329)               -
    Net deferred tax liabilities                         $  -           $  385
                                                      =======         ========


   At November 30, 1997, the Company had net federal and state operating loss
   carryforwards (NOLs) of approximately $6.8 million and $8.3 million,
   respectively, available to offset future federal and state taxable income.
   The utilization of $2,730,000 of the NOLs is subject to an annual
   limitation of approximately $182,000 annually and expires in the year
   2010. The carryforwards resulted from the Company's acquisition of
   Intercim Corp. (Intercim) in 1995 and net operating losses. In addition,
   the Company has general business credits totaling $442,000 which can be
   used to reduce federal taxable income through 2011.

   In 1997, a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax
   assets has been recognized based on uncertainty regarding realization of
   such assets.

   11. Savings Plan

   The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) savings plans that covers
   substantially all employees meeting certain minimum eligibility
   requirements. Participating employees can elect to defer a portion of
   their compensation and contribute it to the plan on a pretax basis. The
   Company also matches certain amounts and/or provides additional
   discretionary contributions, as defined. The Company's contributions to
   the various plans were $310, $345 and $246 for 1997, 1996 and 1995,
   respectively.

   <PAGE>

   <TABLE>

   Schedule II Valuation and qualifying accounts

   <CAPTION>

                                                     COL. A           COL. B         COL. C          COL. D        COL. E
                                                                                   Additions

                                                                        (1)            (2)
                                                                    Charged to     Charged to
                                                   Balance at        costs and   other accounts-    Deductions-   Balance at end
                   Description                beginning of period    expenses       describe         describe        of period
        <S>                                           <C>               <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>
 
        Years ended November 30, 1997

        Deducted from Asset Accounts:
        Allowance for doubtful accounts                $346.00            0           $120.00         $4.00            $462.00

        Years ended November 30, 1996

        Deducted from Asset Accounts:
        Allowance for doubtful accounts                $262.00            0           $187.00        $103.00           $346.00

        Years ended November 30, 1995

        Deducted from Asset Accounts:
        Allowance for doubtful accounts                $228.00         $44.00          $25.00         $35.00           $262.00

        Years ended November 30, 1994

        Deducted from Asset Accounts:
        Allowance for doubtful accounts                $115.00            0           $178.00         $65.00           $228.00


   </TABLE>

   <PAGE>

                                    Part III

   Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
   Financial Disclosure

   Not Applicable


   Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   Pursuant to Instruction G, information required by this item is hereby
   incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement
   for its 1998 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions "Election
   of Directors", "Executive Officers" and "Miscellaneous-Other Matters". 
   The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and
   Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal
   year.

   Item 11. Executive Compensation

   Pursuant to Instruction G, information required by this item is hereby
   incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement
   for its 1998 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption "Board of
   Directors-Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation"; provided,
   however, that the subsection entitled "Executive Compensation-Report on
   Executive Compensation" shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein by
   reference.  The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the
   Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the
   Company's fiscal year.

   Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   Pursuant to Instruction G, information required by this item is hereby
   incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement
   for its 1998 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption "Principal
   Shareholders".  The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the
   Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the
   Company's fiscal year.

   Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   Pursuant to Instruction G, information required by this item is hereby
   incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement
   for its 1998 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption "Related
   Party Transactions".  The definitive proxy statement will be filed with
   the Securities and Exchange Commission with 120 days after the end of the
   Company's fiscal year.

   Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

   1.   Exhibits

        Reference is made to the separate exhibit index contained on pages E-
        1 through E-5 hereof.

   2.   Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

        Reference is made to the separate index in Item 8 of this Annual
        Report on Form 10-K with respect to the financial statements and
        schedule filed herewith.

   3.   Reports on Form 8-K

        No Current Reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter
        of the Company's fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.

   <PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

        In accordance with Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange
   Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf
   by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 23, 1998.

                                 EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.


                                 By: /s/ Michael D. Dunham                    
                                 Michael D. Dunham
                                 President 


        In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
   has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
   and in the capacities indicated on February 23, 1998.


        Signature                          Title


   /s/ Michael D. Dunham              President and Director
   Michael D. Dunham                  (Principal executive Officer)



   /s/ Jeffrey J. Fossum              Chief Financial Officer and Assistant
   Jeffrey J. Fossum                  Treasurer (Principal Financial and
                                      Accounting Officer)


   /s/ Helmut M. Adam                 Director
   Helmut M. Adam


   /s/ Thomas M. Dykstra              Director
   Thomas M. Dykstra



   /s/ Scott J. Mermel                Director
   Scott J. Mermel


   /s/ Robert E. Weisenberg           Director
   Robert E. Weisenberg

   <PAGE>
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

     Exhibit                     Exhibit Description
       No.
    2.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 17,
               1995 among Effective Management Systems, Inc., EMS
               Acquisition Corp. and Intercim Corporation
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Effective
               Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
               Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-95338)]

    2.2        Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger
               described in Exhibit 2.1, dated as of June 30, 1995
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Effective
               Management Systems, Inc. Registration Statement on Form
               S-4 (Registration No. 33-95338)]

    2.3        Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger
               described in Exhibit 2.1, dated as of July 31, 1995
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Effective
               management Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
               Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-95338)]

    2.4        Agreement of Merger, dated as of March 22, 1995, among
               Effective Management Systems, Inc., EMS Illinois
               Acquisition Corp., Effective Management Systems of
               Illinois, Inc., Richard W. Grelck and Daniel E. Long
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Effective
               Management Systems, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
               QSB for the quarter ended February 28, 1995]

    3.1        Restated Articles of Incorporation of Effective
               Management Systems, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 3.1 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No.
               33-73354)]

    3.2        By-laws of Effective Management Systems, Inc.
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Effective
               Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
               Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    4.1        Article 4 of the Restated Articles of Incorporation of
               Effective Management Systems, Inc. [Incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Effective Management
               Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form SB-2
               (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    4.2        Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 9, 1992, by
               and between Bank One, Milwaukee, National Association,
               and Effective Management Systems, Inc. and certain
               affiliated [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
               Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration
               Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    4.3        First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
               April 23, 1993, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.3 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Registration Statement on Forms SB-2 (Registration No.
               33-73354)]

    4.4        Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
               February 8, 1994, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.4 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Registration Statement on Forms SB-2 (Registration No.
               33-73354)]

    4.5        Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
               May 11, 1995, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.1 to Effective Management systems, Inc.'s
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
               February 29, 1996]

    4.6        Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated
               August 31, 1995, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management systems,
               Inc. and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.2 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
               February 29, 1996]

    4.7        Fifth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
               August 31, 1995, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc., and certain affiliates. [Incorporated by
               reference to Form 10-KSB for the year ended November
               30, 1996]

    4.8        Sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
               October 31, 1996, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc., and certain affiliates. [Incorporated by
               reference to Form 10-KSB for the year ended November
               30, 1996]

    4.9        Seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
               February 27, 1997 by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc., and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.1 to Effective Management systems, Inc.'s
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May
               31, 1997] 

    4.10       Eighth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated
               July 11, 1997, by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc., and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.2 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May
               31, 1997]

    4.11       Ninth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated
               September 9, 1997 by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.1 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
               August 31, 1997]

    4.12       Tenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated
               September 30, 1997 by and between Bank One, Milwaukee,
               National Association, and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. and certain affiliates [Incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.2 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
               August 31, 1997]

    4.13       Warrant Agreement between Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust company, dated
               as of September 6, 1995 [Incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 4.2 to Effective management Systems, Inc.'s
               Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 6, 1995]

    4.14       Loan and Security Agreement by and between Foothill
               Capital corporation and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc; EMS-East, Inc.; and Effective Management Systems
               of Illinois, Inc. dated December 31, 1997

    10.1       Business Agreement by and between Digital Equipment
               Corporation and Effective Management Systems, Inc.,
               effective as of February 8, 1994 [Incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Effective Management
               Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form SB-2
               (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.2       Addendum to Business Agreement by and between Digital
               Equipment Corporation and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc., effective as of February 8, 1994 [Incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Effective Management
               Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form SB-2
               (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.3       Value Added Reseller Agreement by and between Digital
               Information Systems corporation and Effective
               Management Systems, Inc., effective as of November 9,
               1992 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
               Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration
               Statement on Form SB-2 registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.4       Domestic Value Added Reseller Agreement between
               Intermec Corporation and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc., dated as of March 4, 1991 [Incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Effective Management
               system, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form SB-2
               (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.5       Amendment No. 1 to domestic Value Added Reseller
               Agreement between Intermec Corporation and Effective
               Management Systems, Inc., dated as of October 29, 1991
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Effective
               Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
               Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.6       Amendment No. 2 to Domestic Value Added Reseller
               Agreement between Intermec Corporation and Effective
               Management Systems, Inc., dated as of June 11, 1993
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Effective
               Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
               Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.7       Software Supplier Agreement dated August 6, 1994, by
               and between Effective Management Systems, Inc. and
               Hewlett Packard Company [Incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.7 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
               November 30, 1994]

    10.8       Joint Venture Agreement, dated September 15, 1985, by
               and between Effective Management Systems, Inc. and
               Joseph H. Schlanser, Aurinee M. Schansler and Barton R.
               Benjamin [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to
               Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration
               Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.9       International Marketing Agreement, dated July 5, 1994,
               by and between Effective Management Systems, Inc.
               Systems, Inc. and Systems Technology Management
               Corporation [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11
               to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Annual Report
               on Form 10-KSB for the year ended November 30, 1994]

    10.10      Lease by and between Effective Management Systems, Inc.
               and Milwaukee Park Place Limited Partnership, as
               amended [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to
               Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Registration
               Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-73354)]

    10.11      Effective Management Systems, Inc. 1986 Employee's
               Stock Option Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.11 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No.
               33-73354)]

    10.12      Effective Management Systems, Inc. 1993 Stock Option
               Plan, as amended [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.1 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Quarterly
               Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended May 31,
               1996]

    10.13      Stock Option Agreement by and between Helmut M. Adam
               and Effective Management Systems, Inc., dated as of
               December 17, 1993 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.13 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No.
               33-73354)]

    10.14      Stock Option Agreement by and between Scott J. Mermel
               and Effective Management systems, Inc., dated as of
               December 17, 1993 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.14 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s
               Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No.
               33-73354)]

    10.15      Bonus Arrangement by and between Thomas G. Allen and
               Effective Management Systems, Inc. [Incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Effective Management
               Systems, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
               year ended November 30, 1994]

    10.16      IBM Business Partner Agreement between International
               Business Machines Corporation and Effective Management
               Systems, Inc., dated as of March 3, 1995 [Incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Effective Management
               Systems, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the
               quarter ended February 28, 1995]

    10.17      Software Reseller Agreement between International
               Business Machines corporation and Effective Management
               Systems, Inc., dated as of September 6, 1995
               [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to
               Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Annual Report on
               Form 10-KSB for the year ended November 30, 1995]

    10.18      Distributor Agreement with Pioneer Standard
               Electronics, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.1 to Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Quarterly
               Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1997]

    10.19      IBM Market Development Program Agreement dated
               September 3, 1997 [Incorporated by reference to
               Effective Management Systems, Inc.'s Quarterly Report
               on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 1997]

    10.20      Relationship Agreement with CIMX, an Ohio Limited
               Liability Company and Effective Management Systems,
               Inc. dated December 31, 1997

    21         List of subsidiaries of Effective Management Systems,
               Inc.

    23         Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP

    27         Financial Data Schedule

    99         Proxy Statement for 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

               The Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of
               Shareholders will be filed with the Securities and
               Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120
               days after the end of the Company's fiscal year; except
               to the extent incorporated by reference, the Proxy
               statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
               shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and
               Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on
               Form 10-K




                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                       EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.,
                                 EMS-EAST, INC.,
                 EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF ILLINOIS, INC.

                                       and

                          FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION

                          DATED AS OF DECEMBER 30, 1997


   <PAGE>

   TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                    Page     

   1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
        1.1. Definitions.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
        1.2. Accounting Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
        1.3. Code.       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
        1.4. Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
        1.5. Schedules and Exhibits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
   2. LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
        2.1. Revolving Advances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
        2.2. Letters of Credit.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
        2.3. Term Loan.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
        2.4. Intentionally Omitted.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
        2.5. Overadvances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
        2.6. Interest and Letter of Credit Fees:  Rates,
              Payments, and Calculations.  . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
        2.7. Collection of Accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
        2.8. Crediting Payments; Application of Collections. . . .   19
        2.9. Designated Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
        2.10. Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of
              Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
        2.11. Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20

   3. CONDITIONS; TERM OF AGREEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
        3.1. Conditions Precedent to the Initial Advance,
              Letter of Credit, the Term Loan, and the Initial
              Capital Expenditure Loan.  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
        3.2. Conditions Precedent to all Advances, all Letters
              of Credit and the Term Loan. . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
        3.3. Condition Subsequent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
        3.4. Term; Automatic Renewal.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
        3.5. Effect of Termination.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
        3.6. Early Termination by Borrower.  . . . . . . . . . . .   25
        3.7. Termination Upon Event of Default.  . . . . . . . . .   25
   4. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
        4.1. Grant of Security Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
        4.2. Negotiable Collateral.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
        4.3. Collection of Accounts, General Intangibles, and
              Negotiable Collateral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
        4.4. Delivery of Additional Documentation Required.  . . .   26
        4.5. Power of Attorney.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
        4.6. Right to Inspect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
   5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
        5.1. No Encumbrances.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
        5.2. Eligible Accounts.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
        5.3. Intentionally Omitted.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
        5.4. Equipment.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
        5.5. Location of Inventory and Equipment.  . . . . . . . .   28
        5.6. Inventory Records.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
        5.7. Location of Chief Executive Office; FEIN. . . . . . .   28
        5.8. Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. . .   28
        5.9. Due Authorization; No Conflict. . . . . . . . . . . .   29
        5.10. Litigation.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29
        5.11. No Material Adverse Change.  . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
        5.12. Solvency.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
        5.13. Employee Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
        5.14. Environmental Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
        5.15. Copyrights.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
   6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
        6.1. Accounting System.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
        6.2. Collateral Reporting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
        6.3. Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates.  . . . .   32
        6.4. Tax Returns.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
        6.5. Guarantor Reports.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
        6.6. Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
        6.7. Title to Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
        6.8. Maintenance of Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
        6.9. Taxes.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
        6.10. Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
        6.11. No Setoffs or Counterclaims. . . . . . . . . . . . .   35
        6.12. Location of Inventory and Equipment. . . . . . . . .   35
        6.13. Compliance with Laws.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
        6.14. Employee Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
        6.15. Leases.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
        6.16. Copyrights.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
   7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
        7.1. Indebtedness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
        7.2. Liens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
        7.3. Restrictions on Fundamental Changes.  . . . . . . . .   38
        7.4. Disposal of Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
        7.5. Change Name.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
        7.6. Guarantee.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
        7.7. Nature of Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
        7.8. Prepayments and Amendments. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
        7.9. Change of Control.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
        7.10. Consignments.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
        7.11. Distributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
        7.12. Accounting Methods.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
        7.13. Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
        7.14. Transactions with Affiliates.  . . . . . . . . . . .   40
        7.15. Suspension.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   40
        7.16. Compensation.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   40
        7.17. Use of Proceeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   40
        7.18. Change in Location of Chief Executive Office;
              Inventory and Equipment with Bailees.  . . . . . . .   40
        7.19. No Prohibited Transactions Under ERISA.  . . . . . .   40
        7.20. Financial Covenants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   41
        7.21. Capital Expenditures.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   42
   8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   42
   9. FOOTHILL'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   44
        9.1. Rights and Remedies.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   44
        9.2. Remedies Cumulative.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
   10. TAXES AND EXPENSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
   11. WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   47
        11.1. Demand; Protest; etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   47
        11.2. Foothill's Liability for Collateral. . . . . . . . .   47
        11.3. Indemnification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   47
   12. NOTICES.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   48
   13. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER. . . . . . . . .   49
   14. DESTRUCTION OF BORROWERS' DOCUMENTS.  . . . . . . . . . . .   49
   15. GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   50
        15.1. Effectiveness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   50
        15.2. Successors and Assigns.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   50
        15.3. Section Headings.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   50
        15.4. Interpretation.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   50
        15.5. Severability of Provisions.  . . . . . . . . . . . .   50
        15.6. Amendments in Writing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   51
        15.7. Counterparts; Facsimile Execution. . . . . . . . . .   51
        15.8. Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations.  . . . . .   51
        15.9. Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   51
        15.10. Joint and Several Liability.  . . . . . . . . . . .   51

   <PAGE>

                             SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

   Schedule P-1   Permitted Liens
   Schedule T-1   Calculation of Tangible Net Worth
   Schedule 5.7   Chief Executive Office and FEIN
   Schedule 5.8   Subsidiaries
   Schedule 5.10  Litigation
   Schedule 5.13  ERISA Benefit Plans
   Schedule 6.12  Location of Inventory and Equipment
   Schedule 7.1   Indebtedness
   Schedule 7.14  Affiliate Transactions
   Exhibit C-1    Form of Compliance Certificate


   <PAGE>

                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

             THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is entered
   into as of December 30, 1997, among FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION, a
   California corporation ("Foothill"), with a place of business located at
   11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, California 90025-
   3333 and EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC. ("EMS"), a Wisconsin
   corporation, EMS-EAST, INC. ("EMS-East"), a Massachusetts corporation, and
   EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF ILLINOIS, INC. ("EMS-Illinois"), an
   Illinois corporation, (EMS, EMS-East and EMS-Illinois are each
   individually a "Borrower", and collectively "Borrowers").

             The parties agree as follows:

   1.   DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.

        1.1. Definitions.

             As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
   following definitions:

             "Account Debtor" means any Person who is or who may become
   obligated under, with respect to, or on account of, an Account.

             "Accounts" means, with respect to a Borrower, all currently
   existing and hereafter arising accounts, contract rights, and all other
   forms of obligations owing to such Borrower arising out of the sale or
   lease of goods or the rendition of services by such Borrower, irrespective
   of whether earned by performance, and any and all credit insurance,
   guaranties, or security therefor.

             "AccuVal Appraisal" means that certain appraisal dated on or
   about November 19, 1997 prepared by AccuVal Associates, Incorporated with
   respect to Borrowers' Equipment.

             "Advances" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

             "Affiliate" means, as applied to any Person, any other Person
   who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, is under common
   control with or is a director or officer of such Person.  For purposes of
   this definition, "control" means the possession, directly or indirectly,
   of the power to vote 5% or more of the securities having ordinary voting
   power for the election of directors or the direct or indirect power to
   direct the management and policies of a Person.

