SYMIX SYSTEMS INC
S-4, 1997-10-27
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 27, 1997
                                                  REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-4
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
                                     UNDER
 
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                            <C>
             OHIO                            7372                  31-1083175
 (State or other jurisdiction    (Primary Standard Industrial   (I.R.S. Employer
              of                 Classification Code Number)     Identification
incorporation or organization)                                        No.)
</TABLE>
 
      2800 CORPORATE EXCHANGE DRIVE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43231, (614) 523-7000
 
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                               LAWRENCE W. DELEON
                         2800 CORPORATE EXCHANGE DRIVE
                              COLUMBUS, OHIO 43231
                                 (614) 523-7000
 
               (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
               number, including area code of agent for service)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
           IVERY D. FOREMAN                          TIBOR D. KLOPFER
   Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease                   Baker & Daniels
  52 East Gay Street, P.O. Box 1008               300 N. Meridian Street
      Columbus, Ohio 43216-1008                         Suite 2700
                                               Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
 
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
 AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                       AS THE REGISTRANT SHALL DETERMINE.
                            ------------------------
 
    If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box: / /
                            ------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PROPOSED MAXIMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM
         TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                AMOUNT TO       OFFERING PRICE        AGGREGATE          AMOUNT OF
       SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED         BE REGISTERED(1)      PER UNIT(2)     OFFERING PRICE(2)  REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                        <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
Common Shares, without par value.........       500,000            $3.074           $1,537,000           $465.76
</TABLE>
 
(1) Based on the maximum number of Symix Common Shares authorized to be issued
    in the Merger.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(f)(2).
                            ------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                 CROSS REFERENCE SHEET PURSUANT TO RULE 404(a)
           OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ITEM 501(b)
                   OF REGULATION S-K, SHOWING THE LOCATION IN
                         THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
               OF THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY PART I OF FORM S-4.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION                                                  LOCATION IN PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <C>        <S>                                            <C>
       A.  Information about the Transaction
 
                  1.  Forepart of Registration Statement
                        and Outside Front Cover Page of
                        Prospectus.................................  Facing Page of Registration Statement; Cross Reference
                                                                       Sheet; Outside Front Cover Page of Proxy
                                                                       Statement/Prospectus
 
                  2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
                        Prospectus.................................  Available Information; Table of Contents
 
                  3.  Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
                        Charges and Other Information..............  Summary; Risk Factors
 
                  4.  Terms of the Transaction.....................  Summary; The Merger; The Plan of Merger; Description of
                                                                       Capital Stock of Symix; Comparison of Shareholder
                                                                       Rights
 
                  5.  Pro Forma Financial Information..............  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                                                                       (Unaudited)
 
                  6.  Material Contacts with the Company Being
                        Acquired...................................  The Merger
 
                  7.  Additional Information Required for
                        Reoffering by Persons and Parties Deemed to
                        be Underwriters............................                             *
 
                  8.  Interests of Named Experts and
                        Counsel....................................  Experts
 
                  9.  Disclosure of Commission Position on
                        Indemnification for Securities Act
                        Liabilities................................                             *
 
       B.  Information About the Registrant
 
                 10.  Information With Respect to S-3
                        Registrants................................                             *
 
                 11.  Incorporation of Certain Information by
                        Reference..................................                             *
 
                 12.  Information With Respect to S-2 or S-3
                        Registrants................................                             *
 
                 13.  Incorporation of Certain Information by
                        Reference..................................                             *
 
                 14.  Information With Respect to Registrants Other
                        Than S-3 or S-2 Registrants................  Summary; Comparative Stock Prices and Dividends;
                                                                       Information Concerning Symix; Description of Capital
                                                                       Stock of Symix; Index to Financial Statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION                                                  LOCATION IN PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <C>        <S>                                            <C>
       C.  Information About the Company Being Acquired
 
                 15.  Information With Respect to S-3
                        Companies..................................                             *
 
                 16.  Information With Respect to S-2 or S-3
                        Companies..................................                             *
 
                 17.  Information With Respect to Companies Other
                        Than S-2 or S-3 Companies..................  Summary; Comparative Stock Prices and Dividends;
                                                                       Information Concerning Pritsker; Index to Financial
                                                                       Statements
 
       D.  Voting and Management Information
 
                 18.  Information if Proxies, Consents or
                        Authorization Are to be Solicited..........  Cover Page of Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Summary; The
                                                                       Special Meeting; The Merger; The Plan of Merger;
                                                                       Information Concerning Symix; Information Concerning
                                                                       Pritsker; Shareholder Proposals
 
                 19.  Information if Proxies, Consents or
                        Authorizations Are Not to be Solicited, or
                        in Exchange Offer..........................                             *
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Omitted because not required, inapplicable or answer is negative.
<PAGE>
                      (LETTERHEAD OF PRITSKER CORPORATION)
 
                                                                          , 1997
 
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
 
    You are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Special Meeting") of Pritsker Corporation ("Pritsker"). The Special Meeting
will be held on            , 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Pritsker's
principal office, 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana.
 
    At the Special Meeting, we will consider and vote on a proposal to merge
Pritsker into a subsidiary of Symix Systems, Inc. ("Symix"). In that merger (the
"Merger"), Pritsker would become a subsidiary of Symix, and Pritsker's common
shareholders would become shareholders of Symix, a publicly-held company.
 
    Under the terms of the Merger, each outstanding share of Pritsker's common
stock would be converted into the right to receive Symix's common shares on a
tax-free basis, at the rate of 0.170108 Symix common share for each share of
Pritsker's common stock. As of            , 1997, Symix's common shares had a
closing sale price of $     per share, which is equivalent to about $     in
value for each share of Pritsker's common stock. Pritsker's outstanding employee
stock options would also be converted in the Merger into options to purchase
Symix common shares on an equivalent basis.
 
    Symix is a global provider of open, client/server manufacturing software for
mid-range discrete manufacturers. It designs, develops, markets and supports a
fully integrated manufacturing, planning and financial software system that
addresses the enterprise resource planning requirements of manufacturers. Symix
has indicated that its acquisition of Pritsker will enable Symix to be the first
enterprise resource planning company to bring advanced planning and scheduling
to mid-size manufacturers and that integrating Pritsker's OrderLinks product
with Symix's products will enable Symix to bring new capabilities to mid-size
manufacturers. Symix's president has indicated that, as a subsidiary of Symix,
the Pritsker business unit would continue to pursue its existing target markets
with its current products and services.
 
    The accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contains additional important information and details about
the Merger, including the treatment of Pritsker's preferred stock, payment for
fractional shares in cash, and dissenters' rights to receive cash instead of
Symix's common shares. The Proxy Statement/Prospectus also includes information
about Symix. You should carefully read all of these materials for details of the
Merger and additional information.
 
    After careful review and consideration, the Board of Directors of Pritsker
has determined that the Merger is in the best interests of Pritsker and its
shareholders. ACCORDINGLY, THE PRITSKER BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE
MERGER AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR ITS APPROVAL.
 
    The affirmative vote of the holders of seventy-five percent (75%) of the
outstanding shares of Pritsker's common stock and the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Pritsker's preferred stock
are necessary to approve the Merger.
 
    Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please complete, sign
and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope. If you attend the Special Meeting, you may vote in person
if you wish, even though you previously have returned your proxy card. Your
prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
<PAGE>
    Please do not send your stock certificates with your proxy card. If the
Merger is approved and consummated, you will receive a transmittal form and
instructions for the surrender and exchange of your shares from Fifth Third
Bank, N.A., the Exchange Agent for the Merger.
 
    Thank you for your cooperation.
 
                                Sincerely,
 
                                ------------------------------------------
                                A. Alan B. Pritsker, Chairman of the Board
 
PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
<PAGE>
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                        To be held on             , 1997
 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF PRITSKER CORPORATION:
 
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the shareholders (the
"Special Meeting") of Pritsker Corporation, an Indiana corporation ("Pritsker"),
will be held on             , 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Pritsker's
principal office, 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana, for the
following purposes:
 
    1.  To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Agreement of Merger
       dated as of October 2, 1997 ("Merger Agreement") among Symix Systems,
       Inc. ("Symix"), an Ohio corporation, SSI Acquisition Corp., an Ohio
       corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix (the "Acquisition Sub")
       and Pritsker, the Plan of Merger attached thereto as part of Exhibit A
       (the "Plan of Merger") and the transactions contemplated thereby,
       pursuant to which, among other things, Pritsker will be merged with and
       into Acquisition Sub (the "Merger") and thereby become a wholly-owned
       subsidiary of Symix, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the
       Merger Agreement, as more fully described in the accompanying Proxy
       Statement/Prospectus.
 
    2.  To transact such other matters as may properly come before the Special
       Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
    A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as Appendix I to the accompanying
Proxy Statement/ Prospectus and is incorporated by reference in this Notice.
 
    Only holders of record of shares of Pritsker's common stock and/or
Pritsker's preferred stock at the close of business on             , 1997, the
record date for the Special Meeting (the "Record Date"), are entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements
thereof. The affirmative vote of the holders of seventy-five percent (75%) of
the outstanding shares of Pritsker's common stock and the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Pritsker's preferred
stock are necessary to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, the Plan of
Merger and the Merger.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PRITSKER HAS APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE
PLAN OF MERGER AND BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF
PRITSKER'S SHAREHOLDERS. THE BOARD, THEREFORE, RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
 
    THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DESCRIBES, AMONG OTHER MATTERS,
THE RIGHTS OF PRITSKER SHAREHOLDERS TO DISSENT FROM THE MERGER AND THE
PROCEDURES WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO PERFECT SUCH RIGHTS.
 
    Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please complete, sign
and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope. Please do not send any stock certificates at this time.
Your proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted by signing and
returning a later dated proxy with respect to the same shares, by filing with
the Secretary of Pritsker a written revocation bearing a later date or by
attending and voting at the Special Meeting.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors:
 
                                   ---------------------------------------------
 
                                          Steven D. Duket, Secretary
 
Indianapolis, Indiana
            , 1997
<PAGE>
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 27, 1997
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>
PRITSKER CORPORATION SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
  PROXY STATEMENT        PROSPECTUS
        FOR              FOR UP TO
 SPECIAL MEETING OF    500,000 COMMON
    SHAREHOLDERS           SHARES
     TO BE HELD
             , 1997
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates to the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of Pritsker Corporation, an Indiana corporation ("Pritsker"), with and
into SSI Acquisition Corp., an Ohio corporation ("Acquisition Sub"), which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix Systems, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("Symix" or
the "Company"), pursuant to an Agreement of Merger, dated as of October 2, 1997,
among Symix, Acquisition Sub and Pritsker (the "Merger Agreement") and the Plan
of Merger attached thereto as a part of Exhibit A (the "Plan of Merger"). A copy
of the Merger Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix I and is incorporated by
reference herein.
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus ("Proxy Statement/Prospectus") is being
furnished to the shareholders of Pritsker in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Pritsker for use at a Special Meeting of
Shareholders (the "Special Meeting") of Pritsker to be held at Pritsker's
principal office, 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, on
           , 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any and all adjournments or
postponements thereof. At the Special Meeting, shareholders of Pritsker will be
asked to consider and vote upon approval of the Plan of Merger, the Merger
Agreement and the Merger. Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be
revoked at any time prior to the voting thereof at the Special Meeting. In
accordance with the Indiana Business Corporation Law, shareholders of Pritsker
are entitled to dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger as described
herein. See "THE SPECIAL MEETING" and "THE MERGER--Dissenters' Rights."
 
    Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Plan of Merger and as a result of
the Merger, (i) Pritsker will be merged with and into Acquisition Sub and
thereby become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix, (ii) each outstanding share
of Pritsker's common stock, without par value ("Pritsker Common Stock"), other
than shares held by shareholders properly exercising dissenters' rights, will be
converted into the right to receive 0.170108 common share, without par value, of
Symix ("Symix Common Shares"), and (iii) each share of Pritsker's Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock, without par value ("Pritsker Preferred Stock"),
will be converted into the right to receive its liquidation value of $5.23, plus
accrued and unpaid dividends. In addition, all rights under employee stock
purchase options granted by Pritsker pursuant to its 1987 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan (collectively, "Options") will be assumed by Symix and will,
after the Merger, represent the right to acquire that number of Symix Common
Shares to which the optionee would have been entitled if, immediately prior to
the Merger, the optionee had fully exercised the Option, with such adjustment in
option price as is necessary to assure that the rights and benefits of the
optionee under such Option will not be increased or decreased by the Merger, and
all other terms of the Option will remain the same.
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" APPEARING IMMEDIATELY AFTER "SUMMARY" FOR A DISCUSSION OF
CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY SHAREHOLDERS.
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also serves as a Prospectus of Symix with
respect to up to 500,000 Symix Common Shares issuable in connection with the
Merger. The outstanding Symix Common Shares are traded in the over-the-counter
market and are quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") National Market System under the symbol "SYMX."
The last reported sale price of Symix Common Shares as reported on the NASDAQ
National Market System on            , 1997, was $      per share.
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying form of proxy are first
being mailed to shareholders of Pritsker on or about            , 1997.
                            ------------------------
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
 BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
    NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
                      COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
       OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                     TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
       THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS            , 1997.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS,
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION AND THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION
SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY OR AN OFFER
TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, ANY SECURITIES IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH SOLICITATION OR OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
 
    NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION
OF SECURITIES MADE HEREUNDER SHALL IMPLY THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF SYMIX OR PRITSKER SINCE THE
DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT
TO ITS DATE.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    Symix is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy statements
and other information filed by Symix with the Commission may be inspected and
copied at the offices of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices at 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and copies of such
materials may also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Commission also maintains an Internet web site that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that
file electronically with the Commission. The address of that site is:
http://www.sec.gov. In addition, Symix Common Shares are included in the NASDAQ
National Market System and reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning Symix are available for inspection at the office of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., at 1735 K Street, Washington, D.C.
20006.
 
    Symix has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4
(together with any amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement") pursuant to
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to
up to 500,000 Symix Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger described
herein. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules filed
therewith, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission. For further information with respect to Symix and
the Symix Common Shares offered thereby, reference is hereby made to the
Registration Statement and to the financial statements, exhibits and schedules
filed therewith. The Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto, may
be inspected without charge at the principal office of the Commission in
Washington, D.C., and copies of all or part thereof may be obtained from such
office upon the payment of the prescribed fees. Statements contained in this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference in this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or other
document referred to herein or therein are not necessarily complete and, in each
instance where reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or such other document, each
such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
    SYMIX IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK AND SYTELINE, SYTESELECT, SYTEPOWER,
SYTESERVICE, SYTEGUIDE, FIELDPRO AND SYTEEDI ARE TRADEMARKS OF SYMIX SYSTEMS,
INC. ORDERLINKS, FACTOR AND AWESIM ARE TRADEMARKS OF PRITSKER CORPORATION. THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS ALSO CONTAINS TRADEMARKS AND REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF
PERSONS AND COMPANIES OTHER THAN SYMIX AND PRITSKER.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           PAGE
                                                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
SUMMARY...............................................................................................           5
  Parties to the Merger...............................................................................           5
  Recommendation of the Pritsker Board of Directors...................................................           5
  Reasons for the Merger..............................................................................           5
  The Special Meeting.................................................................................           5
  The Merger; Vote Required...........................................................................           5
  Market for Symix Common Shares......................................................................           6
  Dissenters' Rights..................................................................................           6
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.............................................................           6
  Regulatory Approvals................................................................................           6
RISK FACTORS..........................................................................................           7
  Risks Relating to the Merger........................................................................           7
  Risks Relating to Symix.............................................................................           7
THE SPECIAL MEETING...................................................................................          15
  Date, Time, Place and Purpose.......................................................................          15
  Record Date and Voting Rights.......................................................................          16
  Vote Required.......................................................................................          16
  Voting of Proxies...................................................................................          16
  Revocation of Proxies...............................................................................          17
  Solicitation of Proxies.............................................................................          17
THE MERGER............................................................................................          17
  General.............................................................................................          17
  Background of the Merger............................................................................          18
  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Pritsker Board of Directors...........................          19
  Closing and Effective Time of the Merger............................................................          19
  Conversion of Shares; Fractional Shares.............................................................          20
  Procedures for Exchange of Certificates.............................................................          20
  Treatment of Options and Warrant....................................................................          21
  Dissenters' Rights..................................................................................          21
  Representations and Warranties......................................................................          22
  Covenants...........................................................................................          22
  Conditions to the Merger............................................................................          23
  Other Acquisition Proposals.........................................................................          24
  Other Covenants.....................................................................................          24
  Termination; Amendment..............................................................................          24
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.............................................................          25
  Accounting Treatment................................................................................          26
  NASDAQ Listing......................................................................................          26
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..........................................................          26
  Resale of Symix Common Shares by Affiliates.........................................................          27
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED).....................................          28
THE PLAN OF MERGER....................................................................................          33
  Description of the Plan of Merger...................................................................          33
  Consequences of the Merger..........................................................................          33
  Conversion of Pritsker Securities...................................................................          33
COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS................................................................          33
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           PAGE
                                                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
INFORMATION CONCERNING SYMIX..........................................................................          34
  Business............................................................................................          34
  Properties..........................................................................................          44
  Legal Proceedings...................................................................................          44
  Selected Financial Data of Symix....................................................................          44
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...............          45
  Principal Holders of Symix Common Shares............................................................          50
  Directors and Executive Officers....................................................................          52
  Compensation of Directors...........................................................................          54
  Executive Compensation..............................................................................          54
  Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.........................................          57
INFORMATION CONCERNING PRITSKER.......................................................................          58
  Business............................................................................................          58
  Selected Financial Data of Pritsker.................................................................          60
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...............          60
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management......................................          62
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF SYMIX.................................................................          63
  Common Shares.......................................................................................          63
  Preferred Shares....................................................................................          63
  Transfer Agent......................................................................................          63
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS......................................................................          63
  Mergers and Consolidations..........................................................................          64
  Other Corporate Transactions........................................................................          64
  Protection against Non-Negotiated Takeovers.........................................................          65
  Special Meetings....................................................................................          66
  Class Voting........................................................................................          66
  Removal of Directors and Filling of Vacancies.......................................................          66
  Amendment to the Articles and Regulations...........................................................          67
  Appraisal Rights....................................................................................          67
  Dividends...........................................................................................          68
  Repurchases.........................................................................................          68
  Director and Officer Liability and Indemnification..................................................          68
  Limitation on Directors' Liability..................................................................          71
  Size and Classification of the Board of Directors...................................................          71
  Loans to Directors..................................................................................          72
  General Voting Rights...............................................................................          72
  Action by Shareholders through Written Consent......................................................          72
  Cumulative Voting for Directors.....................................................................          72
  Preemptive Rights...................................................................................          72
  Inspection of Books and Records.....................................................................          73
LEGAL MATTERS.........................................................................................          73
EXPERTS...............................................................................................          73
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.................................................................................          73
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
APPENDIX I -- AGREEMENT OF MERGER DATED AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1997, AMONG SYMIX
             SYSTEMS, INC., SSI ACQUISITION CORP. AND PRITSKER CORPORATION,
             INCLUDING PLAN OF MERGER AS A PART OF EXHIBIT A THERETO AND FORM OF
             AFFILIATE'S LETTER AS EXHIBIT B THERETO.
 
APPENDIX II-- I.C. 23-1-44 ET SEQ. OF THE INDIANA BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT CONTAIN A COMPLETE
STATEMENT OF SUCH INFORMATION OR ALL OF THE MATERIAL FEATURES OF THE MERGER AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE INFORMATION APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE APPENDICES HERETO AND THE DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO
HEREIN. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THE
APPENDICES HERETO IN THEIR ENTIRETY. CERTAIN CAPITALIZED TERMS USED IN THIS
SUMMARY ARE DEFINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
 
PARTIES TO THE MERGER
 
    Symix develops, markets and supports integrated business management software
systems for manufacturers and manufacturing sites with up to $350 million in
annual revenue. The principal executive offices of Symix are located at 2800
Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231, telephone (614) 523-7000.
 
    Pritsker markets advanced planning and scheduling ("APS") and simulation
software to midsize manufacturers. The principal executive offices of Pritsker
are located at 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268,
telephone (317) 879-1011.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRITSKER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    The Board of Directors of Pritsker has unanimously approved the Merger,
believes that the Merger is in the best interests of Pritsker and its
shareholders and recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the approval of the
Merger Agreement. See "THE MERGER--Background of the Merger" and "--Reasons for
the Merger; Recommendation of the Pritsker Board of Directors."
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
    Among the factors considered by the Board of Directors of Pritsker in
recommending to shareholders the approval of the Plan of Merger, the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, were:
(i) the amount and form of the merger consideration; (ii) the terms of other
reported acquisitions of similar companies and competitors; (iii) information
concerning the business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects
of Pritsker and Symix; (iv) recent market prices for the Symix Common Shares,
the active trading market for the Symix Common Shares and the liquidity of the
Symix Common Shares; (v) the tax-free nature of the Merger to holders of
Pritsker Common Stock who receive Symix Common Shares; (vi) the impact of the
Merger on Pritsker's employees; and (vii) strategic alternatives to the Merger
that may be available to Pritsker. See "THE MERGER--Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Pritsker Board of Directors."
 
THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
    The Special Meeting of shareholders of Pritsker will be held on          ,
1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Pritsker's principal office, 8910 Purdue
Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana. The purpose of the Special Meeting will
be to consider and vote upon the adoption and approval of the Plan of Merger,
the Merger Agreement and the merger of Pritsker with and into Acquisition Sub in
a transaction in which Pritsker will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix,
as more fully provided in the Merger Agreement. See "THE SPECIAL MEETING."
 
THE MERGER; VOTE REQUIRED
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, (i) Pritsker will be merged
with and into Acquisition Sub, whereupon Acquisition Sub will be the surviving
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix; (ii) each share of Pritsker
Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.170108 Symix Common
Share, (iii) each share of Pritsker Preferred Stock will be converted into the
right to receive its
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
liquidation value of $5.23 plus accrued and unpaid dividends and (iv) each
unexercised Option granted under Pritsker's 1987 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
and, unless exercised before the consummation of the Merger, the warrant held by
the holder of Pritsker Preferred Stock (the "Warrant") will be assumed by Symix
and will represent the right to acquire that number of Symix Common Shares
determined by multiplying the number of shares of Pritsker Common Stock which
could have been acquired on exercise of such Option or conversion of the Warrant
multiplied by 0.170108. The consummation of the Merger is conditioned on, among
other things, the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Pritsker shareholders
at the Special Meeting. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of
the issued and outstanding shares of Pritsker Common Stock and the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of
Pritsker Preferred Stock, voting as separate classes, are required for approval
of the Plan of Merger, the Merger Agreement and the Merger. Directors and
executive officers of Pritsker and their affiliates beneficially own an
aggregate of approximately 83.7% of the outstanding shares of Pritsker Common
Stock and 100% of the outstanding shares of Pritsker Preferred Stock. See "THE
MERGER."
 
MARKET FOR SYMIX COMMON SHARES
 
    The closing price of the Symix Common Shares on October 2, 1997, the last
full trading day prior to the first public announcement of the Merger, was
$18.25. On          , 1997, two full trading days prior to the date of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the closing price of the Symix Common Shares was
                              . There is no established public or other trading
market for the Pritsker Common Stock. See "COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND
DIVIDENDS."
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
    A Pritsker shareholder may assert dissenters' rights only if (i) the
shareholder delivers to Pritsker, PRIOR TO THE VOTE TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO THE
MERGER AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, written notice of the shareholder's intent to
demand payment for the shareholder's shares if the Merger is consummated; (ii)
the shareholder does not vote in favor of the Merger; and (iii) the shareholder
properly complies with certain statutory procedures. See "THE
MERGER--Dissenters' Rights."
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    No gain or loss will be recognized by Symix for federal income tax purposes
as a result of the Merger. With respect to the Pritsker shareholders, the Merger
should constitute a tax-free reorganization pursuant to Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "THE MERGER--Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences."
 
REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
    No federal or state regulatory requirements or approvals must be complied
with or obtained in connection with the Merger, other than the filing of the
Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Indiana and a
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE
FOLLOWING FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN
THE SYMIX COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY. THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CONTAINS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. ACTUAL RESULTS
MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE INDICATED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.
FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE SUCH A DIFFERENCE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE
DISCUSSED BELOW AND IN THE SECTIONS ENTITLED "INFORMATION CONCERNING
SYMIX--MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS" AND "--BUSINESS" AND "INFORMATION CONCERNING
PRITSKER--MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" AND "--BUSINESS."
 
RISKS RELATING TO THE MERGER
 
    VOTING RIGHTS OF CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS.  Certain shareholders, acting alone
or together, hold shares sufficient to prevent shareholder approval of the
Merger. All of the Pritsker Preferred Stock is held directly or indirectly by
Cambridge Ventures, L.P. Pursuant to the Indiana Business Corporation Law, the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of the Pritsker Preferred Stock is required for approval of the Plan of
Merger, the Merger Agreement and the Merger. In addition, certain holders of
Pritsker Common Stock directly or indirectly hold a sufficient number of shares
to prevent approval of the Merger. See "INFORMATION CONCERNING
PRITSKER--Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." If
the Merger Agreement is terminated by Symix because of the failure of the
shareholders of Pritsker to approve the Merger, Symix may recover from Pritsker
expenses incurred by Symix in connection with the Merger Agreement. See "THE
MERGER-- Termination; Amendment."
 
    FIXED RATIO DOES NOT REFLECT CHANGES IN STOCK PRICES.  The fraction of a
Symix Common Share into which each share of Pritsker Common Stock is to be
converted is fixed. The price of Symix Common Shares at the Effective Time of
the Merger may vary significantly from the price at the date of execution of the
Merger Agreement, the date hereof or the date on which shareholders vote on the
Merger due to, among other factors, market perception of the synergies expected
to be achieved by the Merger, changes in the business, operations or prospects
of Symix or Pritsker, market assessments of the likelihood that the Merger will
be consummated and the timing thereof, and general market and economic
conditions. Because the conversion ratio will not be adjusted to reflect changes
in the value of the Symix Common Shares issuable in the Merger, Pritsker
shareholders may receive Symix Common Shares with a market value different from
the value of such shares at the time the Merger was negotiated, the date hereof
or the date on which Pritsker shareholders vote on the Merger.
 
RISKS RELATING TO SYMIX
 
    FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS.  The Company has experienced
fluctuations in its quarterly operating results and anticipates that such
fluctuations will continue and may intensify. The Company's quarterly operating
results are affected by a number of factors that could materially and adversely
affect revenues and profitability, including demand for the Company's software
products and services, competitive conditions in the industry, the timing of the
introduction or market acceptance of new or enhanced products offered by the
Company or its competitors, the potential for delay or deferral of customer
purchases of the Company's products in anticipation of product enhancements or
new product offerings by the Company or its competitors, the timing of
acquisitions and any related write-offs, the mix of product and services net
revenues, the mix of North American and international net revenues and general
economic conditions and other factors affecting capital expenditures by
customers. The purchase of the Company's products and services may involve a
significant commitment of capital and other resources by its customers with the
attendant delays frequently associated with large capital expenditures and
authorization procedures within an organization. As a result of these or other
factors, the sales cycles for the Company's products, from initial evaluation to
delivery of software, vary from customer to customer,
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
typically ranging between three and nine months, and are subject to a number of
significant risks over which the Company has little or no control, including
customers' budgetary constraints and internal authorization procedures.
Consequently, the timing of individual sales has been difficult to predict, and
sales can occur in quarters subsequent to those anticipated by the Company.
 
    Revenues in any quarter are substantially dependent on orders signed and
shipped in that quarter. Like many software companies, the Company's revenues
occur predominantly in the third month of each quarter and tend to be
concentrated in the latter half of that third month. Since the Company's
operating expenses are based on anticipated revenue levels, and because a high
percentage of the Company's expenses are relatively fixed in the near term, any
shortfall from anticipated revenue or any delay in realizing revenues could
result in significant variations in operating results from quarter to quarter.
Accordingly, the Company's quarterly operating results are difficult to predict,
and delays in product delivery or in closings of sales near the end of a quarter
could cause quarterly revenues and, to a greater degree, net income to fall
substantially short of anticipated levels. These factors are likely to continue
to affect quarter-to-quarter comparisons.
 
    The Company has generally realized higher revenues in its second and fourth
fiscal quarters. The Company believes that its second quarter (ending December
31) revenues generally are positively affected by calendar year-end capital
expenditures by certain customers. In the Company's fourth quarter (ending June
30), revenues are positively affected by the incentives provided pursuant to the
Company's sales compensation plans. In contrast, the Company has generally
realized comparatively lower revenue in its first quarter (ending September 30),
due to the Company's sales compensation plans, which compensate personnel based
on fiscal year performance quotas, and to reduced economic activity in Europe in
the summer months, which trend may increase as the Company's European sales
increase. Furthermore, the Company has generally realized comparatively lower
revenue in the quarter ending March 31, due to the concentration by some
customers of purchases in the quarter ending December 31 which leads to lower
purchasing activity during the immediately following quarter.
 
    Based on all of the foregoing, the Company believes that future revenue,
expenses and operating results are likely to vary significantly from quarter to
quarter. As a result, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of operating results are
not necessarily meaningful or indicative of future performance. It is possible
that the Company's quarterly operating results could fail to meet the
expectations of securities analysts or investors. In such event, the price of
the Company's Common Shares would likely be materially adversely affected. See
"INFORMATION CONCERNING SYMIX--Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Quarterly Financial Results."
 
    COMPETITION.  The market for Enterprise Research Planning ("ERP") software
is intensely competitive, rapidly changing and significantly affected by new
product offerings and other market activities. The Company has a large number of
competitors which vary in size, computing environments and overall product
scope. Within its market, the primary competition comes from independent
software vendors in two distinct groups: (i) large system developers who are
moving into the Company's market, including Baan Company N.V. ("Baan"), J.D.
Edwards & Company ("J.D. Edwards"), Oracle Corporation ("Oracle"), PeopleSoft,
Inc. ("PeopleSoft") and SAP Aktiengellschaft ("SAP"), and (ii) traditional
mid-range competitors, including DataWorks Corporation, Effective Management
Systems, Inc., Fourth Shift Corporation and QAD, Inc.
 
    A number of companies offer products which are similar to the Company's
products and are directed at the market for ERP systems for mid-range
manufacturers. Many of the Company's existing competitors, as well as a number
of potential new competitors, have more established and larger marketing and
sales organizations, significantly greater financial and technical resources and
a larger installed base of customers than the Company. Other competitors
leverage vertical market expertise, reputation and price as competitive
advantages. There can be no assurance that competitors will not offer or develop
products that are superior to the Company's products or that achieve greater
market acceptance.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    Several large companies which develop management information software
applications for large multinational manufacturers are beginning to market to
the mid-size manufacturers targeted by the Company or otherwise develop
applications that compete in the Company's markets. As the market for ERP
software solutions expands, other companies may enter the Company's market or
increase their market presence by acquiring or entering into alliances with
competitors of the Company. As a result of all these factors, competition is
likely to increase substantially, which may result in price competition, loss of
market share or delayed purchasing decisions. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete successfully against its competitors or that the
competitive pressures faced by the Company will not adversely affect its
financial performance. See "INFORMATION CONCERNING
SYMIX--Business--Competition."
 
    MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH.  Although the Company has experienced significant
revenue growth in fiscal 1997, such growth is not necessarily indicative of
future revenue growth. This growth has resulted in new and increased
responsibilities for management personnel and has placed, and continues to
place, a significant strain upon the Company's management and operating and
financial resources. There can be no assurance that such strain will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results or
financial condition.
 
    The rapid growth of the Company's business has required the Company to make
significant recent additions in personnel, particularly in product development,
sales, marketing, service and support. The Company believes that its future
operating results depend in significant part on its ability to manage its
operations and to continue to attract and retain highly skilled technical,
managerial, sales, marketing, service and support personnel. Although the
Company has increased the number of its technical, sales, marketing, service and
support personnel in recent years, the Company has experienced, and expects to
continue to experience, difficulty in recruiting such personnel. The Company
anticipates that it will need to continue to increase the size of its direct
sales, services and support personnel in future periods. If the Company is
unable to hire qualified personnel on a timely basis, the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition would be materially adversely
affected.
 
    To manage its operations, the Company must continuously evaluate the
adequacy of its management structure and its existing procedures, including,
among others, its financial and internal controls, and refine such procedures.
There can be no assurance that management will adequately anticipate all of the
changing demands that growth may impose on the Company's procedures and
structure. Any failure to anticipate and respond adequately to such changing
demands may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating
results or financial condition.
 
    RISKS RELATED TO ACQUISITIONS.  One of the Company's business strategies is
to pursue acquisitions of products, technologies, services and/or businesses
that will complement its existing operations or provide it with an entry into
markets it does not presently serve. Acquisitions involve numerous risks,
including the risk of improper valuation of the acquired business, difficulties
in the assimilation of operations, services, products and personnel of the
acquired company and entering markets in which the Company has limited or no
experience. Future acquisitions may result in potentially dilutive issuance of
equity securities, the incurrence of additional debt, the write-off of software
development costs and expenses associated with the amortization of goodwill and
other intangible assets, the diversion of management's attention from other
business concerns and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired
company, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the business,
operating results and financial condition of the Company. There can be no
assurance that suitable acquisition candidates will be available, that the
Company will be able to acquire or profitably manage acquired companies or that
future acquisitions will further the successful implementation of the Company's
overall strategy or that such acquisitions ultimately will produce returns that
justify the investment. In addition, the Company may compete for acquisition and
expansion opportunities with companies which have significantly greater
resources than the Company. Except for the Merger, the Company currently has no
agreements or understandings with regard to any acquisitions. No assurances can
be given that the Company will be able to integrate Pritsker, or any future
acquisitions, into
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
its current business in a timely manner or maintain efficient marketing and
distribution expenditures with the addition of Pritsker's product lines. In
connection with the Merger, it is currently estimated that the Company will
incur a nonrecurring charge of approximately $6.4 million relating to immediate
write-off of acquired in-process technology of Pritsker.
 
    DEPENDENCE ON DIRECT SALES AND MARKETING FORCE.  The Company principally
sells and supports its products and services through a direct sales force. The
Company has made significant expenditures in recent years to expand its direct
sales and marketing force, primarily outside the United States, and plans to
continue to expand its direct sales and marketing force. The Company's future
success will depend in part upon the effectiveness of its direct sales and
marketing force and the ability of the Company to continue to attract,
integrate, train, motivate and retain new sales and marketing personnel.
Competition for sales and marketing personnel in the software industry is
intense. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company's direct sales
and marketing organization will be able to compete successfully against the
sales and marketing operations of many of the Company's current and potential
competitors. If the Company is unable to develop and manage its direct sales and
marketing force effectively, the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition would be materially adversely affected. See "INFORMATION
CONCERNING SYMIX--Business--Sales and Distribution."
 
    RELIANCE ON THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS.  In addition to its direct
sales and marketing force, the Company sells and supports its products and
services through an indirect sales channel of approximately 40 business partners
worldwide. The Company's business partners in North America target the lower end
of the mid-range manufacturing market while its business partners in Asia
Pacific and Europe primarily sell independently to companies within their
geographic territory. The Company will need to maintain and expand its
relationships with its existing business partners and enter into relationships
with additional business partners in order to expand the distribution of its
products. There can be no assurance that current or future business partners
will provide the level of expertise and quality of service required to license
the Company's products successfully, that the Company will be able to maintain
effective, long-term relationships with such business partners, or that selected
business partners will continue to meet the Company's sales needs. Further,
there can be no assurance that these business partners will not market software
products in competition with the Company in the future or will not otherwise
reduce or discontinue their relationships with, or support of, the Company and
its products. If the the Company fails to maintain successfully its existing
business partner relationships or to establish new relationships in the future,
or if any such business partner exclusively adopts a product other than the
Company's products, materially reduces its sales efforts relating to the
Company's products or materially increases its support for competitive products,
the Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be
materially and adversely affected.
 
    The Company has entered into cooperative marketing programs with
International Business Machines Corporation and Data General Corporation and has
informal marketing relationships with other hardware vendors such as
Hewlett-Packard Company, Unisys Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation.
The Company has responsibility for providing support for its software to its
customers under each agreement and the various hardware vendors are responsible
for their products. No assurance can be given that such arrangements will
continue in the future. The failure of the Company to establish or maintain
successful formal or informal relationships with such third parties could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition. See "INFORMATION CONCERNING SYMIX--Business--Sales and
Distribution."
 
    DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL.  The Company's success depends to a significant
extent upon senior management and other key employees. The loss of one or more
key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company
does not have employment agreements with its executive officers, except Stephen
A. Sasser, President and Chief Operating Officer, and does not maintain key man
life insurance on its executive officers. In addition, the Company believes that
its future success will depend
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
in part on its ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical,
managerial, sales, marketing, service and support personnel. Competition for
such personnel in the computer software industry is intense. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting and retaining such
personnel, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, operating results or financial condition. See "INFORMATION
CONCERNING SYMIX--Executive Compensation-- Employment Agreement and Change in
Control Arrangements."
 
    DEPENDENCE ON PROGRESS.  SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 are written in
PROGRESS, a proprietary fourth-generation programming language licensed by
Progress Software Corporation ("PSC"). The Company depends on the availability
of PROGRESS for license to its customer base and the acceptance of PROGRESS by
its customers.
 
    The Company has entered into a non-exclusive application partner agreement
with PSC pursuant to which the Company is authorized to market and distribute
PROGRESS in connection with sales of the Company's products. Under the terms of
the agreement, the Company bears primary responsibility for assisting customers
in developing applications with PROGRESS and agrees to provide appropriate
support to PROGRESS customers. The current term of the agreement expires in June
1998 and will continue thereafter unless either party gives ninety (90) days'
written notice of its intention to terminate. In addition, the agreement may be
terminated immediately by either party if a material breach of the agreement by
the other party continues after thirty (30) days written notice. See
"INFORMATION CONCERNING SYMIX--Business--Progress."
 
    The Company has in the past and may in the future experience product release
delays because of delays in the release of PROGRESS products or product
enhancements. Any such delays could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
 
    The failure of PSC to continue its relationship with the Company or to
develop, support or enhance PROGRESS in a manner competitive with enhancements
of other present or future programming languages, the unavailability of PROGRESS
licenses, the loss of market acceptance of PROGRESS and its associated
relational data base management system among mid-range discrete manufacturers,
or the Company's inability to migrate its software to such languages on a timely
basis if PROGRESS were no longer to be available could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
 
    RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NEW VERSIONS AND NEW PRODUCTS; RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL
CHANGE.  The market for the Company's products is characterized by rapid
technological change, evolving industry standards in computer hardware and
software technology, changes in customer requirements and frequent new product
introductions and enhancements. The introduction of products embodying new
technologies and the emergence of new industry standards can cause customers to
delay their purchasing decisions and render existing products obsolete and
unmarketable. The life cycles of the Company's software products are difficult
to estimate. As a result, the Company's future success will depend, in part,
upon its ability to continue to enhance existing products and to develop and
introduce in a timely manner new products with technological developments that
satisfy customer requirements and achieve market acceptance. There can be no
assurance that the Company will successfully identify new product opportunities
and develop and bring new products to market in a timely and cost-effective
manner or that products, capabilities or technologies developed by others will
not render the Company's products or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive or
shorten the life cycles of the Company's products. See "--Competition." If the
Company is unable to develop on a timely and cost-effective basis new software
products or enhancements to existing products, or if such new products or
enhancements do not achieve market acceptance, the Company's business, operating
results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    As a result of the complexities inherent in software development, and in
particular development for multi-platform environments, and the broad
functionality and performance demanded by customers for ERP products, major new
product enhancements and new products can require long development and testing
periods before they are commercially released. The Company has on occasion
experienced delays in the scheduled introduction of new and enhanced products,
and future delays could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, operating results and financial condition.
 
    DEPENDENCE ON WINDOWS NT ACCEPTANCE.  The preferred operating system
environment for SyteLine is Windows NT and the Company's development efforts are
focused on developing products for the Windows NT environment. As a result, the
Company's future success depends upon the adoption of Windows NT as an operating
system environment by mid-size discrete manufacturers for mission critical
applications. Delays in the widespread adoption of Windows NT by the Company's
target customers may adversely affect the Company's business, operating results
or financial condition.
 
    DEPENDENCE ON SYTELINE.  Substantially all of the Company's net revenues are
derived from the sale of its core ERP product SyteLine and complementary
products and services. As a result, the Company's success depends upon continued
market acceptance of SyteLine by mid-range discrete manufacturers as well as the
Company's ability to develop new versions of SyteLine and to develop or acquire
complementary products or product lines to meet the needs of new and existing
customers.
 
    INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS.  The Company derived
approximately 25% of its fiscal 1997 net revenues from sales outside of North
America, and the Company expects that revenue from international customers will
continue to account for a significant portion of the Company's total revenue.
The Company has sales and support offices worldwide, including eight in Asia
Pacific and three in Europe.
 
    The Company expects to continue to expand its existing international
operations and to enter additional international markets, which will require
significant management attention and financial resources. Historically, the
Company's international operations have been characterized by lower operating
margins during the period that marketing and distribution channels are being
developed. Costs associated with international expansion include the
establishment of additional foreign offices, the hiring of additional personnel,
the localization and marketing of its products for particular foreign markets
and the development of relationships with international service providers. If
international revenue is not adequate to offset the expense of expanding foreign
operations, the Company's business, operating results or financial condition
could be materially adversely affected.
 
    A significant portion of the Company's international revenue is received in
currencies other than U.S. dollars and, in the past, the Company has not engaged
in hedging activities. As a result, the Company is subject to risks associated
with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Due to the substantial volatility of
foreign exchange rates, there can be no assurance that foreign exchange rate
fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results or financial condition.
 
    The Company's international operations are subject to other risks inherent
in international business activities, such as the impact of a recessionary
environment in economies outside the United States, cultural and language
difficulties associated with servicing customers, localization and translation
of products for foreign countries, difficulties in staffing and managing
international operations, difficulties in collecting accounts receivable and
longer collection periods, reduced protection for intellectual property rights
in some countries, exchange controls, restrictions on the repatriation of
foreign earnings, political instability, trade restrictions, tariff changes and
the impact of local economic conditions and practices. The Company's success in
expanding its international business will be dependent, in part, on its ability
to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks. There can be no
assurance that these and other factors will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    LIMITED PROTECTION OF PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY; RISKS OF INFRINGEMENT; USE OF
LICENSED TECHNOLOGY.  The Company's ability to compete is dependent in part upon
its internally developed, proprietary intellectual property. The Company regards
its products as proprietary trade secrets and confidential information. The
Company relies largely upon its license agreements with customers; distribution
agreements with distributors; and its own security systems, confidentiality
procedures and employee agreements to maintain the trade secrecy of its
products. The Company seeks to protect its programs, documentation and other
written materials under copyright law. In addition, SYMIX is a registered
trademark and SyteLine, SyteSelect, SytePower, SyteService, SyteGuide, FieldPro
and SyteEDI are trademarks of the Company.
 
    There can be no assurance that the Company's means of protecting its
proprietary rights in the United States or abroad will be adequate or that
competitors will not independently develop similar technology. In addition, the
laws of some foreign countries do not protect the Company's proprietary rights
as fully as do the laws of the United States. Preventing or detecting
unauthorized use of the Company's products is difficult. There can be no
assurance that the steps taken by the Company will prevent misappropriation of
its technology or that its license agreements will be enforceable. In addition,
litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce the Company's intellectual
property rights, to protect the Company's trade secrets, to determine the
validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against
claims of infringement or invalidity. Any such litigation could result in
substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition.
 
    In the future, the Company may receive notice of claims of infringement of
other parties' proprietary rights. Although the Company does not believe that
its products infringe the proprietary rights of third parties, there can be no
assurance that infringement or invalidity claims (or claims for indemnification
resulting from infringement claims) will not be asserted or prosecuted against
the Company or that any such assertions or prosecutions will not materially
adversely affect the Company's business, operating results or financial
condition. Regardless of the validity or the successful assertion of such
claims, defending against such claims could result in significant costs and
diversion of resources with respect to the defense thereof, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results or
financial condition. In addition, the assertion of such infringement claims
could result in injunctions preventing the Company from distributing certain
products, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition. If any claims or actions are asserted
against the Company, the Company may seek to obtain a license to such
intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance, however, that such a
license would be available on reasonable terms or at all.
 
    The Company also relies on certain other technology which it licenses from
third parties, including software that is integrated with internally developed
software and used in the Company's products to perform key functions. Although
the Company is generally indemnified by third parties against claims that such
third parties' technology infringes the proprietary rights of others, such
indemnification is not always available for all types of intellectual property
rights (for example, patents may be excluded) and in some cases the geographic
scope of indemnification is limited. The result is that the indemnity that the
Company receives against such claims is often less broad than the indemnity that
the Company provides to its customers. Even in cases in which the indemnity that
the Company receives from a third-party licenser is as broad as the indemnity
that the Company provides to its customers, the third-party licensers from whom
the Company would be receiving indemnity are often not well-capitalized and may
not be able to indemnify the Company in the event that such third-party
technology infringes the proprietary rights of others. Accordingly, the Company
could have substantial exposure in the event that technology licensed from a
third party infringes another party's proprietary rights. The Company currently
does not have any liability insurance to protect against the risk that licensed
third-party technology infringes the proprietary rights of others. There can be
no assurance that infringement or invalidity claims arising from the
incorporation of third-party technology, and claims for indemnification from the
Company's customers resulting from such infringement claims, will not be
asserted or prosecuted against the Company or that
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
any such assertions or prosecutions will not materially adversely affect the
Company's business, operating results or financial condition.
 
    The Company has in the past and may in the future resell certain software
which it licenses from third parties. In addition, the Company has in the past
and may in the future jointly develop software in which the Company will have
co-ownership or cross-licensing rights. See "INFORMATION CONCERNING
SYMIX--Business--Application Software--Complementary ERP Products." There can be
no assurance that these third-party software arrangements and licenses will
continue to be available to the Company on terms that provide the Company with
the third-party software it requires to provide adequate functionality in its
products, on terms that adequately protect the Company's proprietary rights or
on terms that are commercially favorable to the Company. The loss of or
inability to maintain or obtain any of these software licenses, including as a
result of third-party infringement claims, could result in delays or reductions
in product shipments until equivalent software, if any, could be identified,
licensed and integrated, which could materially and adversely affect the
Company's business, operating results or financial condition.
 
    DEPENDENCE ON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND GENERAL ECONOMIC AND MARKET
CONDITIONS.  The Company's business depends substantially upon the capital
expenditures of mid-size discrete manufacturers, which in part depend upon the
demand for such manufacturers' products. A recession or other adverse event
affecting the manufacturing industry in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific or
other markets served by the Company could affect such demand, forcing
manufacturers in the Company's target markets to curtail or postpone capital
expenditures on business information systems. Any such change in the amount or
timing of capital expenditures in its target markets could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results or financial
condition. Because the Company has to date targeted certain vertical markets,
and may in the future target new vertical markets in which the Company has
expertise, any economic downturns in general or in existing or new targeted
vertical segments in particular, would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
 
    RISK OF SOFTWARE DEFECTS.  Software programs as complex as those offered by
the Company may contain undetected errors or "bugs" when first introduced or as
new versions are released that, despite testing by the Company, are discovered
only after a product has been installed and used by customers. The Company has
on occasion experienced delays in the scheduled introduction of new and enhanced
products. There can be no assurance that errors will not be found in future
releases of the Company's software or that the Company will not experience
material delays in releasing product improvements or new products. The
occurrence of such errors could result in significant losses to the Company or
to customers. Such occurrences could also result in reduced market acceptance of
the Company's products, which would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
 
    CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS.  Immediately after the issuance of the
Symix Common Shares in the Merger, Larry Fox, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Symix, and his wife will jointly beneficially own   % of
the Company's outstanding Common Shares and current directors and executive
officers as a group will own approximately   % of the Common Shares. See
"INFORMATION CONCERNING SYMIX--Principal Holders of Symix Common Shares."
Consequently, the directors and executive officers, and Mr. and Mrs. Fox in
particular, will be able to veto significant change in control transactions,
which may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the
Company.
 
    ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS.  The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize
the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock, which may have the effect of
discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company or
unsolicited acquisition proposals that a shareholder might consider favorable.
See "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF SYMIX."
 
    SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  Sales of substantial
numbers of Common Shares, or the prospect of such sales, could adversely affect
the market price of the Common Shares and the Company's ability to raise needed
capital in the capital markets at a time and price favorable to the
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
Company. Upon completion of the Merger, and based upon the number of shares
outstanding as of September 30, 1997, the Company will have approximately
6,357,556 Common Shares outstanding, all of which will be eligible for sale in
the public market following the Merger, except for (i) Common Shares held or
subsequently purchased by affiliates of the Company, which are subject to Rule
144 ("Rule 144") promulgated under the Securities Act; (ii) approximately
398,328 shares issued in the Merger to affiliates of Pritsker, which are subject
to the limitations of Rule 145 ("Rule 145") promulgated under the Securities
Act; and (iii) any Common Shares issued after the Merger upon conversion of the
Warrant, which will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144.
See "THE MERGER--Treatment of Options and Warrant" and "--Resale of Symix Common
Shares by Affiliates."
 