             "Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

             "Applicable Maintenance Revenue Amount" means, at any time, (i)
   during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on December
   31, 1998, an amount equal to the product of 50% multiplied by the
   maintenance and support revenue recognized (in accordance with GAAP) by
   Borrowers during the most recently ended 3 month period (excluding the
   portion of deferred maintenance revenue in excess of one year) multiplied
   by 4, (ii) at any time during the period commencing on January 1, 1999 and
   ending on December 31, 1999, an amount equal to the product of 42.5%
   multiplied by the maintenance and support revenue recognized (in
   accordance with GAAP) by Borrowers during the most recently ended 3 month
   period (excluding the portion of deferred maintenance revenue in excess of
   one year) multiplied by 4, and (iii) at any time after December 31, 1999,
   an amount equal to the product of 35% multiplied by the maintenance and
   support revenue recognized (in accordance with GAAP) by Borrowers during
   the most recently ended 3 month period (excluding the portion of deferred
   maintenance revenue in excess of one year) multiplied by 4.

             "Authorized Person" means any officer or other employee of any
   Borrower.

             "Average Unused Portion of Maximum Revolving Amount" means, as
   of any date of determination, (a) the Maximum Revolving Amount, less
   (b) the sum of (i) the average Daily Balance of Advances that were
   outstanding during the immediately preceding month, plus (ii) the average
   Daily Balance of the undrawn Letters of Credit that were outstanding
   during the immediately preceding month.

             "Bankruptcy Code" means the United States Bankruptcy Code (11
   U.S.C. Section  101 et seq.), as amended, and any successor statute.

             "Benefit Plan" means a "defined benefit plan" (as defined in
   Section 3(35) of ERISA) for which any Borrower, any Subsidiary of any
   Borrower, or any ERISA Affiliate has been an "employer" (as defined in
   Section 3(5) of ERISA) within the past six years.

             "Borrower" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
   Agreement.

             "Borrower's Books" means, with respect to a Borrower, all of
   such Borrower's books and records including:  ledgers; records indicating,
   summarizing, or evidencing such Borrower's properties or assets (including
   the Collateral) or liabilities; all information relating to such
   Borrower's business operations or financial condition; and all computer
   programs, disk or tape files, printouts, runs, or other computer prepared
   information.
             "Borrowing Base" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
             "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or
   other day on which national banks are authorized or required to close.
             "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred at such
   time as a "person" or "group" (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and
   14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) becomes the "beneficial
   owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
   1934), directly or indirectly, of more than 20% of the total voting power
   of all classes of stock then outstanding of any Borrower entitled to vote
   in the election of directors.

             "Closing Date" means the date of the first to occur of the
   making of the initial Advance, the issuance of the initial Letter of
   Credit or the funding of the Term Loan.

             "Code" means the California Uniform Commercial Code.

             "Collateral" means, with respect to a Borrower, each of the
   following:

             such Borrower's Accounts,
             such Borrower's Books,
             such Borrower's Equipment,
             such Borrower's General Intangibles,
             such Borrower's Inventory,
             such Borrower's Negotiable Collateral,

             any money, or other assets of such Borrower that now or
   hereafter come into the possession, custody, or control of Foothill, and

             the proceeds and products, whether tangible or intangible, of
   any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance covering any or all
   of the Collateral of such Borrower, and any and all Accounts, Borrower's
   Books, Equipment, General Intangibles, Inventory, Negotiable Collateral,
   money, deposit accounts, or other tangible or intangible property
   resulting from the sale, exchange, collection, or other disposition of any
   of the foregoing, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and the
   proceeds thereof.

             "Collateral Access Agreement" means a landlord waiver, mortgagee
   waiver, bailee letter, or acknowledgment agreement of any warehouseman,
   processor, lessor, consignee, or other Person in possession of, having a
   Lien upon, or having rights or interests in the Equipment or Inventory, in
   each case, in form and substance satisfactory to Foothill.

             "Collections" means all cash, checks, notes, instruments, and
   other items of payment (including, insurance proceeds, proceeds of cash
   sales, rental proceeds, and tax refunds).

             "Compliance Certificate"  means a certificate substantially in
   the form of Exhibit C-1 and delivered by the chief accounting officer of
   EMS to Foothill.

             "Copyright Security Agreement" means that certain Copyright
   Security Agreement of even date herewith between EMS and Foothill.

             "Daily Balance" means the amount of an Obligation owed at the
   end of a given day.

             "deems itself insecure" means that the Person deems itself
   insecure in accordance with the provisions of Section 1208 of the Code.

             "Default" means an event, condition, or default that, with the
   giving of notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of
   Default.

             "Designated Account" means account number 20478851 of Borrowers
   maintained with Borrowers' Designated Account Bank, or such other deposit
   account of Borrowers (located within the United States) which has been
   designated, in writing and from time to time, by Borrowers to Foothill.

             "Designated Account Bank" means Bank One, Wisconsin, whose
   office is located at 111 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   53201, and whose ABA number is 075000019.

             "Dilution" means, in each case based upon the experience of the
   immediately prior 3 months, the result of dividing the Dollar amount of
   (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts, advertising, returns, promotions,
   credits, or other dilutive items (as determined by Foothill in its
   reasonable credit judgment) with respect to the Accounts of Borrowers by
   (b) Borrowers' Collections (excluding extraordinary items) plus the Dollar
   amount of clause (a).

             "Dilution Reserve" means, as of any date of determination, an
   amount sufficient to reduce Foothill's advance rate against Eligible
   Accounts by one percentage point for each percentage point by which
   Dilution is in excess of 5%.

             "Disbursement Letter" means an instructional letter executed and
   delivered by Borrowers to Foothill regarding the extensions of credit to
   be made on the Closing Date, the form and substance of which shall be
   satisfactory to Foothill.

             "Dollars or $" means United States dollars.

             "Early Termination Premium" has the meaning set forth in
   Section 3.6.

             "EBITDA" means, for any period, the consolidated operating
   income of Borrowers for such period, plus depreciation and amortization
   deducted in determining operating income for such period, minus
   amortization of capitalized software costs for such period.

             "Eligible Accounts" means those Accounts created by a Borrower
   in the ordinary course of business, that arise out of such Borrower's sale
   of goods or rendition of services, that strictly comply with each and all
   of the representations and warranties respecting Accounts made by
   Borrowers to Foothill in the Loan Documents, and that are and at all times
   continue to be acceptable to Foothill in all respects; provided, however,
   that standards of eligibility may be fixed and revised from time to time
   by Foothill in Foothill's reasonable credit judgment.  Eligible Accounts
   shall not include the following:

             Accounts of a Borrower that the Account Debtor has failed to pay
   within 90 days of invoice date or Accounts with selling terms of more than
   30 days (provided, that Accounts unpaid more than 90 days of invoice date
   and with selling terms of greater than 30 days shall be Eligible Accounts
   up to an aggregate amount for all such Accounts of up to $500,000 to the
   extent (i) such Accounts are otherwise Eligible Accounts, (ii) such
   Accounts are not unpaid more than 180 days past invoice date, and (iii)
   such Accounts are not unpaid more than 30 days past due date;

             Accounts of a Borrower owed by an Account Debtor or its
   Affiliates where 50% or more of all Accounts owed by that Account Debtor
   (or its Affiliates) to Borrowers are deemed ineligible under clause (a)
   above;

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which the Account Debtor
   is an employee, Affiliate, or agent of a Borrower;

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which goods are placed on
   consignment, guaranteed sale (except for guaranteed sales in the ordinary
   course of Borrowers' business consistent with past practices that allow
   Account Debtors to return goods within 90 days of the date of contract for
   such goods), sale or return, sale on approval, bill and hold, or other
   terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be
   conditional;

             Accounts of a Borrower that are not payable in Dollars or with
   respect to which the Account Debtor: (i) does not maintain its chief
   executive office in the United States, or (ii) is not organized under the
   laws of the United States or any State thereof, or (iii) is the government
   of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any state, province,
   municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, or of any
   department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality thereof,
   unless (y) the Account is supported by an irrevocable letter of credit
   satisfactory to Foothill (as to form, substance, and issuer or domestic
   confirming bank) that has been delivered to Foothill and is directly
   drawable by Foothill, or (z) the Account is covered by credit insurance in
   form and amount, and by an insurer, satisfactory to Foothill;

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which the Account Debtor
   is either (i) the United States or any department, agency, or
   instrumentality of the United States (exclusive, however, of Accounts with
   respect to which such Borrower has complied, to the satisfaction of
   Foothill, with the Assignment of Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. Section  3727), or
   (ii) any State of the United States (exclusive, however, of Accounts owed
   by any State that does not have a statutory counterpart to the Assignment
   of Claims Act);

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which the Account Debtor
   is a creditor of a Borrower, has or has asserted a right of setoff, has
   disputed its liability, or has made any claim with respect to the Account;

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to an Account Debtor whose
   total obligations owing to Borrowers exceed 10% of all Eligible Accounts,
   to the extent of the obligations owing by such Account Debtor in excess of
   such percentage;

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which the Account Debtor
   is subject to any Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out
   of business;

             Accounts of a Borrower the collection of which Foothill, in its
   reasonable credit judgment, believes to be doubtful by reason of the
   Account Debtor's financial condition; 

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which the goods giving
   rise to such Account have not been shipped and billed to the Account
   Debtor, the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed
   and accepted by the Account Debtor, or the Account otherwise does not
   represent a final sale;

             Accounts of a Borrower with respect to which the Account Debtor
   is located in the states of New Jersey, Minnesota, Indiana, or West
   Virginia (or any other state that requires a creditor to file a Business
   Activity Report or similar document in order to bring suit or otherwise
   enforce its remedies against such Account Debtor in the courts or through
   any judicial process of such state), unless such Borrower has qualified to
   do business in New Jersey, Minnesota, Indiana, West Virginia, or such
   other states, or has filed a Notice of Business Activities Report with the
   applicable division of taxation, the department of revenue, or with such
   other state offices, as appropriate, for the then-current year, or is
   exempt from such filing requirement;

             Accounts of a Borrower that represent progress payments (except
   to the extent such progress payments relate to services and materials that
   have been provided to Account Debtor thereof) or other advance billings
   that are due prior to the completion of performance by such Borrower of
   the subject contract for goods or services; and

             Accounts of a Borrower arising under a maintenance or support
   contract.

             "Equipment" means, with respect to a Borrower, all of such
   Borrower's present and hereafter acquired machinery, machine tools,
   motors, equipment, furniture, furnishings, fixtures, vehicles (including
   motor vehicles and trailers), tools, parts, goods (other than consumer
   goods, farm products, or Inventory), wherever located, including, (a) any
   interest of such Borrower in any of the foregoing, and (b) all
   attachments, accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions,
   additions, and improvements to any of the foregoing.

             "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
   1974, 29 U.S.C. Section Section  1000 et seq., amendments thereto,
   successor statutes, and regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder.

             "ERISA Affiliate" means (a) any corporation subject to ERISA
   whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the
   employees of any Borrower under IRC Section 414(b), (b) any trade or
   business subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the
   same employer as the employees of any Borrower under IRC Section 414(c),
   (c) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the
   IRC, any organization subject to ERISA that is a member of an affiliated
   service group of which any Borrower is a member under IRC Section 414(m),
   or (d) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the
   IRC, any party subject to ERISA that is a party to an arrangement with any
   Borrower and whose employees are aggregated with the employees of such
   Borrower under IRC Section 414(o).

             "ERISA Event" means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to any
   Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan, (b) the withdrawal of any Borrower,
   any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates from a Benefit Plan during a
   plan year in which it was a "substantial employer" (as defined in
   Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), (c) the providing of notice of intent to
   terminate a Benefit Plan in a distress termination (as described in
   Section 4041(c) of ERISA), (d) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings
   to terminate a Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan, (e) any event or
   condition (i) that provides a basis under Section 4042(a)(1), (2), or (3)
   of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to
   administer, any Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan, or (ii) that may
   result in termination of a Multiemployer Plan pursuant to Section 4041A of
   ERISA, (f) the partial or complete withdrawal within the meaning of
   Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA, of any Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries
   or ERISA Affiliates from a Multiemployer Plan, or (g) providing any
   security to any Plan under Section 401(a)(29) of the IRC by any Borrower
   or its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates.

             "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

             "Existing Lender" means Bank One, Wisconsin.

             "FEIN" means Federal Employer Identification Number.

             "Foothill" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
   Agreement.

             "Foothill Account" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.

             "Foothill Expenses" means all:  costs or expenses (including
   taxes, and insurance premiums) required to be paid by Borrowers under any
   of the Loan Documents that are paid or incurred by Foothill; fees or
   charges paid or incurred by Foothill in connection with Foothill's
   transactions with any Borrower, including, fees or charges for
   photocopying, notarization, couriers and messengers, telecommunication,
   public record searches (including tax lien, litigation, and UCC searches
   and including searches with the patent and trademark office, the copyright
   office, or the department of motor vehicles), filing, recording,
   publication, appraisal (including periodic Collateral or appraisals), real
   estate surveys, real estate title policies and endorsements, and
   environmental audits; costs and expenses incurred by Foothill in the
   disbursement of funds to any Borrower (by wire transfer or otherwise);
   charges paid or incurred by Foothill resulting from the dishonor of
   checks; costs and expenses paid or incurred by Foothill to correct any
   default or enforce any provision of the Loan Documents, or in gaining
   possession of, maintaining, handling, preserving, storing, shipping,
   selling, preparing for sale, or advertising to sell the Collateral, or any
   portion thereof, irrespective of whether a sale is consummated; costs and
   expenses paid or incurred by Foothill in examining any Borrower's Books;
   costs and expenses of third party claims or any other suit paid or
   incurred by Foothill in enforcing or defending the Loan Documents or in
   connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or
   Foothill's relationship with any Borrower or any guarantor; and Foothill's
   reasonable attorneys fees and expenses incurred in advising, structuring,
   drafting, reviewing, administering, amending, terminating, enforcing
   (including attorneys fees and expenses incurred in connection with a
   "workout," a "restructuring," or an Insolvency Proceeding concerning any
   Borrower or any guarantor of the Obligations), defending, or concerning
   the Loan Documents, irrespective of whether suit is brought.

             "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in
   effect from time to time in the United States, consistently applied.

             "General Intangibles" means, with respect to a Borrower, all of
   such Borrower's present and future general intangibles and other personal
   property (including contract rights, rights arising under common law,
   statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill, patents,
   trade names, trademarks, servicemarks, copyrights, blueprints, drawings,
   purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from pension
   funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty
   or licensing agreements, infringement claims, computer programs,
   information contained on computer disks or tapes, literature, reports,
   catalogs, deposit accounts, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and
   tax refund claims), other than goods, Accounts, and Negotiable Collateral.

             "Governing Documents" means the certificate or articles of
   incorporation, by-laws, or other organizational or governing documents of
   any Person.

             "Hazardous Materials" means (a) substances that are defined or
   listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable laws or
   regulations as "hazardous substances," "hazardous materials," "hazardous
   wastes," "toxic substances," or any other formulation intended to define,
   list, or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as
   ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive
   toxicity, or "EP toxicity", (b) oil, petroleum, or petroleum derived
   substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, drilling
   fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration,
   development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal
   resources, (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive
   materials, and (d) asbestos in any form or electrical equipment that
   contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated
   biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million.

             "Indebtedness" means:  (a) all obligations of a Borrower for
   borrowed money, (b) all obligations of a Borrower evidenced by bonds,
   debentures, notes, or other similar instruments and all reimbursement or
   other obligations of a Borrower in respect of letters of credit, bankers
   acceptances, interest rate swaps, or other financial products, (c) all
   obligations of a Borrower under capital leases, (d) all obligations or
   liabilities of others secured by a Lien on any property or asset of a
   Borrower, irrespective of whether such obligation or liability is assumed,
   and (e) any obligation of a Borrower guaranteeing or intended to guarantee
   (whether guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted, or sold with recourse
   to such Borrower) any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit, or
   other obligation of any other Person.

             "Insolvency Proceeding" means any proceeding commenced by or
   against any Person under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or under any
   other bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of
   creditors, formal or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions
   generally with creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization,
   arrangement, or other similar relief.

             "Intangible Assets" means, with respect to any Person, that
   portion of the book value of all of such Person's assets that would be
   treated as intangibles under GAAP.

             "Inventory" means, with respect to a Borrower, all present and
   future inventory in which such Borrower has any interest, including goods
   held for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service and
   all of such Borrower's present and future raw materials, work in process,
   finished goods, and packing and shipping materials, wherever located.

             "IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
   the regulations thereunder.

             "L/C" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

             "L/C Guaranty" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

             "Letter of Credit" means an L/C or an L/C Guaranty, as the
   context requires.

             "Lien" means any interest in property securing an obligation
   owed to, or a claim by, any Person other than the owner of the property,
   whether such interest shall be based on the common law, statute, or
   contract, whether such interest shall be recorded or perfected, and
   whether such interest shall be contingent upon the occurrence of some
   future event or events or the existence of some future circumstance or
   circumstances, including the lien or security interest arising from a
   mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, hypothecation, assignment,
   deposit arrangement, security agreement, adverse claim or charge,
   conditional sale or trust receipt, or from a lease, consignment, or
   bailment for security purposes and also including reservations,
   exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants,
   conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and
   encumbrances affecting real property.

             "Loan Account" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10.

             "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Disbursement Letter,
   the Letters of Credit, the Lockbox Agreements, the Copyright Security
   Agreement, the Trademark Security Agreement, the Stock Pledge Agreement,
   any note or notes executed by any Borrower and payable to Foothill, and
   any other agreement entered into, now or in the future, in connection with
   this Agreement.

             "Lockbox Account" shall mean a depository account established
   pursuant to one of the Lockbox Agreements.

             "Lockbox Agreements" means those certain Lockbox Operating
   Procedural Agreements and those certain Depository Account Agreements, in
   form and substance satisfactory to Foothill, each of which is among
   Borrowers, Foothill, and one of the Lockbox Banks.

             "Lockbox Banks" means Bank One, Wisconsin.

             "Lockboxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.