    On January 9, 1997, in connection with the acquisition of Visual
Applications Software, Inc. ("VAS"), a subsidiary of the Company issued 250,000
Class A Preference Shares, which are convertible into a like number of Symix
Common Shares. Any Symix Common Shares so issued will be "restricted securities"
within the meaning of Rule 144 and can only be resold in accordance with Rule
144 or pursuant to a registration statement. Until December 31, 2006, the
holders of such Class A Preference Shares have the right to require the Company
to file registration statements covering any Common Shares issued in exchange
for the Class A Preference Shares. Of the 250,000 Class A Preference Shares
issued in this transaction, 125,000 have been converted into Common Shares and a
registration statement covering such shares was filed and declared effective on
March 26, 1997. Of the shares covered by that registration statement, 111,166
shares have been sold as of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The
registration statement will remain effective until March 26, 1998.
 
    As of September 30, 1997, the Company had options to purchase an aggregate
of 1,527,250 shares outstanding under its existing stock option plans and had an
additional 611,746 Common Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to these plans.
In connection with the Merger, options to purchase 43,875 Common Shares will be
issued in substitution for Pritsker options outstanding at the effective time of
the Merger, assuming no currently exercisable Pritsker options or the Warrant
are exercised prior to the effective time of the Merger. See "THE
MERGER--Treatment of Options and Warrant." In addition, as of September 30,
1997, the Company had an additional 172,922 Common Shares reserved for issuance
under an employee stock purchase plan which is in accordance with Section 423 of
the Internal Revenue Code. Any Common Shares issued upon the exercise of such
outstanding options or any options granted in the future, and any Common Shares
issued under the employee stock purchase plan, will be, upon issuance, freely
tradable in the public market, except for shares held by affiliates of the
Company. Of the outstanding options, options to purchase         shares are
exercisable within 90 days of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
                              THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
DATE, TIME, PLACE AND PURPOSE
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to shareholders of
Pritsker in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors of Pritsker for use at the Special Meeting to be held at Pritsker's
principal office, 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 on
            , 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment or
postponement thereof.
 
    At the Special Meeting, the shareholders of Pritsker will be asked to
consider and vote upon the adoption and approval of the Plan of Merger, the
Merger Agreement and the Merger of Pritsker with and into Acquisition Sub, with
Acquisition Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix. A
copy of the Merger Agreement, including the Plan of Merger, is attached hereto
as Appendix I. See "THE MERGER" and "THE PLAN OF MERGER." In accordance with
Indiana Business Corporation Law, holders of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker
Preferred Stock are entitled to dissenters' rights in connection with the
Merger. See "THE MERGER--Dissenters' Rights."
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
    The Board of Directors of Pritsker has determined that the Merger is in the
best interests of Pritsker and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Pritsker Board
of Directors has unanimously approved the terms of the Merger Agreement and the
Plan of Merger and recommends that the shareholders of Pritsker vote for the
approval and adoption of the Plan of Merger, the Merger Agreement and the
Merger.
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the attached Notice of Special Meeting and
the Proxy Card are first being mailed to shareholders of Pritsker on or about
            , 1997.
 
RECORD DATE AND VOTING RIGHTS
 
    Pritsker has fixed           , 1997 as the Record Date for the determination
of holders of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker Preferred Stock entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. On that date, there were 2,847,244
shares of Pritsker Common Stock outstanding and 105,163 shares of Pritsker
Preferred Stock outstanding, with each share entitled to one vote. Holders of
Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker Preferred Stock are entitled to vote
separately as two classes on the Merger proposal. No shares of Pritsker Common
Stock or Pritsker Preferred Stock can be voted at the Special Meeting unless the
record holder is present in person or represented by proxy at the Special
Meeting.
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
    The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
issued and outstanding shares of Pritsker Common Stock and of the holders of a
majority of the issued and outstanding Pritsker Preferred Stock entitled to vote
on the Record Date is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Special Meeting.
Pursuant to the Indiana Business Corporation Law and the Articles of
Incorporation of Pritsker, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
seventy-five percent (75%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Pritsker
Common Stock entitled to vote thereon and the affirmative vote of a majority of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Pritsker Preferred Stock entitled to
vote thereon, voting as separate classes, are required for approval of the Plan
of Merger, the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
    Under Ohio law and Symix's Amended Articles of Incorporation, approval of
the Merger by the holders of Symix Common Shares is not required.
 
VOTING OF PROXIES
 
    Proxies for use at the Special Meeting accompany this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. A shareholder may use his or her proxy if he or she is
unable to attend the Special Meeting in person or wishes to have his or her
shares voted by proxy even if he or she does attend the Special Meeting. Shares
of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker Preferred Stock represented by all
properly executed proxies received in time for the Special Meeting that have not
been revoked will be voted at the Special Meeting in accordance with the
instructions indicated in such proxies. Proxies that do not contain voting
instructions will be voted FOR approval of the Plan of Merger, the Merger
Agreement and the Merger at the Special Meeting. It is not expected that any
matter other than the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the Merger, will be brought before the Special Meeting. If,
however, other matters should properly come before the Special Meeting, the
persons named in the enclosed form of proxy intend to vote such proxies in
accordance with their judgment on such matters.
 
    Pritsker intends to count holders of shares of Pritsker Common Stock and
Pritsker Preferred Stock present in person at the Special Meeting but not
voting, and holders of shares of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker Preferred
Stock for which Pritsker has received proxies but with respect to which holders
of shares have abstained, as present at the Special Meeting for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business.
Since the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%)
of the issued and outstanding shares of Pritsker Common Stock, and the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of Pritsker Preferred
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
Stock, entitled to vote at the close of business on the Record Date is required
to approve the Merger, such non-voting shares and abstentions will have the
effect of a vote against the approval of the Merger.
 
REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
    Any holder of Pritsker Common Stock or Pritsker Preferred Stock has the
unconditional right to revoke his or her proxy at any time prior to the voting
thereof at the Special Meeting by (i) filing a written revocation with the
Secretary of Pritsker prior to the voting of such proxy, (ii) giving a duly
executed proxy bearing a later date, or (iii) attending the Special Meeting and
voting in person. Attendance by a shareholder at the Special Meeting will not
itself revoke his or her proxy. All written notices of revocation and other
communications with respect to revocation of Pritsker proxies should be
addressed to Pritsker Corporation, 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis,
Indiana 46268, Attention: Steven D. Duket.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
    In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers and employees
of Pritsker may solicit proxies from Pritsker shareholders by telephone,
telecopy, telegram or in person. Pritsker will bear the cost of the solicitation
of proxies from its own shareholders, except that Symix will bear the cost of
printing, filing and mailing this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
    PRITSKER SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR PROXY
CARDS.
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
    THE FOLLOWING SECTION OF THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DESCRIBES CERTAIN
ASPECTS OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE PRINCIPAL PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED
HERETO AS APPENDIX I AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the approval of the Merger
Agreement by the shareholders of Pritsker and the satisfaction or waiver of
certain other conditions, Pritsker will be merged with and into Acquisition Sub,
which will be the Surviving Corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix.
As a part of the Merger, Acquisition Sub's name will be changed to "Pritsker
Corporation." No vote of Symix's shareholders is required in connection with the
Merger. The time at which the Merger becomes effective is referred to as the
"Effective Time."
 
    In the Merger, except for shares held by holders properly exercising their
dissenters' rights, each outstanding share of Pritsker Common Stock will be
converted into the right to receive 0.170108 Symix Common Shares, and each share
of Pritsker Preferred Stock will be converted into the right to receive its
liquidation value of $5.23 plus accrued and unpaid dividends through the
Effective Time. Pritsker shareholders will receive cash in lieu of any fraction
of a Symix Common Share to which such Pritsker shareholders would have been
entitled. As a result of the Merger, and as provided by the terms of Pritsker's
1987 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, all rights under employee stock purchase
options granted by Pritsker pursuant to that Plan will be converted into the
right to acquire that number of Symix Common Shares to which the optionee would
have been entitled if, immediately prior to the Merger, the optionee had fully
exercised the Option, with such adjustment in option price as is necessary to
assure that the rights and benefits of the optionee under such Option shall not
be increased or decreased by the Merger, and all other terms of the Option will
remain the same.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
    As Pritsker entered 1997, management perceived that the company was faced
with two significant challenges: (1) a cash shortfall resulting from Pritsker's
bank lender's plans not to renew its line of credit and (2) Pritsker's need to
retain the core group of employees necessary to execute its plan for renewed
growth. Management believed that the failure to deal effectively with either of
these problems would be a threat to Pritsker's survival as an organization. In
light of these challenges, Pritsker began to pursue two alternative solutions.
First, management gave consideration to a possible sale of the company and began
to make preliminary inquiries to potential strategic buyers. Second, Pritsker
began the process of raising capital in an effort to assure that the company
would have sufficient cash resources even if no sale occurred.
 
    Pritsker, prior to 1997, had various business relationships with Symix. As
early as July and November of 1996, Pritsker made presentations to Symix sales
teams where Symix discussed a possible interest in a close partnership. On
February 28, 1997, Pritsker's President met with the Vice President of Strategic
Planning of Symix to discuss business matters. At that meeting, Symix's Vice
President raised the issue of exclusivity in the relationship between the
companies for certain products. Pritsker's President indicated that such an
arrangement would be equivalent to an acquisition and further informed the Symix
Vice President that if an acquisition was Symix's intent then Pritsker's Board
of Directors might well be receptive to the idea.
 
    On May 26, 1997, representatives of Symix and Pritsker had additional
discussions concerning a possible acquisition, and on June 5, 1997, Symix
representatives visited Pritsker for the primary purpose of performing a
functional evaluation of possible integration issues. Symix's Chief Financial
Officer also visited Pritsker on that same day to learn more about Pritsker's
operations and to determine whether Pritsker might, from Symix's perspective, be
an acquisition candidate. On June 25, 1997, Pritsker's President met with
representatives of Symix, including its President and its Chief Financial
Officer to discuss Pritsker's interest in a possible transaction.
 
    On July 2, 1997, discussions with four companies regarding a possible sale
of Pritsker were disclosed to shareholders in connection with a pro rata stock
offering made to the shareholders.
 
    On July 18, 1997, the President of Pritsker received a phone call from the
Chief Financial Officer of Symix stating that Symix would be transmitting a
letter of intent within the next few days, reflecting a valuation of
approximately $7 million in a proposed merger of Symix and Pritsker. Symix's
Chief Financial Officer indicated that Pritsker shareholders would receive Symix
Common Shares.
 
    An initial letter of intent was received by Pritsker on July 21, 1997. On
July 23, 1997, the Chairman of the Board and the President of Pritsker met with
Symix's Chief Financial Officer to negotiate changes to the letter of intent and
the terms of the transaction. A revised letter of intent was received on July
24, 1997. That letter of intent was reviewed by Pritsker's Board of Directors at
a meeting held on July 25, 1997 and was approved for execution. A final letter
of intent was executed and returned to Symix on July 28, 1997.
 
    Subsequent to execution of the letter of intent, representatives of the
companies negotiated the terms of the Merger Agreement. At the same time, the
companies' representatives completed reviews or investigations of each other's
business and operations.
 
    A substantially final Merger Agreement was presented to Pritsker's Board of
Directors on September 3, 1997 and approved for execution. Execution of the
Merger Agreement was delayed while certain accounting issues were reviewed,
evaluated and resolved. Revised terms for the transaction were presented to
Pritsker's Board of Directors and approved by a written consent of the Board of
Directors dated October 2, 1997, and the final Merger Agreement was then
executed by the parties.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRITSKER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    Symix's decision to acquire Pritsker was primarily due to the fact that the
acquisition adds advanced planning and scheduling (APS) functionality to the
Symix product line. The Symix Board of Directors believes the Pritsker APS
products and expertise can be integrated successfully with the Symix product
line and will provide Symix a competitive advantage. Pritsker's APS solution
will assist Symix's customers in optimizing plant utilization, increasing
responsiveness to their customers and reducing inefficiencies on the shop floor.
This advanced planning capability will be unique to Symix.
 
    In reaching its decision to approve the terms of the Merger Agreement and
the Merger, the Pritsker Board of Directors, among other matters, consulted with
its legal advisors regarding the legal terms of the transaction and the Board's
obligations in its consideration of the proposed transaction, considered the
financial aspects of the proposed transaction and consulted with Pritsker's
management. The Board of Directors of Pritsker considered a number of factors,
both from a short-term and a longer-term perspective. Among the factors
considered by the Board in recommending to shareholders the approval of the
Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the
Merger, were: (i) the amount and form of the merger consideration; (ii) the
terms of other reported acquisitions of similar companies and competitors; (iii)
information concerning the business, financial condition, results of operation
and prospects of Pritsker and Symix; (iv) recent market prices for the Symix
Common Shares, the active trading market for the Symix Common Shares and the
liquidity of the Symix Common Shares; (v) the tax-free nature of the Merger to
holders of Pritsker Common Stock who receive Symix Common Shares; (vi) the
impact of the Merger on Pritsker's employees; and (vii) strategic alternatives
to the Merger that may be available to Pritsker.
 
    Based on these considerations, the Board of Directors of Pritsker concluded
that the affiliation of Pritsker with Symix through the Merger is in the best
interests of Pritsker and its shareholders and unanimously approved the terms of
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the
Merger. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PRITSKER RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF PRITSKER
COMMON STOCK AND HOLDERS OF PRITSKER PREFERRED STOCK VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF
THE PLAN OF MERGER, THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER.
 
    Certain members of the management and Board of Directors of Pritsker have
interests in the Merger as shareholders of Pritsker and otherwise. See
"--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
CLOSING AND EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
 
    The Merger Agreement provides that, unless otherwise agreed and assuming all
conditions have been satisfied or waived, the closing of the Merger (the
"Closing") will be held on the date fixed by agreement of Pritsker and Symix as
soon as practicable following the date on which all required conditions have
been satisfied or waived.
 
    As soon as practicable after the Closing, Pritsker and Acquisition Sub will
file, or cause to be filed, Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of
the State of Indiana and a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of
the State of Ohio and will make all other filings or recordings required by
Indiana corporate law or Ohio corporate law in connection with the Merger.
 
    If the Merger Agreement is approved by the requisite vote of Pritsker
shareholders, all other conditions of the Merger Agreement are satisfied or
waived and the Closing is held, the Merger will become effective at the date and
time (the "Effective Time") specified in the Articles of Merger that are
required by the Merger Agreement to be filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Indiana and the Certificate of Merger that is required to be filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio. It is presently contemplated that
the Effective Time will be 12:01 a.m., on          , 1997.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
CONVERSION OF SHARES; FRACTIONAL SHARES
 
    As a result of the Merger, each share of Pritsker Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than shares whose
holders have properly exercised their dissenters' rights under Title 23, Article
1, Chapter 44 of the Indiana Code (I.C. 23-1-44), will be converted into the
right to receive 0.170108 Symix Common Share (and cash in lieu of any fraction
of a Symix Common Share). The conversion of Pritsker Common Stock into the right
to receive Symix Common Shares (other than shares as to which dissenters' rights
are properly exercised; see "--Dissenters' Rights") will occur by operation of
law at the Effective Time. After the Effective Time, certificates previously
evidencing shares of Pritsker Common Stock that may be exchanged for Symix
Common Shares will be deemed, for all corporate purposes only to evidence
ownership of and entitlement to receive such Symix Common Shares and cash in
lieu of fractional shares.
 
    No fraction of a Symix Common Share will be issued upon consummation of the
Merger. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued, the Exchange
Agent (defined under "Procedures for Exchange of Certificates" below) will pay
by check an amount determined by multiplying (i) the closing price per Symix
Common Share as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System on the last
trading day preceding the Effective Time of the Merger by (ii) the fractional
interest of a Symix Common Share the Pritsker shareholder would otherwise have
been entitled to as a result of the Merger.
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and as a result of the Merger,
each share of Pritsker Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time, other than shares whose holders have properly exercised
their dissenters' rights under I.C. 23-1-44, will be converted into the right to
receive its liquidation value of $5.23, plus accrued and unpaid dividends
through the Effective Time.
 
    Any share of Pritsker Common Stock or Pritsker Preferred Stock held by
Pritsker as treasury stock or owned by Pritsker, any subsidiary of Pritsker,
Symix, Acquisition Sub or any other subsidiary of Symix immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be automatically canceled at the Effective Time of the
Merger.
 
PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
    As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Symix will deliver or cause
to be delivered to Fifth Third Bank, N.A. (the "Exchange Agent"), certificates
representing the Symix Common Shares issuable in the Merger in exchange for the
outstanding shares of Pritsker Common Stock and will make available when and as
needed funds sufficient to pay the merger consideration for the Pritsker
Preferred Stock and to pay for fractional shares.
 
    As soon as practicable after the Effective Time of the Merger, the Exchange
Agent will mail, deliver or otherwise make available to each holder of Pritsker
Common Stock or Pritsker Preferred Stock a form of letter of transmittal and
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the certificates that,
immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, represented shares of
Pritsker Common Stock or Pritsker Preferred Stock in exchange for certificates
representing Symix Common Shares and cash consideration in the case of Pritsker
Preferred Stock or fractional Symix Common Share. Upon surrender of the
certificates that prior to the Effective Time of the Merger represented shares
of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker Preferred Stock, together with such letter
of transmittal, duly executed and completed in accordance with the instructions
thereto, and such other documents as may be reasonably requested, and promptly
after determination of the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of a fraction of a
Symix Common Share, the Exchange Agent will distribute the certificates for
Symix Common Shares and any cash in lieu of a fractional share to which the
tenderer is entitled (or cash in the case of Pritsker Preferred Stock).
 
    PRITSKER SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT FORWARD PRITSKER STOCK CERTIFICATES TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED TRANSMITTAL FORMS. PRITSKER SHAREHOLDERS
SHOULD NOT RETURN STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND WARRANT
 
    Pritsker has in effect a 1987 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "Plan")
under which 253,847 shares of Pritsker Common Stock are subject to issuance
pursuant to outstanding Options that were granted under the Plan. In connection
with the Merger, all rights under the Options will be assumed by Symix and, upon
the Effective Time of the Merger, will represent the right to acquire that
number of Symix Common Shares to which the optionee would have been entitled if,
immediately prior to the Merger, the optionee had fully exercised the Option,
with such adjustment in option price as is necessary to assure that the rights
and benefits of the optionee under such Option will not be increased or
decreased by the Merger. The date each Option becomes exercisable and the
expiration date of each Option will remain the same. Symix Common Shares issued
upon exercise of such Options will be registered under the Securities Act and,
as such, will be freely transferable immediately upon exercise, except for
shares issued to any person who may be deemed to be an affiliate of Symix for
purposes of Rule 144. See "--Resale of Symix Common Shares by Affiliates."
 
    On July 14, 1992, in connection with the issuance of Pritsker Preferred
Stock, Pritsker issued to the holder of such Pritsker Preferred Stock the
Warrant to purchase up to 4,080 shares of Pritsker Common Stock at a price of
$4.41 per share. The exercise price under the Warrant was subsequently reduced
to $2.00 per share. As a result of the Merger, all rights under the Warrant that
remain unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time will be assumed by
Symix, and upon consummation of the Merger, will represent the right to acquire
that number of Symix Common Shares to which the Warrant holder would have been
entitled if, immediately prior to the Merger, the Warrant holder had fully
exercised the Warrant and had been a shareholder of record of Pritsker, except
that any fractional share will be rounded to the nearest whole share. Any Symix
Common Shares issued to the Warrant holder upon conversion of the Warrant after
the Merger will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144. See
"--Resale of Symix Common Shares by Affiliates."
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
    Pritsker shareholders are entitled to dissent from the Plan of Merger and
receive payment of the "fair value" of their shares in cash. Such entitlement is
governed by I.C. 23-1-44, a complete copy of which is attached to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Appendix II.
 
    Pursuant to I.C. 23-1-44, a shareholder may assert dissenters' rights only
if the shareholder delivers to Pritsker, PRIOR TO THE VOTE TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO
THE MERGER AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, written notice of the shareholder's intent to
demand payment for the shareholder's shares if the Merger is consummated and the
shareholder does not vote in favor of the Merger.
 
    Any Pritsker shareholder contemplating the assertion of dissenters' rights
in connection with the Merger should review carefully the complete provisions of
I.C. 23-1-44. EACH STEP MUST BE TAKEN IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE STATUTE IN ORDER TO PERFECT DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Any written
objection, demand or notice required in connection with the exercise of
dissenters' rights should be sent or delivered to Steven D. Duket, Secretary of
Pritsker, at 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268.
 
    The federal income tax consequences of a receipt of cash for dissenting
shares would differ materially from the federal income tax consequences of a
receipt of Symix Common Shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement. SHAREHOLDERS
CONTEMPLATING THE ASSERTION OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX
ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH ACTION.
 
    It is a condition to Symix's obligation to consummate the Merger, that
holders of no more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Pritsker Common Stock
properly exercise their dissenters' rights in accordance with I.C. 23-1-44. See
"--Conditions to the Merger."
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    THE FOREGOING SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE
PROVISIONS OF THE INDIANA LAW RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS
OF PRITSKER, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE EXCERPTS FROM
THE INDIANA LAW INCLUDED HEREIN AS APPENDIX II.
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
    The Merger Agreement includes various customary representations and
warranties of the parties. The Merger Agreement includes representations and
warranties by Pritsker as to, among other things: (i) organization, good
standing and corporate power of Pritsker and its subsidiaries; (ii)
authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the Merger Agreement;
(iii) the Merger Agreement's noncontravention of incorporation documents, laws,
regulations, governmental orders, contracts, leases and other agreements and the
need to obtain governmental or third-party consents or approvals (except for
certain approvals or filings specified in the Merger Agreement); (iv)
capitalization; (v) ownership of any subsidiaries; (vi) delivery, accuracy and
fair presentation of Pritsker's financial statements; (vii) certain changes or
events since July 31, 1997; (viii) ownership and condition of property and other
assets reflected in Pritsker financial statements; (ix) absence of defaults
under borrowings or leases of material properties; (x) filing of tax returns and
adequacy of reserves for payment of taxes; (xi) absence of default under certain
other contracts and commitments; (xii) material litigation; (xiii) ownership of
certain trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property; (xiv) compliance
in all material respects by Pritsker and its subsidiaries with applicable laws;
(xv) compliance with environmental laws; (xvi) compliance of Pritsker benefit
plans with applicable laws; (xvii) governmental authorizations and compliance
with regulations; (xviii) certain transactions with affiliates; and (xix)
absence of any untrue statements or omissions of material fact on the part of
Pritsker in the Merger Agreement and related documents.
 
    The Merger Agreement also includes representations and warranties by Symix
and Acquisition Sub as to, among other things: (i) organization, good standing
and corporate power of Symix and Acquisition Sub; (ii) authorization, execution,
delivery and enforceability of the Merger Agreement and related agreements,
(iii) the Merger Agreement's noncontravention of charter documents, laws,
regulations, governmental orders, mortgages, credit agreements, leases and other
agreements, and absence of any need to obtain governmental or third-party
consents or approvals (except for certain approvals or filings specified in the
Merger Agreement); (iv) capitalization and the issuance of Symix Common Shares
in the Merger; (v) absence of matters that would prevent the Merger from being
treated as a tax-free merger; (vi) broker's and finder's fees; (vii) accuracy of
reports filed by Symix under the Exchange Act, (viii) accuracy and compliance
with generally accepted accounting principles of Symix's financial statements
and absence of material nondisclosed liabilities; and (ix) absence of any untrue
statement or omissions of material fact on the part of Symix in the Merger
Agreement and related documents.
 
COVENANTS
 
    The Merger Agreement contains covenants that the parties will take certain
actions prior to the Effective Time of the Merger. As to Pritsker, the covenants
include, among other things, agreements by Pritsker to: (i) conduct its business
in the ordinary course of business, including maintaining present business
operations and relationships, licenses, assets, ongoing marketing activities and
books and records, filing tax returns, paying taxes, maintaining insurance,
complying with laws and not entering into certain agreements, not making certain
changes in employment arrangements or compensation policies, except with the
prior written consent of Symix, not amending its incorporation documents, not
authorizing or issuing any shares of capital stock or granting any options,
warrants or rights relating to any equity securities or splitting, combining or
reclassifying any equity securities, not paying any dividends, not disposing of
any assets other than in the ordinary course of business, not taking any actions
that would result in a breach of any contract that would have a material adverse
effect, and not incurring any indebtedness other than in the ordinary course of
business or pursuant to existing credit arrangements; (ii) furnish all
information required for the Registration Statement and call a meeting of
shareholders entitled to vote on the Merger Agreement; (iii) provide Symix and
its representatives with access to Pritsker facilities, personnel, records and
advisors; and (iv) comply with certain covenants regarding stock options,
warrants and affiliates.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    As to Symix, the covenants include, among other things, agreements by Symix
to: (i) prepare and file the Registration Statement and use its best efforts to
register the Symix Common Shares being issued in the Merger under the Securities
Act; (ii) use its best efforts to cause the Symix Common Shares being issued in
the Merger to be approved for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market System;
(iii) indemnify Pritsker officers and directors in connection with the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and (iv) use its best efforts
to file all reports required pursuant to the Exchange Act on a timely basis.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
    The obligations of both Symix and Pritsker to consummate the Merger are
subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including: (i) the Merger
Agreement shall have been approved by the shareholders of Pritsker and (ii) the
Registration Statement shall have been declared effective under the Securities
Act and no stop order suspending effectiveness or proceedings for that purpose
shall have been issued or commenced.
 
    The obligation of Pritsker to consummate the Merger also is subject to
certain additional conditions, including among others that: (i) Symix's
representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement shall be true
and correct in all material respects as of the Closing; (ii) Symix and
Acquisition Sub shall have performed, complied with and satisfied all covenants,
agreements and conditions contained in the Merger Agreement and required to be
performed, complied with or satisfied by each of them at or prior to the Closing
Date; (iii) Pritsker shall have received a certified copy of the authorization
by the Board of Directors of Symix for the consummation of the Merger; (iv)
Pritsker shall have received a legal opinion from Symix's counsel reasonably
satisfactory to Pritsker and its counsel; (v) Symix and Acquisition Sub shall
have obtained and delivered to Pritsker all consents, authorizations and
approvals under all statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, rules, judgments,
decrees and orders of any court or governmental authority or of any other person
required to be obtained by Symix or Acquisition Sub in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated thereby; (vi) Symix and Acquisition Sub shall
not have knowingly taken any action which could reasonably be expected to
interfere unreasonably with the business or operations of Pritsker; (vii) no
material adverse change in the assets or business of Symix shall have occurred,
and no claim shall have been asserted against Symix which would reasonably be
likely to materially and adversely affect the operations or net worth of Symix,
its business or its assets; (viii) all arrangements with the Exchange Agent and
procedures for payment of merger consideration to Pritsker shareholders are in
form and substance satisfactory to Pritsker and its counsel; (ix) Pritsker shall
be reasonably satisfied that the receipt of Symix Common Shares by Pritsker
shareholders will qualify for tax-free treatment; and (x) all arrangements
related to the conversion of the Options and the Warrant are in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Pritsker and its counsel.
 
    The obligation of Symix to consummate the Merger is subject to certain
additional conditions, including among others that: (i) Symix shall not discover
any error or misstatement in Pritsker's representations and warranties which
would reasonably be likely to have an adverse effect on Pritsker or Acquisition
Sub or would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization;
(ii) Pritsker shall have performed, complied with and satisfied in all material
respects all covenants, agreements and conditions contained in the Merger
Agreement and required to be performed, complied with or satisfied by it at or
prior to the Closing Date; (iii) no change in Pritsker Common Stock or the
assets or business of Pritsker shall have occurred and no claim shall have been
asserted against Pritsker which would reasonably be likely to materially and
adversely affect the operations or net worth of Pritsker, its business or its
assets; (iv) Pritsker shall have delivered to Symix an accurate list of all
material contracts and commitments entered into after the date of the Merger
Agreement and prior to the Closing; (v) Pritsker shall have provided Symix with
certificates of existence in each applicable jurisdiction and shall have
obtained and
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
delivered to Symix all consents, authorizations and approvals under all
statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, rules, judgments, decrees and orders of
any court or governmental authority required to be obtained by Pritsker in
connection with the Merger and all necessary consents under contracts and
commitments of Pritsker which Symix believes are material to Pritsker's
business; (vi) Symix shall have received a legal opinion from Pritsker's counsel
reasonably satisfactory to Symix and its counsel; (vii) Pritsker shall have
delivered to Symix original corporate record books and written resignations of
all directors and corporate officers (as directors and officers, but not as
employees) of Pritsker effective as of the Closing; (viii) the holders of not
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Pritsker Common Stock shall have
properly exercised their dissenters' rights in accordance with I.C. 23-1-44; and
(ix) an Affiliate's Letter shall have been executed by all affiliates of
Pritsker.
 
    The Merger Agreement further provides that if the Merger is not consummated
as a result of the failure of certain conditions described herein the
non-obligated party may recover expenses incurred by such party in connection
with the Merger from the non-performing party. See "--Termination; Amendment."
 
OTHER ACQUISITION PROPOSALS
 
    The Merger Agreement prohibits Pritsker and persons acting on its behalf
from soliciting inquiries or proposals from third parties with respect to the
acquisition of Pritsker or any significant portion of its assets or any equity
interest therein. The Merger Agreement further prohibits Pritsker and persons
acting on its behalf from discussing or negotiating with, or providing
confidential information or data to, any person relating to such an acquisition
proposal or from otherwise facilitating any such acquisition proposal, without
the prior approval of Symix.
 
OTHER COVENANTS
 
    Under the Merger Agreement, the parties have agreed to use their best
efforts to meet the requirements for the Merger to be treated as a tax-free
reorganization for federal income tax purposes.
 
    Symix has also agreed that, following the Effective Time of the Merger,
employees of Pritsker will receive employee benefit plans and programs with
benefits no less favorable than those provided to employees of Symix with
comparable status and seniority.
 
TERMINATION; AMENDMENT
 
    The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time before the Closing,
notwithstanding the approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of
Pritsker: (i) by the mutual consent of Symix and Pritsker; (ii) by Symix if any
of the conditions precedent to Symix's obligation to close are not fulfilled at
or prior to Closing; (iii) by Pritsker if any of the conditions precedent to
Pritsker's obligation to close are not fulfilled at or prior to Closing; or (vi)
by either party if a default is made by the other party in the observance or in
the due and timely performance of any of the terms of the Merger Agreement to be
performed by the other party that cannot be cured by such other party prior to
Closing.
 
    If the Merger Agreement is terminated by Symix because certain conditions to
the Merger are not fulfilled, including (i) the failure of the shareholders of
Pritsker to approve the Merger; (ii) the failure of any affiliate of Pritsker to
execute an Affiliate's Letter (See "--Resale of Symix Common Shares by
Affiliates"); or (iii) an error or misstatement of the representations and
warranties of Pritsker which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably
be likely to have a material adverse effect on Pritsker or Acquisition Sub,
Symix may recover from Pritsker expenses incurred by Symix in connection with
the Merger Agreement. Similarly, if the Merger Agreement is terminated by
Pritsker because certain terms, covenants and conditions of the Merger Agreement
to be complied with and performed by Symix are not fulfilled, Pritsker may
recover from Symix the expenses incurred by Pritsker in connection with the
Merger.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    The Merger Agreement may be amended in writing by the mutual agreement of
the Boards of Directors of Symix and Pritsker at any time before or after
shareholder approval; however, no amendment may be made which by law requires
further shareholder approval without such approval. Any of the provisions of the
Merger Agreement may be waived in writing by the party entitled to the benefits
thereof.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY DISCUSSES THE PRINCIPAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER. THE SUMMARY IS BASED UPON THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE "CODE"), APPLICABLE TREASURY REGULATIONS THEREUNDER AND
ADMINISTRATIVE RULINGS AND JUDICIAL AUTHORITY AS OF THE DATE HEREOF. ALL OF THE
FOREGOING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, AND ANY SUCH CHANGE COULD AFFECT THE CONTINUING
VALIDITY OF THE DISCUSSION. THE DISCUSSION ASSUMES THAT HOLDERS OF PRITSKER
COMMON STOCK HOLD SUCH STOCK AS A CAPITAL ASSET AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO A PARTICULAR SHAREHOLDER SUBJECT TO SPECIAL
TREATMENT UNDER CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS, SUCH AS DEALERS IN SECURITIES,
BANKS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS
WHICH ARE COLLAPSIBLE CORPORATIONS, NON-UNITED STATES PERSONS AND SHAREHOLDERS
WHO ACQUIRED PRITSKER COMMON STOCK AS COMPENSATION OR THROUGH A TAX-QUALIFIED
RETIREMENT PLAN, NOR ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE,
LOCALITY OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION.
 
    TAX OPINION.  The consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon Pritsker's
satisfaction that receipt of Symix Common Shares by Pritsker shareholders will
qualify for tax-free treatment. In connection therewith, Pritsker anticipates
receipt of an opinion of Baker & Daniels to the effect that the Merger will
constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and
as to certain other federal income tax consequences incident to the Merger.
Baker & Daniels is of the opinion, subject to the representations and
assumptions set forth below being true and correct as of the Effective Time,
that the Merger will constitute a reorganization pursuant to Section 368(a) of
the Code and that, accordingly, neither Pritsker nor Symix will recognize gain
or loss as a result of the Merger. In addition, Baker & Daniels is of the
opinion that holders of Pritsker Common Stock that exchange their shares solely
for Symix Common Shares will not recognize gain or loss in the Merger.
 
    The foregoing opinions are based upon (i) certain representations of
Pritsker and Symix, (ii) the assumption that the Merger will be consummated in
accordance with its terms, and (iii) the assumption that the "continuity of
interest" requirement for tax-free reorganization treatment will be satisfied.
 
    The discussion below summarizes certain federal income tax consequences of
the Merger to a holder of Pritsker Common Stock, assuming that the Merger will
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
 
    RECEIPT OF SYMIX COMMON SHARES.  Except as discussed below with respect to
cash received in lieu of a fractional Symix Common Share, a holder of Pritsker
Common Stock that receives only Symix Common Shares in the exchange for such
holder's Pritsker Common Stock will not recognize gain or loss. The adjusted tax
basis of the Symix Common Shares received in the Merger will be the same as the
adjusted tax basis of the shares of Pritsker Common Stock exchanged therefor in
the Merger, decreased by the basis of any fractional share interest for which
cash is received in the Merger. The holding period of the Symix Common Shares
received will include the holding period of Pritsker Common Stock exchanged
therefor.
 
    FRACTIONAL SHARES.  If a holder of shares of Pritsker Common Stock receives
cash in lieu of a fraction of a Symix Common Share in the Merger, such cash
amount will be treated as received in exchange for the fraction of a Symix
Common Share. Gain or loss recognized as a result of that exchange will be equal
to the cash amount received for the fraction of a Symix Common Share reduced by
the proportion of the holder's adjusted tax basis in the Pritsker Common Stock
exchanged and allocable to the fraction of a Symix Common Share.
 
    THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE
ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS RELEVANT THERETO. HOLDERS OF
PRITSKER COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE
SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING TAX RETURN REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS, THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AND OTHER
APPLICABLE TAX LAWS AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE TAX LAWS.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
    The Merger will be accounted for by Symix using the purchase method of
accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16,
"Business Combinations," as amended. Under this method of accounting, the
purchase price will be allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired. In
connection with the Merger, it is currently estimated that Symix will incur a
nonrecurring charge of approximately $6.4 million relating to immediate
write-off of acquired in-process technology of Pritsker.
 
    The unaudited pro forma financial information contained in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus has been prepared using the purchase accounting method to
account for the Merger. See "PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)."
 
NASDAQ LISTING
 
    Symix has agreed to take all necessary steps to cause the Symix Common
Shares to be issued in the Merger to be approved for quotation on the NASDAQ
National Market System.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
    Certain members of the Pritsker Board of Directors and management have
certain interests in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that
are in addition to their interests as Pritsker shareholders, generally,
including those referred to below:
 
    Prior to 1995, A. Alan B. Pritsker, Pritsker's Chairman of the Board, and
Steven D. Duket, Pritsker's Vice President and Corporate Secretary, loaned
Pritsker $200,000 and $34,000, respectively. In 1996, Pritsker repaid $50,000
and $8,500 to Mr. Pritsker and Mr. Duket, respectively. On June 3, 1997,
Pritsker's bank required that the remainder of the loan be subordinated in order
for the line of credit to be extended for 3 months and strongly encouraged that
the loan be converted to equity. On July 10, 1997, Mr. Pritsker and Mr. Duket
agreed to convert the principal amounts outstanding on those loans into 150,000
and 25,500 shares, respectively, of Pritsker Common Stock and purchased an
additional 50,000 and 8,500 shares, respectively, of Pritsker Common Stock at a
price of $1.00 per share (all as a part of Pritsker's stock offering generally
made to existing shareholders in July of 1997). In addition, certain other
officers and directors purchased Pritsker Common Stock in connection with such
stock offering. On June 23, 1997, John E. Layden, Pritsker's President, was
granted an option to purchase 35,000 shares at a price of $1.00 per share, which
was exercised on July 14, 1997. On July 16, 1997, Cambridge Ventures, L.P., an
affiliate of Pritsker director Theodore M. Englehart, agreed to exchange 28,680
shares of Pritsker Preferred Stock for 150,000 shares of Pritsker Common Stock.
 
    In January 1996, Pritsker entered into an executive severance agreement with
John E. Layden, the President of Pritsker (the "Executive Severance Agreement").
The Executive Severance Agreement provides, among other things, for various
benefits to be paid to Mr. Layden upon a termination of his employment by
Pritsker. Although the Executive Severance Agreement was not entered into in
conjunction with the Merger, Acquisition Sub will be obligated upon the
effectiveness of the Merger to assume the Executive Severance Agreement.
 
    Neither Symix nor Acquisition Sub has entered into employment agreements
with the senior executives or other employees of Pritsker; however, it is
Symix's current intention that John E. Layden will remain as general manager of
the Pritsker business unit and that key Pritsker management will remain after
the Merger.
 
    Pritsker is currently negotiating royalty payments in connection with a
license to use a software product owned by Time Compression Strategies, Inc., a
company whose majority owner is John E. Layden, President of Pritsker. Pritsker
also purchases textbooks and some documentation through Systems Publishing
Corporation, a company of which A. Alan B. Pritsker, Pritsker's Chairman of the
Board, is a majority owner.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
    The Merger Agreement provides that following the Effective Time of the
Merger, Symix and Acquisition Sub will indemnify and hold harmless each present
and former director and officer of Pritsker, and will advance costs and expenses
as incurred, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by law, in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or
pertaining to matters as to which such director or officer would be entitled to
indemnification or advancement of expenses from Pritsker under the Indiana
Business Corporation Law, including the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement.
 
    Officers and directors of Pritsker, or companies with which they are
affiliated, directly or indirectly own a majority of the Pritsker Common Stock
and all of the Pritsker Preferred Stock. See "INFORMATION CONCERNING
PRITSKER--Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."
 
RESALE OF SYMIX COMMON SHARES BY AFFILIATES
 
    The Symix Common Shares to be issued to shareholders of Pritsker in
connection with the Merger will be registered under the Securities Act and, as
such, will be freely transferable under the Securities Act immediately upon
receipt, except for shares issued to any person who may be deemed an "affiliate"
of Symix for purposes of Rule 144 or an "affiliate" of Pritsker for purposes of
Rule 145. Persons who may be deemed affiliates of Pritsker or Symix generally
include individuals who, or entities which, control, are controlled by or are
under common control with Pritsker or Symix and will include directors and
corporate officers of Pritsker and Symix and may include major shareholders of
Pritsker and Symix.
 
    Rule 144 and Rule 145 will restrict the sale of Symix Common Shares received
in the Merger by affiliates and certain of their family members and related
interests. In general, under Rule 145, for one year following the Effective Time
of the Merger, persons who are affiliates of Pritsker at the time of the Special
Meeting, provided they are not affiliates of Symix at or following the Effective
Time, would be entitled to sell Symix Common Shares acquired in connection with
the Merger only through unsolicited "broker transactions" or in transactions
directly with a "market maker," as such terms are defined in Rule 144 under the
Securities Act. Additionally, during such one-year period, the number of shares
to be sold by an affiliate (together with certain related persons and certain
persons acting in concert) within any three-month period for purposes of Rule
145 may not exceed the greater of one percent of the outstanding number of Symix
Common Shares or the average weekly trading volume of such shares during the
four calendar weeks preceding such sale. Rule 145 may remain available to
affiliates only if Symix remains current with its information filings with the
Commission under the Exchange Act. One year after the Effective Time of the
Merger, an affiliate would be able to sell such Symix Common Shares without such
manner of sale or volume limitations, provided that Symix then is current with
its Exchange Act information filings and such affiliate was not then an
affiliate of Symix.
 
    Affiliates also would be permitted to resell Symix Common Shares received in
the Merger pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
Act or another available exemption from the Securities Act registration
requirements.
 
    The Merger Agreement provides that Pritsker will use its best efforts to
cause each person who is an affiliate of Pritsker to execute an agreement
providing that such affiliate will not transfer any Symix Common Shares received
in the Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act.
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not cover resales of Symix Common
Shares received by any person who may be deemed an affiliate of Pritsker or
Symix.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
             PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
    The following pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30,
1997 and the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the year
ended June 30, 1997 give effect to the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding
shares of Pritsker by Symix. The pro forma information is based on the
historical financial statements of Pritsker and Symix giving effect to the
proposed transaction under the purchase method of accounting and the assumptions
and adjustments in the accompanying notes to the pro forma financial statements.
 
    The pro forma statements have been prepared by Symix management based upon
the financial statements of Pritsker included elsewhere herein. These pro forma
statements may not be indicative of the results that actually would have
occurred if the combination had been in effect on the dates indicated or which
may be obtained in the future. The pro forma financial statements should be read
in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes of Pritsker and
Symix contained elsewhere herein.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                      PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PRO FORMA    PRO FORMA
                                                                     SYMIX     PRITSKER    ADJUSTMENTS  CONSOLIDATED
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                       ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents......................................  $   2,332   $       1    $    (250)(D)  $    2,083
  Trade accounts receivable......................................     21,689       1,095                     22,784
  Other current assets...........................................      2,129         162                      2,291
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total current assets.............................................     26,150       1,258         (250)       27,158
Other assets:
  Capitalized software...........................................      6,551       2,003          121(E)       8,675
  Intangibles, net...............................................      4,779      --            1,505(E)       6,284
  Other assets...................................................      1,048          64                      1,112
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total other assets...............................................     12,378       2,067        1,626        16,071
Net equipment and improvements...................................      5,724         200          (23)(E)       5,901
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total assets.....................................................  $  44,252   $   3,525    $   1,353    $   49,130
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 
                                        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses..........................  $   7,423   $     553    $  --        $    7,976
  Deferred revenue...............................................      9,685          10       --             9,695
  Other current liabilities......................................      1,145         771       --             1,916
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total current liabilities........................................     18,253       1,334       --            19,587
Non-current liabilities..........................................      2,638         269          487(B)       3,394
Redeemable preferred stock.......................................      1,031         550*        (550)(B)       1,031
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock...................................................     13,353       1,205*       7,955(A)      22,513
  Retained earnings..............................................     10,853         193       (6,372)(E)       4,481
                                                                                                 (193)(C)
  Treasury stock and other.......................................     (1,876)        (26)          26(C)      (1,876)
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
  Total shareholders' equity.....................................     22,330       1,372        1,416        25,118
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......................  $  44,252   $   3,525    $   1,353    $   49,130
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   The historical amounts have been adjusted to reflect a conversion of
    $150,000 of redeemable preferred stock to common stock subsequent to June
    30, 1997.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                   PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PRO FORMA    PRO FORMA
                                                                     SYMIX     PRITSKER    ADJUSTMENTS  CONSOLIDATED
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Net revenue......................................................  $  65,772   $   3,755    $  --        $   69,527
Cost of revenue..................................................     22,440       1,200          453(F)      24,093
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Gross margin.....................................................     43,332       2,555         (453)       45,434
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Selling, general, and administrative.............................     32,601       1,763                     34,364
Research and product development.................................      5,659         697         (620)(F)       5,736
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total operating expenses.........................................     38,260       2,460         (620)       40,100
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Operating income.................................................      5,072          95          167         5,334
Other income, net................................................        107           3          (44)(F)          66
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Income before income taxes.......................................      5,179          98          123         5,400
Provision for income taxes.......................................      1,916          48          (16)(F)       1,948
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Net income.......................................................  $   3,263   $      50    $     139    $    3,452
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Earnings per share...............................................  $    0.52                             $     0.51
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares
  outstanding....................................................      6,302                      500(G)       6,802
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                   ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
 
                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
    Under the terms of the Merger, each outstanding share of Pritsker's Common
Stock would be converted into the right to receive Symix's Common Shares at the
rate of 0.170108 Symix Common Share for each share of Pritsker's Common Stock.
Pritsker's outstanding employee stock options would also be converted in the
Merger into options to purchase Symix Common Shares on an equivalent basis. The
pro forma financial statements assume receipt of 100% of the outstanding
Pritsker Common Stock in a transaction to be accounted for as a purchase.
 
    The cost of the acquisition and allocation of purchase price follow:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
Market value of Symix Common Shares exchanged for Pritsker Common
  Stock (484,339 shares at $18)....................................  $   8,700
Fair value of Symix stock options exchanged for Pritsker stock
  options..........................................................        460
Transaction costs..................................................        250
Redemption of Pritsker Preferred Stock.............................        550
Other assumed liabilities of Pritsker..............................      1,540
                                                                     ---------
Cost of acquisition................................................  $  11,500
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The cost of acquisition is allocated as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
Current assets.....................................................  $   1,258
Other noncurrent assets............................................         64
Fixed assets.......................................................        200
Developed technology...............................................      2,400
Trademark..........................................................      1,700
                                                                     ---------
Acquired assets....................................................      5,622
In-process technology to be charged to expense at acquisition
  date.............................................................      7,200
                                                                     ---------
                                                                        12,822
Cost of acquisition................................................     11,500
                                                                     ---------
Fair value of acquired assets and in-process technology in excess
  of cost of acquisition...........................................  $   1,322
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The excess of fair values was allocated to reduce the values assigned to
acquired noncurrent assets and in-process technology, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FAIR      ALLOCATION
                                                              VALUE     OF EXCESS       NET
                                                            ---------  ------------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>           <C>
Fixed assets..............................................  $     200   $      (23)  $     177
Developed technology......................................      2,400         (276)      2,124
Trademark.................................................      1,700         (195)      1,505
In process technology.....................................      7,200         (828)      6,372
                                                            ---------  ------------  ---------
                                                            $  11,500   $   (1,322)  $  10,178
                                                            ---------  ------------  ---------
                                                            ---------  ------------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
 
                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
          (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) (CONTINUED)
 
    The pro forma statement of income has not been adjusted for a material
nonrecurring charge currently estimated to be $6,372 relating to the immediate
write-off of acquired in-process technology of Pritsker. This charge will be
taken in the quarter in which the Merger is consummated.
 
(A) Reflects issuance of Common Shares and options of Symix in exchange for 100%
    of the outstanding common stock, warrants and options of Pritsker:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
Market value of Symix Common Shares and options issued.............  $   9,160
Elimination of Pritsker Common Stock...............................     (1,205)
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     $   7,955
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
 
(B) Reflects redemption of Pritsker redeemable preferred stock outstanding.
    Symix is assumed to have borrowed the funds necessary to redeem the
    preferred stock:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
Long-term borrowings to redeem Pritsker preferred stock..............  $     550
Elimination of deferred liability....................................        (63)
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       $     487
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
</TABLE>
 
(C) Reflects elimination of Pritsker treasury stock and retained earnings.
 
(D) Reflects cash paid for transaction related expenses estimated to be
    $250,000.
 