             "Material Adverse Change" means (a) a material adverse change in
   the business, prospects, operations, results of operations, assets,
   liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of any Borrower, (b) the
   material impairment of any Borrower's ability to perform its obligations
   under the Loan Documents to which it is a party or of Foothill to enforce
   the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral, (c) a material adverse
   effect on the value of the Collateral or the amount that Foothill would be
   likely to receive (after giving consideration to delays in payment and
   costs of enforcement) in the liquidation of such Collateral, or (d) a
   material impairment of the priority of Foothill's Liens with respect to
   the Collateral.

             "Maximum Amount" means, as of any date of determination, the sum
   of (a) the Maximum Revolving Amount and (b) the then outstanding principal
   balance of the Term Loan.

             "Maximum Revolving Amount" means $9,000,000 less the then
   outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan.

             "Multiemployer Plan" means a "multiemployer plan" (as defined in
   Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) to which any Borrower, any of its
   Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate has contributed, or was obligated to
   contribute, within the past six years.

             "Negotiable Collateral" means, with respect to a Borrower, all
   of such Borrower's present and future letters of credit, notes, drafts,
   instruments, investment property, security entitlements, securities
   (including the shares of stock of Subsidiaries of such Borrower),
   documents, personal property leases (wherein such Borrower is the lessor),
   chattel paper, and such Borrower's Books relating to any of the foregoing.

             "Obligations" means all loans (including, without limitation,
   the Term Loan), Advances, debts, principal, interest (including any
   interest that, but for the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, would have
   accrued), contingent reimbursement obligations under any outstanding
   Letters of Credit, premiums (including Early Termination Premiums),
   liabilities (including all amounts charged to Borrowers' Loan Account
   pursuant hereto), obligations, fees, charges, costs, or Foothill Expenses
   (including any fees or expenses that, but for the provisions of the
   Bankruptcy Code, would have accrued), lease payments, guaranties,
   covenants, and duties owing by any Borrower to Foothill of any kind and
   description (whether pursuant to or evidenced by the Loan Documents or
   pursuant to any other agreement between Foothill and any Borrower, and
   irrespective of whether for the payment of money), whether direct or
   indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or
   hereafter arising, and including any debt, liability, or obligation owing
   from any Borrower to others that Foothill may have obtained by assignment
   or otherwise, and further including all interest not paid when due and all
   Foothill Expenses that any Borrower is required to pay or reimburse by the
   Loan Documents, by law, or otherwise.

             "Overadvance" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.

             "Pay-Off Letter" means a letter, in form and substance
   reasonably satisfactory to Foothill, from Existing Lender respecting the
   amount necessary to repay in full all of the obligations of Borrowers
   owing to Existing Lender and obtain a termination or release of all of the
   Liens existing in favor of Existing Lender in and to the properties or
   assets of each Borrower.

             "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation as defined
   in Title IV of ERISA, or any successor thereto.

             "Permitted Liens" means (a) Liens held by Foothill, (b) Liens
   for unpaid taxes that either (i) are not yet due and payable or (ii) are
   the subject of Permitted Protests, (c) Liens set forth on Schedule P-1,
   (d) the interests of lessors under operating leases and purchase money
   Liens of lessors under capital leases to the extent that the acquisition
   or lease of the underlying asset occurs after the Closing Date and is
   permitted under Section 7.21 and so long as the Lien only attaches to the
   asset purchased or acquired and only secures the purchase price of the
   asset, (e) Liens arising by operation of law in favor of warehousemen,
   landlords, carriers, mechanics, materialmen, laborers, or suppliers,
   incurred in the ordinary course of business of any Borrower and not in
   connection with the borrowing of money, and which Liens either (i) are for
   sums not yet due and payable, or (ii) are the subject of Permitted
   Protests, (f) Liens arising from deposits made in connection with
   obtaining worker's compensation or other unemployment insurance, (g) Liens
   or deposits to secure performance of bids, tenders, or leases (to the
   extent permitted under this Agreement), incurred in the ordinary course of
   business of a Borrower and not in connection with the borrowing of money,
   (h) Liens arising by reason of security for surety or appeal bonds in the
   ordinary course of business of a Borrower, and (i) Liens of or resulting
   from any judgment or award that would not have a Material Adverse Effect
   and as to which the time for the appeal or petition for rehearing of which
   has not yet expired, or in respect of which a Borrower is in good faith
   prosecuting an appeal or proceeding for a review, and in respect of which
   a stay of execution pending such appeal or proceeding for review has been
   secured.

             "Permitted Protest" means the right of a Borrower to protest any
   Lien other than any such Lien that secures the Obligations, tax (other
   than payroll taxes or taxes that are the subject of a United States
   federal tax lien), or rental payment, provided that (a) a reserve with
   respect to such obligation is established on the books of such Borrower in
   an amount that is reasonably satisfactory to Foothill, (b) any such
   protest is instituted and diligently prosecuted by such Borrower in good
   faith, and (c) Foothill is satisfied that, while any such protest is
   pending, there will be no impairment of the enforceability, validity, or
   priority of any of the Liens of Foothill in and to the Collateral.

             "Person" means and includes natural persons, corporations,
   limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships,
   limited liability partnerships, joint ventures, trusts, land trusts,
   business trusts, or other organizations, irrespective of whether they are
   legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions
   thereof.

             "Plan" means any employee benefit plan, program, or arrangement
   maintained or contributed to by any Borrower or with respect to which it
   may incur liability.

             "Reference Rate" means the variable rate of interest, per annum,
   most recently announced by Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association,
   or any successor thereto, as its "base rate," irrespective of whether such
   announced rate is the best rate available from such financial institution.

             "Renewal Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

             "Reportable Event" means any of the events described in
   Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations thereunder other than a
   Reportable Event as to which the provision of 30 days notice to the PBGC
   is waived under applicable regulations.

             "Retiree Health Plan" means an "employee welfare benefit plan"
   within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA that provides benefits to
   individuals after termination of their employment, other than as required
   by Section 601 of ERISA.

             "Solvent" means, with respect to any Person on a particular
   date, that on such date (a) at fair valuations, all of the properties and
   assets of such Person are greater than the sum of the debts, including
   contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value
   of the properties and assets of such Person is not less than the amount
   that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its
   debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to
   realize upon its properties and assets and pay its debts and other
   liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature
   in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and
   does not believe that it will, incur debts beyond such Person's ability to
   pay as such debts mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in business
   or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction,
   for which such Person's properties and assets would constitute
   unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the
   prevailing practices in the industry in which such Person is engaged.  In
   computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended
   that such liabilities will be computed at the amount that, in light of all
   the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount
   that reasonably can be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

             "Stock Pledge Agreement" means that certain Stock Pledge
   Agreement of even date herewith between EMS and Foothill.

             "Subsidiary" of a Person means a corporation, partnership,
   limited liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly
   or indirectly owns or controls the shares of stock or other ownership
   interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of
   directors (or appoint other comparable managers) of such corporation,
   partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

             "Tangible Net Worth" means, as of any date of determination, the
   difference of (a) total stockholder's equity of Borrowers on a
   consolidated basis (exclusive of Total Management Systems, Inc., EMS-Asia
   Pacific Ltd., EMS of China Limited, EMS-Virgin Islands and EMS-Polska),
   minus (b) the sum of:  (i) all Intangible Assets of Borrowers, (ii) all of
   Borrowers' prepaid expenses, and (iii) all amounts due to Borrowers from
   Affiliates.  Schedule T-1 sets forth an example of the calculation of
   Tangible Net Worth based on Borrowers' projections for February 28, 1998.

             "Term Loan" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.

             "Trademark Security Agreement" means that certain Trademark
   Security Agreement of even date herewith between EMS and Foothill.

             "Voidable Transfer" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.8.

        1.2. Accounting Terms.

             All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be
   construed in accordance with GAAP.  When used herein, the term "financial
   statements" shall include the notes and schedules thereto.  Whenever the
   term "Borrower" is used in respect of a financial covenant or a related
   definition, it shall be understood to mean Borrowers on a consolidated
   basis unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

        1.3. Code.

             Any terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code
   shall be construed and defined as set forth in the Code unless otherwise
   defined herein.

        1.4. Construction.

             Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise,
   references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular
   include the plural, the term "including" is not limiting, and the term
   "or" has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning
   represented by the phrase "and/or."  The words "hereof," "herein,"
   "hereby," "hereunder," and similar terms in this Agreement refer to this
   Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
   Agreement.  An Event of Default shall "continue" or be "continuing" until
   such Event of Default has been waived in writing by Foothill.  Section,
   subsection, clause, schedule, and exhibit references are to this Agreement
   unless otherwise specified.  Any reference in this Agreement or in the
   Loan Documents to this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents shall
   include all alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications,
   renewals, replacements, substitutions, and supplements, thereto and
   thereof, as applicable.

        1.5. Schedules and Exhibits.

             All of the schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement
   shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

   2.   LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT.

        2.1. Revolving Advances.

             (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
   Foothill agrees to make advances ("Advances") to Borrowers in an amount
   outstanding not to exceed at any one time the lesser of (i) the Maximum
   Revolving Amount less the outstanding balance of all undrawn or
   unreimbursed Letters of Credit, or (ii) the Borrowing Base less (A) the
   aggregate amount of all undrawn or unreimbursed Letters of Credit.  For
   purposes of this Agreement, "Borrowing Base", as of any date of
   determination, shall mean the result of:

                  (x)  the lesser of (i) 80% of Eligible Accounts of
             Borrowers, less the amount, if any, of the Dilution
             Reserve, and (ii) an amount equal to Borrowers' Collections
             with respect to Accounts of Borrowers for the immediately
             preceding 100 day period (provided, that such period may be
             adjusted for seasonality in Foothill's reasonable credit
             judgment), minus

                  (z)  the aggregate amount of reserves, if any,
             established by Foothill under Section 2.1(b).

             (b)  Anything to the contrary in Section 2.1(a) above
   notwithstanding, Foothill may create reserves against the Borrowing Base
   or reduce its advance rates based upon Eligible Accounts without declaring
   an Event of Default (i) for any amount subject to a Permitted Protest,
   (ii) for amounts owing to landlords or similar Persons that could assert a
   statutory lien in respect of any of the Collateral, (iii) if in Foothill's
   reasonable determination any of the equipment listed in the Leasetec
   Letter or in the Hewlett-Packard Letter is listed in the AccuVal
   Appraisal, and/or (iii) if it determines in its reasonable credit judgment
   that there has occurred a Material Adverse Change.  In addition to the
   foregoing reserves, Foothill shall establish an additional reserve of
   $1,500,000; provided, that upon satisfaction of the conditions subsequent
   set forth in Sections 3.3 (e), (f), (g) and (h), such reserve shall be
   reduced to $500,000, and upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
   Section 3.3(b) and (d), such reserve shall be reduced to zero. 
   Notwithstanding the additional reserve described in the preceding
   sentence, the failure of Borrowers to satisfy any of the conditions
   subsequent set forth in Section 3.3 within the time constraints set forth
   therein shall constitute an Event of Default as set forth therein, and
   Foothill reserves the right to take such action as a result of any such
   Event of Default as Foothill is permitted under the terms of the Loan
   Documents.

             (c)  Foothill shall have no obligation to make Advances
   hereunder to the extent they would cause the outstanding Obligations
   (other than under the Term Loan) to exceed the Maximum Revolving Amount.

             (d)  Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1 may be repaid
   and, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, reborrowed at
   any time during the term of this Agreement.

        2.2. Letters of Credit.

             (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
   Foothill agrees to issue letters of credit for the account of a Borrower
   (each, an "L/C") or to issue guarantees of payment (each such guaranty, an
   "L/C Guaranty") with respect to letters of credit issued by an issuing
   bank for the account of a Borrower.  Foothill shall have no obligation to
   issue a Letter of Credit if any of the following would result:

                  (i)  the aggregate amount of all undrawn and
             unreimbursed Letters of Credit, would exceed the Borrowing
             Base less the amount of outstanding Advances; or

                  (ii) the aggregate amount of all undrawn or
             unreimbursed Letters of Credit would exceed the lower of:
             (x) the Maximum Revolving Amount less the amount of
             outstanding Advances; or (y) $1,000,000; or

                  (iii)     the outstanding Obligations (other than
             under the Term Loan) would exceed the Maximum Revolving
             Amount.

   Each Borrower expressly understands and agrees that Foothill shall have no
   obligation to arrange for the issuance by issuing banks of the letters of
   credit that are to be the subject of L/C Guarantees.  Each Borrower and
   Foothill acknowledge and agree that certain of the letters of credit that
   are to be the subject of L/C Guarantees may be outstanding on the Closing
   Date.  Each Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date no later than
   60 days prior to the date on which this Agreement is scheduled to
   terminate under Section 3.4 (without regard to any potential renewal term)
   and all such Letters of Credit shall be in form and substance acceptable
   to Foothill in its sole discretion.  If Foothill is obligated to advance
   funds under a Letter of Credit, Borrowers immediately shall reimburse such
   amount to Foothill and, in the absence of such reimbursement, the amount
   so advanced immediately and automatically shall be deemed to be an Advance
   hereunder and, thereafter, shall bear interest at the rate then applicable
   to Advances under Section 2.6.

             (b)  Each Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, save, defend, and
   hold Foothill harmless from any loss, cost, expense, or liability,
   including payments made by Foothill, expenses, and reasonable attorneys
   fees incurred by Foothill arising out of or in connection with any Letter
   of Credit.  Each Borrower agrees to be bound by the issuing bank's
   regulations and interpretations of any Letters of Credit guarantied by
   Foothill and opened to or for a Borrower's account or by Foothill's
   interpretations of any L/C issued by Foothill to or for a Borrower's
   account, even though this interpretation may be different from such
   Borrower's own, and each Borrower understands and agrees that Foothill
   shall not be liable for any error, negligence, or mistake, whether of
   omission or commission, in following any Borrower's instructions or those
   contained in the Letter of Credit or any modifications, amendments, or
   supplements thereto.  Each Borrower understands that the L/C Guarantees
   may require Foothill to indemnify the issuing bank for certain costs or
   liabilities arising out of claims by such Borrower against such issuing
   bank.  Each Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, save, defend, and hold
   Foothill harmless with respect to any loss, cost, expense (including
   reasonable attorneys fees), or liability incurred by Foothill under any
   L/C Guaranty as a result of Foothill's indemnification of any such issuing
   bank. 

             (c)  Each Borrower hereby authorizes and directs any bank that
   issues a letter of credit guaranteed by Foothill to deliver to Foothill
   all instruments, documents, and other writings and property received by
   the issuing bank pursuant to such letter of credit, and to accept and rely
   upon Foothill's instructions and agreements with respect to all matters
   arising in connection with such letter of credit and the related
   application.  Such Borrower may or may not be the "applicant" or "account
   party" with respect to such letter of credit.

             (d)  Any and all charges, commissions, fees, and costs incurred
   by Foothill relating to the letters of credit guaranteed by Foothill shall
   be considered Foothill Expenses for purposes of this Agreement and
   immediately shall be reimbursable by Borrowers to Foothill.

             (e)  Immediately upon the termination of this Agreement,
   Borrowers agree to either (i) provide cash collateral to be held by
   Foothill in an amount equal to 102% of the maximum amount of Foothill's
   obligations under Letters of Credit, or (ii) cause to be delivered to
   Foothill releases of all of Foothill's obligations under outstanding
   Letters of Credit.  At Foothill's discretion, any proceeds of Collateral
   of Borrowers received by Foothill after the occurrence and during the
   continuation of an Event of Default may be held as the cash collateral
   required by this Section 2.2(e).

             (f)  If by reason of (i) any change in any applicable law,
   treaty, rule, or regulation or any change in the interpretation or
   application by any governmental authority of any such applicable law,
   treaty, rule, or regulation, or (ii) compliance by the issuing bank or
   Foothill with any direction, request, or requirement (irrespective of
   whether having the force of law) of any governmental authority or monetary
   authority including, without limitation, Regulation D of the Board of
   Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect
   (and any successor thereto):

                       (A)  any reserve, deposit, or similar requirement
                  is or shall be imposed or modified in respect of any
                  Letters of Credit issued hereunder, or

                       (B)  there shall be imposed on the issuing bank
                  or Foothill any other condition regarding any letter
                  of credit, or Letter of Credit, as applicable, issued
                  pursuant hereto;

   and the result of the foregoing is to increase, directly or indirectly,
   the cost to the issuing bank or Foothill of issuing, making, guaranteeing,
   or maintaining any letter of credit, or Letter of Credit, as applicable,
   or to reduce the amount receivable in respect thereof by such issuing bank
   or Foothill, then, and in any such case, Foothill may, at any time within
   a reasonable period after the additional cost is incurred or the amount
   received is reduced, notify Borrowers, and Borrowers shall pay on demand
   such amounts as the issuing bank or Foothill may specify to be necessary
   to compensate the issuing bank or Foothill for such additional cost or
   reduced receipt, together with interest on such amount from the date of
   such demand until payment in full thereof at the rate set forth in
   Section 2.6(a)(i) or (c)(i), as applicable.  The determination by the
   issuing bank or Foothill, as the case may be, of any amount due pursuant
   to this Section 2.2(f), as set forth in a certificate setting forth the
   calculation thereof in reasonable detail, shall, in the absence of
   manifest or demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding on all
   of the parties hereto.

        2.3. Term Loan.

             Foothill has agreed to make a term loan (the "Term Loan") to
   Borrowers in the original principal amount of $3,112,500, consisting of an
   advance of $3,000,000 and the closing fee of $112,500 described in
   Section 2.11(b).  The Term Loan shall be repaid in 36 installments of
   principal each in the amount of $64,843.75 (except for the last such
   installment which shall be in the amount of the unpaid principal balance
   of the Term Loan).  Each such installment shall be due and payable on the
   tenth day of each month commencing on the tenth day of February, 1998 and
   continuing on the tenth day of each succeeding month, and the final
   payment shall be on the third anniversary of the Closing Date.  In
   addition to the foregoing, Borrowers shall make prepayments of principal
   of the Term Loan such that at all times the outstanding principal balance
   of the Term Loan is less than the Applicable Maintenance Revenue Amount. 
   The outstanding principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest
   under the Term Loan shall be due and payable upon the termination of this
   Agreement, whether by its terms, by prepayment, by acceleration, or
   otherwise.  The unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan may be prepaid
   in whole or in part without penalty or premium at any time during the term
   of this Agreement upon 30 days prior written notice by Borrowers to
   Foothill.  All prepayments of principal of the Term Loan shall be applied
   to the installments due on the Term Loan in the inverse order of their
   maturity.  All amounts outstanding under the Term Loan shall constitute
   Obligations.

        2.4. Intentionally Omitted.

        2.5. Overadvances.

             If, at any time or for any reason, the amount of Obligations
   owed by Borrowers to Foothill pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.2 is greater
   than either the Dollar or percentage limitations set forth in Sections 2.1
   and 2.2 (an "Overadvance"), Borrowers immediately shall pay to Foothill,
   in cash, the amount of such excess to be used by Foothill first, to repay
   Advances outstanding under Section 2.1 and, thereafter, to be held by
   Foothill as cash collateral to secure Borrowers' obligation to repay
   Foothill for all amounts paid pursuant to Letters of Credit.

        2.6. Interest and Letter of Credit Fees:  Rates, Payments, and
             Calculations.

             (a)  Interest Rate.  Except as provided in clause (b) below,
   (i) all Obligations (except for undrawn Letters of Credit and the Term
   Loan) shall bear interest at a per annum rate of 0.75 percentage points
   above the Reference Rate and (ii) the Term Loan shall bear interest at a
   per annum fixed rate of 13.5%.

             (b)  Letter of Credit Fee.  Borrowers shall pay Foothill a fee
   (in addition to the charges, commissions, fees, and costs set forth in
   Section 2.2(d)) equal to 1.00% per annum times the aggregate undrawn
   amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

             (c)  Default Rate.  Upon the occurrence and during the
   continuation of an Event of Default, (i) all Obligations (except for
   undrawn Letters of Credit and the Term Loan) shall bear interest at a per
   annum rate equal to 4.75% above the Reference Rate, (ii) the Term Loan
   shall bear interest at a per annum fixed rate equal to 17.5%, and
   (iii) the Letter of Credit fee provided in Section 2.6(b) shall be
   increased to 5% per annum times the amount of the undrawn Letters of
   Credit that were outstanding during the immediately preceding month.

             (d)  Minimum Interest.  In no event shall the rate of interest
   chargeable hereunder for any day be less than 7% per annum.  To the extent
   that interest accrued hereunder at the rate set forth herein would be less
   than the foregoing minimum daily rate, the interest rate chargeable
   hereunder for such day automatically shall be deemed increased to the
   minimum rate.  To the extent that interest accrued hereunder at the rate
   set forth herein (including the minimum interest rate) would yield less
   than the foregoing minimum amount, the interest rate chargeable hereunder
   for the period in question automatically shall be deemed increased to that
   rate that would result in the minimum amount of interest being accrued and
   payable hereunder.

             (e)  Payments.  Interest and Letter of Credit fees payable
   hereunder shall be due and payable, in arrears, on the first day of each
   month during the term hereof.  Each Borrower hereby authorizes Foothill,
   at its option, without prior notice to any Borrower, to charge such
   interest and Letter of Credit fees, all Foothill Expenses (as and when
   incurred), the charges, commissions, fees, and costs provided for in
   Section 2.2(d) (as and when accrued or incurred), the fees and charges
   provided for in Section 2.11 (as and when accrued or incurred), and all
   installments or other payments due under the Term Loan, or any Loan
   Document to Borrowers' Loan Account, which amounts thereafter shall accrue
   interest at the rate then applicable to Advances hereunder.  Any interest
   not paid when due shall be compounded and shall thereafter accrue interest
   at the rate then applicable to Advances hereunder.

             (f)  Computation.  The Reference Rate as of the date of this
   Agreement is 8.5% per annum.  In the event the Reference Rate is changed
   from time to time hereafter, the applicable rate of interest hereunder
   automatically and immediately shall be increased or decreased by an amount
   equal to such change in the Reference Rate.  All interest and fees
   chargeable under the Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a
   360 day year for the actual number of days elapsed.

             (g)  Intent to Limit Charges to Maximum Lawful Rate.  In no
   event shall the interest rate or rates payable under this Agreement, plus
   any other amounts paid in connection herewith, exceed the highest rate
   permissible under any law that a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in
   a final determination, deem applicable.  Each Borrower and Foothill, in
   executing and delivering this Agreement, intend legally to agree upon the
   rate or rates of interest and manner of payment stated within it;
   provided, however, that, anything contained herein to the contrary
   notwithstanding, if said rate or rates of interest or manner of payment
   exceeds the maximum allowable under applicable law, then, ipso facto as of
   the date of this Agreement, Borrowers are and shall be liable only for the
   payment of such maximum as allowed by law, and payment received from any
   Borrower in excess of such legal maximum, whenever received, shall be
   applied to reduce the principal balance of the Obligations to the extent
   of such excess.

        2.7. Collection of Accounts.

             Borrowers shall at all times maintain lockboxes (the
   "Lockboxes") and, immediately after the Closing Date, shall instruct all
   Account Debtors with respect to the Accounts, General Intangibles, and
   Negotiable Collateral of Borrowers to remit all Collections in respect
   thereof to such Lockboxes.  Borrowers, Foothill, and the Lockbox Banks
   shall enter into the Lockbox Agreements, which among other things shall
   provide for the opening of a Lockbox Account for the deposit of
   Collections at a Lockbox Bank.  Borrowers agree that all Collections and
   other amounts received by any Borrower from any Account Debtor or any
   other source immediately upon receipt shall be deposited into a Lockbox
   Account.  No Lockbox Agreement or arrangement contemplated thereby shall
   be modified by any Borrower without the prior written consent of
   Foothill.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
   Lockbox Agreements, all amounts received in each Lockbox Account shall be
   wired each Business Day into an account (the "Foothill Account")
   maintained by Foothill at a depository selected by Foothill.

        2.8. Crediting Payments; Application of Collections.

             The receipt of any Collections by Foothill (whether from
   transfers to Foothill by the Lockbox Banks pursuant to the Lockbox
   Agreements or otherwise) immediately shall be applied provisionally to
   reduce the Obligations outstanding under Section 2.1, but shall not be
   considered a payment on account unless such Collection item is a wire
   transfer of immediately available federal funds and is made to the
   Foothill Account or unless and until such Collection item is honored when
   presented for payment.  From and after the Closing Date, Foothill shall be
   entitled to charge Borrowers for 2 Business Days of `clearance' or `float'
   at the rate set forth in Section 2.6(a)(i) or Section 2.6(c)(i), as
   applicable, on all Collections that are received by Foothill (regardless
   of whether forwarded by the Lockbox Banks to Foothill, whether
   provisionally applied to reduce the Obligations under Section 2.1, or
   otherwise).  This across-the-board 2 Business Day clearance or float
   charge on all Collections is acknowledged by the parties to constitute an
   integral aspect of the pricing of Foothill's financing of Borrowers, and
   shall apply irrespective of the characterization of whether receipts are
   owned by any Borrower or Foothill, and whether or not there are any
   outstanding Advances, the effect of such clearance or float charge being
   the equivalent of charging 2 Business Days of interest on such
   Collections.  Should any Collection item not be honored when presented for
   payment, then Borrowers shall be deemed not to have made such payment, and
   interest shall be recalculated accordingly.  Anything to the contrary
   contained herein notwithstanding, any Collection item shall be deemed
   received by Foothill only if it is received into the Foothill Account on a
   Business Day on or before 11:00 a.m. California time.  If any Collection
   item is received into the Foothill Account on a non-Business Day or after
   11:00 a.m. California time on a Business Day, it shall be deemed to have
   been received by Foothill as of the opening of business on the immediately
   following Business Day.

        2.9. Designated Account.

             Foothill is authorized to make the Advances, the Letters of
   Credit and the Term Loan under this Agreement based upon telephonic or
   other instructions received from anyone purporting to be an Authorized
   Person, or without instructions if pursuant to Section 2.6(e).  Borrowers
   agree to establish and maintain the Designated Account with the Designated
   Account Bank for the purpose of receiving the proceeds of the Advances
   requested by any Borrower and made by Foothill hereunder.  Unless
   otherwise agreed by Foothill and Borrowers, any Advance requested by any
   Borrower and made by Foothill hereunder shall be made to the Designated
   Account.

        2.10.     Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations.

             Foothill shall maintain an account on its books in the name of
   Borrowers (the "Loan Account") on which Borrowers will be charged with all
   Advances made by Foothill to any Borrower or for Borrowers' account,
   including, accrued interest, Foothill Expenses, and any other payment
   Obligations of any Borrower.  In accordance with Section 2.8, the Loan
   Account will be credited with all payments received by Foothill from any
   Borrower or for Borrowers' account, including all amounts received in the
   Foothill Account from any Lockbox Bank.  Foothill shall render statements
   regarding the Loan Account to Borrowers, including principal, interest,
   fees, and including an itemization of all charges and expenses
   constituting Foothill Expenses owing, and such statements shall be
   conclusively presumed to be correct and accurate and constitute an account
   stated between Borrowers and Foothill unless, within 30 days after receipt
   thereof by Borrowers, Borrowers shall deliver to Foothill written
   objection thereto describing the error or errors contained in any such
   statements.

        2.11.     Fees.

             Borrowers shall pay to Foothill the following fees:

             (a)  Closing Fee.  A closing fee of $112,500 (which amount has
   been added to the Term Loan and will be paid as part of the amortization
   of the Term Loan);

             (b)  Unused Line Fee.  On the first day of each month during the
   term of this Agreement, an unused line fee in an amount equal to 0.50% per
   annum times the Average Unused Portion of the Maximum Revolving Amount.

             (c)  Financial Examination, Documentation, and Appraisal Fees. 
   Foothill's customary fee of $650 per day per examiner, plus out-of-pocket
   expenses for each financial analysis and examination (i.e., audits) of
   Borrowers performed by personnel employed by Foothill; provided, that so
   long as no Event of Default exists, Borrowers shall not be liable for more
   than 20 days of examination fees in any fiscal year; Foothill's customary
   appraisal fee of $1,500 per day per appraiser, plus out-of-pocket expenses
   for each appraisal of the Collateral performed by personnel employed by
   Foothill (provided, that so long as no Event of Default exists, Borrowers
   shall not be liable for any appraisal fees incurred by Foothill after the
   date hereof); and, the actual charges paid or incurred by Foothill if it
   elects to employ the services of one or more third Persons to perform such
   financial analyses and examinations (i.e., audits) of Borrowers or to
   appraise the Collateral; and, on each anniversary of the Closing Date,
   Foothill's customary fee of $1,000 per year for its loan documentation
   review; and

             (d)  Servicing Fee.  On the first day of each month during the
   term of this Agreement, and thereafter so long as any Obligations are
   outstanding, a servicing fee in an amount equal to $2,000 per month.

   3.   CONDITIONS; TERM OF AGREEMENT.

        3.1. Conditions Precedent to the Initial Advance, Letter of Credit,
             the Term Loan, and the Initial Capital Expenditure Loan.

             The obligation of Foothill to make the initial Advance, to issue
   the initial Letter of Credit or to make the Term Loan is subject to the
   fulfillment, to the satisfaction of Foothill and its counsel, of each of
   the following conditions on or before the Closing Date:

             (a)  the Closing Date shall occur on or before December 30,
   1997;

             (b)  Foothill shall have received searches reflecting the filing
   of its financing statements and fixture filings and each Borrower;

             (c)  Foothill shall have received each of the following
   documents, duly executed, and each such document shall be in full force
   and effect:

                  (i)  the Lockbox Agreements;

                  (ii) the Disbursement Letter;

                  (iii)     the Pay-Off Letter, together with UCC
             termination statements and other documentation evidencing
             the termination by Existing Lender of its Liens in and to
             the properties and assets of all Borrowers; and

                  (iv) the Copyright Security Agreement, the Trademark
             Security Agreement and the Stock Pledge Agreement.

             (d)  Foothill shall have received a certificate from the
   Secretary of each Borrower attesting to the resolutions of such Borrower's
   Board of Directors authorizing its execution, delivery, and performance of
   this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a
   party and authorizing specific officers of Borrower to execute the same;

             (e)  Foothill shall have received copies of each Borrower's
   Governing Documents, as amended, modified, or supplemented to the Closing
   Date, certified by the Secretary of such Borrower;

             (f)  Foothill shall have received a certificate of status with
   respect to each Borrower, dated within 10 days of the Closing Date, such
   certificate to be issued by the appropriate officer of the jurisdiction of
   organization of such Borrower, which certificate shall indicate that such
   Borrower is in good standing in such jurisdiction;

             (g)  Foothill shall have received certificates of status with
   respect to each Borrower, each dated within 15 days of the Closing Date,
   such certificates to be issued by the appropriate officer of the
   jurisdictions in which its failure to be duly qualified or licensed would
   constitute a Material Adverse Change, which certificates shall indicate
   that such Borrower is in good standing in such jurisdictions;

             (h)  Foothill shall have received a certificate of insurance,
   together with the endorsements thereto, as are required by Section 6.10,
   the form and substance of which shall be satisfactory to Foothill and its
   counsel;

             (i)  Foothill shall have received duly executed certificates of
   title with respect to that portion of the Collateral that is subject to
   certificates of title;

             (j)  Foothill shall have received such Collateral Access
   Agreements from lessors, warehousemen, bailees, and other third persons as
   Foothill may require;

             (k)  Foothill shall have received an opinion of Borrowers'
   counsel in form and substance satisfactory to Foothill in its sole
   discretion;

             (l)  Borrowers shall have registered all material copyrights and
   other intellectual property with the appropriate federal filing office;

             (m)  Foothill shall have received background searches of the
   officers of Borrowers and be satisfied with the results thereof;

             (n)  Foothill shall have received satisfactory evidence that all
   tax returns required to be filed by each Borrower have been timely filed
   and all taxes upon each Borrower or its properties, assets, income, and
   franchises (including real property taxes and payroll taxes) have been
   paid prior to delinquency, except such taxes that are the subject of a
   Permitted Protest; and

             (o)  all other documents and legal matters in connection with
   the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been delivered,
   executed, or recorded and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to
   Foothill and its counsel.

        3.2. Conditions Precedent to all Advances, all Letters of Credit and
             the Term Loan.

             The following shall be conditions precedent to all Advances, all
   Letters of Credit and the Term Loan hereunder:

             (a)  the representations and warranties contained in this
   Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all
   material respects on and as of the date of such extension of credit, as
   though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such
   representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date); 

             (b)  no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
   continuing on the date of such extension of credit, nor shall either
   result from the making thereof; and

             (c)  no injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of
   any nature prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the extending of such
   credit shall have been issued and remain in force by any governmental
   authority against any Borrower, Foothill, or any of their Affiliates.

        3.3. Condition Subsequent.

             As a condition subsequent to initial closing hereunder,
   Borrowers shall perform or cause to be performed the following (the
   failure by Borrowers to so perform or cause to be performed constituting
   an Event of Default):

             (a)  within 30 days of the Closing Date, deliver to Foothill the
   certified copies of the policies of insurance, together with the
   endorsements thereto, as are required by Section 6.10, the form and
   substance of which shall be satisfactory to Foothill and its counsel;

             (b)  within 10 days of the Closing Date, deliver to Foothill a
   landlord waiver, in form and substance satisfactory to Foothill, executed
   by the landlord of the leased premises commonly known as 12000 West Park
   Place, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and within 30 days of the Closing Date,
   deliver to Foothill landlord waivers in form and substance satisfactory to
   Foothill, executed by the landlords of the leased premises commonly known
   as 100 Foxborough Boulevard, Suite 230, Foxborough, Massachusetts, 1771
   West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, Illinois and 501 East Highway 12,
   Burnsville, Minnesota;

             (c)  within 15 days of the Closing Date, either deliver to
   Foothill a lockbox agreement in form and substance satisfactory to
   Foothill, executed by Old Second Bank of Aurora or replace the existing
   lockbox arrangement with Old Second Bank of Aurora with a lockbox
   arrangement satisfactory to Foothill;

             (d)  within 10 days of the Closing Date, deliver to Foothill all
   of the original stock certificates of Total Management Systems, Inc.
   evidencing EMS's ownership thereof;

             (e)  within 20 days of the Closing Date, deliver to Foothill UCC
   termination statements executed by each of International Business Machines
   Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation with respect to UCC
   financing statement number 1502166 (dated April 19, 1995) filed with the
   Secretary of State of Wisconsin and UCC financing statement number 1380462
   (dated September 20, 1993) filed with the Secretary of State of Wisconsin,
   respectively;

             (f)  within 20 days of the Closing Date, deliver a letter (the
   "Leasetec Letter") executed by Leasetec Corporation, certifying that its
   security interest in any of the property of Borrowers is limited to the
   equipment specified in such letter;

             (g)  within 20 days of the Closing Date, deliver a letter (the
   "Hewlett-Packard Letter") executed by Hewlett-Packard Company, certifying
   that its security interest in any of the property of Borrowers is limited
   to the equipment specified in such letter; and

             (h)  within 30 days of the Closing Date, registration numbers
   for the TCM and FactoryNet copyrights filed by EMS with the Copyright
   Office.

        3.4. Term; Automatic Renewal.

             This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and
   delivery hereof by Borrowers and Foothill and shall continue in full force
   and effect for a term ending on the date (the "Renewal Date") that is
   three years from the Closing Date and automatically shall be renewed for
   successive one year periods thereafter, unless sooner terminated pursuant
   to the terms hereof.  Either Borrowers or Foothill may terminate this
   Agreement effective on the Renewal Date or on any one year anniversary of
   the Renewal Date by giving the other parties at least 90 days prior
   written notice.  The foregoing notwithstanding, Foothill shall have the
   right to terminate its obligations under this Agreement immediately and
   without notice upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event
   of Default.

        3.5. Effect of Termination.

             On the date of termination of this Agreement, all Obligations
   (including contingent reimbursement obligations of Borrowers with respect
   to any outstanding Letters of Credit) immediately shall become due and
   payable without notice or demand.  No termination of this Agreement,
   however, shall relieve or discharge Borrowers of their duties,
   Obligations, or covenants hereunder, and Foothill's continuing security
   interests in the Collateral shall remain in effect until all Obligations
   have been fully and finally discharged and Foothill's obligation to
   provide additional credit hereunder is terminated.  If any Borrower has
   sent a notice of termination pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.4,
   but Borrowers fail to pay the Obligations in full on the date set forth in
   said notice, then Foothill may, but shall not be required to, renew this
   Agreement for an additional term of one year.