(E) Under purchase accounting, Pritsker's assets and liabilities are required to
    be adjusted to their estimated fair values. The estimated fair value
    adjustments have been determined by Symix based upon information provided by
    Pritsker with the assistance of valuation specialists. Symix cannot be sure
    that such estimated fair values represent fair values that would ultimately
    be determined at the consummation date of the Merger. The following are the
    pro forma adjustments made to reflect Pritsker's fair values assuming the
    Merger was consummated on June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>
Increase capitalized software.......................................  $     121
Reduce equipment and improvements...................................        (23)
Trademarks..........................................................      1,505
Retained earnings effect resulting from the immediate write-off of
  acquired in-process technology....................................      6,372
</TABLE>
 
(F) For purposes of determining the pro forma effect of the Merger on the Symix
    consolidated statement of income, the following pro forma adjustments have
    been made and are based on the assumption that the Merger was consummated on
    July 1, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
Increase in interest expense on borrowings of $550,000 incurred to
  redeem preferred stock.............................................  $      44
Tax benefit on increased interest expense............................        (16)
Amortization to be recorded resulting from fair value adjustments to
  capitalized software (7 years) and trademarks (10 years)...........        453
Elimination of amortization of capitalized software as recorded by
  Pritsker...........................................................       (620)
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       $    (139)
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
</TABLE>
 
(G) Assumes an increase of 500,000 weighted average Symix Common Shares
    outstanding as a result of the consummation of the Merger.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                               THE PLAN OF MERGER
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN OF MERGER
 
    The Boards of Directors of Symix, Acquisition Sub and Pritsker have adopted
and the parties have executed and delivered the Merger Agreement, which includes
the form of the Plan of Merger. The Plan of Merger sets forth certain provisions
relating to the consummation of the Merger. The following description is a
summary of the material provisions of the Plan of Merger but does not purport to
be complete. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan
of Merger which is attached as part of Exhibit A to the Merger Agreement, which
is attached hereto as Appendix I.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
 
    Under the Plan of Merger, Pritsker will be merged with and into Acquisition
Sub in a tax-free transaction as provided for under Section 368(a) of the Code.
Acquisition Sub will be the Surviving Corporation and the separate existence of
Pritsker will cease. The Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of
Acquisition Sub in effect prior to the Effective Time of the Merger will be the
Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation.
As a result of the Merger, the name of the Surviving Corporation will be changed
to Pritsker Corporation.
 
CONVERSION OF PRITSKER SECURITIES
 
    In the Merger, except for shares of holders properly exercising their
dissenters' rights, each issued and outstanding share of Pritsker Common Stock
will be converted into the right to receive 0.170108 Symix Common Share and each
outstanding share of Pritsker Preferred Stock will be converted into the right
to receive its liquidation value of $5.23, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
Pritsker shareholders will receive cash in lieu of any fraction of a Symix
Common Share to which such Pritsker shareholders would otherwise have been
entitled. At the Effective Time of the Merger, all shares of Pritsker Common
Stock and Pritsker Preferred Stock held in the treasury of Pritsker will be
canceled and extinguished, without any payment or other distribution in respect
thereof. See "THE MERGER--Conversion of Shares; Fractional Shares."
 
                     COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
 
    The Symix Common Shares are traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "SYMX". The
table below presents the high and low sales prices for Symix Common Shares as
reported by NASDAQ for fiscal 1996 and 1997 and for the interim period since
June 30, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          1996 (JULY 1, 1995-JUNE 30,
          1996)                              HIGH       LOW
          <S>                               <C>       <C>
          First Quarter...................  $ 6 5/16  $ 3 13/16
          Second Quarter..................    5 3/4     5
          Third Quarter...................    7 7/16    5
          Fourth Quarter..................    8 5/8     7
 
<CAPTION>
          1997 (JULY 1, 1996-JUNE 30,
            1997)                            HIGH       LOW
          <S>                               <C>       <C>
          First Quarter...................  $ 8 1/2   $ 7 1/4
          Second Quarter..................    8 5/8     7 3/8
          Third Quarter...................   10 7/8     7 7/8
          Fourth Quarter..................   12 3/8     8
<CAPTION>
          1998                               HIGH       LOW
          <S>                               <C>       <C>
          First Quarter...................  $21       $10 3/4
          Second Quarter(1)...............
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Through          , 1997.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    The closing price of Symix Common Shares on October 2, 1997, the last full
trading day prior to the first public announcement of the Merger, was $18.25. On
         , 1997, two full trading days prior to the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the closing price of Symix Common Shares was
                              . As of          , 1997, there were approximately
87 holders of record of Symix Common Shares, and Symix believes that there are
more than 1,700 beneficial shareholders.
 
    Symix did not pay any cash dividends on Symix Common Shares during the two
fiscal years ended June 30, 1997, or during the fiscal quarter ended September
30, 1997. Symix also does not intend to pay dividends on its Common Shares in
the foreseeable future.
 
    There is no established public or other trading market for Pritsker Common
Stock. Since January 1, 1995, Pritsker has issued shares of its common stock
pursuant to the exercise of outstanding employee stock options at prices ranging
from $0.025 per share to $1.00 per share. Such stock options were granted with
exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Pritsker Common Stock on
the date of grant of the option. Accordingly, these prices may not reflect the
prices that would have been paid for such stock on a public market. Also since
January 1, 1995, Pritsker has sold Pritsker Common Stock in an offering to
existing shareholders. Such shares were sold at a price of $1.00 per share.
There may have been private transactions involving Pritsker Common Stock since
January 1, 1995 to which neither Pritsker nor any members of its management were
parties. No dividends have been paid on Pritsker Common Stock since a date prior
to January 1, 1995.
 
    There is no established public or other trading market for Pritsker
Preferred Stock, all of which is owned by Cambridge Ventures, L.P. The following
information regarding Pritsker Preferred Stock reflects the only transaction as
to which management of Pritsker has knowledge of the price paid. Because of the
lack of a public trading market for shares of Pritsker Preferred Stock, the
price indicated may not reflect the price that would be paid for such shares on
such a market. During 1992, Pritsker entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase
Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") under which 133,843 shares of Pritsker
Preferred Stock were issued to three private investment groups, one of which was
Cambridge Ventures, L.P., at a price of $5.23 per share. Subsequently, Cambridge
Ventures, L.P. acquired all of the Pritsker Preferred Stock held by the other
two investors on terms not known to Pritsker. Cash dividends on Pritsker
Preferred Stock have been declared quarterly consistent with the terms of the
Pritsker Preferred Stock.
 
    Based upon the per share price of Symix Common Shares on
                    , 1997, the corresponding per share value of Pritsker Common
Stock is approximately $    per share (calculated by multiplying the specified
closing sale price of Symix Common Shares by the fraction of a Symix Common
Share to be issued for each share of Pritsker Common Stock in the Merger). See
"THE MERGER-- Conversion of Shares; Fractional Shares."
 
    Shareholders of Pritsker are advised to obtain current market quotations for
Symix Common Shares.
 
                          INFORMATION CONCERNING SYMIX
 
BUSINESS
 
    GENERAL
 
    Symix is a global provider of open, client/server manufacturing software for
mid-range discrete manufacturers. Symix designs, develops, markets, and supports
a fully integrated manufacturing, planning, and financial software system that
addresses the Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") requirements of
manufacturers. In addition, Symix supplies complementary software products which
provide additional functionality and capabilities for manufacturers, including
SyteSelect, which enhances the speed and quality of complex orders, SyteGuide,
which aids in achieving quality systems implementations, SytePower, which
provides the capability to distill business intelligence from data warehouses
and SyteService, which addresses the needs of the midmarket enterprise to supply
high-margin services to customers. The Company's products are used by
manufacturing firms to improve operational performance with respect to
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
time-to-market, order fulfillment, product costs, inventory carrying costs and
other aspects of operations. The vertical manufacturing markets served by Symix
include the following industries: industrial equipment, fabricated metals,
electronic equipment, furniture/fixtures and packaging and containers.
 
    Symix's primary ERP product is SyteLine, a functionally robust application
with the added advantages of ease of use and ease of implementation through a
graphical user interface. Symix also continues to market and sell SYMIX Version
4.0, particularly to manufacturing businesses in developing countries which do
not need the advanced capabilities of client/server solutions in their
environments.
 
    In the past, software systems used by manufacturing firms have focused
primarily on improvements in manufacturing operations and related cost controls
to obtain a competitive advantage. In 1996, Symix introduced a new concept
called "Customer Synchronized Resource Planning" or "CSRP" which integrates the
manufacturer's customer requirements into the overall fulfillment cycle to
enhance the competitive advantage of the manufacturer's planning and delivery
process, shifting the focus of the manufacturer from production planning to
customer planning. CSRP is intended to deliver capabilities to enhance customer
interaction and, therefore, improve revenue performance.
 
    Symix focuses on the delivery of a complete solution to its customers' ERP
requirements, including services, products, and training. To insure the delivery
of a complete solution, Symix works with third parties, such as public
accounting firms, systems integrators, and third party software and service
partners.
 
    In addition, the Company also has a Customer Integrated Technologies ("CIT")
Division which develops, promotes, and sells FieldPro, a field service solution
for high-technology and office equipment service firms.
 
    INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
    Although total employment in manufacturing has fallen over the last three
decades, the percentage of the United States gross domestic product which is
generated by manufacturing businesses has increased. In the global marketplace,
this trend has continued in each of the industrialized nations and is moving to
the developing countries as well. Among the reasons for this long term trend are
the rapid communication of "best practices" among manufacturing firms on a
global basis and the use of technology to achieve additional operational
efficiencies. For example, no manual process for capturing customer orders can
outperform the capabilities of a computerized system for speed of execution and
overall quality of information. The integration of all the various functional
areas in a business which are critical to the overall success of an enterprise
is a fundamental component of ERP. The deployment of advanced technologies,
including client/server architectures and relational databases has resulted in
not only the integration of disparate functions but the ability to take
information from each area and to plan the resources of the enterprise as an
integrated whole.
 
    Manufacturing firms continue to use ERP software to achieve production
efficiencies. Total revenue from software sales to manufacturing businesses in
1996 according to Advanced Manufacturing Research ("AMR"), a market research
firm, was $7.2 billion worldwide. This market continues to grow in 1997 at a
rate in excess of 30%.
 
    Manufacturers generally can be divided into two identifiable groups:
discrete (Symix's target market) and process manufacturers. "Process"
manufacturers mix, separate, heat, and otherwise control ingredients in order to
create finished products such as chemicals, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
"Discrete" manufacturers, which account for approximately 50% of the
manufacturing facilities worldwide, produce products by assembling parts into
finished product such as equipment, appliances, and furniture.
 
    Discrete manufacturers can be further subdivided into three groups:
"make-to-order" manufacturers, which engineer and manufacture products to meet
specific customer needs; "make-to-stock" manufacturers, which assemble products
to customer orders based on standard parts; and "repetitive" manufacturers,
which produce standard products in large quantities. These different types of
manufacturers face unique
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
challenges in dealing with resource requirements and production and planning
control issues. Historically, manufacturers exclusively used one of these
manufacturing methods. Plant consolidation, vertical integration and new
technology have resulted in changes to these practices, which require
manufacturers to produce under a "mixed-mode" environment. The ability to
realize cost advantages gained by repetitive manufacturing and to satisfy
customers with highly configured, customized specifications is becoming a strong
competitive weapon.
 
    Increasingly, the rapid communication of "best practices" assures
manufacturers that any advantage in operational efficiencies can be found and
implemented rather quickly. Management believes that in the future competitive
advantage will be achieved by a manufacturer's ability to synchronize a
customer's needs with its other resource planning process, which is the basis
for the Company's CSRP approach. CSRP creates competitive advantage by providing
systems which vastly improve the relationship of a business with its customers.
For example, the configuration of complex manufactured products often results in
errors in the fulfillment of a customer order, causing tremendous cost to and
dissatisfaction from the customer. CSRP emphasizes the view that a customer's
orders must be fulfilled accurately on a consistent basis to maintain the longer
term customer relationship. It is this level of satisfaction, where the customer
relies on the predictable execution of the manufacturer, that makes the
manufacturer "indispensable" to the customer. This is the heart of what CSRP
provides to Symix customers as a competitive advantage.
 
    MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS
 
    Based on information from AMR, the worldwide ERP software marketplace will
grow to approximately $9.6 billion in revenue in 1997 from an estimated $7.2
billion in 1996. Market growth rates through the end of the century will exceed
30% per year, according to AMR. AMR further estimates that there are over 40,000
discrete manufacturing sites each having over $20 million in sales in the United
States with at least an equal amount of sites outside of the United States. AMR
also has described the mid-range discrete manufacturing market as a large
untapped market with no clear ERP software market leader and has estimated that
most mid-range manufacturers will replace their manufacturing solution over the
next five years.
 
    The Company's target market includes primarily mid-range discrete
manufacturing firms with sites having annual revenue up to $350 million. The
Company primarily focuses its sales and marketing efforts on five key industries
within the mid-range market: industrial equipment, fabricated metals, electronic
equipment, furniture/fixtures and packaging and containers. Symix believes that
there are approximately 16,000 companies in the United States alone that have at
least $20 million in revenue and fall within the target market. Many of these
companies have multiple site locations.
 
    The ERP software system is typically the most important application system
for the mid-range manufacturer since it is the "backbone" of the manufacturer's
operations. However, most mid-range manufacturers have small, if any,
information system staff to plan, implement and manage software application
systems. These mid-range manufacturers require an affordable system that
incorporates a wide range and depth of functionality, is easy to install and
maintain, and can be rapidly deployed. The Company's products and services are
developed, marketed and sold with those needs in mind.
 
    At June 30, 1997, the Company had 2,900 customer sites throughout the world.
Although a customer can upgrade to the newer versions of the Company's software
without any additional license fee charge under the Company's standard
maintenance and support agreement, Management believes that the Company's
current customers represent an excellent opportunity for selling additional
software and consulting services.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    STRATEGY
 
    The current strategy of the Company is to further develop software products
which facilitate the concept of CSRP for its manufacturing customers. The basic
components of the strategy include:
 
    - CONTINUE TO BUILD THE ELEMENTS OF THE CSRP VISION. This includes further
      business alliances in order to expand the scope of product functionality.
 
    - MAINTAIN LEADERSHIP IN THE MARKETS WHERE SYMIX COMPETES. The Company
      competes primarily with other providers of ERP software products for
      businesses engaged in the manufacture of industrial equipment, fabricated
      metals, electronic equipment, furniture/fixtures and packaging and
      containers, and for field service products for businesses engaged in the
      servicing of high technology and office equipment.
 
    - EXPAND MARKET PENETRATION THROUGH CONSULTING PARTNERS. Development of
      existing partnerships with major regional accounting and consulting firms
      will continue to be a priority to sustain market leadership. These
      alliances enhance our services offerings and improve our ability to
      penetrate the market.
 
    - PROVIDE A COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR CUSTOMERS THROUGH ALLIANCES AND
      ACQUISITIONS. Providing the tools, techniques, methodologies, and other
      elements required to simplify the task of implementing and supporting
      software solutions through alliances with industry leading partners and/or
      acquisitions of new technology will continue to be a priority for the
      Company.
 
    - MAKE TECHNOLOGY THE SERVANT OF OUR CUSTOMERS. As new technologies become
      available and gain acceptance, Symix will use them to improve the
      Company's products and to insure its customers promptly get the business
      benefit from such improvements.
 
    PRODUCTS
 
    Symix currently markets and supports two primary ERP products, including
SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 ("SYMIX Version 4.0"). Released in March, 1996,
SyteLine is the Company's robust client/ server and graphical user interface
("GUI") product that was rearchitected and developed from SYMIX Version 4.0.
SYMIX Version 4.0, which targets manufacturers still using centrally located and
controlled computer systems operating under UNIX and Windows NT, will continue
to be enhanced by the Company for at least the next two fiscal years for those
manufacturers not ready to embrace the newer client/server environment and
international customers in countries such as China where telecommunication
networks limit the ability to fully implement client/server systems. The Company
allows SYMIX Version 4.0 and prior version customers who are current on
maintenance to upgrade at no additional license fee charge to SyteLine. SyteLine
encompasses all of the functionality of SYMIX Version 4.0 but also provides the
full client/server and GUI features, multi-site capabilities and enhanced
international financial reporting. The preferred operating platform for SyteLine
is Windows NT, although it is compatible with UNIX.
 
    In addition to SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0, Symix offers complementary
software products which satisfy additional areas of high customer value,
including SyteSelect, a rules-based order configurator which enhances the speed
and quality of complex orders, SytePower, which provides the capability to
distill business intelligence from data warehouses, and SyteGuide, a process
modeling and flow charting tool that enables quality systems implementation and
ISO 9000 compliance.
 
    Separate from the ERP products, Symix markets and sells a field service
application product that enables post sales field service organizations to
schedule and dispatch field service technicians, maintain warranty and service
history and update purchasing and inventory records. FieldPro is specifically
targeted at high technology and office equipment service organizations. The
Company is in the process of integrating FieldPro with SyteLine for those
manufactures requiring comprehensive field service solutions. This integrated
product is being marketed as SyteService.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
    The products offered by Symix, in addition to those described above, include
additional third party products that interface to the base application, PROGRESS
4GL tools and Relational Data Base Management System ("RDBMS"), and
implementation and education services to ensure successful and rapid deployment
of Symix products. Although the Company's desire is to minimize the amount of
customization required for an implementation, Symix also offers programming
services to provide modifications to the standard product in order to address
specific customer requirements.
 
    Symix's objective is to achieve the right mix of technology, functionality
and services to enable its customers to rapidly implement an ERP solution that
addresses the manufacturer's customer requirements while increasing staff
productivity, improving operating efficiencies, minimizing lifetime cost of
ownership and enabling a rapid return on investment.
 
    APPLICATION SOFTWARE--SYTELINE AND SYMIX VERSION 4.0
 
    SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 consist of fully integrated functionality
that comprehensively supports a manufacturer's business process. The functional
components of the core application packages include the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
CUSTOMER SERVICE                             PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Estimating                                   Work Orders
Order Inquiry                                Production Scheduling
Order Entry                                  JIT/KANBAN
Inventory Availability                       Routings
                                             Shop Floor Control
                                             Period Based/Work Order Costing
 
PLANNING & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT              ENTERPRISE ADMINISTRATION
Inventory Control                            General Ledger
Purchasing                                   Reporting & Consolidation
Bill of Materials                            Receivables
Engineering Change Notice                    Fixed Assets
Material Requirements Planning               Payroll
Capacity Planning                            Human Resources
</TABLE>
 
    CUSTOMER SERVICE enables manufacturers to estimate, configure and accept
orders accurately and rapidly. The estimating capabilities help a manufacturer
standardize all customer quoting activity, access it on-line and generate
reports for analysis and customer reporting. The Customer Service Order Inquiry
module enables manufacturers to handle on-line most customer inquiries such as
product availability, order status, receivable status, or discounts. The
Customer Service applications also enable a manufacturer to make extensive
pricing and sales analysis.
 
    PLANNING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT enables a manufacturer to plan capacity
and material availability for each manufacturing site, including conversion of
customer orders into reliable bills of material and routings, management of
plant capacity to meet anticipated demand while minimizing expedited orders,
incorporation of changes from customers and product engineers in a timely
manner, and inventory management to reduce carrying costs while ensuring
material availability for scheduled productions. The components include various
resource capacity planning tools, master production scheduling, multiple site
coordination and integrated purchasing and inventory control modules.
 
    PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT enables manufacturers to select three manufacturing
production control methods to match the level of control and diversity desired:
work orders, production scheduling and JIT/ KANBAN. These three production
environments can be maintained simultaneously, providing a manufacturer with
flexibility to mix and match different production methods. For example, a
manufacturer may
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
select production scheduling as the production method for the final assembly,
but JIT/KANBAN for the subassemblies.
 
    ENTERPRISE ADMINISTRATION flows from the manufacturing and production
modules described above. The comprehensive financial tools are tightly
integrated with production operations and capture the required transactions in a
form that supports flexible analysis across all business locations. The system
provides various costing alternatives, including work order costing and
period-based costing, and allows for actual and standard cost analysis. Through
its enhanced multi-currency capabilities, the financial tools provide flexible
consolidation modeling and analysis for multi-national manufacturers.
 
    APPLICATION SOFTWARE--COMPLEMENTARY ERP PRODUCTS
 
    In addition to its core application software products, the Company sells
complementary products that expand the breadth of functionality of the Symix ERP
offering. These products are either internally developed by Symix or developed
in coordination with third party software vendors. These additional products
include SyteSelect, SytePower, SyteGuide, SyteService and SyteEDI.
 
    SYTESELECT.  SyteSelect is an interactive product configuration software
application that was specially designed for and integrated with SyteLine.
SyteSelect was developed in conjunction with The Triology Development Group, an
industry leader in configuration technology. SyteSelect provides customers the
ability to configure, estimate, order and price complex products and services.
Once the order and product are configured, the data is sent to production where
bill of materials and job routing are automatically generated. SyteSelect is
written in C++ and operates in an NT operating environment. SyteSelect was
released in September, 1997.
 
    SYTEPOWER.  SytePower is a business intelligence software product utilizing
Online Analytical Processing tools from Cognos Corporation, an industry leader
in business intelligence tool technology. SytePower is an interactive, graphical
data access and analysis solution that provides customers a flexible, multi-
dimensional view of business and operating data stored in SyteLine and SYMIX
Version 4.0. SytePower was released in December, 1996.
 
    SYTEGUIDE.  SyteGuide is graphical software providing custom enterprise
modeling to speed SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 deployment and to provide a
base for business process improvement initiatives such as ISO 9000. Designed by
Symix, SyteGuide is comprised of a comprehensive set of implementation focused
programs, resources and tools, which help close the gap between application
design and deployment of SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0. SyteGuide was released
in June, 1997.
 
    SYTESERVICE.  SyteService is a service management application software that
supports the manufacturer's service business more efficiently and profitably
through manpower scheduling, contract management, remote field service
communications and inventory and purchasing tracking. SyteService is the
FieldPro product owned by Symix that will be integrated with SyteLine. Full
integration of SyteService is scheduled for fiscal 1998.
 
    SYTEEDI.  SyteEDI is an electronic commerce software application product
designed to deliver customer and supplier focused business-to-business
communication solutions for SyteLine customers. SyteEDI was developed in
conjunction with Sterling Commerce, Inc. an industry leader in electronic
commerce solutions. SyteEDI is fully integrated with SyteLine and was released
in September, 1997.
 
    Other additional products include Product Configuration ("PRT"), Automated
Data Collection, Computer Aided Design Interface ("CAD") and external payroll
interfaces.
 
    PRT is an earlier generation of a rules-based order configurator that
supports make-to-order manufacturers who require more complex configuration to
ensure rapid order entry, reduced engineering time and a smoother transition to
manufacturing. Automated Data Collection introduces bar code technology to
record movement of items from the plant floor, track receipt or shipment of
items, perform
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
cycle counting and generate physical inventories. To assist manufacturers using
CAD, the Company offers an optional interface to popular third party CAD
software packages, providing bi-directional import and export capabilities.
 
    PROGRESS
 
    SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 are written in PROGRESS, a leading
fourth-generation language that provides manufacturers with reporting and
development tools that have significant flexibility. PROGRESS provides its own
RDBMS, as well as the ability to interface with the ORACLE RDBMS. PROGRESS is
the proprietary product of the Progress Software Corporation ("PSC").
 
    The Company has entered into a non-exclusive application partner agreement
with PSC, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to market and distribute
PROGRESS in connection with sales of the Company's products. Under the terms of
the agreement, the Company bears primary responsibility for assisting customers
in developing applications with PROGRESS and agrees to provide appropriate
support to PROGRESS customers. The current term of the agreement expires in
June, 1998 and will continue thereafter unless either party gives ninety (90)
days' written notice of its intention to terminate. In addition, the agreement
may be terminated immediately by either party if a material breach of the
agreement by the other party continues after thirty (30) days' written notice.
The Company's customers would then be required to license PROGRESS directly from
PSC or other resellers. If PSC should cease its product offerings for any
reason, the Company believes that the established user base is large enough that
momentum exists to port to another development environment. The Company's move
to PROGRESS in 1984 was such a development effort.
 
    FIELDPRO
 
    FieldPro is a service management application software that supports the
manufacturer's service business more efficiently and profitably through manpower
scheduling, contract management, remote field service communications and
inventory and purchasing tracking. FieldPro was acquired by Symix as a result of
its acquisition of Visual Applications Software, Inc. FieldPro is being marketed
and sold under a separate and stand alone business unit within Symix, the CIT
Division. The CIT Division focuses on selling FieldPro outside of the ERP market
and targets high technology and office equipment service operations. As of June
30, 1997, there were 21 employees in the CIT Division. FieldPro is written in
C++, operates in an NT environment and utilizes the Microsoft SQL Server
database.
 
    SERVICES AND SUPPORT
 
    The Company offers a full range of services that allow its customers to
maximize the benefits of the Company's software products, including project
management, implementation, product education, technical consulting, programming
services, system integration, and maintenance and support. The Company's
services are priced separately and fees for its services generally are not
included in the price for its software product. Fees for maintenance and support
services generally are billed a year in advance while all remaining consulting,
education and programming services generally are billed monthly as incurred.
 