        3.6. Early Termination by Borrower.

             The provisions of Section 3.4 that allow termination of this
   Agreement by Borrowers only on the Renewal Date and certain anniversaries
   thereof notwithstanding, Borrowers have the option, at any time upon 90
   days prior written notice to Foothill, to terminate this Agreement by
   paying to Foothill, in cash, the Obligations (including an amount equal to
   102% of the undrawn amount of the Letters of Credit), in full, together
   with a premium (the "Early Termination Premium") equal to (a) 3% of the
   Maximum Amount if such termination occurs on or before the first
   anniversary of the date hereof, (b) 2% of the Maximum Amount if such
   termination occurs after the first anniversary of the date hereof but on
   or before the second anniversary of the date hereof and (c) 1% of the
   Maximum Amount if such termination occurs after the second anniversary of
   the date hereof but before the third anniversary of the date hereof;
   provided, that if Borrowers refinance the facility provided for under this
   Agreement after the eighteen month anniversary of the date hereof with
   Norwest Bank, N.A. or any of its subsidiaries, the Early Termination
   Premium will be waived by Foothill.

        3.7. Termination Upon Event of Default.

             If Foothill terminates this Agreement upon the occurrence of an
   Event of Default, in view of the impracticability and extreme difficulty
   of ascertaining actual damages and by mutual agreement of the parties as
   to a reasonable calculation of Foothill's lost profits as a result
   thereof, Borrowers shall pay to Foothill upon the effective date of such
   termination, a premium in an amount equal to the Early Termination
   Premium.  The Early Termination Premium shall be presumed to be the amount
   of damages sustained by Foothill as the result of the early termination
   and Borrowers agree that it is reasonable under the circumstances
   currently existing.  The Early Termination Premium provided for in this
   Section 3.7 shall be deemed included in the Obligations.

   4.   CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST.

        4.1. Grant of Security Interest.

             Each Borrower hereby grants to Foothill a continuing security
   interest in all currently existing and hereafter acquired or arising
   Collateral of such Borrower in order to secure prompt repayment of any and
   all Obligations and in order to secure prompt performance by each Borrower
   of each of its covenants and duties under the Loan Documents.  Foothill's
   security interests in the Collateral shall attach to all Collateral
   without further act on the part of Foothill or any Borrower.  Anything
   contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary
   notwithstanding, except for the sale of Inventory to buyers in the
   ordinary course of business and as permitted under Section 7.4, no
   Borrower has any authority, express or implied, to dispose of any item or
   portion of the Collateral.

        4.2. Negotiable Collateral.

             In the event that any Collateral, including proceeds, is
   evidenced by or consists of Negotiable Collateral, Borrowers, immediately
   upon the request of Foothill, shall endorse and deliver physical
   possession of such Negotiable Collateral to Foothill.

        4.3. Collection of Accounts, General Intangibles, and Negotiable
             Collateral.

             At any time, Foothill or Foothill's designee may after the
   occurrence of an Event of Default, (a) notify customers or Account Debtors
   of a Borrower that the Accounts, General Intangibles, or Negotiable
   Collateral have been assigned to Foothill or that Foothill has a security
   interest therein, and (b) collect the Accounts, General Intangibles, and
   Negotiable Collateral directly and charge the collection costs and
   expenses to the Loan Account.  Each Borrower agrees that it will hold in
   trust for Foothill, as Foothill's trustee, any Collections that it
   receives and immediately will deliver said Collections to Foothill in
   their original form as received by such Borrower.

        4.4. Delivery of Additional Documentation Required.

             At any time upon the request of Foothill, each Borrower shall
   execute and deliver to Foothill all financing statements, continuation
   financing statements, fixture filings, security agreements, pledges,
   assignments, endorsements of certificates of title, applications for
   title, affidavits, reports, notices, schedules of accounts, letters of
   authority, and all other documents that Foothill reasonably may request,
   in form satisfactory to Foothill, to perfect and continue perfected
   Foothill's security interests in the Collateral, and in order to fully
   consummate all of the transactions contemplated hereby and under the other
   the Loan Documents.

        4.5. Power of Attorney.

             Each Borrower hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes, and
   appoints Foothill (and any of Foothill's officers, employees, or agents
   designated by Foothill) as such Borrower's true and lawful attorney, with
   power to (a) if any Borrower refuses to, or fails timely to execute and
   deliver any of the documents described in Section 4.4, sign the name of
   such Borrower on any of the documents described in Section 4.4, (b) at any
   time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or Foothill
   deems itself insecure in its reasonable credit judgment, sign such
   Borrower's name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any Account,
   drafts against Account Debtors, schedules and assignments of Accounts,
   verifications of Accounts, and notices to Account Debtors, (c) send
   requests for verification of Accounts, (d) endorse such Borrower's name on
   any Collection item that may come into Foothill's possession, (e) at any
   time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or Foothill
   deems itself insecure in its reasonable credit judgment, notify the post
   office authorities to change the address for delivery of such Borrower's
   mail to an address designated by Foothill, to receive and open all mail
   addressed to such Borrower, and to retain all mail relating to the
   Collateral and forward all other mail to such Borrower, (f) at any time
   that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or Foothill deems
   itself insecure in its reasonable credit judgment, make, settle, and
   adjust all claims under such Borrower's policies of insurance and make all
   determinations and decisions with respect to such policies of insurance,
   and (g) at any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is
   continuing or Foothill deems itself insecure in its reasonable credit
   judgment, settle and adjust disputes and claims respecting the Accounts
   directly with Account Debtors, for amounts and upon terms that Foothill
   determines to be reasonable, and Foothill may cause to be executed and
   delivered any documents and releases that Foothill determines to be
   necessary.  The appointment of Foothill as each Borrower's attorney, and
   each and every one of Foothill's rights and powers, being coupled with an
   interest, is irrevocable until all of the Obligations have been fully and
   finally repaid and performed and Foothill's obligation to extend credit
   hereunder is terminated.

        4.6. Right to Inspect.

             Foothill (through any of its officers, employees, or agents)
   shall have the right, from time to time hereafter to inspect each
   Borrower's Books and to check, test, and appraise the Collateral in order
   to verify each Borrower's financial condition or the amount, quality,
   value, condition of, or any other matter relating to, the Collateral.

   5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

             In order to induce Foothill to enter into this Agreement, each
   Borrower makes the following representations and warranties which shall be
   true, correct, and complete in all respects as of the date hereof, and
   shall be true, correct, and complete in all respects as of the Closing
   Date, and at and as of the date of the making of each Advance, Letter of
   Credit or Term Loan made thereafter, as though made on and as of the date
   of such Advance, Letter of Credit or Term Loan (except to the extent that
   such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date) and
   such representations and warranties shall survive the execution and
   delivery of this Agreement:

        5.1. No Encumbrances.

             Each Borrower has good and indefeasible title to its respective
   Collateral, free and clear of Liens except for Permitted Liens.

        5.2. Eligible Accounts.

             The Eligible Accounts of each Borrower are bona fide existing
   obligations created by the sale and delivery of Inventory or the rendition
   of services to Account Debtors in the ordinary course of such Borrower's
   business, unconditionally owed to such Borrower without defenses,
   disputes, offsets, counterclaims, or rights of return or cancellation. 
   The property giving rise to such Eligible Accounts has been delivered to
   the Account Debtor, or to the Account Debtor's agent for immediate
   shipment to and unconditional acceptance by the Account Debtor.  No
   Borrower has received notice of actual or imminent bankruptcy, insolvency,
   or material impairment of the financial condition of any Account Debtor
   regarding any Eligible Account.

        5.3. Intentionally Omitted.

        5.4. Equipment.

             All of the Equipment of each Borrower is used or held for use in
   such Borrower's respective business and is fit for such purposes.

        5.5. Location of Inventory and Equipment.

             The Inventory and Equipment are not stored with a bailee,
   warehouseman, or similar party (without Foothill's prior written consent)
   and are located only at the locations identified on Schedule 6.12 or
   otherwise permitted by Section 6.12.

        5.6. Inventory Records.

             Each Borrower keeps correct and accurate records itemizing and
   describing the kind, type, quality, and quantity of the Inventory, and
   such Borrower's cost therefor.

        5.7. Location of Chief Executive Office; FEIN.

             The address of each Borrower 's chief executive office and FEIN
   is as set forth on Schedule 5.7.

        5.8. Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.

             (a)  Each Borrower is duly organized and existing and in good
   standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and
   qualified and licensed to do business in, and in good standing in, any
   state where the failure to be so licensed or qualified reasonably could be
   expected to have a Material Adverse Change. 

             (b)  Set forth on Schedule 5.8, is a complete and accurate list
   of each Borrower's direct and indirect Subsidiaries, showing: (i) the
   jurisdiction of their incorporation; (ii) the number of shares of each
   class of common and preferred stock authorized for each of such
   Subsidiaries; and (iii) the number and the percentage of the outstanding
   shares of each such class owned directly or indirectly by such Borrower. 
   All of the outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary has been
   validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable.

             (c)  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.8, no capital stock (or
   any securities, instruments, warrants, options, purchase rights,
   conversion or exchange rights, calls, commitments or claims of any
   character convertible into or exercisable for capital stock) of any direct
   or indirect Subsidiary of any Borrower is subject to the issuance of any
   security, instrument, warrant, option, purchase right, conversion or
   exchange right, call, commitment or claim of any right, title, or interest
   therein or thereto.

        5.9. Due Authorization; No Conflict.

             (a)  The execution, delivery, and performance by each Borrower
   of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been
   duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

             (b)  The execution, delivery, and performance by each Borrower
   of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party do not and
   will not (i) violate any provision of federal, state, or local law or
   regulation (including Regulations G, T, U, and X of the Federal Reserve
   Board) applicable to such Borrower, the Governing Documents of such
   Borrower, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or other
   Governmental Authority binding on such Borrower, (ii) conflict with,
   result in a breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or
   both) a default under any material contractual obligation or material
   lease of such Borrower, (iii) result in or require the creation or
   imposition of any Lien of any nature whatsoever upon any properties or
   assets of such Borrower, other than Permitted Liens, or (iv) require any
   approval of stockholders or any approval or consent of any Person under
   any material contractual obligation of such Borrower.

             (c)  Other than the filing of appropriate financing statements,
   fixture filings, and mortgages, the execution, delivery, and performance
   by each Borrower of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which such
   Borrower is a party do not and will not require any registration with,
   consent, or approval of, or notice to, or other action with or by, any
   federal, state, foreign, or other Governmental Authority or other Person.

             (d)  This Agreement and the Loan Documents to which each
   Borrower is a party, and all other documents contemplated hereby and
   thereby, when executed and delivered by such Borrower will be the legally
   valid and binding obligations of such Borrower, enforceable against such
   Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforcement
   may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency,
   reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting
   creditors' rights generally.

             (e)  The Liens granted by each Borrower to Foothill in and to
   its properties and assets pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan
   Documents are validly created, perfected, and first priority Liens,
   subject only to Permitted Liens.

        5.10.     Litigation.

             There are no actions or proceedings pending by or against any
   Borrower before any court or administrative agency and none of the
   Borrowers has knowledge or belief of any pending, threatened, or imminent
   litigation, governmental investigations, or claims, complaints, actions,
   or prosecutions involving any Borrower or any guarantor of the
   Obligations, except for:  (a) ongoing collection matters in which any
   Borrower is the plaintiff; (b) matters disclosed on Schedule 5.10; and
   (c) matters arising after the date hereof that, if decided adversely to
   any Borrower, would not have a Material Adverse Change. 

        5.11.     No Material Adverse Change.

             All financial statements relating to each Borrower or any
   guarantor of the Obligations that have been delivered by such Borrower to
   Foothill have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case
   of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being
   subject to year-end audit adjustments) and fairly present such Borrower's
   (or such guarantor's, as applicable) financial condition as of the date
   thereof and such Borrower's results of operations for the period then
   ended.  There has not been a Material Adverse Change with respect to any
   Borrower (or such guarantor, as applicable) since the date of the latest
   financial statements submitted to Foothill on or before the Closing Date.

        5.12.     Solvency.

             Each Borrower is Solvent.  No transfer of property is being made
   by any Borrower and no obligation is being incurred by any Borrower in
   connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
   other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either
   present or future creditors of any Borrower.

        5.13.     Employee Benefits.

             No Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their ERISA
   Affiliates maintains or contributes to any Benefit Plan, other than those
   listed on Schedule 5.13.  Each Borrower, each of its Subsidiaries and each
   ERISA Affiliate have satisfied the minimum funding standards of ERISA and
   the IRC with respect to each Benefit Plan to which it is obligated to
   contribute.  No ERISA Event has occurred nor has any other event occurred
   that may result in an ERISA Event that reasonably could be expected to
   result in a Material Adverse Change.  No Borrower or its Subsidiaries, any
   ERISA Affiliate, or any fiduciary of any Plan is subject to any direct or
   indirect liability with respect to any Plan under any applicable law,
   treaty, rule, regulation, or agreement.  No Borrower or its Subsidiaries
   or any ERISA Affiliate is required to provide security to any Plan under
   Section 401(a)(29) of the IRC.

        5.14.     Environmental Condition.

             No Borrower's properties or assets has ever been used by such
   Borrower or, to the best of Borrowers' knowledge, by previous owners or
   operators in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat,
   release, or transport, any Hazardous Materials.  No Borrower's properties
   or assets has ever been designated or identified in any manner pursuant to
   any environmental protection statute as a Hazardous Materials disposal
   site, or a candidate for closure pursuant to any environmental protection
   statute.  No Lien arising under any environmental protection statute has
   attached to any revenues or to any real or personal property owned or
   operated by any Borrower.  No Borrower has received a summons, citation,
   notice, or directive from the Environmental Protection Agency or any other
   federal or state governmental agency concerning any action or omission by
   any Borrower resulting in the releasing or disposing of Hazardous
   Materials into the environment.

        5.15.     Copyrights.

             Each Borrower has registered with the applicable federal filing
   office all copyrights and all works protectable by copyrights that account
   for more than 2% of its revenues or are otherwise material to its
   business.

   6.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

             Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any credit
   hereunder shall be available and until full and final payment of the
   Obligations, and unless Foothill shall otherwise consent in writing, each
   Borrower shall do all of the following:

        6.1. Accounting System.

             Maintain a standard and modern system of accounting that enables
   each Borrower to produce financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and
   maintain records pertaining to the Collateral that contain information as
   from time to time may be requested by Foothill.  Each Borrower also shall
   keep a modern inventory reporting system that shows all additions, sales,
   claims, returns, and allowances with respect to the Inventory.

        6.2. Collateral Reporting.

             Provide Foothill with the following documents at the following
   times in form satisfactory to Foothill:  (a) on a weekly basis, a sales
   journal, collection journal, and credit register since the last such
   schedule and a calculation of the Borrowing Base as of such date, (b) on a
   monthly basis and, in any event, by no later than the 10th day of each
   month during the term of this Agreement (except for a month following the
   end of a fiscal quarter in which case no later than the 15th day of such
   month), (i) a detailed calculation of the Borrowing Base, and (ii) a
   detailed aging, by total, of the Accounts of each Borrower, together with
   a reconciliation to the detailed calculation of the Borrowing Base
   previously provided to Foothill, and (iii) a detailed calculation of the
   Applicable Maintenance Revenue Amount as of the end of such month, (c) on
   a monthly basis and, in any event, by no later than the 10th day of each
   month during the term of this Agreement, a summary aging, by vendor, of
   each Borrower's accounts payable and any book overdraft, (d) on a weekly
   basis, notice of all returns, disputes, or claims, (e) upon request,
   copies of invoices in connection with the Accounts, customer statements,
   credit memos, remittance advices and reports, deposit slips, shipping and
   delivery documents in connection with the Accounts and for Inventory and
   Equipment acquired by each Borrower, purchase orders and invoices, (f) on
   a quarterly basis, a detailed list of each Borrower's customers, (g) on a
   monthly basis, a calculation of the Dilution for the prior month; and
   (h) such other reports as to the Collateral or the financial condition of
   each Borrower as Foothill may request from time to time.  Original sales
   invoices evidencing daily sales shall be mailed by each Borrower to each
   Account Debtor and, at Foothill's direction after the occurrence of an
   Event of Default, the invoices shall indicate on their face that the
   Account has been assigned to Foothill and that all payments are to be made
   directly to Foothill.

        6.3. Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates.

             Deliver to Foothill:  (a) as soon as available, but in any event
   within 30 days after the end of each month during each of each Borrower's
   fiscal years, a company an internally prepared balance sheet, income
   statement, and statement of cash flow covering each Borrower's operations
   during such period; and (b) as soon as available, but in any event within
   90 days after the end of each of each Borrower's fiscal years, financial
   statements of each Borrower for each such fiscal year, audited by
   independent certified public accountants reasonably acceptable to Foothill
   and certified, without any qualifications, by such accountants to have
   been prepared in accordance with GAAP, together with a certificate of such
   accountants addressed to Foothill stating that such accountants do not
   have knowledge of the existence of any Default or Event of Default.  Such
   audited financial statements shall include a balance sheet, profit and
   loss statement, and statement of cash flow and, if prepared, such
   accountants' letter to management.  If a Borrower is a parent company of
   one or more Subsidiaries, or Affiliates, or is a Subsidiary or Affiliate
   of another company, then, in addition to the financial statements referred
   to above, such Borrower agrees to deliver financial statements prepared on
   a consolidating basis so as to present such Borrower and each such related
   entity separately, and on a consolidated basis.

             Together with the above, each Borrower also shall deliver to
   Foothill such Borrower's Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports, Form 10-K Annual
   Reports, and Form 8-K Current Reports, and any other filings made by such
   Borrower with the Securities and Exchange Commission, if any, as soon as
   the same are filed, or any other information that is provided by such
   Borrower to its shareholders, and any other report reasonably requested by
   Foothill relating to the financial condition of such Borrower.

             Each month, together with the financial statements provided
   pursuant to Section 6.3(a), EMS shall deliver to Foothill a certificate
   signed by its chief financial officer to the effect that:  (i) all
   financial statements delivered or caused to be delivered to Foothill
   hereunder have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case
   of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being
   subject to year-end audit adjustments) and fairly present the financial
   condition of each Borrower, (ii) the representations and warranties of
   each Borrower contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are
   true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such
   certificate, as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent
   that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier
   date), (iii) for each month that also is the date on which a financial
   covenant in Sections 7.20 and 7.21 is to be tested, a Compliance
   Certificate demonstrating in reasonable detail compliance at the end of
   such period with the applicable financial covenants contained in
   Sections 7.20 and 7.21, and (iv) on the date of delivery of such
   certificate to Foothill there does not exist any condition or event that
   constitutes a Default or Event of Default (or, in the case of clauses (i),
   (ii), or (iii), to the extent of any non-compliance, describing such non-
   compliance as to which he or she may have knowledge and what action
   Borrowers have taken, are taking, or propose to take with respect
   thereto).

             Each Borrower shall have issued written instructions to its
   independent certified public accountants authorizing them to communicate
   with Foothill and to release to Foothill whatever financial information
   concerning such Borrower that Foothill may request.  Such Borrower hereby
   irrevocably authorizes and directs all auditors, accountants, or other
   third parties to deliver to Foothill, at such Borrower's expense, copies
   of such Borrower's financial statements, papers related thereto, and other
   accounting records of any nature in their possession, and to disclose to
   Foothill any information they may have regarding such Borrower's business
   affairs and financial conditions.

        6.4. Tax Returns.

             Deliver to Foothill copies of each of each Borrower's future
   federal income tax returns, and any amendments thereto, within 30 days of
   the filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service.

        6.5. Guarantor Reports.

             Cause any guarantor of any of the Obligations to deliver its
   annual financial statements at the time when each Borrower provides its
   audited financial statements to Foothill and copies of all federal income
   tax returns as soon as the same are available and in any event no later
   than 30 days after the same are required to be filed by law.

        6.6. Returns.

             Cause returns and allowances, if any, as between each Borrower
   and its Account Debtors to be on the same basis and in accordance with the
   usual customary practices of such Borrower, as they exist at the time of
   the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  If, at a time when no Event
   of Default has occurred and is continuing, any Account Debtor returns any
   Inventory to a Borrower, such Borrower promptly shall determine the reason
   for such return and, if such Borrower accepts such return, issue a credit
   memorandum (with a copy to be sent to Foothill) in the appropriate amount
   to such Account Debtor.  If, at a time when an Event of Default has
   occurred and is continuing, any Account Debtor returns any Inventory to
   such Borrower, such Borrower promptly shall determine the reason for such
   return and, if Foothill consents (which consent shall not be unreasonably
   withheld), issue a credit memorandum (with a copy to be sent to Foothill)
   in the appropriate amount to such Account Debtor.

        6.7. Title to Equipment.

             Upon Foothill's request, each Borrower immediately shall deliver
   to Foothill, properly endorsed, any and all evidences of ownership of,
   certificates of title, or applications for title to any items of
   Equipment.

        6.8. Maintenance of Equipment.

             Maintain the Equipment in good operating condition and repair
   (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and make all necessary replacements
   thereto so that the value and operating efficiency thereof shall at all
   times be maintained and preserved.  Other than those items of Equipment
   that constitute fixtures on the Closing Date, no Borrower shall permit any
   item of Equipment to become a fixture to real estate or an accession to
   other property, and such Equipment shall at all times remain personal
   property.

        6.9. Taxes.

             Cause all assessments and taxes, whether real, personal, or
   otherwise, due or payable by, or imposed, levied, or assessed against any
   Borrower or any of its property to be paid in full, before delinquency or
   before the expiration of any extension period, except to the extent that
   the validity of such assessment or tax  shall be the subject of a
   Permitted Protest.  To the extent that a Borrower fails timely to make
   payment of such taxes or assessments, Foothill shall be entitled, in its
   discretion, to reserve an amount equal to such unpaid amounts against the
   Borrowing Base.  Each Borrower shall make due and timely payment or
   deposit of all such federal, state, and local taxes, assessments, or
   contributions required of it by law, and will execute and deliver to
   Foothill, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to the payment
   thereof or deposit with respect thereto.  Each Borrower will make timely
   payment or deposit of all tax payments and withholding taxes required of
   it by applicable laws, including those laws concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A.,
   state disability, and local, state, and federal income taxes, and will,
   upon request, furnish Foothill with proof satisfactory to Foothill
   indicating that such Borrower has made such payments or deposits.

        6.10.     Insurance.

             (a)  At its expense, keep the Collateral insured against loss or
   damage by fire, theft, explosion, sprinklers, and all other hazards and
   risks, and in such amounts, as are ordinarily insured against by other
   owners in similar businesses.  Each Borrower also shall maintain business
   interruption, public liability, product liability, and property damage
   insurance relating to such Borrower's ownership and use of the Collateral,
   as well as insurance against larceny, embezzlement, and criminal
   misappropriation.

             (b)  All such policies of insurance shall be in such form, with
   such companies, and in such amounts as may be reasonably satisfactory to
   Foothill.  All insurance required herein shall be written by companies
   which are authorized to do insurance business in the State of California. 
   All hazard insurance and such other insurance as Foothill shall specify,
   shall contain a California Form 438BFU (NS) mortgagee endorsement, or an
   equivalent endorsement satisfactory to Foothill, showing Foothill as sole
   loss payee thereof, and shall contain a waiver of warranties.  Every
   policy of insurance referred to in this Section 6.10 shall contain an
   agreement by the insurer that it will not cancel such policy except after
   30 days prior written notice to Foothill and that any loss payable
   thereunder shall be payable notwithstanding any act or negligence of any
   Borrower or Foothill which might, absent such agreement, result in a
   forfeiture of all or a part of such insurance payment.  Borrowers shall
   deliver to Foothill certified copies of such policies of insurance and
   evidence of the payment of all premiums therefor.

             (c)  Original policies or certificates thereof satisfactory to
   Foothill evidencing such insurance shall be delivered to Foothill at least
   30 days prior to the expiration of the existing or preceding policies. 
   Each Borrower shall give Foothill prompt notice of any loss covered by
   such insurance, and Foothill shall have the right to adjust any loss. 
   Foothill shall have the exclusive right to adjust all losses payable under
   any such insurance policies without any liability to any Borrower
   whatsoever in respect of such adjustments.  Any monies received as payment
   for any loss under any insurance policy including the insurance policies
   mentioned above, shall be paid over to Foothill to be applied at the
   option of Foothill either to the prepayment of the Obligations without
   premium, in such order or manner as Foothill may elect, or shall be
   disbursed to Borrowers under stage payment terms satisfactory to Foothill
   for application to the cost of repairs, replacements, or restorations. 
   All repairs, replacements, or restorations shall be effected with
   reasonable promptness and shall be of a value at least equal to the value
   of the items or property destroyed prior to such damage or destruction. 
   Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Foothill shall have the right
   to apply all prepaid premiums to the payment of the Obligations in such
   order or form as Foothill shall determine.

             (d)  No Borrower shall take out separate insurance concurrent in
   form or contributing in the event of loss with that required to be
   maintained under this Section 6.10, unless Foothill is included thereon as
   named insured with the loss payable to Foothill under a standard
   California 438BFU (NS) Mortgagee endorsement, or its local equivalent. 
   Each Borrower immediately shall notify Foothill whenever such separate
   insurance is taken out, specifying the insurer thereunder and full
   particulars as to the policies evidencing the same, and originals of such
   policies immediately shall be provided to Foothill.

        6.11.     No Setoffs or Counterclaims.

             Make payments hereunder and under the other Loan Documents by or
   on behalf of each Borrower without setoff or counterclaim and free and
   clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or on account of, any
   federal, state, or local taxes.

        6.12.     Location of Inventory and Equipment.

             Keep the Inventory and Equipment only at the locations
   identified on Schedule 6.12; provided, however, that Borrowers may amend
   Schedule 6.12 to add a new location so long as such amendment occurs by
   written notice to Foothill not less than 30 days prior to the date on
   which the Inventory or Equipment is moved to such new location, so long as
   such new location is within the continental United States, and so long as,
   at the time of such written notification, Borrowers provide any financing
   statements or fixture filings necessary to perfect and continue perfected
   Foothill's security interests in such assets and also provide to Foothill
   a Collateral Access Agreement.

        6.13.     Compliance with Laws.

             Comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules,
   regulations, and orders of any governmental authority, including the Fair
   Labor Standards Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act, other than
   laws, rules, regulations, and orders the non-compliance with which,
   individually or in the aggregate, would not have and could not reasonably
   be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

        6.14.     Employee Benefits.

             (a)  Promptly, and in any event within 10 Business Days after
   any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries knows or has reason to know that
   an ERISA Event has occurred that reasonably could be expected to result in
   a Material Adverse Change, a written statement of the chief financial
   officer of such Borrower describing such ERISA Event and any action that
   is being taken with respect thereto by such Borrower, any such Subsidiary
   or ERISA Affiliate, and any action taken or threatened by the IRS,
   Department of Labor, or PBGC.  Such Borrower or such Subsidiary, as
   applicable, shall be deemed to know all facts known by the administrator
   of any Benefit Plan of which it is the plan sponsor, (ii) promptly, and in
   any event within 3 Business Days after the filing thereof with the IRS, a
   copy of each funding waiver request filed with respect to any Benefit Plan
   and all communications received by such Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries
   or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, any ERISA Affiliate with respect to
   such request, and (iii) promptly, and in any event within 3 Business Days
   after receipt by such Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or, to the
   knowledge of Borrowers, any ERISA Affiliate, of the PBGC's intention to
   terminate a Benefit Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer a
   Benefit Plan, copies of each such notice.

             (b)  Cause to be delivered to Foothill, upon Foothill's request,
   each of the following:  (i) a copy of each Plan (or, where any such plan
   is not in writing, complete description thereof) (and if applicable,
   related trust agreements or other funding instruments) and all amendments
   thereto, all written interpretations thereof and written descriptions
   thereof that have been distributed to employees or former employees of any
   Borrower or its Subsidiaries; (ii) the most recent determination letter
   issued by the IRS with respect to each Benefit Plan; (iii) for the three
   most recent plan years, annual reports on Form 5500 Series required to be
   filed with any governmental agency for each Benefit Plan; (iv) all
   actuarial reports prepared for the last three plan years for each Benefit
   Plan; (v) a listing of all Multiemployer Plans, with the aggregate amount
   of the most recent annual contributions required to be made by any
   Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to each such plan and copies of the
   collective bargaining agreements requiring such contributions; (vi) any
   information that has been provided to any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
   regarding withdrawal liability under any Multiemployer Plan; and (vii) the
   aggregate amount of the most recent annual payments made to former
   employees of any Borrower or its Subsidiaries under any Retiree Health
   Plan.

        6.15.     Leases.

             Pay when due all rents and other amounts payable under any
   leases to which any Borrower is a party or by which any Borrower's
   properties and assets are bound, unless such payments are the subject of a
   Permitted Protest.  To the extent that any Borrower fails timely to make
   payment of such rents and other amounts payable when due under its leases,
   Foothill shall be entitled, in its discretion, to reserve an amount equal
   to such unpaid amounts against the Borrowing Base.

        6.16.     Copyrights.

             Each Borrower will promptly register with the applicable federal
   filing office (a) all copyrights and all works protectable by copyrights
   that account for more than 2% of its revenues or are otherwise material to
   its business, (b) any material changes to copyrights that have already
   been registered by such Borrower with the applicable federal filing
   office, and (c) on an annual basis any changes to copyrights that have
   already been registered by such Borrower with the applicable federal
   filing office.

   7.   NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

             Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any credit
   hereunder shall be available and until full and final payment of the
   Obligations, no Borrower will do any of the following without Foothill's
   prior written consent:

        7.1. Indebtedness.

             Create, incur, assume, permit, guarantee, or otherwise become or
   remain, directly or indirectly, liable with respect to any Indebtedness,
   except:

             (a)  Indebtedness evidenced by this Agreement, together with
   Indebtedness to issuers of letters of credit that are the subject of L/C
   Guarantees;

             (b)  Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 7.1;

             (c)  Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens; and

             (d)  refinancings, renewals, or extensions of Indebtedness
   permitted under clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 7.1 (and continuance
   or renewal of any Permitted Liens associated therewith) so long as:
   (i) the terms and conditions of such refinancings, renewals, or extensions
   do not materially impair the prospects of repayment of the Obligations by
   any Borrower, (ii) the net cash proceeds of such refinancings, renewals,
   or extensions do not result in an increase in the aggregate principal
   amount of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, (iii) such
   refinancings, renewals, refundings, or extensions do not result in a
   shortening of the average weighted maturity of the Indebtedness so
   refinanced, renewed, or extended, and (iv) to the extent that Indebtedness
   that is refinanced was subordinated in right of payment to the
   Obligations, then the subordination terms and conditions of the
   refinancing Indebtedness must be at least as favorable to Foothill as
   those applicable to the refinanced Indebtedness.

        7.2. Liens.

             Create, incur, assume, or permit to exist, directly or
   indirectly, any Lien on or with respect to any of its property or assets,
   of any kind, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or
   profits therefrom, except for Permitted Liens (including Liens that are
   replacements of Permitted Liens to the extent that the original
   Indebtedness is refinanced under Section 7.1(d) and so long as the
   replacement Liens only encumber those assets or property that secured the
   original Indebtedness).

        7.3. Restrictions on Fundamental Changes.

             Enter into any merger, consolidation, reorganization, or
   recapitalization, or reclassify its capital stock, or liquidate, wind up,
   or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or convey,
   sell, assign, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction
   or a series of transactions, all or any substantial part of its property
   or assets.

        7.4. Disposal of Assets.

             Sell, lease, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of
   any Borrower's properties or assets other than sales of Inventory to
   buyers in the ordinary course of such Borrower's business as currently
   conducted; provided, that so long as no Event of Default exists,
   Borrowers' may dispose of obsolete or unuseful Equipment with a book value
   of up to $25,000 in any fiscal year to the extent the proceeds thereof are
   remitted to Foothill and applied to the Obligations in such order and
   manner as Foothill shall determine.

        7.5. Change Name.

             Change any Borrower's name, FEIN, corporate structure (within
   the meaning of Section 9402(7) of the Code), or identity, or add any new
   fictitious name.

        7.6. Guarantee.

             Guarantee or otherwise become in any way liable with respect to
   the obligations of any third Person except by endorsement of instruments
   or items of payment for deposit to the account of a Borrower or which are
   transmitted or turned over to Foothill.

        7.7. Nature of Business.

             Make any change in the principal nature of any Borrower's
   business.

        7.8. Prepayments and Amendments.

             (a)  Except in connection with a refinancing permitted by
   Section 7.1(d), prepay, redeem, retire, defease, purchase, or otherwise
   acquire any Indebtedness owing to any third Person, other than the
   Obligations in accordance with this Agreement, and

             (b)  Directly or indirectly, amend, modify, alter, increase, or
   change any of the terms or conditions of any agreement, instrument,
   document, indenture, or other writing evidencing  or concerning
   Indebtedness permitted under Sections 7.1(b), (c) or (d).

        7.9. Change of Control.

             Cause, permit, or suffer, directly or indirectly, any Change of
   Control.

        7.10.     Consignments.

             Consign any Inventory or sell any Inventory on bill and hold,
   sale or return, sale on approval, or other conditional terms of sale.

        7.11.     Distributions.

             Make any distribution or declare or pay any dividends (in cash
   or other property, other than capital stock) on, or purchase, acquire,
   redeem, or retire any of any Borrower's capital stock, of any class,
   whether now or hereafter outstanding, except that each of EMS-East and
   EMS-Illinois may pay dividends to EMS.

        7.12.     Accounting Methods.

             Modify or change its method of accounting or enter into, modify,
   or terminate any agreement currently existing, or at any time hereafter
   entered into with any third party accounting firm or service bureau for
   the preparation or storage of any Borrower's accounting records without
   said accounting firm or service bureau agreeing to provide Foothill
   information regarding the Collateral or such Borrower's financial
   condition.  Each Borrower waives the right to assert a confidential
   relationship, if any, it may have with any accounting firm or service
   bureau in connection with any information requested by Foothill pursuant
   to or in accordance with this Agreement, and agrees that Foothill may
   contact directly any such accounting firm or service bureau in order to
   obtain such information.

        7.13.     Investments.

             Directly or indirectly make, acquire, or incur any liabilities
   (including contingent obligations) for or in connection with (a) the
   acquisition of the securities (whether debt or equity) of, or other
   interests in, a Person, (b) loans, advances, capital contributions, or
   transfers of property to a Person, or (c) the acquisition of all or
   substantially all of the properties or assets of a Person.

        7.14.     Transactions with Affiliates.

             Except as described on Schedule 7.14, directly or indirectly
   enter into or permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate
   of any Borrower except for transactions that are in the ordinary course of
   such Borrower's business, upon fair and reasonable terms, that are fully
   disclosed to Foothill, and that are no less favorable to such Borrower
   than would be obtained in an arm's length transaction with a non-
   Affiliate.

        7.15.     Suspension.

             Suspend or go out of a substantial portion of its business.

        7.16.     Compensation.

             Increase the annual fee or per-meeting fees paid to directors of
   Borrowers during any year by more than 15% over the prior year; pay or
   accrue total cash compensation, during any year, to officers and senior
   management employees of Borrowers in an aggregate amount in excess of 115%
   of that paid or accrued in the prior year.

        7.17.     Use of Proceeds.

             Use the proceeds of the Advances and the Term Loan made
   hereunder for any purpose other than (i) on the Closing Date, (y) to repay
   in full the outstanding principal, accrued interest, and accrued fees and
   expenses owing to Existing Lender, and (z) to pay transactional costs and
   expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, and (ii) thereafter,
   consistent with the terms and conditions hereof, for its lawful and
   permitted corporate purposes.

        7.18.     Change in Location of Chief Executive Office; Inventory and
                  Equipment with Bailees.

             Relocate its chief executive office to a new location without
   providing 30 days prior written notification thereof to Foothill and so
   long as, at the time of such written notification, Borrowers provide any
   financing statements or fixture filings necessary to perfect and continue
   perfected Foothill's security interests and also provides to Foothill a
   Collateral Access Agreement with respect to such new location.  The
   Inventory and Equipment shall not at any time now or hereafter be stored
   with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party without Foothill's prior
   written consent.