    The Company considers its ability to rapidly implement its software solution
a key competitive factor. The Company's professional services organization which
employs approximately 60 consultants and managers uses a structured
implementation methodology known as "RAPID FOCUS", which defines a customer's
implementation into distinct phases: planning and installation, education and
business system simulations, development of operating procedures, conversion
planning, end-user training and cutover and post implementation evaluation. The
Company offers both on-site and classroom training. Classroom training is
available in nine different Company operated facilities throughout the world.
 
    In addition to the consultants employed directly by the Company, customers
can receive consulting services from the Company's 40 business partners
throughout the world. The Company also has actively
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
established relationships with accounting and consulting firms to provide
additional support in project management, implementation and system integration
services for customers. The Company views these relationships as an important
source of future leads for prospective customers.
 
    Although the Company attempts to minimize the amount of customization of its
software products, the Company does provide professional programming services to
modify its software products to address specific customer requirements. These
modifications may include designing and programming complete applications or
integrating its software products with legacy systems.
 
    Maintenance and support services are available to all customers currently
using an active release of the Company's software products. Maintenance and
support services include product enhancements and updates, free upgrades to new
versions, hotline telephone support during extended business hours, 24 hour,
seven days a week emergency support and access to the Company's customer support
module on the Company's WEB home page on the Internet (HTTP://www.symix.com).
The price for maintenance and support services is based on a percentage of the
list price of the Company's software product at the time the license is
purchased. Since fees for maintenance and support services are billed a year in
advance, the revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the
maintenance and support agreement.
 
    SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Company currently licenses SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 based on a
license fee for each additional concurrent session or concurrent execution of
its software products. The Company receives additional license fee revenue
whenever a customer increases the number of concurrent sessions, usually as a
result of the growth of the customer's business or expansion to other sites.
Both SyteLine and SYMIX Version 4.0 use an encrypted key that allows the
customer to use only the number of concurrent sessions for which the customer
has received a license.
 
    Sales leads are generated through a combination of in-house telemarketing,
advertising, trade shows, references from professional services and hardware
vendor partners, and direct calling by sales staff. The Company sells its
products and services through both a direct sales force and approximately 40
business partners throughout the world. The Company currently maintains 20 sales
and support offices worldwide: 9 in North America, 8 in Asia Pacific and 3 in
Europe. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the Company's worldwide
sales operation organization increased from 139 to 212 employees. Symix's
business partners in North America target the lower end of the mid-range
manufacturing market while its business partners in Asia Pacific and Europe are
primarily responsible for a geographic region or country.
 
    The operations of two former business partners in Australia and the
Netherlands, respectively, were acquired by the Company in 1996 and converted to
subsidiary operations. The Company also completed the acquisition of a French
company in 1996 which now serves as a sales and distribution operation for the
Company. The French company currently has approximately 200 existing customers
and 27 employees, and its existing customers use a French localized version of a
MRPII product that is no longer being enhanced by the software vendor. The
French company has full rights to the localized product and currently realizes
approximately $4.0 million in annual revenue from services and support of those
customers. It is expected that the new French subsidiary will market a localized
version of SyteLine and will target existing and new customers.
 
    Symix's relationship with Mitsui Co., Ltd., the Company's exclusive
distributor in Japan, has resulted in a "Mitsui Symix Center" which is being
established in Tokyo. The Center serves as a training and support facility for
Symix customers in Japan. The Company is optimistic as to future expansion in
Japan with Mitsui in addition to Japanese multinational companies with
subsidiaries throughout the world.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
    The Company believes that its international sales in years prior to fiscal
1997 have not been significant. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, sales
outside of North America accounted for approximately 25% of total Company
revenue. With new subsidiaries in France, Australia and the Netherlands combined
with continued growth in key areas such as Japan, China and Singapore, the
Company believes international sales will account for an increasing percentage
of its total sales over the next several years. However, the Company's foreign
operations are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including
international economic and political conditions, differing consumer preferences,
currency regulations and fluctuations, diverse government regulations and tax
systems, and the availability of experienced management. Consequently, no
assurance can be given that growth in the Company's international sales will
continue in the future. The amount of revenue, operating income and identifiable
assets attributable to each of the Company's geographic areas for fiscal 1997
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    NORTH AMERICA    ASIA/PACIFIC    EUROPE
                                                    -------------   --------------   ------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>
Revenue...........................................     $49,388          $8,259       $8,124
Operating Income..................................     $ 4,035          $  410       $  627
Identifiable Assets...............................     $32,531          $5,766       $5,955
</TABLE>
 
    In addition to business partners and third party consultants, an important
source of sales leads continue to be hardware vendors. The Company has
relationships with a number of hardware vendors, including cooperative marketing
programs with International Business Machines Corporation, Hewlett-Packard
Company, Digital Equipment Corporation, Unisys Corporation and Data General
Corporation. The Company bears sole responsibility for providing support for its
software to its customers under each agreement and the various hardware vendors
are ultimately responsible for their products, although the Company may provide
some front line support. No assurance can be given that such arrangements will
continue in the future.
 
    PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
    Symix devotes a significant and growing percentage of its resources to
identifying a customer's needs, developing new features and enhancements to
existing products and designing and developing new products. New products,
updates and enhancements are developed by the Company's internal development
staff. The Company's practice is to release updates and major enhancements on a
regular basis. In connection with each release, the Company works closely with
customers and business partners to define improvements and enhancements.
 
    Research and product development expenses, including amounts capitalized
were $8,759,000, $5,963,000 and $5,163,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Capitalized software expenditures were
$3,100,000, $2,290,000, and $1,419,000 for the same respective periods and were
capitalized in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 86. Amortization of capitalized software costs are included in cost of
revenue. The Company generally retains the right to remarket any specific
customer modifications prepared by its programming services group in or with
future product releases.
 
    COMPETITION
 
    The computer software industry is highly competitive and the Company sells
its products and services in a highly fragmented market consisting of a few
large, multi-national vendors and a larger number of small, regional
competitors. Some of the Company's existing competitors, as well as a number of
potential competitors, have larger technical staffs, more established and larger
marketing and sales organizations, and greater financial resources. Management,
however, believes that no one competitor in the mid-range manufacturing market
has a significant portion of market share. Symix competes with a different group
of
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
software vendors with respect to each opportunity based upon size of the
customer, specific niche product requirements, technology requirements,
geographical location and anticipated investment by the customer.
 
    The Company believes its installed customer base of open systems is an
important competitive element. The open system segment of the market has grown
significantly and is expected to continue to grow over the next several years.
The Company anticipates that the most significant source of future competition
will be from larger manufacturing software companies that tailor their products
for this market or from software companies that have developed a product using
newer state-of-the-art technology.
 
    The Company also believes that the most important considerations for
potential customers for its software products are product vision; open systems
and client server technology; ease of use and graphical interface; Microsoft and
desktop integration; rapid installations; reliability and quality of technical
support; documentation and education; size of installed user base; competitive
pricing; and corporate reputation. The Company further believes that it competes
favorably in most of these areas.
 
    The Company's future success will depend significantly upon its ability to
increase its share of its target market, to persuade existing customers to
purchase additional concurrent sessions, products and product enhancements, and
to persuade both new and existing customers to purchase additional consulting
and other professional services from the Company.
 
    PRODUCT PROTECTION
 
    The Company regards its products as proprietary trade secrets and
confidential information. The Company relies largely upon its license agreements
with customers, distribution agreements with distributors, and its own security
systems, confidentiality procedures and employee agreements to maintain the
trade secrecy of its products. The Company seeks to protect its programs,
documentation and other written materials under copyright law. There can be no
assurance that these means of protection will be effective against unauthorized
reproduction or "pirating". Policing unauthorized use of computer software is
difficult, and software "piracy" is and can be expected to remain a persistent
problem within the software industry.
 
    The Company believes that, due to the rapid pace of innovation within the
computer industry, factors such as (i) technological and creative skill of
personnel, (ii) knowledge and experience of management, (iii) name recognition,
(iv) maintenance and support of software products, (v) the ability to develop,
enhance, market and acquire software products and services, and (vi) the
establishment of strategic relationships in the industry are more important for
establishing and maintaining a leading position within the industry than are
patent, copyright and other legal protection of its technology.
 
    SYMIX is a registered trademark and SyteLine, SyteSelect, SytePower,
SyteService, SyteGuide, FieldPro and SyteEDI are trademarks of the Company. None
of the Company's software is patented. The Company believes that it has all
necessary rights to market its products, although there can be no assurance that
third parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company in the
future.
 
    WORKING CAPITAL
 
    The Company maintains low levels of inventories. The Company believes that
other software companies also maintain low levels of inventories. The Company's
trade accounts receivable are a significant component of its working capital.
The Company believes that trade accounts receivable are a significant component
of working capital for other software companies as well. During its 1996 fiscal
year, the Company obtained from Bank One, Columbus N.A., a $6 million unsecured
revolving line of credit that expires in fiscal year 1999. The revolving line of
credit can be converted into a five year term loan by the Company at any time
prior to April, 1998. As of June 30, 1997, no amounts had been drawn on the
revolving line of credit.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
    PRODUCTION AND BACKLOG
 
    Master software media and duplication thereof is performed by the Company at
its own facilities with the exception of some localizations and reproduction
performed by international distributors at their facilities in the local
jurisdictions pursuant to agreements with the Company. Printing of user manuals
and the manufacture of related materials are performed to the Company's
specifications by outside sources (or international distributors), and the
completed packages are assembled by the Company (or its international
distributors). Production can generally be increased rapidly to respond to
increases in demand.
 
    In connection with the sale of software products only, the Company does not
expect to have any significant levels of backlog in the future.
 
    SEASONALITY
 
    The Company's results of operations have fluctuated on a quarterly basis.
However, the Company has not experienced significant seasonal fluctuations in
net revenue over the past two years.
 
    EMPLOYEES
 
    As of June 30, 1997, the Company employed 488 persons, including 160 in
North American sales and service operations, 124 in development and support, 131
in international operations and 73 in marketing and administration. None of the
Company's employees are represented by a labor union. The Company has never
experienced a work stoppage and believes that its employee relations are good.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    The Company's headquarters and principal administrative, product
development, and sales and marketing operations are located in approximately
70,000 square feet of leased office space in Columbus, Ohio. The lease agreement
commenced in July, 1991 and will expire on June 30, 2001. The lease agreement
provides for an annual base rental of approximately $1,032,000. Additionally,
the Company has 20 leased sales and support offices throughout the United States
and elsewhere.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF SYMIX
 
    The following table summarizes certain consolidated financial data for each
of the five years presented. The selected financial data presented below has
been derived from the consolidated financial statements of Symix. The data
should be read in conjunction with Symix's audited consolidated financial
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
statements, and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See "INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------
                                                               1997       1996       1995       1994       1993
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING STATEMENT DATA:
NET REVENUE................................................  $  65,772  $  45,759  $  42,828  $  35,486  $  30,006
Cost of revenue............................................     22,440     15,678     14,882     12,600     11,560
  Gross margin.............................................     43,332     30,081     27,946     22,886     18,446
Operating expenses
  Selling, general, and administrative.....................     32,601     22,411     25,564     19,505     15,779
  Research and product development.........................      5,659      3,673      3,744      2,589      1,562
  Restructuring and other unusual charges..................     --            506     --         --         --
  TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES.................................     38,260     26,590     29,308     22,094     17,341
Operating income (loss)....................................      5,072      3,491     (1,362)       792      1,105
Other income, net..........................................        107        221        314        122         56
Income (loss) before income taxes..........................      5,179      3,712     (1,048)       914      1,161
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.......................      1,916      1,404       (410)       330        448
  NET INCOME (LOSS)........................................  $   3,263  $   2,308  $    (638) $     584  $     713
Earnings (loss) per share*.................................  $    0.52  $    0.40  $   (0.12) $    0.10  $    0.12
Weighted average common and common share equivalents
  outstanding..............................................      6,302      5,706      5,424      5,742      5,802
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital............................................  $   7,897  $   7,538  $   6,363  $   9,466  $  11,458
Total assets...............................................     44,252     30,463     26,069     24,473     21,743
Total long-term debt and lease obligations.................        530     --            138        335        559
Total shareholders' equity.................................     23,361     17,102     14,508     15,641     15,615
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*Note: Where appropriate, all share data and references in this report have been
adjusted for the 2:1 share split, effected in the form of a share distribution
of one share for each share outstanding to shareholders of record on September
10, 1996.
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
  OPERATIONS
 
    OVERVIEW
 
    Symix is a global provider of open, client/server manufacturing software for
mid-range discrete manufacturers. Symix designs, develops, markets and supports
a fully integrated manufacturing, planning and financial software system that
addresses the Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") requirements of
manufacturers. Immediately following the fiscal 1995 year-end in which the
Company incurred its first loss since becoming publicly traded in 1991, the
Company hired a new president who implemented several changes in order to
restore the Company to profitability. The new president reorganized the
executive management staff by hiring several key executives and promoting
certain employees into executive positions. Recognizing the strong foundation of
the Company's core products and large customer base, the new management team
refocused the Company's investments in development, marketing and promotional
activities into supporting its traditional key vertical markets within the
mid-range discrete manufacturing market. The Company also restructured its sales
channels by hiring new sales management in North America and Europe, revising
sales compensation programs and reorganizing the services organization to align
more directly with the sales organization.
 
    The Company also focused its efforts on building the international
distribution channels through acquisitions and converting distributors to direct
sales and services operations. The Company converted
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
distributors in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands to subsidiary
operations and the Company acquired a French sales and distribution operation.
Revenue from foreign operations accounted for approximately 25% of total revenue
in fiscal 1997, compared to 13% in fiscal 1996 and 11% in fiscal 1995. The
significant increase in revenue from foreign operations resulted primarily from
the conversion of distributor operations and acquisitions completed during
fiscal 1997. Prior thereto, the Company sold its products to its international
distributors at a discount from U.S. list prices. Since conversion, Symix has
been able to increase its international revenues by recapturing the discount and
by providing services and support directly to customers.
 
    During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, Symix introduced SyteLine, a
client/server version of its core ERP product with a graphical user interface.
SyteLine represents a large majority of new product sales to customers. In
addition to SyteLine, the Company released and sold complementary products for
data analysis--StyePower, product configuration--SyteSelect and product
implementation--SyteGuide during the second half of fiscal 1997 that provided
expanded features and functionality and enhanced sales of SyteLine. The Company
also purchased a Canadian company in January, 1997 that develops and distributes
an application software product, FieldPro, which provides field service and
warranty tracking capabilities for manufacturers and service organizations of
computer and office equipment distributors. FieldPro is being marketed and
distributed as a stand alone product under a newly established business
operating unit, Symix CIT Division.
 
    In fiscal 1997 the Company generated record revenues of $65.8 million and
net income of $3.3 million.
 
    REVENUE
 
    The Company's net revenue is derived primarily from (1) licensing Symix
software and providing custom programming services; (2) providing installation,
implementation, training, consulting and systems integration services; and (3)
providing maintenance and support on a subscription basis. Revenue for all
periods presented is accounted for in accordance with AICPA Statement of
Position 91-1 on Software Revenue Recognition.
 
    Net revenue increased 44% to $65.8 million in fiscal 1997, compared to
increases of 7% and 21% for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The strong growth in fiscal 1997 net revenue compared to previous
years was the result of new software product offerings and the reorganized
international distribution channel. Both software license fee revenue and
service and support revenue contributed significantly to the net revenue
increase in fiscal 1997. The increase in net revenue in fiscal 1996 and fiscal
1995 was primarily the result of increased service and support revenue. The
revenue mix since 1995 is shown in the table below:
 
                                  REVENUE MIX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1997                  1996                  1995
                                    --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Software license fees.............  $  36,477        55%  $  24,682        54%  $  24,677        58%
Service and support...............     29,295        45%     21,077        46%     18,151        42%
Total.............................  $  65,772       100%  $  45,759       100%  $  42,828       100%
</TABLE>
 
    Software license fee revenue increased 48% in fiscal 1997 compared to flat
license fee revenue growth in fiscal 1996. The increase in software revenue in
fiscal 1997 was primarily the result of (1) revenue from the Company's new
client server ERP software product, SyteLine, which was released in March 1996,
and (2) a reorganized international distribution channel. FieldPro contributed
more than $1.0 million in revenue during the second half of fiscal 1997.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    Service and support revenue increased 39% in fiscal 1997 to $29.3 million
from $21.1 million in fiscal 1996 and $18.2 million in fiscal 1995. Service and
support revenue is comprised of installation, implementation, training,
consulting, systems integration and software product maintenance and support.
The continued increase in service and support revenue is attributable to growth
in licensed Symix installations worldwide and the reorganization of Symix's
service organization through the conversion of the international distributors
and internal expansion. Services revenue made up 45% of total revenue in fiscal
1997, compared to 46% and 42% in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995, respectively.
Generally, maintenance and support contracts are billed annually and revenue is
recognized ratably over the contract period, which is typically twelve months.
Deferred revenue on the Company's balance sheet relating to maintenance and
support contracts increased from $5.8 million at June 30, 1996 to $9.7 million
at June 30, 1997.
 
    COST OF REVENUE
 
    Total cost of revenue as a percentage of net revenue was 34% for the year
ended June 30, 1997 compared to 34% and 35% for the years ended June 30, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
    Cost of software license fees includes royalties, amortization of
capitalized software development costs and software delivery expenses. Cost of
software license fees decreased to 27% of software license fee revenue in fiscal
1997 from 28% in both fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995. The decrease in cost of
software license fees as a percentage of software license fee revenue is the
result of the increased volume of software license fee sales. Partially
offsetting the improved software license fee margins was an increase in third-
party royalties relating to the new complementary products for SyteLine released
during the year.
 
    Cost of services and support includes the personnel and related overhead
costs for implementation, training and customer support services, together with
fees paid to third parties for subcontracted services. Cost of services and
support was 43% of service and support revenue in fiscal 1997 compared to 42% in
fiscal 1996 and 44% in fiscal 1995. The small increase in cost of services and
support as a percentage of related revenue in fiscal 1997 compared to the prior
fiscal year was the result of increased costs relating to the hiring of
experienced service personnel to support new system installations. In addition,
lower margins in the developing international distribution channels also
contributed to the increase in the cost percentage. Partially offsetting these
lower margins was the increase in Symix installations and corresponding service
renewals, from which the Company was able to realize improved margins.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of personnel and
related overhead costs, including commissions, for the sales, marketing, general
and administrative activities of the Company, together with advertising and
promotional costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 45% in
fiscal 1997, compared to a decrease of 12% in fiscal 1996 and an increase of 31%
in fiscal 1995. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net
revenue were 50%, 49% and 60% for the same respective periods. The increase in
expenses as a percent of revenue in fiscal 1997 was the result of significant
increases in marketing and promotional activities and expanding international
sales. These increases were partially offset by improved productivity of the
North American sales channel.
 
    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 1996
was the result of general expense controls, reorganization of the North American
sales force and improved margins on international operations. In the first
quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company recognized restructuring and other non-
recurring charges of $506,000, which primarily consisted of severance payments
related to personnel changes and costs associated with the European sales
channel.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Research and development expenses include personnel and related overhead
costs for product development, enhancements, upgrades, quality assurance and
testing. Total research and product development expenses, including amounts
capitalized, were $8.8 million or 13% of net revenue for the year ended June 30,
1997, compared to $6.0 million or 13% of net revenue in fiscal 1996 and $5.2
million or 12% of net revenue in fiscal 1995. The Company capitalized research
and development costs of $3.1 million, $2.3 million and $1.4 million for the
years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Software development
costs capitalized in a given period are dependent upon the nature and state of
the development process and are recorded in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 86. Upon general release of a product,
related capitalized costs are amortized over three years and recorded as license
fee cost of revenue. In addition to the $2.3 million of software development
costs capitalized in fiscal 1996, the Company capitalized $1.0 million relating
to the purchase of existing technology.
 
    The increase in overall research and development expense is due to staff
expansion relating to the Company's development of future releases of SyteLine,
increased development focus on interfacing with third-party software products
and research involving new technologies and products.
 
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
    The effective tax rates for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 were 37%
and 38%, respectively. The Company realized a tax benefit of $410,000 in 1995 on
an effective tax rate of 39% due to a pre-tax loss. The reduced effective tax
rate in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively, compared to the previous year
was primarily due to the amount of foreign taxable earnings in countries with
considerably lower effective rates, thereby reducing the Company's overall tax
rate.
 
    QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited operating results for each
of the eight quarters in the two year period ended June 30, 1997. This
information has been prepared by the Company on the same basis as its audited,
consolidated financial statements, and includes all adjustments (consisting only
of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly this information
when read in conjunction with the Company's audited, consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto.
 
    The Company's results of operations have fluctuated on a quarterly basis.
The Company's expenses, with the principal exception of sales commissions and
certain components of cost of revenue, are generally fixed and do not vary with
revenue. As a result, because the Company's plans and commitments of resources
are in advance of its planned revenue level, any shortfall of actual revenue in
a given quarter would adversely affect net earnings for that quarter by a
significant portion of the shortfall. See "RISK FACTORS--Fluctuations in
Quarterly Operating Results."
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                               QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   JUNE 30,    MAR. 31,   DEC. 31,    SEPT. 30,    JUNE 30,    MAR. 31,   DEC. 31,    SEPT. 30,
                                     1997        1997       1996        1996         1996        1996       1995        1995
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                               <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenue.....................   $  21,187   $  15,358  $  16,537   $  12,690    $  13,204   $  11,165  $  11,571   $   9,819
Cost of revenue.................       7,097       5,405      5,395       4,543        4,553       3,758      3,568       3,799
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Gross margin..................      14,090       9,953     11,142       8,147        8,651       7,407      8,003       6,020
Operating expenses
  Selling, general, and
    administrative..............       9,953       7,994      8,099       6,555        6,514       5,410      5,757       4,730
  Research and product
    development.................       1,705       1,501      1,353       1,100        1,086         968        762         857
  Restructuring and other
    unusual charges.............      --          --         --          --           --          --         --             506
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Total operating expenses......      11,658       9,495      9,452       7,655        7,600       6,378      6,519       6,093
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Operating income (loss).........       2,432         458      1,690         492        1,051       1,029      1,484         (73)
Other income (loss), net........         (16)         18         33          72           60          46         62          53
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Income (loss) before income
  taxes.........................       2,416         476      1,723         564        1,111       1,075      1,546         (20)
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes.........................         865         183        651         217          364         430        618          (8)
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net income (loss)...............   $   1,551   $     293  $   1,072   $     347    $     747   $     645  $     928   $     (12)
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Earnings per share..............   $    0.24   $    0.04  $    0.18   $    0.06    $    0.12   $    0.11  $    0.17   $    0.00
Weighted average common and
  common share equivalents
  outstanding...................       6,554       6,600      6,066       5,989        6,008       5,714      5,556       5,450
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Cash provided by operations decreased to $2.5 million in fiscal 1997 from
$6.9 million in fiscal 1996 and $3.0 million in fiscal 1995. Cash provided by an
increase in earnings in fiscal 1997 was offset by an increase in trade accounts
receivable. Trade accounts receivable days sales outstanding were 95 days at
June 30, 1997 in comparison to 76 days and 97 days at June 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. For all three years presented, cash provided by operations was
used primarily to fund software development costs and to purchase computer
equipment . In 1997, cash provided by operations also was used in connection
with the Company's acquisition activities. Cash at June 30, 1997 decreased to
$2.3 million from $6.8 million at June 30, 1996 and $4.5 million at June 30,
1995.
 
    Working capital was $7.9 million at June 30, 1997 compared to $7.5 million
and $6.4 million at June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in
working capital in fiscal 1997 is primarily attributable to the increase in
trade accounts receivable resulting from the 44% revenue growth and increase in
days sales outstanding. The increase in working capital in fiscal 1996 was
primarily due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents as a result of
positive cash flow for the year. For both fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, the
increase in current assets was partially offset by the increase in deferred
revenue due to the increased Symix customer base and renewed service contracts.
 
    In addition to its present working capital, the Company has with a bank a
$6.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit that expires in fiscal 1999. As
of June 30, 1997, no amounts were drawn under the line of credit. It is expected
that the Company's continued expansion of its operations and products will
result in additional requirements for cash in the future. The Company may raise
additional capital through
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
the sale of Company securities during the next 12 months to fund certain
internal product development projects and/or future acquisitions. Subject to the
foregoing, the Company anticipates that existing sources of liquidity, cash flow
from operations and the bank line of credit will be sufficient to satisfy
expected cash needs for the next 12 months.
 