        7.19.     No Prohibited Transactions Under ERISA.

             Directly or indirectly:

             (a)  engage, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to engage,
   in any prohibited transaction which is reasonably likely to result in a
   civil penalty or excise tax described in Sections 406 of ERISA or 4975 of
   the IRC for which a statutory or class exemption is not available or a
   private exemption has not been previously obtained from the Department of
   Labor;

             (b)  permit to exist with respect to any Benefit Plan any
   accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Sections 302 of ERISA
   and 412 of the IRC), whether or not waived;

             (c)  fail, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to fail, to
   pay timely required contributions or annual installments due with respect
   to any waived funding deficiency to any Benefit Plan;

             (d)  terminate, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to
   terminate, any Benefit Plan where such event would result in any liability
   of such Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate under
   Title IV of ERISA;

             (e)  fail, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to fail, to
   make any required contribution or payment to any Multiemployer Plan;

             (f)  fail, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to fail, to
   pay any required installment or any other payment required under
   Section 412 of the IRC on or before the due date for such installment or
   other payment;

             (g)  amend, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to amend, a
   Plan resulting in an increase in current liability for the plan year such
   that any Borrower, any Subsidiary of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
   is required to provide security to such Plan under Section 401(a)(29) of
   the IRC; or

             (h)  withdraw, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to
   withdraw, from any Multiemployer Plan where such withdrawal is reasonably
   likely to result in any liability of any such entity under Title IV of
   ERISA; 

   which, individually or in the aggregate, results in or reasonably would be
   expected to result in a claim against or liability of any Borrower, any of
   its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate in excess of $100,000.

        7.20.     Financial Covenants.

             Fail to maintain:

             (a)  Tangible Net Worth.  Tangible Net Worth as of the last day
   of any fiscal quarter set forth below of at least the amount set forth
   below opposite such fiscal quarter:

                          Fiscal Quarter              Amount
                    February 28, 1998, May 31,       $250,000
                    1998 and August 31, 1998
                    November 30, 1998,               $500,000
                    February 28, 1999 and May
                    31, 1999
                    August 31, 1999 and the          $750,000
                    last day of each fiscal
                    quarter thereafter


             (b)  EBITDA.  EBITDA for any period set forth below of at least
   the amount set forth below opposite such period:

                              Period                  Amount
                    3 month period ending           ($500,000)
                    February 28, 1998

                    6 month period ending May           0
                    31, 1998

                    9 month period ending               0
                    August 31, 1998

                    12 month period ending          $1,000,000
                    November 30, 1998 and 12
                    month period ending
                    February 28, 1999

                    12 month period ending May      $1,500,000
                    31, 1999 and 12 month
                    period ending on the last
                    day of each fiscal quarter
                    thereafter


        7.21.     Capital Expenditures.

             Make capital expenditures in any fiscal year set forth below in
   excess of the amount set forth opposite such fiscal year:

                               Period                 Amount
                    Fiscal year ending November     $1,500,000
                    30, 1998

                    Fiscal year ending November     $1,750,000
                    30, 1999

                    Fiscal year ending November     $2,000,000
                    30, 2000 and each fiscal
                    year thereafter


   8.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

             Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an
   event of default (each, an "Event of Default") under this Agreement:

        8.1. If any Borrower fails to pay when due and payable or when
   declared due and payable, any portion of the Obligations (whether of
   principal, interest (including any interest which, but for the provisions
   of the Bankruptcy Code, would have accrued on such amounts), fees and
   charges due Foothill, reimbursement of Foothill Expenses, or other amounts
   constituting Obligations);

        8.2. If any Borrower fails to perform, keep, or observe any term,
   provision, condition, covenant, or agreement contained in this Agreement,
   in any of the Loan Documents, or in any other present or future agreement
   between such Borrower and Foothill and such failure continues for 5 days;
   provided, that such 5 day period shall not apply in the case of (A) any
   failure to observe any such term, provision, condition, covenant or
   agreement which is not capable of being cured or which has been the
   subject of a prior failure within a 6 month period or (B) an intentional
   breach by a Borrower of any such term, provision, condition, covenant or
   agreement, or (C) the failure to observe or perform any of the covenants
   or provisions contained in Section 2.7, 6.10 or Section 7 of this
   Agreement or any covenants or agreements covering substantially the same
   matter as such sections in any of the other Loan Documents;

        8.3. If there is a Material Adverse Change;

        8.4. If any material portion of any Borrower's properties or assets
   is attached, seized, subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or is levied
   upon, or comes into the possession of any third Person;

        8.5. If an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by any Borrower;

        8.6. If an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against any Borrower
   and any of the following events occur:  (a) any Borrower consents to the
   institution of the Insolvency Proceeding against it; (b) the petition
   commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not timely controverted; (c) the
   petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not dismissed within 60
   calendar days of the date of the filing thereof; provided, however, that,
   during the pendency of such period, Foothill shall be relieved of its
   obligation to extend credit hereunder; (d) an interim trustee is appointed
   to take possession of all or a substantial portion of the properties or
   assets of, or to operate all or any substantial portion of the business
   of, any Borrower; or (e) an order for relief shall have been issued or
   entered therein;

        8.7. If any Borrower is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented
   by court order from continuing to conduct all or any material part of its
   business affairs;

        8.8. If a notice of Lien, levy, or assessment is filed of record with
   respect to any of any Borrower's properties or assets by the United States
   Government, or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by
   any state, county, municipal, or governmental agency, or if any taxes or
   debts owing at any time hereafter to any one or more of such entities
   becomes a Lien, whether choate or otherwise, upon any of any Borrower's
   properties or assets and the same is not paid on the payment date thereof;
   provided, however, that such notice of Lien, levy or assessment shall not
   constitute an Event of Default under this Section 8.8 if such notice of
   Lien, levy or assessment is subject to a Permitted Protest and involves
   less than $25,000;

        8.9. If a judgment or other claim becomes a Lien or encumbrance upon
   any material portion of any Borrower's properties or assets;

        8.10.     If there is a default in any material agreement to which
   any Borrower is a party with one or more third Persons and such default
   (a) occurs at the final maturity of the obligations thereunder, or
   (b) results in a right by such third Person(s), irrespective of whether
   exercised, to accelerate the maturity of any Borrower's obligations
   thereunder;

        8.11.     If any Borrower makes any payment on account of
   Indebtedness that has been contractually subordinated in right of payment
   to the payment of the Obligations, except to the extent such payment is
   permitted by the terms of the subordination provisions applicable to such
   Indebtedness;

        8.12.     If any warranty, representation, statement, or report made
   to Foothill by any Borrower or any officer, employee, agent, or director
   of any Borrower, is untrue or misleading in any material respect when
   made, or if any such warranty or representation is withdrawn; or

        8.13.     If the obligation of any guarantor under its guaranty or
   other third Person under any Loan Document is limited or terminated by
   operation of law or by the guarantor or other third Person thereunder, or
   any such guarantor or other third Person becomes the subject of an
   Insolvency Proceeding.

   9.   FOOTHILL'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

        9.1. Rights and Remedies.

             Upon the occurrence, and during the continuation, of an Event of
   Default Foothill may, at its election, without notice of its election and
   without demand, do any one or more of the following, all of which are
   authorized by Borrowers:

             (a)  Declare all Obligations, whether evidenced by this
   Agreement, by any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise, immediately
   due and payable;

             (b)  Cease advancing money or extending credit to or for the
   benefit of Borrowers under this Agreement, under any of the Loan
   Documents, or under any other agreement between any Borrower and Foothill;

             (c)  Terminate this Agreement and any of the other Loan
   Documents as to any future liability or obligation of Foothill, but
   without affecting Foothill's rights and security interests in the
   Collateral and without affecting the Obligations;

             (d)  Settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with Account
   Debtors for amounts and upon terms which Foothill considers advisable, and
   in such cases, Foothill will credit Borrowers' Loan Account with only the
   net amounts received by Foothill in payment of such disputed Accounts
   after deducting all Foothill Expenses incurred or expended in connection
   therewith;

             (e)  Cause each Borrower to hold all returned Inventory in trust
   for Foothill, segregate all returned Inventory from all other property of
   such Borrower or in such Borrower's possession and conspicuously label
   said returned Inventory as the property of Foothill;

             (f)  Without notice to or demand upon any Borrower or any
   guarantor, make such payments and do such acts as Foothill considers
   necessary or reasonable to protect its security interests in the
   Collateral.  Each Borrower agrees to assemble the Collateral if Foothill
   so requires, and to make the Collateral available to Foothill as Foothill
   may designate.  Each Borrower authorizes Foothill to enter the premises
   where the Collateral is located, to take and maintain possession of the
   Collateral, or any part of it, and to pay, purchase, contest, or
   compromise any encumbrance, charge, or Lien that in Foothill's
   determination appears to conflict with its security interests and to pay
   all expenses incurred in connection therewith.  With respect to any of
   each Borrower's owned or leased premises, each Borrower hereby grants
   Foothill a license to enter into possession of such premises and to occupy
   the same, without charge, in order to exercise any of Foothill's rights or
   remedies provided herein, at law, in equity, or otherwise;

             (g)  Without notice to any Borrower (such notice being expressly
   waived), and without constituting a retention of any collateral in
   satisfaction of an obligation (within the meaning of Section 9505 of the
   Code), set off and apply to the Obligations any and all (i) balances and
   deposits of any Borrower held by Foothill (including any amounts received
   in the Lockbox Accounts), or (ii) indebtedness at any time owing to or for
   the credit or the account of Borrowers held by Foothill;

             (h)  Hold, as cash collateral, any and all balances and deposits
   of any Borrower held by Foothill, and any amounts received in the Lockbox
   Accounts, to secure the full and final repayment of all of the
   Obligations;

             (i)  Ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain, repair,
   prepare for sale, advertise for sale, and sell (in the manner provided for
   herein) the Collateral.  Foothill is hereby granted a license or other
   right to use, without charge, each Borrower's labels, patents, copyrights,
   rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, service
   marks, and advertising matter, or any property of a similar nature, as it
   pertains to the Collateral, in completing production of, advertising for
   sale, and selling any Collateral and any Borrower's rights under all
   licenses and all franchise agreements shall inure to Foothill's benefit;

             (j)  Sell the Collateral at either a public or private sale, or
   both, by way of one or more contracts or transactions, for cash or on
   terms, in such manner and at such places (including any Borrower's
   premises) as Foothill determines is commercially reasonable.  It is not
   necessary that the Collateral be present at any such sale;

             (k)  Foothill shall give notice of the disposition of the
   Collateral as follows:

                  (i)  Foothill shall give Borrowers and each holder of
             a security interest in the Collateral who has filed with
             Foothill a written request for notice, a notice in writing
             of the time and place of public sale, or, if the sale is a
             private sale or some other disposition other than a public
             sale is to be made of the Collateral, then the time on or
             after which the private sale or other disposition is to be
             made;

                  (ii) The notice shall be personally delivered or
             mailed, postage prepaid, to Borrowers as provided in
             Section 12, at least 10 days before the date fixed for the
             sale, or at least 10 days before the date on or after which
             the private sale or other disposition is to be made; no
             notice needs to be given prior to the disposition of any
             portion of the Collateral that is perishable or threatens
             to decline speedily in value or that is of a type
             customarily sold on a recognized market.  Notice to Persons
             other than Borrowers claiming an interest in the Collateral
             shall be sent to such addresses as they have furnished to
             Foothill;

                  (iii)     If the sale is to be a public sale, Foothill
             also shall give notice of the time and place by publishing
             a notice one time at least 10 days before the date of the
             sale in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in
             which the sale is to be held;

             (l)  Foothill may credit bid and purchase at any public sale;
   and

             (m)  Any deficiency that exists after disposition of the
   Collateral as provided above will be paid immediately by Borrowers.  Any
   excess will be returned, without interest and subject to the rights of
   third Persons, by Foothill to Borrowers.

        9.2. Remedies Cumulative.

             Foothill's rights and remedies under this Agreement, the Loan
   Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative.  Foothill shall
   have all other rights and remedies not inconsistent herewith as provided
   under the Code, by law, or in equity.  No exercise by Foothill of one
   right or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Foothill of
   any Event of Default shall be deemed a continuing waiver.  No delay by
   Foothill shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it.

   10.  TAXES AND EXPENSES.

             If any Borrower fails to pay any monies (whether taxes,
   assessments, insurance premiums, or, in the case of leased properties or
   assets, rents or other amounts payable under such leases) due to third
   Persons, or fails to make any deposits or furnish any required proof of
   payment or deposit, all as required under the terms of this Agreement,
   then, to the extent that Foothill determines that such failure by such
   Borrower could result in a Material Adverse Change, in its discretion and
   without prior notice to any Borrower, Foothill may do any or all of the
   following:  (a) make payment of the same or any part thereof; (b) set up
   such reserves in Borrowers' Loan Account as Foothill deems necessary to
   protect Foothill from the exposure created by such failure; or (c) obtain
   and maintain insurance policies of the type described in Section 6.10, and
   take any action with respect to such policies as Foothill deems prudent. 
   Any such amounts paid by Foothill shall constitute Foothill Expenses.  Any
   such payments made by Foothill shall not constitute an agreement by
   Foothill to make similar payments in the future or a waiver by Foothill of
   any Event of Default under this Agreement.  Foothill need not inquire as
   to, or contest the validity of, any such expense, tax, or Lien and the
   receipt of the usual official notice for the payment thereof shall be
   conclusive evidence that the same was validly due and owing.

   11.  WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION.

        11.1.     Demand; Protest; etc.

             Each Borrower waives demand, protest, notice of protest, notice
   of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, nonpayment at
   maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or renewal of
   accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees at any
   time held by Foothill on which such Borrower may in any way be liable.

        11.2.     Foothill's Liability for Collateral.

             So long as Foothill complies with its obligations, if any, under
   Section 9207 of the Code, Foothill shall not in any way or manner be
   liable or responsible for:  (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any
   loss or damage thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from
   any cause; (c) any diminution in the value thereof; or (d) any act or
   default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other
   Person.  All risk of loss, damage, or destruction of the Collateral shall
   be borne by Borrowers.

        11.3.     Indemnification.

             Each Borrower shall pay, indemnify, defend, and hold Foothill
   and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, counsel,
   agents, and attorneys-in-fact (each, an "Indemnified Person") harmless (to
   the fullest extent permitted by law) from and against any and all claims,
   demands, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings, and damages, and all
   reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements and other costs and expenses
   actually incurred in connection therewith (as and when they are incurred
   and irrespective of whether suit is brought), at any time asserted
   against, imposed upon, or incurred by any of them in connection with or as
   a result of or related to the execution, delivery, enforcement,
   performance, and administration of this Agreement and any other Loan
   Documents or the transactions contemplated herein, and with respect to any
   investigation, litigation, or proceeding related to this Agreement, any
   other Loan Document, or the use of the proceeds of the credit provided
   hereunder (irrespective of whether any Indemnified Person is a party
   thereto), or any act, omission, event or circumstance in any manner
   related thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the "Indemnified
   Liabilities").  No Borrower shall have any obligation to any Indemnified
   Person under this Section 11.3 with respect to any Indemnified Liability
   that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted
   from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified
   Person.  This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement
   and the repayment of the Obligations.

   12.  NOTICES.

             Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or
   demands by any party relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document
   shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and other
   informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage
   prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by registered or certified
   mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), overnight courier, or
   facsimile to Borrowers or to Foothill, as the case may be, at its address
   set forth below:

       If to Borrowers:       c/o Effective Management Systems, Inc.
                              12000 West Park Place
                              Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53224
                              Attn:  Jeffrey Fossum
                              Fax No. (414) 359-9011

       with copies to:        c/o Effective Management Systems, Inc.
                              12000 West Park Place
                              Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53224
                              Attn:  Richard Koenings, Esq.
                              Fax No. (414) 359-9011

       If to Foothill:        FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION
                              11111 Santa Monica Boulevard
                              Suite 1500
                              Los Angeles, California  90025-3333
                              Attn:  Business Finance Division Manager
                              Fax No. (310) 478-9788

       with copies to:        GOLDBERG, KOHN, BELL, BLACK,
                                  ROSENBLOOM & MORITZ, LTD.
                              55 East Monroe Street
                              Suite 3700
                              Chicago, Illinois  60603
                              Attn:  Gary Zussman, Esq.
                              Fax No. (312) 332-2196

             The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to
   receive notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner
   given to the other.  All notices or demands sent in accordance with this
   Section 12, other than notices by Foothill in connection with
   Sections 9504 or 9505 of the Code, shall be deemed received on the earlier
   of the date of actual receipt or 3 days after the deposit thereof in the
   mail.  Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that notices sent by Foothill
   in connection with Sections 9504 or 9505 of the Code shall be deemed sent
   when deposited in the mail or personally delivered, or, where permitted by
   law, transmitted facsimile or other similar method set forth above.

   13.  CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER.

             THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS
   (UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED TO THE CONTRARY IN AN ANOTHER LOAN DOCUMENT),
   THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF AND THEREOF, AND
   THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS
   ARISING HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO OR THERETO SHALL BE
   DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
   OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR
   PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN
   DOCUMENTS SHALL BE TRIED AND LITIGATED ONLY IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL
   COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA OR, AT
   THE SOLE OPTION OF FOOTHILL, IN ANY OTHER COURT IN WHICH FOOTHILL SHALL
   INITIATE LEGAL OR EQUITABLE PROCEEDINGS AND WHICH HAS SUBJECT MATTER
   JURISDICTION OVER THE MATTER IN CONTROVERSY.  EACH OF EACH BORROWER AND
   FOOTHILL WAIVES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT
   EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT
   TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
   SECTION 13.  EACH OF EACH BORROWER AND FOOTHILL HEREBY WAIVE THEIR
   RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED
   UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE
   TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS,
   BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS.  EACH
   OF EACH BORROWER AND FOOTHILL REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER
   AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING
   CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF
   THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

   14.  DESTRUCTION OF BORROWERS' DOCUMENTS.

             All documents, schedules, invoices, agings, or other papers
   delivered to Foothill may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by
   Foothill 4 months after they are delivered to or received by Foothill,
   unless a Borrower requests, in writing, the return of said documents,
   schedules, or other papers and makes arrangements, at such Borrower's
   expense, for their return.

   15.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.

        15.1.     Effectiveness.

             This Agreement shall be binding and deemed effective when
   executed by each Borrower and Foothill.

        15.2.     Successors and Assigns.

             This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the
   respective successors and assigns of each of the parties; provided,
   however, that no Borrower may assign this Agreement or any rights or
   duties hereunder without Foothill's prior written consent and any
   prohibited assignment shall be absolutely void.  No consent to an
   assignment by Foothill shall release any Borrower from its Obligations. 
   Foothill may assign this Agreement and its rights and duties hereunder and
   no consent or approval by any Borrower is required in connection with any
   such assignment.  Foothill reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer,
   negotiate, or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest
   in Foothill's rights and benefits hereunder.  In connection with any such
   assignment or participation, Foothill may disclose all documents and
   information which Foothill now or hereafter may have relating to any
   Borrower or any Borrower's business.  To the extent that Foothill assigns
   its rights and obligations hereunder to a third Person, Foothill
   thereafter shall be released from such assigned obligations to Borrowers.