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SYMIX COMMON SHARES
 
    The following table sets forth, as of             , 1997, the names and
addresses of, and the number and percentage of Symix Common Shares beneficially
owned by, the only persons known to Symix to beneficially own more than 5% of
the outstanding Shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  AMOUNT AND NATURE OF  PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS                                                                  BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP     CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>                   <C>
Lawrence J. Fox
  2800 Corporate Exchange Drive
  Suite 400
  Columbus, Ohio 43231..........................................................         2,274,798(1)        38.84%
 
Kennedy Capital Management, Inc.
  425 North Ballas Road, #158
  St. Louis, Missouri 63141.....................................................           539,400(2)         9.21%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) See note 1 and note 2 to next table.
 
(2) As of September 19, 1997 based on information provided to Symix by Kennedy
    Capital Management, Inc.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth, as of            , 1997, certain information
with respect to the Common Shares owned beneficially by each director of Symix,
each executive officer of Symix named in the Summary Compensation Table herein
and by all directors and executive officers of Symix as a group:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                                                     OF BENEFICIAL      PERCENT OF
NAME                                                                                   OWNERSHIP           CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>                   <C>
 
Lawrence J. Fox.................................................................        2,274,798(2)         38.84%
 
John Tait.......................................................................           15,000(3)         *
 
Duke W. Thomas..................................................................           40,638(4)         *
 
Larry L. Liebert................................................................           20,000(4)         *
 
James A. Rutherford.............................................................          105,000(5)          1.79%
 
Stephen A. Sasser...............................................................          251,000(6)          4.29%
 
Lawrence W. DeLeon..............................................................           44,000(7)         *
 
Otto Offereins..................................................................           35,000(7)         *
 
Stephen A. Yount................................................................           25,000(8)         *
 
All directors and executive officers
  as a group (12 persons).......................................................        2,830,436(9)         48.32%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Represents less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares.
 
(1) Each named beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power with
    respect to the Common Shares listed, except as otherwise noted. The number
    of Common Shares shown has been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock
    split effective September 10, 1996.
 
(2) Includes 148,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days, 1,999,024 Common Shares held directly by Mr. Fox and 127,774 Common
    Shares as to which Mr. Fox has shared voting and investment power with his
    wife.
 
(3) Includes 15,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days.
 
(4) Includes 20,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days.
 
(5) Does not include 380,000 Common Shares held by Roundwood Capital L.P., of
    which Mr. Rutherford is a limited partner. Includes 20,000 Common Shares
    subject to options exercisable within sixty days.
 
(6) Includes 235,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days.
 
(7) Includes 35,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days.
 
(8) Includes 25,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days.
 
(9) Includes 569,000 Common Shares subject to options exercisable within sixty
    days.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information as to the directors and
executive officers of Symix, all of whom will continue to hold such positions
following the Merger:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                              AGE                    POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY; PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- ----------------------------      ---      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>                           <C>          <C>
Lawrence J. Fox.............          41   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Symix
 
Stephen A. Sasser...........          48   President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Symix
 
Stephen A. Yount............          42   Vice President America's Sales and Service of Symix
 
Lawrence W. DeLeon..........          42   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Symix
 
Otto Offereins..............          51   Vice President of Development and Support of Symix
 
Robert D. Williams..........          42   Vice President--Human Resources of Symix
 
Catherine K. DeRosa.........          36   Vice President of Marketing of Symix
 
Jorge Lopez.................          42   Vice President of Development/Strategic Planning of Symix
 
Larry L. Liebert............          52   Director of Symix; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of L
                                             Corporation
 
John T. Tait................          49   Director of Symix; Of Counsel, Enz & Sequin
 
Duke W. Thomas..............          60   Director of Symix; Partner, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
 
James A. Rutherford.........          51   Director of Symix; President of Wingset Inc.
</TABLE>
 
    Mr. Fox founded Symix in 1979 as a sole proprietorship. He has held his
present offices since Symix was incorporated in 1984. He also served as
Treasurer until 1989.
 
    Mr. Sasser joined the Company in July, 1995 as President and Chief Operating
Officer. He has served as a director of the Company since 1995. From October,
1994 to June, 1995, Mr. Sasser served as Vice President of International
Operations for Trilogy Development Group, a provider of client-server sales and
marketing software. From August, 1992 to October 1994, Mr. Sasser was Group Vice
President of the Systems Management Division and Pacific Rim Operations of
Legent Corporation, a provider of systems management software products and
services ("Legent"). From April, 1987 through its acquisition by Legent in 1992,
Mr. Sasser served as President of the Data Center Management Division of Goal
Systems International, Inc. ("Goal Systems"), which designed, developed, and
marketed systems management software products.
 
    Stephen A. Yount joined the Company in May, 1996 as Vice President of
America's Sales and Services. From 1995 to 1996, he was Vice President of Sales
at Tyecin Systems, a provider of client-server manufacturing software for the
semi-contractor market. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Yount served as Vice President of
Sales and Services at Neuron Data, a client-server application development
software company. From 1987 to 1993, he served in various senior sales positions
at Legent, including Regional Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Sales,
and Director of Sales, Western Region.
 
    Lawrence W. DeLeon joined Symix in August, 1995 as Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. DeLeon served in various
capacities at Legent, including Treasurer for Goal Systems, Europe Vice
President--Finance and Administration and Vice President--Central Europe. From
1988 to 1991, Mr. DeLeon was Chief Financial Officer for Thunderbird Products
Corporation, a boat manufacturer.
 
    Otto Offereins joined the Company in September, 1995 as Vice President of
Development and Support. He was Vice President and General Manager of Client
Product Server Division of Legent from July, 1994 to August, 1995. From July,
1992 to July, 1994, Mr. Offereins served as Vice President of Support and
Development for the Systems Management Division of Legent. From March, 1991 to
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
July, 1992, he served as Vice President of Development and Support--Research and
Development Division of Legent. Prior to March, 1991, he was Executive Vice
President of Operations for Syntelligence Corporation, a software company
specializing in financial risk assessment.
 
    Robert D. Williams joined the Company in September, 1995 as Vice
President--Human Resources. Prior to that time, he served as Director, Human
Resources/Associate Relations of Legent from August, 1992 to August, 1995. From
March, 1990 to August, 1992 he was Executive Director of Human Resources and
Administrative Services of Goal Systems.
 
    Catherine K. DeRosa joined the Company as Director of Product Marketing in
August, 1994. She has served the Company in the position of Vice President of
Marketing since January, 1996. Prior to joining Symix and from 1992 to 1994, Ms.
DeRosa served as an independent consultant to several major technology companies
in the Silicon Valley. From 1989 to 1992, Ms. DeRosa served as a Senior
Consultant with Price Waterhouse, a major accounting and consulting firm. She
also has held a variety of positions with Micro Card Technologies, Inc., an
electronic components manufacturer and Texas Instruments Inc., a leader in
semi-conductors and electronics. Ms. DeRosa is a Certified Public Accountant and
received a masters in business administration degree from the Harvard Business
School
 
    Jorge Lopez joined the Company in November, 1996 as Vice President of
Corporate Development/ Strategic Planning. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Lopez served
as Vice President of Marketing for Salesoft Inc., a provider of automated sales
and marketing software. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Lopez served as Vice President of
Strategic Alliances for Avalon Software, Inc. an enterprise resource planning
software and services company. Prior to that time, Mr. Lopez held various
marketing and technical positions with International Business Machines
Corporation, an information technology company.
 
    The executive officers of the Company are appointed by and serve at the
pleasure of the Symix Board of Directors. There are no arrangements or
understandings between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the
officer was so appointed.
 
    Mr. Liebert has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of L
Corporation, a parent/holding company for selected businesses in the wholesale,
distribution and manufacturing industries, since it was formed in 1990. From
1965 to 1987, Mr. Liebert held various positions at Liebert Corporation, an
international manufacturer and distributor of computer support systems products,
including President from 1981 to 1987 and Chairman of the Board from 1984 to
1987. In 1987, Liebert Corporation was acquired by and became a subsidiary of
Emerson Electric Company, which designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of
electrical and electronic products and systems. Mr. Liebert served as an Emerson
Group Vice President as well as Chairman of Liebert Corporation until 1990. He
has served as a director of the Company since 1993.
 
    Mr. Tait has served of counsel to the law firm of Enz & Sequin since 1995.
From 1990 until 1995, Mr. Tait served as the Managing General Partner of B.P.A.
Consultants, an investment partnership in Columbus, Ohio. From 1987 until 1990,
he was a partner of F.M.G., a financial consulting firm. Prior thereto, Mr. Tait
served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Lowe Group, a financial services
holding company. He has served as a director of the Company since 1985.
 
    Mr. Thomas has been a partner of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, a law firm
based in Columbus, Ohio, for more than five years. He has served as a director
of the Company since 1988. Mr. Thomas is also a director of The Ohio Bar
Liability Insurance Co.
 
    Mr. Rutherford founded Wingset Inc., a private investment management
corporation, and has served as its President since 1992. He was Chairman of the
Board from 1988 to 1991 and Chief Executive Officer from 1988 to 1990 of Goal
Systems. He has served as a director of the Company since 1995. Mr. Rutherford
is also a director of Ciber, Inc., a provider of information technology
consulting services.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
    For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the compensation arrangement
between Symix and all directors who were not employees of Symix ("Outside
Directors") was as follows: $500 for each Board meeting attended; and $1,250 per
quarter. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, it is anticipated that the
compensation arrangement between Symix and the Outside Directors will remain the
same. In addition, from time to time, the Outside Directors receive options to
acquire Common Shares under the Symix Systems, Inc. Stock Option Plan for
Outside Directors (the "Directors' Plan"). During the 1997 fiscal year, no
options were granted under the Directors' Plan. Employee directors did not in
fiscal year 1997, and will not in fiscal year 1998, receive any additional
compensation for serving as a director.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The following table shows, as to the Chief Executive Officer and the other
four most highly compensated executive officers of Symix whose salary plus bonus
exceeded $100,000, information concerning compensation paid for services to
Symix in all capacities during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, as well as
the total compensation paid to each such individual for Symix's two previous
fiscal years (if such person was the Chief Executive Officer or an executive
officer, as the case may be, during any part of such fiscal years).
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  SECURITIES
                                                                                 OTHER ANNUAL     UNDERLYING      ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)                      YEAR  SALARY($)   BONUS($)  COMPENSATION($)   OPTIONS(1)   COMPENSATION($)
- --------------------------------------------------  ----  ---------   --------  ---------------   ----------   ---------------
 
<S>                                                 <C>   <C>         <C>       <C>               <C>          <C>
Lawrence J. Fox...................................  1997  $ 275,000     None        $48,791(2)      None           $33,029(3)
  Chairman and CEO                                  1996    256,661     None         44,972(4)      None            32,165(5)
                                                    1995    241,500     None        N/A             80,000          31,019(6)
 
Stephen A. Sasser.................................  1997  $ 225,427   $174,500      N/A             None           $ 5,682(7)
  President and COO                                 1996    220,000    180,000      N/A            540,000(8)        1,833(9)
 
Stephen A. Yount..................................  1997  $ 150,000   $ 76,271      $23,122(10)     None           $13,840(11)
  Vice President--Americas Sales and Services
 
Lawrence W. DeLeon................................  1997  $ 133,333   $ 91,000      N/A             20,000(12)     $ 4,950(9)
  Vice President, CFO and Secretary                 1996    105,573     69,360      N/A             80,000(13)       1,833(9)
 
Otto Offereins....................................  1997  $ 130,833   $ 69,190      N/A             None           $ 3,277(9)
  Vice President-- Development and Support          1996    102,865     58,060      N/A             80,000(13)       1,819(9)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 (1) Adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split effective September 10,
    1996.
 
 (2) Includes reimbursement of $17,052 for estimated taxes relating to
    compensation received by the named officer during fiscal year 1997, payment
    for automobile allowance for 11 months during fiscal year 1997 and club
    dues.
 
 (3) Includes $28,000 paid for the premiums on split term life insurance on the
    named officer and Symix's matching contribution to the 401(k) Profit Sharing
    Plan of $5,029.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 (4) Includes reimbursement of $13,331 for estimated taxes relating to
    compensation received by the named officer during fiscal years 1996 and
    1995, payment for automobile allowance for 16 months during fiscal years
    1996 and 1995 and club dues.
 
 (5) Includes $28,000 paid for the premiums on split term life insurance on the
    named officer and Symix's matching contribution to the 401(k) Profit Sharing
    Plan of $4,165.
 
 (6) Includes $28,000 paid for premium on split term life insurance on the named
    officer and Symix's matching contribution to the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
    of $3,019.
 
 (7) Includes $2,130 paid for the premiums on term life insurance on the named
    officer and Symix's matching contribution to the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
    of $3,552.
 
 (8) Includes 400,000 Common Shares covered by an option granted in January,
    1996, and 140,000 Common Shares covered by an option granted in July, 1996,
    as compensation for services rendered in fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 and
    the achievement of certain financial performance objectives.
 
 (9) Represents Symix's matching contribution to the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
    for the named officer.
 
(10) Includes reimbursement of $8,081 for estimated taxes relating to
    compensation received by the named officer during fiscal year 1997, payment
    for relocation and club dues.
 
(11) Includes a reduction of $12,500 to the principal balance outstanding on a
    loan made by Symix to the named officer, and Symix's matching contribution
    of $1,340 to the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for the named officer.
 
(12) Includes 20,000 Common Shares covered by an option granted in July, 1997
    for services rendered in fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 and the achievement
    of certain financial performance objectives.
 
(13) Includes 20,000 Common Shares covered by an option granted in July, 1996
    for services rendered in fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 and the achievement
    of certain financial performance objectives.
 
    EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
 
    Symix has an employment agreement dated July 5, 1995 with Stephen A. Sasser,
President and Chief Operating Officer of Symix (the "Agreement"). The initial
term of the Agreement extends to July 5, 1999. However, the Agreement provides
for automatic renewal for one additional year each July 4 thereafter unless
prior notice of non-renewal is given by Symix to Mr. Sasser at least 150 days,
or by Mr. Sasser to Symix at least 120 days, before the expiration of the
initial term or any extended term. Under the Agreement, Mr. Sasser agrees to
serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of Symix. He further agrees to
serve as a director of Symix and as an officer and/or director of any of Symix's
subsidiaries if elected as such.
 
    The Agreement was amended by the parties in April, 1997 to provide for an
annual base salary of not less than $242,000 and additional compensation
pursuant to a bonus plan approved by the Compensation Committee of the Symix
Board of Directors (with an annual target bonus opportunity of $174,500 for
fiscal 1997 and $158,000 during the remaining term of the Agreement). Mr. Sasser
met the target bonus opportunity of $174,500 for fiscal 1997.
 
    If Mr. Sasser's employment with Symix is terminated as the result of his
death or disability (as defined in the Agreement), or by Symix for cause (as
defined in the Agreement), then he will be entitled to receive his base salary
through the date of termination and bonus compensation as provided for under the
Agreement on a pro rata basis to the extent that Symix has achieved certain
annual targets and objectives. In the event of termination of Mr. Sasser's
employment by Symix other than for cause or disability (in each case, as defined
in the Agreement) or by Mr. Sasser within one year after a "change in control"
of Symix (as defined in the Agreement), in addition to the prorated base salary
and bonus compensation previously described, Mr. Sasser will be entitled to
receive an amount equal to his annual base salary, plus an amount
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
equal to the highest bonus earned by him under the terms of the Agreement for
any fiscal year prior to the date of termination, and other specified benefits.
The Agreement also provides for the grant of two separate options covering
400,000 and 140,000 Common Shares, respectively, to Mr. Sasser as additional
consideration. An option for 400,000 Common Shares was granted to Mr. Sasser
effective in January, 1996. An option for an additional 140,000 Common Shares
was granted to Mr. Sasser in July, 1996 pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
 
    Under the Agreement, if any of the compensation or other benefits paid to
Mr. Sasser upon termination of his employment by Symix without cause, or upon
termination of his employment by Mr. Sasser within a year after a change in
control of Symix, result in additional tax to him under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code, then Symix is required to make an additional payment to
him so as to provide Mr. Sasser with the benefits he would have received in the
absence of such tax.
 
    The Agreement also requires Symix to maintain a policy of insurance on Mr.
Sasser's life in the amount of $1 million, the proceeds of which policy to be
payable upon his death to beneficiaries designated by Mr. Sasser or to his
estate if no such designation is made.
 
    Symix has agreed to give at least six months prior notice of termination to
Lawrence W. DeLeon in the event his termination occurs within a year after a
change in control of Symix and, during such one-year period, Mr. DeLeon does not
retain positions with Symix which are the same or comparable to those held by
him prior to such change in control.
 
    In addition, awards of stock options to Symix employees, including the named
executive officers, generally will vest upon a change in control of Symix (as
defined in Symix employee stock option agreements).
 
    CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    Pursuant to an offer letter dated May 6, 1996, Symix made a loan of $100,000
(the "Loan") to Stephen A. Yount, Vice President-Americas Sales and Services at
Symix, in February, 1997. Interest is payable on the Loan at the rate of 5% per
annum. The Loan is secured by a second mortgage in favor of Symix on real
property located in Franklin County, Ohio. The Loan is required to be paid in
full no later than October 1, 2000, provided that, the principal amount of the
Loan will be reduced cumulatively by increments of $12,500 on June 30 of each
fiscal year from 1997 to 2000 for which Mr. Yount meets or exceeds 75% of the
annual sales quota for new license revenue for Symix products assigned to him
for such fiscal year. The principal amount of the Loan will be reduced to
$50,000 immediately in the event Mr. Yount's employment with Symix and its
subsidiaries is terminated by Symix and such subsidiaries. Mr. Yount exceeded
75% of his annual sales quota for new license revenue for fiscal year 1997.
 
    STOCK OPTION GRANTS AND EXERCISES
 
    The following table sets forth certain information with respect to stock
options awarded during fiscal year 1997 to executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table. These option grants are also reflected in the
Summary Compensation Table. In accordance with Commission rules, the
hypothetical realizable values for each option grant are shown based on compound
annual rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% from the grant date to
the expiration date. The assumed rates of appreciation are prescribed by the
Commission and are for illustration purposes only; they are not intended to
predict future stock prices, which will depend upon market conditions and
Symix's future performance and prospects.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
                   STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                                               VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                                                                                            ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                                                                                                            PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                                        # OF SECURITIES   % OF TOTAL OPTIONS      EXERCISE      ORIGINAL         OPTION TERM
                                          UNDERLYING     GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES       PRICE      EXPIRATION   ----------------------
NAME                                    OPTIONS GRANTED     IN FISCAL 1997      ($/SHARE)(1)      DATE        5%($)      10%($)
- --------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------  -------------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>                    <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
Lawrence J. Fox.......................              0             N/A                N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A
Stephen A. Sasser.....................        140,000               38.7%         $   7.595       7/25/06   $ 668,704  $ 1,694,626
Stephen A. Yount......................        N/A                 N/A                N/A           N/A         N/A         N/A
Lawrence W. DeLeon....................         20,000(2)             5.5%         $   7.595       7/25/06   $  95,529  $   242,090
Otto Offereins........................         20,000                5.5%         $   7.595       7/25/06   $  95,529  $   242,090
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
 
(1) Represents the market price of the Common Shares on the date of grant.
 
(2) Does not include 20,000 Common Shares covered by an option granted in July,
    1997 for services rendered in fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 and the
    achievement of certain financial performance objectives. The option expires
    on July 28, 2007 and has an exercise price of $13 15/16 per Common Share.
 
    Options granted to Symix executive officers vest and become exercisable in
increments of 25% on each anniversary of the grant date, provided the executive
officer continues in the employ of Symix, and provided further that, upon the
occurrence of certain change in control events (defined in the Symix stock
option agreements) all such options will become fully vested.
 
    The following table shows the number of all vested (exercisable) and
unvested (not yet exercisable) stock options held by each executive officer
named in the Summary Compensation Table at the end of fiscal year 1997, and the
value of all such options that were "in the money" (i.e. the market price of the
Shares covered by the options was greater than the exercise price of the
options) at the end of fiscal year 1997.
 
                AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                                      AND
                         FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                                                  UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED
                                                                                  OPTIONS HELD AT FISCAL
                                     NUMBER OF SHARES ACQUIRED                         YEAR END (#)
                                            ON EXERCISE         VALUE REALIZED   -------------------------
NAME                                            (#)                   ($)        EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------  -------------------------
<S>                                  <C>                        <C>              <C>
Lawrence J. Fox....................                  0                     0            128,000/60,000
Stephen A. Sasser..................                  0                     0           100,000/440,000
Stephen A. Yount...................                  0                     0             25,000/75,000
Lawrence W. DeLeon.................                  0                     0             15,000/65,000
Otto Offereins.....................                  0                     0             15,000/65,000
 
<CAPTION>
                                          TOTAL VALUE OF
                                     UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
                                      OPTIONS HELD AT FISCAL
                                           YEAR END ($)
                                     -------------------------
NAME                                 EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------
<S>                                  <C>
Lawrence J. Fox....................        $864,400/$404,900
Stephen A. Sasser..................      $768,700/$2,852,800
Stephen A. Yount...................        $107,000/$321,000
Lawrence W. DeLeon.................         $91,875/$353,725
Otto Offereins.....................         $91,875/$353,725
</TABLE>
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    The Symix Compensation Committee consisted during fiscal 1997 of Messrs.
Tait, Liebert, Rutherford and Thomas, who are all of the non-employee members of
the Symix Board of Directors. Mr. Thomas is a partner of the law firm of Vorys,
Sater, Seymour and Pease. Symix used during fiscal 1997, and anticipates that it
will continue to use, the services of such firm.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                        INFORMATION CONCERNING PRITSKER
 
BUSINESS
 
    Pritsker is a world-wide provider of open client/server manufacturing
planning and scheduling software and interactive, design-oriented simulation
software. It designs, develops, markets, and supports a full set of products in
each of these areas. In addition, Pritsker assists its customers in creating
solutions that address a wide variety of management challenges in business and
government. These solutions are generally implemented for customers by
Pritsker's consulting staff using Pritsker's simulation and scheduling software
products. Since 1973, Pritsker has provided simulation and/or scheduling
software and support to over 6,000 sites world-wide and has consulted with over
2,000 customers.
 
    Pritsker was incorporated in the State of Indiana in 1973 and has facilities
in both West Lafayette, Indiana and Indianapolis, Indiana. Pritsker maintains
sales, application, and user support specialists for each of its product lines
with centralized marketing and administrative functions. Domestically,
simulation products are distributed primarily through direct sales channels;
planning and scheduling products are distributed both directly and through
partners. Internationally, most products are channeled through distributors, who
provide full service support to end users. Pritsker has about 15 active
distributors, located in many of the major industrial nations, including Japan,
Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Korea and South Africa.
 
    Pritsker products are designed for its two major markets: "Planning and
Scheduling" and "Simulation", as described below.
 
    PLANNING AND SCHEDULING
 
    Manufacturing companies' typical internal objectives include improving their
manufacturing and business practices. These practices include determining
whether or not new orders can be taken (e.g. can the requested due date be met),
selecting the proper shift scheduling procedures to adopt, calculating the
appropriate quantity of materials to purchase and the best time to purchase
them, and deciding which orders to run across which machines at what time.
Pritsker planning and scheduling products are focused on providing better
solutions to these issues.
 
    OrderLinks is an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) system that balances
material and capacity relative to the customer's business objectives. It
develops realistic and synchronized production plans and schedules that
simultaneously consider the multiple constraints and limitations of the
production environment. OrderLinks schedules end item demand recursively across
bills of material and provides realistic launch dates for each item in the bill
based on a finite view of both material and capacity. Using real-time entity
relation database technologies, OrderLinks provides impact analysis and
resynchronization of the entire factory after a disruption; dynamic scheduling
of assemblies, sub-assemblies and components; dynamic reallocation of in-process
material; and dynamic repegging of materials based on priority changes.
 
    FACTOR is a finite capacity scheduling system designed to interface with ERP
and shop floor data collection systems. FACTOR defines the scheduling logic;
interfaces with other on-line systems; and produces equipment, logistics,
material, and personnel plans and schedules. These plans and schedules
accurately account for finite capacities, material limitations, and other
operational constraints such as batching and sequence dependent setups. FACTOR
can determine effective order promise dates and synchronize manufacturing
release dates. FACTOR also provides a gantt chart display of the schedule, which
allows the scheduler to interactively view, query and manually adjust the
schedule.
 
    SIMULATION
 
    Simulation is a capability that allows managers and engineers to predict the
effects of recommended changes to manufacturing and other systems before they
are actually implemented. It allows these users to "build their factory in a
computer" and to "watch it run." Essentially, it provides an experimental
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
laboratory for systems analysis. As such, it supports decision making on issues
like how much equipment to buy, the amount of demand that a facility can
satisfy, how to get the most throughput through a system, and how to maximize
customer service for a set of operations. Pritsker products facilitate the use
of simulation by manufacturing and industrial engineers.
 