        15.3.     Section Headings.

             Headings and numbers have been set forth herein for convenience
   only.  Unless the contrary is compelled by the context, everything
   contained in each Section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

        15.4.     Interpretation.

             Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein
   shall be construed or resolved against Foothill or Borrowers, whether
   under any rule of construction or otherwise.  On the contrary, this
   Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and
   interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to
   fairly accomplish the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

        15.5.     Severability of Provisions.

             Each provision of this Agreement shall be severable from every
   other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of determining the legal
   enforceability of any specific provision.

        15.6.     Amendments in Writing.

             This Agreement can only be amended by a writing signed by both
   Foothill and Borrowers.

        15.7.     Counterparts; Facsimile Execution.

             This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and
   by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when
   executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of
   which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same
   Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by
   facsimile shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original
   executed counterpart of this Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed
   counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile also shall deliver an original
   executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an
   original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity,
   enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement.

        15.8.     Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations.

             If the incurrence or payment of the Obligations by Borrowers or
   any guarantor of the Obligations or the transfer by either or both of such
   parties to Foothill of any property of either or both of such parties
   should for any reason subsequently be declared to be void or voidable
   under any state or federal law relating to creditors' rights, including
   provisions of the Bankruptcy Code relating to fraudulent conveyances,
   preferences, and other voidable or recoverable payments of money or
   transfers of property (collectively, a "Voidable Transfer"), and if
   Foothill is required to repay or restore, in whole or in part, any such
   Voidable Transfer, or elects to do so upon the reasonable advice of its
   counsel, then, as to any such Voidable Transfer, or the amount thereof
   that Foothill is required or elects to repay or restore, and as to all
   reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys fees of Foothill related
   thereto, the liability of Borrowers or such guarantor automatically shall
   be revived, reinstated, and restored and shall exist as though such
   Voidable Transfer had never been made.

        15.9.     Integration.

             This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, reflects
   the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the transactions
   contemplated hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any
   other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

        15.10.    Joint and Several Liability.

             (a)  The obligation of the Borrowers hereunder and under the
   other Loan Documents are joint and several.

             (b)  The liability of each Borrower hereunder and under the Loan
   Documents shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable irrespective
   of:

                  (i)  any lack of validity, legality or enforceability
             of this Agreement, or any other Loan Document as to any
             Borrower;

                  (ii) the failure of Foothill

                       (A)  to enforce any right or remedy against any
                  Borrower or any other Person (including any guarantor
                  or any Borrower) under the provisions of this
                  Agreement, any other Loan Documents or otherwise, or

                       (B)  to exercise any right or remedy against any
                  guarantor of, or collateral security any Obligations;

                  (iii)     any change in the time, manner or place of
             payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the
             Obligations, or other extension, compromise or renewal of
             any Obligations;

                  (iv) any reduction, limitation, impairment or
             termination of any Obligations with respect to any Borrower
             for any reason including any claim of waiver, release,
             surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be
             subject to (and each Borrower hereby waives any right to or
             claim of) any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment
             or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity,
             illegality, nongenuineness, irregularity, compromise,
             unenforceability of, or any other event or occurrence
             affecting, any Obligations with respect to any Borrower;

                  (v)  any addition, exchange, release, surrender or
             nonperfection of any Collateral, or any amendment to or
             waiver or release or addition of, or consent to departure
             from any guaranty, held by any Foothill securing any of the
             Obligations; or

                  (vi) any other circumstance which might otherwise
             constitute a defense available to, or a legal or equitable
             discharge of, any Borrower, any surety or any guarantor.

             Each Borrower agrees if such Borrower's joint and several
   liability hereunder, or if any liens securing such joint and several
   liability, would, but for the application of this sentence, be
   unenforceable under applicable law, such joint and several liability and
   each such lien shall be valid and enforceable to the maximum extent that
   would not cause such joint and several liability or such lien to be
   enforceable under applicable law, and such joint and several liability and
   such lien shall be deemed to have been automatically amended accordingly
   at all relevant times.

             To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Borrower hereby
   waives any defense arising by reason of any claim or defense based upon an
   election of remedies by Foothill including any defense based upon an
   election of remedies by Foothill under the provisions of Sections 580d and
   726 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, or any similar law of
   California or any other jurisdiction.

             WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF ANY OTHER WAIVER OR OTHER
   PROVISION SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, EACH BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE
   MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL BENEFITS OR DEFENSES ARISING
   DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY UNDER ANY ONE OR MORE OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE
   SECTIONS 2799, 2808, 2809, 2810, 2815, 2819, 2820, 2821, 2822, 2838, 2839,
   2845, 2848, 2849, AND 2850, CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTIONS
   580a, 580b, 580c, 580d, AND 726, AND CHAPTER 2 OF TITLE 14 OF THE
   CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE.

             IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
   Agreement to be executed in Los Angeles, California.

                                      EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.,
                                      a Wisconsin corporation


                                      By
                                      Title


                                      EMS-EAST, INC., a Massachusetts
                                      corporation


                                      By
                                      Title


                                      EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF
                                      ILLINOIS, INC., an Illinois
                                      corporation


                                      By
                                      Title


                                      FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                                      a California corporation


                                      By
                                      Title



                                                                Exhibit 10.20

   Relationship Agreement

   This Relationship Agreement (Agreement) is made and entered into as of the
   31st day of December, 1997 by and between Effective Management
   Systems, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, through its Intercim division with
   offices at 501 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN 55337 (Intercim) and CIMx,
   an Ohio Liability Company with offices at 400 TechneCenter Drive, 
   Cincinnati, OH 45150(Cimx).

   Recitals:

   Intercim and Cimx desire to enter into a relationship that leverages their
        respective products and services in such a way as to provide superior
        solutions to the manufacturing marketplace. 

   Both parties have a operating philosophy that i) makes customer
        satisfaction their highest priority, ii) maintains the highest levels
        of integrity, and iii) pursues excellence in products and services.

   Cimx is  engineering centric' with a focus and domain expertise on the
        manufacturing engineer while Intercim is  manufacturing centric' with
        a focus and domain expertise on the production manager.


   Definitions.  The following terms, when used in this Agreement shall have
        the following meanings

   "Products" means the application software, in object code form only, as
        updated from time to time and released for general use, including the
        official user documentation, in whatever media, released for general
        use with the application software, all as more particularly set forth
        on the attached Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by this
        reference.

   "Support" means the support assistance provided relating to the Product on
        an annual basis, such as telephone support and updates, including
        corrections.

   "Services" means the services provided on a time and materials, project by
        project basis, relating to the Products, such as installation,
        consulting, training, and modifications.
     

   Authorizations.

   Cross Licensing.  Each party hereby grants the other the non-exclusive,
        non-assignable, right to market the other's Products and sell its
        Services, utilizing agreement forms which comply with and are subject
        to the terms and conditions herein set forth.  Each party reserves
        the right to decline any specific engagement for business reasons. To
        the extent any proposed license of the other's Product involves use
        outside the United States, the obligation to comply with any
        applicable export or import restrictions are those of the user first
        and the party obtaining the business second.  Each parties' License
        Agreement attached as Exhibit C.  All payments and currency
        conversions will be in U.S. dollars.  All contracts will be in
        English language. 



   Commitments.

   Engagement Registration Process.  The procedures for notifying the Product
        owner of a prospect obtained by the other party and the resulting
        classification of such prospect for purposes of compensation are as
        set forth on the attached Exhibit B, which is incorporated herein by
        this reference.  However, in case of a conflict as to priority of
        registration for compensation classification, the party who gave the
        first Product demonstration prior to a registration shall control.

   Source Code Escrow.  Having in mind the parties' above referenced highest
        priority of customer satisfaction, each party will place their
        respective Product's source code in escrow with NBD Bank, N.A. of
        Indianapolis, IN or such other third party as they may agree, at
        their own cost, under the same form of escrow agreement which shall
        provide for source code release in the event that the party becomes
        insolvent or is unable or unwilling to support or competitively
        develop their Product.

                                                                 
   Sales Effort and Collateral.  Both parties will develop and maintain their
        capability to market and sell the other party's Products consistent
        with effective high quality industry standards.  Both parties will
        make available to the other any sales and marketing collateral,
        including demonstration copies, as may be reasonably requested.

   Product Support.  Both parties will develop and maintain their
        capabilities to provide technical first line support for the other
        parties' Products they license consistent with high quality industry
        standards.  Each party will provide reasonable back up support on its
        own Products where the other was the seller and is the first line
        support provider.

   Each Other's Practices, Customers, and Statements.  Each party will use
        its best efforts to understand and respect the other party's business
        practices and customer commitments and obligations not in conflict
        with the express rights and obligations herein set forth.  Consistent
        with this provision and the Recitals above, neither party will make
        any statements, warranties, or representations with respect to the
        other party, its Products, Support, Services, or operations except as
        authorized and in furtherance of this Agreement.

   Periodic Meetings and Reports.  The parties will meet periodically each
        year for the purpose of reviewing all aspects of this relationship
        and ongoing planning and cooperation efforts.

   Training.  With respect to selling and technical support capability, each
        party will provide, without a training charge, two day courses to the
        other party's sales people and three day courses to the other party's
        support people who will be acting as such with respect to the
        training party's Products.


   Payments.

   4.1  Amounts.  Amounts owing the Product owner on Product, Support, and
   Services sold by the other are due in the proportions called for under
   Exhibit B from all receipts of payments as and when received by the
   seller.


   Term.

   Initial Term.  The initial Term of this Agreement shall be one year.

   Renewal.  This Agreement shall automatically renew for additional one year
        Terms unless terminated in writing at least 90 days in advance of the
        end of any given Term.

   Non-Exclusivity and Non-competition.

   Non-Exclusivity.  Nothing in this Agreement will preclude either party
        from entering into similar relationships with other parties in the
        same technology or business; however, any party doing so must first
        give the other party 60 day written notice of its intent to do so.

   Non-Competition.  Neither party will develop a feature/function capability
        that would be considered to be in the domain expertise of the other
        party, as referenced in the recitals above, without first giving the
        other party 60 day written notice of its intent to do so.

   Warranty, Remedy, and Limitation of Liability.

   Warranty.  The parties warrant that their respective Products will perform
        in substantial compliance with the material written product
        specifications as set forth in user documentation materials supplied
        with the Product to customers, for one year from the date of license.

   Corrections.  The parties will promptly, upon written notification of a
        breach of the above warranty, work to resolve the problem.  If unable
        to resolve within a reasonable period of time, the party owning the
        product in question will offer to refund the entire license and any
        services fees received from the client in question.  Prompt and
        reasonable effort depends upon the severity of the problem to the
        customer's operations.

   Infringement.  Each party warrants and represents that its Product,
        including the documentation and collateral provided hereunder, does
        not infringe the U.S. property rights of any third party and that it
        will indemnify and hold the other and its licensees harmless from any
        and all costs it incurs in connection with any such claim so long as
        such indemnified party promptly advises it of such a claim, turns
        over defense of such claim, and cooperates in the defense of any such
        claim.

    No Consequential Damages.  Except as set forth above, there are no other
        warranties, express or implied, pertaining to the matters covered in
        this Agreement, and all such other warranties, including those of
        fitness for a purpose and merchantability, are hereby disclaimed.  In
        no event shall either party be liable for any consequential, general,
        or special damages even though the parties may be aware of the
        possibility of such damages.  In the event of a non-warranty breach
        of this Agreement by either party, the breaching party's sole
        obligation and the other's sole recovery shall be for its actual
        damages, not to exceed any fees it actually paid the breaching party
        pursuant to this Agreement.


   Confidentiality and Proprietary Property.

   Confidentiality.  The parties acknowledge that their Products,
        documentation, business operations and plans, and other information
        which they will exchange and become aware of during the course of
        this relationship contain confidential and Trade Secret information. 
        Each will maintain this information as confidential, treating it at
        least as carefully as it would its own confidential and Trade Secret
        information, and will only use it as authorized in the furtherance of
        this Agreement and will only disclose it to those in a need to know
        who are subject to a written confidentiality agreement consistent
        with this provision.  Products provided to Licenses for internal use
        is not a breach of confidentiality.

   Proprietary Property.  Each will use reasonably and normal efforts to
   procedurally protect the proprietary information of the other through use
   of proprietary notices and legends as requested.  Each will notify the
   other of any suspected violations of the other's property rights by third
   parties that it becomes aware of.  Neither will lay claim to the other's
   proprietary property.

   Public Disclosure.  The parties will consult with each other before any
   public disclosure of information regarding the other.
    

   9.  Dispute Resolution Procedure.

   Management Effort.  If a dispute arises between the parties arising out of
        or relating to this Agreement and the performance of their respective
        obligations hereunder, they shall first advise the other in writing
        of the matter and management of each shall meet to attempt to resolve
        the matter before taking any other action.

   Arbitration.  If the parties are unable to resolve a dispute as above, it
        may only be settled in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the
        American Arbitration Association at the location closest to the party
        against whom the claim is filed and judgment upon any award rendered
        by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
        thereof.

   10.   Termination.

   Termination Procedures.  Both parties may terminate this Agreement upon 90
        days written notice for   convenience, and may terminate it upon 30
        day written notice and cure period for other material breach except
        that, if the reason for termination is breach of confidentiality,
        insolvency, or failure to pay sums due, the notice and cure period
        shall be 10 days.

   After Termination.  If the termination is for convenience, the party which
        did not choose to terminate the Agreement shall be able to complete,
        within a reasonable amount of time, all sales efforts in process
        where the prospect had received a demonstration of the Product prior
        to such notice.  No termination will affect the rights previously
        granted to third party licensees in accordance with the terms of this
        Agreement.  All ongoing obligations to such licensees shall continue
        to be performed by the party who made the sale.


   11.    General Provisions.

   Each Other's Employees.  Neither party will directly or indirectly
        solicit, encourage, or hire any employees of the other during and for
        one year after the termination of this Agreement without the written
        consent of the other.

   Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
   the parties with respect to its subject matter, superseding any prior
   proposals or agreements, whether oral or written, all such prior
   agreements or understandings being hereby revoked.  Any changes to this
   Agreement must be in writing, signed by the parties, and reference this
   Agreement.

   Governing Law.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the
   parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
   laws of the State of Minnesota.

   Further Actions.  The parties agree to take any and all further actions,
        including the execution of documents required to fully effect the
        provisions and intent of this Agreement.

   In Witness Whereof, each party represents that it has full power and
   authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, that the person
   signing on behalf of each party has been properly authorized and empowered
   to do so, and that each has carefully reviewed it and consulted with such
   experts as each deemed necessary.

   Cimx:                              Intercim: 

   By: ____________________________        By: ____________________________

   Name:   Anthony Cuilwik                 Name:  Joseph Poirier 

   Title:  President                       Title: President, CEO


   <PAGE>

   Exhibit A

   Products:

   Intercim Products: 

   FACTORYnet/R/ (Advanced application software,  an integrated information
   management system for the entire factory floor
   Cimx Products: [    "    "    ]

   CS/CAPP(                      Client Server/Computer Aided Process
                                   Planning
   CS/TOOL(                      Client Server/Tool Management
   QCAP(                         Quality Characteristic Accountability 
                                   Planning
   ShopBrowser(                  Web Enabled Shop Floor Viewing
   Best Practice Implementor(    Generative Planning

   <PAGE>


   Exhibit B

   Registration Process:

   For those engagements that are applicable to this agreement, both parties
   will maintain a joint customers/prospects list identifying:

   1.  The type of engagement (per table 1)

   2.  The registering party

   3.  An estimate of each parties products and services involved in the sale

   4.  The next action needed to close the sale

   The joint list will be updated monthly, or as required, should a
   significant change occur.
   It is the responsibility of each party to notify the other party whenever
   a change or update is required.
   
   <TABLE>
   <CAPTION>

   Table 1
    <S>               <C>                     <C>                  <C>
    Engagement        Nature of Engagement    Compensation         Services
    Prime/Sub         Both parties have been  10% to 20% of the    The prime will uplift
                      involved in the selling product, depending   the standard rates by
                      cycle.  The customer    on the level of      25% to 35%.  The prime
                      wishes to have a single support provided,    will provide "level 1
                      point of accountability as compensation to   support".
                      through one party, or   Prime on sale of
                      it is determined that   Subs' product.
                      this is the best way of
                      serving this customer.

    OEM               Either company acting   50% of the product   Services provided to
                      as an agent of the      gross revenue paid   the other party at
                      other sells a deal that to agent who sells   standard rates.
                      includes both parties   it.
                      products.

    Leads             Either company finds an 5% on product 0% on  N/A
                      opportunity that does   services paid to
                      not include their       company providing
                      products and/or decides the lead.
                      not to pursue the
                      engagement.
</TABLE>


                                                                   Exhibit 21


           List of Subsidiaries of Effective Management Systems, Inc.


    Name of Subsidiary                              Jurisdiction of
                                                    Incorporation

    EMS-East, Inc.                                  Massachusetts

    Effective Management Systems of Illinois, Inc.  Illinois

    Total Management Systems, Inc.                  Ohio

    EMS-Asia Pacific, Ltd.                          Hong Kong

    EMS China, Ltd.                                 Hong Kong


   Exhibit 23

   CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
   on Form S-8 (No. 33-79838) pertaining to the Effective Management Systems,
   Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Registration Statement on
   Form S-8 (No. 33-78658) pertaining to the Effective Management Systems,
   Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan and the Registration Statement on Form S-3
   (No. 33-95816) pertaining to the registration of 550,000 shares of its
   common stock of our report dated January 16, 1998, with respect to the 
   consolidated financial statements of Effective Management Systems, Inc. 
   included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 
   30, 1997.

                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                 Ernst & Young LLP


   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   February 25, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC. AS OF AND FOR 
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY 
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1997
<CASH>                                              14
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,832
<ALLOWANCES>                                       462
<INVENTORY>                                        280
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                13,726
<PP&E>                                           9,359
<DEPRECIATION>                                   5,442
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  28,797
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           11,941
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            41
<OTHER-SE>                                      12,532
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    28,797
<SALES>                                          4,112
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                42,645
<CGS>                                            3,260
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   45,046
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   377
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 352
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (2,778)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (618)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (2,160)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,160)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.53)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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