    FACTOR/AIM ("AIM") is a manufacturing-oriented simulation system that allows
engineers to effectively and efficiently design and improve manufacturing
operations. AIM's object oriented user interface includes constructs for easily
representing common manufacturing elements such as machines, operators,
conveyors, AGVs, fixtures, buffers, shifts, breakdowns, preventive maintenance,
parts, orders, and routings. Its output graphics and interactive animations
provide the user with clear, concise, and accurate information to facilitate
decision making. AIM also includes financial modeling capabilities. The user can
easily make manufacturing operations decisions creating and evaluating
alternative manufacturing strategies on both the operational level and the
financial level. FACTOR/AIM is integrated with the FACTOR scheduling product to
facilitate design analysis of systems for which FACTOR is installed.
 
    AweSim is a general purpose simulation system designed and developed to
employ the latest in easy-to-use Windows technology. AweSim brings total
simulation project support to high performance personal computers, from model
building to animation to analysis to graphical results presentation. AweSim
incorporates Visual SLAM, a comprehensive modeling and analysis tool that can be
used to represent a wide range of systems to whatever level of detail is needed
to support decision making. AweSim also supports multiple concurrent animations
from a single model, allowing users to simultaneously analyze results from
different perspectives.
 
    PACKAGING is a software product specifically designed to model and evaluate
high speed, high volume container filling and manufacturing systems. This unique
simulation-based system addresses the dynamic interactions of a packaging line's
components and measures overall system efficiency and stability. With PACKAGING,
an entire simulation project, from model development to results presentation,
can be completed on advanced personal computers.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF PRITSKER
 
    The following table summarizes certain financial data for each of the five
years presented. The selected financial data presented below has been derived
from the financial statements of Pritsker. The data should be read in
conjunction with Pritsker's audited financial statements, and notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "INDEX TO FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS." The selected financial data set forth below for Pritsker as of and
for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 have been derived from unaudited
financial statements of Pritsker that have been prepared on the same basis as
the audited financial statements, and include all adjustments, consisting of
normal recurring adjustments, that Pritsker considers necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods
presented. Operating results for the six-month period ended June 30, 1997 are
not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending December 31, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                   JUNE 30,                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             --------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
                                               1997       1996       1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenues...............................  $1,645,000 $2,025,000 $4,135,000 $4,169,000 $4,081,000 $5,103,000 $7,014,000
Cost of revenue............................    438,000    466,000  1,228,000  1,112,000    721,000  1,572,000  2,466,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross margin...............................  1,207,000  1,559,000  2,907,000  3,057,000  3,360,000  3,531,000  4,548,000
Operating expenses.........................
  Selling, general and administrative......    901,000  1,263,000  2,037,000  2,350,000  2,439,000  3,319,000  3,681,000
Research and product development...........    256,000    223,000    664,000    783,000  1,089,000    562,000    641,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total operating expenses...................  1,157,000  1,486,000  2,701,000  3,133,000  3,528,000  3,881,000  4,322,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income (loss)....................     50,000     73,000    206,000    (76,000)  (168,000)  (350,000)   226,000
Other income/(expense), net................    (45,000)   (43,000)   (83,000)  (113,000)   (49,000)  (244,000)  (258,000)
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income/(loss) before income taxes..........      5,000     30,000    123,000   (189,000)  (217,000)  (594,000)   (32,000)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.......     53,000     43,000     38,000     70,000     57,000    (86,000)    58,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income/(loss) before dividends on
  preferred stock..........................  $ (48,000) $ (13,000) $  85,000  $(259,000) $(274,000) $(508,000) $ (90,000)
Dividends on preferred stock...............     26,000     26,000     52,000     52,000     52,000     62,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss) applicable to common
  shares...................................    (74,000)   (39,000)    33,000   (311,000)  (326,000)  (570,000)   (90,000)
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Earnings (loss) per share..................  $   (0.03) $   (0.02) $    0.01  $   (0.13) $   (0.14) $   (0.24) $   (0.04)
Weighted average common and common share
  equivalents outstanding..................  2,366,978  2,366,978  2,366,978  2,366,734  2,366,734  2,360,042  2,339,623
Balance sheet data:
Working capital............................  $ (76,000)    46,000  $  74,000  $  40,000  $ 111,000  $  33,000  $ 165,000
Total assets...............................  3,525,000  3,607,000  3,534,000  3,672,000  4,389,000  6,316,000  7,604,000
Long-term obligations and redeemable
  preferred stock
  Long-term obligations....................    176,000    176,000    176,000    234,000    424,000  1,696,000  1,729,000
  Redeemable preferred stock...............    700,000    700,000    700,000    700,000    700,000    700,000    700,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                               876,000    876,000    876,000    934,000  1,124,000  2,396,000  2,429,000
Total shareholders' equity.................  $1,222,000 $1,226,000 $1,298,000 $1,265,000 $1,581,000 $1,907,000 $2,605,000
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
  OPERATIONS
 
    Pritsker's revenues are derived from (i) licensing its software and (ii)
providing product support and related services. Product support is provided
pursuant to agreements that are generally renewed annually. Related services
consist of installation, implementation, training, programming and systems
integration services for Pritsker software users. Pritsker's results of
operations have fluctuated on a quarterly basis due to the timing of license fee
revenues.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 31,
     1995
 
    Net revenue was $4,135,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, a decrease
of less than 1% from the previous year. During 1996, Pritsker focused much of
its development efforts on its new planning and scheduling product, OrderLinks,
which was not completed until after June, 1997. The unavailability of the new
product adversely impacted license fee revenue as revenue from software licenses
declined 4% to $2.4 million. Consulting revenue increased 5% to $1.7 million.
The cost of revenue increased to $1,228,000 for 1996 from $1,112,000 in 1995, an
increase of approximately 10%. The increase in costs was primarily the result of
increased consulting revenue.
 
    Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense was $2,037,000 for 1996
compared to $2,350,000 for 1995, a 13% decrease. SG&A expense stated as a
percentage of revenue for 1996 and 1995 was 49% and 56%, respectively. This
decrease was due to planned expense reductions within sales and marketing in
response to the decline in revenue.
 
    Research and product development expenses, including amortization of
capitalized software development for 1996, were $664,000 compared to $783,000 in
1995. The decrease was due to planned expense reductions.
 
    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO JUNE 30,
     1996
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 1997, net revenue decreased 19% to
$1,645,000 from $2,025,000 for the same period the prior year. Revenue from
software licenses decreased 23% to $993,000 and consulting revenue declined 12%
to $652,000. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to the delay in
the release of the new advanced planning and scheduling product, OrderLinks.
Pritsker also devoted significant services resources to support the completion
of the product.
 
    The cost of revenue decreased for the six months ended June 30, 1997 from
the corresponding period of the prior year as a direct result of the decreases
in net revenue.
 
    SG&A expense was $901,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, compared
to $1,263,000 for the corresponding period of the prior year, a decrease of 29%.
The decrease is due to planned spending controls and attrition in personnel.
SG&A expense as a percentage of total revenue for the six months ended June 30
declined from 62% in 1996 to 55% in 1997.
 
    Research and product development expenditures, including amortization of
capitalized software development for the six months ended June 30, 1997, were
$256,000 compared to $223,000 for the same period in the prior year.
 
    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    At June 30, 1997, Pritsker had working capital of ($76,000) including cash
and cash equivalents of $1,000, compared to $74,000 including cash and cash
equivalents of $24,000 at December 31, 1996. Net accounts receivable decreased
from $1,164,000 at December 31, 1996, to $1,095,000 at June 30, 1997. At June
30, 1997, the accounts receivable days sales outstanding ("DSO") was 120 days
compared to 103 days at December 31, 1996. The increase in DSO is attributable
to an increase in installment payments that are being collected over the product
implementation cycle and extended payment terms offered to Pritsker's larger
international distributors.
 
    During the first six months of 1997, cash from operating activities was
sufficient to satisfy Pritsker's operating needs. Subsequent to June 30, 1997,
Pritsker converted $175,500 of officer loans into 175,500 shares of Pritsker
Common Stock. Pritsker offered Pritsker Common Stock to existing shareholders at
a price of $1.00 per share and received an aggregate of $169,000 cash for
169,000 common shares issued pursuant to that offering. Pritsker also converted
28,861 shares of Pritsker Preferred Stock with a liquidation value of $150,000
into 150,000 shares of Pritsker Common Stock. These equity transactions
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
combined with cash from operating activities is expected to be sufficient to
satisfy current cash needs of Pritsker.
 
    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker Preferred Stock as of          ,
1997, by (i) each of Pritsker's directors, (ii) Pritsker's executive officers,
(iii) all current directors and executive officers of Pritsker as a group and
(iv) each person or entity known to Pritsker to beneficially own more than 5% of
the Pritsker Common Stock at that date. Except as indicated in a footnote, each
person or entity possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the
shares indicated as beneficially owned.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       PRITSKER COMMON STOCK         PRITSKER PREFERRED STOCK
                                                    ----------------------------   ----------------------------
                                                                   PERCENTAGE OF                  PERCENTAGE OF
                                                     NUMBER OF      OUTSTANDING     NUMBER OF      OUTSTANDING
                                                       SHARES         SHARES          SHARES         SHARES
                                                    BENEFICIALLY   BENEFICIALLY    BENEFICIALLY   BENEFICIALLY
                                                       OWNED           OWNED          OWNED           OWNED
                                                    ------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
A. Alan B. Pritsker(1)............................     914,180(2)      31.6%               0             0
David B. Wortman(3)...............................     379,800         13.3%               0             0
Steven D. Duket(1)................................     188,760(4)       6.6%               0             0
Kenneth D. Pritsker...............................      33,255          1.2%               0             0
John E. Layden....................................      85,000(5)       2.9%               0             0
Danaher Corporation(6)............................     700,000         24.6%               0             0
Daniel L. Comas(6)................................     700,000(7)      24.6%               0             0
Cambridge Ventures, L.P.(8).......................     295,670(9)       9.9%         105,163           100%
Theodore M. Englehart(8)..........................     295,670(10)      9.9%         105,163           100%
All current directors and executive officers as a
  group (7 persons)...............................   2,596,665         83.7%                           100%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 (1) The address of Messrs. Pritsker and Duket is 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600,
    Indianapolis, Indiana 46268.
 
 (2) Includes 48,000 shares issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable
    stock options.
 
 (3) Mr. Wortman's address is 9024 Kirkham Court, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260.
 
 (4) Includes 24,760 shares issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable
    stock options.
 
 (5) Includes 50,000 shares, including 25,000 shares exercisable on January 1,
    1998, issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable stock options.
 
 (6) The address of Danaher Corporation and Mr. Comas is 1250 24th Street N.W.,
    Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20037.
 
 (7) Held by Danaher Corporation, an affiliate of Mr. Comas.
 
 (8) The address of Cambridge Ventures, L.P. and Mr. Englehart is 8440 Woodfield
    Crossing Boulevard, Suite 330, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.
 
 (9) Includes 4,080 shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant and 128,206
    shares issuable upon conversion of the Pritsker Preferred Stock.
 
(10) Held by Cambridge Ventures, L.P., an affiliate of Mr. Englehart.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
                     DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF SYMIX
 
    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 21,000,000 shares,
of which 20,000,000 shares are Common Shares, each without par value, and
1,000,000 shares are preferred shares, each without par value. At          ,
1997, there were                     Symix Common Shares outstanding. No
preferred shares are currently outstanding. The outstanding Symix Common Shares
are, and the shares to be issued in the Merger will be, fully paid and
nonassessable.
 
    Holders of Symix Common Shares and preferred shares are entitled to one vote
for each share held of record on each matter submitted to a vote of
shareholders. Shareholders have no cumulative voting rights, which means that
the holders of shares entitled to exercise more than fifty percent (50%) of the
voting power are able to elect all of the directors.
 
COMMON SHARES
 
    Holders of Symix Common Shares are entitled to receive dividends when and if
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor,
subject to the rights of holders of any preferred shares that may be issued, as
described below, and to any contractual restrictions on the payment of
dividends. The Company currently intends to continue to retain its earnings for
use in its business and to pay no cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See
"COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS."
 
    Under Ohio law and the Company's Amended Articles, the affirmative vote of
the holders of shares entitled to exercise at least two-thirds ( 2/3) of the
voting power is necessary for certain corporate actions, including merger or
consolidation with another corporation, combination or majority share
acquisition, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
corporation's property and assets, voluntary dissolution of the Company or
amendment of the Company's Amended Articles.
 
    Upon dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid
to creditors and to holders of outstanding preferred shares, if any, the holders
of Symix Common Shares will be entitled to receive pro rata the remaining assets
of the Company available for distribution.
 
    The holders of Symix Common Shares do not have preemptive, subscription,
redemption or conversion rights.
 
PREFERRED SHARES
 
    The Amended Articles authorize the Board of Directors to issue preferred
shares from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors is
authorized to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of the
shares of any series so established with respect to the dividend or distribution
rights, the dates of payments of dividends or distributions and the dates from
which they are cumulative, liquidation price, redemption rights and price,
sinking fund requirements, conversion rights and restrictions on the issuance of
shares of any class or series.
 
    The Board of Directors, without shareholder approval, could issue preferred
shares with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the voting
power of the holders of Symix Common Shares. There are no present plans to issue
any preferred shares.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
    The transfer agent for the Symix Common Shares is Fifth Third Bank, N.A.,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
 
                        COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
 
    Pritsker is incorporated in Indiana, and the rights of its shareholders are
governed by the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the "IBCL") and by Pritsker's
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. Symix is
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
incorporated in Ohio, and the rights of its shareholders are governed by the
Ohio General Corporation Law (the "OGCL") and Symix's Amended Articles of
Incorporation and Amended Regulations. The IBCL differs from the OGCL in many
respects and, accordingly, the rights of holders of shares of Pritsker Common
Stock differ in certain respects from the rights which they would have as
shareholders of Symix. The following summary sets forth certain differences that
should be considered by Pritsker shareholders.
 
MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATIONS
 
    Under the OGCL and Symix's Amended Articles of Incorporation, an agreement
of merger or consolidation must be approved by the directors of each constituent
corporation and adopted by shareholders of each constituent Ohio corporation
(other than the surviving corporation in the case of a merger) holding at least
two-thirds of the corporation's voting power. In the case of a merger, the
agreement must also be adopted by the shareholders of the surviving corporation
by similar vote, if one or more of the following conditions exist: (a) the
articles or regulations of the surviving corporation then in effect require that
the agreement be adopted by the shareholders or by the holders of a particular
class of shares of that corporation; (b) the agreement conflicts with the
articles or regulations of the surviving corporation then in effect, or changes
the articles or regulations, or authorizes any action that, if it were being
made or authorized apart from the merger, would otherwise require adoption by
the shareholders or by the holders of a particular class of shares of that
corporation; (c) the merger involves the issuance or transfer by the surviving
corporation to the shareholders of the other constituent corporation or
corporations of such number of shares of the surviving corporation as will
entitle the holders of the shares immediately after the consummation of the
merger to exercise one-sixth or more of the voting power of that corporation in
the election of directors; or (d) the agreement of merger makes such change in
the directors of the surviving corporation as would otherwise require action by
the shareholders or by the holders of a particular class of shares of that
corporation.
 
    Section 23-1-40-3 of the IBCL requires a merger or exchange to be approved
by a majority of the shares entitled to vote, unless a greater vote is required
by law, the board of directors or the articles of incorporation. However, the
vote of the shareholders of the surviving corporation on a plan of merger is not
required if (i) the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation will
not differ from its articles before the merger, (ii) each shareholder of the
surviving corporation whose shares were outstanding immediately before the
effective date of the merger will hold the same proportionate number of shares
held by all such shareholders (except for shares of the surviving corporation
received solely as a result of the shareholder's proportionate shareholdings in
the other corporations party to the merger), with identical designations,
preferences, limitations and relative rights, immediately after the merger,
(iii) the number of voting shares outstanding immediately after the merger, plus
the number of voting shares issuable as a result of the merger (either by the
conversion of securities issued pursuant to the merger or the exercise of rights
and warrants issued pursuant to the merger), will not exceed by more than 20%
the total number of voting shares of the surviving corporation outstanding
immediately before the merger and (iv) the number of participating shares
outstanding immediately after the merger, plus the number of participating
shares issuable as a result of the merger (either by the conversion of
securities issued pursuant to the merger or the exercise of rights and warrants
issued pursuant to the merger), will not exceed by more than 20% the total
number of participating shares of the surviving corporation outstanding
immediately before the merger. Under Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation, the
holders of at least 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of Pritsker Common
Stock entitled to vote must approve a merger or exchange.
 
OTHER CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
 
    Subject to certain exceptions, under the OGCL and Symix's Amended Articles
of Incorporation, the approval of two-thirds of the voting power of Symix is
required for (i) the consummation of combinations and majority share
acquisitions involving the transfer or issuance of such number of shares as
would entitle
 
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the holders thereof to exercise at least one-sixth of the voting power of such
corporation in the election of directors immediately after the consummation of
such transaction, (ii) the disposition of all or substantially all of the
corporation's assets other than in the regular course of business and (iii)
voluntary dissolutions.
 
    In addition to shareholder approvals required by the IBCL, under Article IX
of Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation, at least 75% of the holders of Pritsker
Common Stock entitled to vote thereon must authorize, adopt or approve any of
the following actions that would otherwise require shareholder approval: (i) any
voluntary plan of liquidation or dissolution of Pritsker; (ii) any sale, lease,
exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of Pritsker's assets;
(iii) any authorization of Pritsker shares, other securities convertible into
Pritsker shares, or options, rights, or warrants to acquire any Pritsker shares
or securities convertible into Pritsker shares; and (iv) any amendment to or
deletion from any article of Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation. The
provisions of Article IX control and override anything to the contrary in
Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation.
 
    Section 2.09 of Pritsker's By-laws establishes a Special Committee of the
Board of Directors composed of four members designated by its principal
shareholders. The Special Committee currently consists of A. Alan B. Pritsker,
Daniel L. Comas, Steven D. Duket, and David B. Wortman. Although Special
Committee cannot authorize any action of the corporation or exercise any
authority of the Board of Directors, the Special Committee must unanimously
approve certain matters before the Board of Directors or the Compensation
Committee of the Board may approve them. Matters requiring approval by the
Special Committee include certain salary increases and bonuses to officers of
the corporation, agreements between the corporation and any officer regarding
sales or leases of property, loans, stock redemptions or employment contracts
for periods over two years, certain actions regarding stock option plans,
amendments to Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, capital
expenditures exceeding certain levels, and any investments in or acquisitions of
other companies or businesses.
 
    Section 1701.60 of the OGCL generally provides that transactions between
officers or directors and Symix are not void or voidable provided that: a
majority of the disinterested directors approve the transaction; the
disinterested shareholders holding a majority of the shares approve the
transaction; or the transaction is fair as to Symix at the time it is approved.
Article Sixth of Symix's Amended Articles is consistent with this provision.
 
PROTECTION AGAINST NON-NEGOTIATED TAKEOVERS
 
    Section 1701.831 of the OGCL generally provides that certain "control share
acquisitions" of shares of an "issuing public corporation" may be made only with
the prior authorization of the shareholders of the corporation, unless the
articles or code of regulations of the corporation otherwise provide. The
Amended Articles of Symix provide that Section 1701.831 of the OGCL does not
apply to control share acquisitions of Symix. In addition, Chapter 1704 of the
OGCL generally prohibits a wide range of business combinations and transactions
between or involving an issuing public corporation that is a reporting company
under the Exchange Act and a person who, alone or with others, beneficially owns
ten percent of more of the voting power of the corporation. A corporation may
provide in its articles of incorporation that Chapter 1704 does not apply to the
corporation. Symix's Amended Articles provide that Chapter 1704 of OGCL does not
apply to Symix.
 
    Section 23-1-22-4 of the IBCL provides that, in addition to any other
provision authorized by any other section of the IBCL or contained in the
articles of incorporation or the by-laws, a corporation may establish one or
more procedures to regulate transactions that would, when consummated, result in
a change of "control" of the corporation. Such a procedure may be established in
the original articles of incorporation or by-laws, by an amendment to the
articles of incorporation or, notwithstanding the fact that a vote of the
shareholders would otherwise be required by any other provision of the IBCL or
the articles of incorporation, by an amendment to the by-laws. For purposes of
Section 23-1-22-4, "control" means, for any corporation that has fewer than 100
shareholders, the beneficial ownership, or the direct or
 
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indirect power to direct the voting, of no less than 50% of the voting shares of
the corporation's outstanding voting shares. Under Pritsker's Articles of
Incorporation, the holders of at least 75% of the issued and outstanding shares
of Pritsker Common Stock entitled to vote and the holders of a majority of the
issued and outstanding shares of Pritsker Preferred Stock entitled to vote must
approve a merger or exchange.
 
SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
    Under the OGCL, persons who may call a special meeting of shareholders
include the chairman of the board, the president, or, in case of the president's
absence, death, or disability, the vice-president authorized to exercise the
authority of the president in the absence of the latter; the directors by action
at a meeting or a majority of the directors acting without a meeting; persons
holding 25% or more of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote, unless
the articles or regulations specify a smaller or larger portion, but not more
than 50%; or such other officers or persons as the articles or regulations may
authorize. Symix's Amended Regulations authorize the Chairman of the Board, the
President (or, in the event of his absence, death or disability, the Vice
President authorized to exercise the authority of the President in the absence
of the latter), the Secretary or the Board of Directors to call a special
meeting of shareholders. In addition, Symix's Amended Regulations authorize a
special meeting of shareholders to be called by persons holding at least a
majority of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote thereat.
 
    Section 23-1-29-2 of the IBCL provides that a corporation with 50 or fewer
shareholders (like Pritsker) must hold a special meeting of shareholders (i) on
demand of its board of directors or the persons (including, but not limited to,
shareholders or officers) specifically authorized to do so in the corporation's
articles of incorporation or by-laws or (ii) on written demand of the holders of
at least 25% of all of the votes entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be
considered at the proposed special meeting. Pritsker's By-laws provide that a
special meeting must be held upon the request of the Chairman of the Board, the
President, the Board of Directors or the holders of shares representing not less
than one-fourth of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter to be considered at
the special meeting.
 
CLASS VOTING
 
    Under the OGCL, holders of a particular class of shares are entitled to vote
as a separate class if the rights of such class are affected by mergers,
consolidations or amendments to the articles.
 
    Under the IBCL, the holders of a particular class of shares are entitled to
vote as a separate class if the rights of such class are affected by mergers,
share exchanges or amendments to the articles of incorporation. Under Pritsker's
Articles of Incorporation, the holders of Pritsker Common Stock and Pritsker
Preferred Stock constitute one voting class, except on matters for which voting
by separate classes is required by the IBCL or Article IX of Pritsker's
Articles. See "--Other Corporate Transactions."
 
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS AND FILLING OF VACANCIES
 
    Under Symix's Amended Regulations, a director or directors may be removed
from office, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least a majority of the voting power of Symix which entitles them to elect
directors in place of those to be removed. Vacancies in the Board of Directors
of Symix and any newly-created directorships resulting from any increase in the
number of the directors may be filled by the directors, acting by the vote of a
majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum. A director
elected to the Board to fill a vacancy would hold office for the unexpired
portion of the term of the director whose place has been filled. A director
elected by the Board to fill a newly created directorship resulting from an
increase in the number of directors would hold office until the next election of
the class for which the director was elected.
 
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    Under Section 23-1-33-8 of the IBCL, directors may be removed in any manner
provided in the articles of incorporation. In addition, unless the articles of
incorporation provide otherwise, the shareholders or directors may remove one or
more directors with or without cause. A director may be removed by the
shareholders, if they are otherwise authorized to do so, only at a meeting
called for that purpose, and such purpose must be stated in the notice of the
meeting. A director elected by a voting group of shareholders may be removed
only by that voting group. Pritsker's By-laws provide that the shareholders may
remove any director, with or without cause, in the manner provided by statute.
 
    Under Section 23-1-33-9 of the IBCL, unless the articles of incorporation
provide otherwise, if a vacancy occurs on the board of directors, including a
vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, the remaining
directors, even if less than a quorum, may fill the vacancy by majority vote. If
the vacant office was held by a director elected by a voting group of
shareholders, only the holders of shares of that voting group may vote to fill
the vacancy if it is filled by shareholders. A vacancy that will occur at a
specific later date by reason of resignation of a director effective at a later
date may be filled before the vacancy occurs, but the new director may not take
office until the vacancy occurs. Pritsker's By-laws provide that any
directorship vacant by reason of an increase in the number of directors must be
filled by a vote of the common shareholders at an annual meeting or special
meeting called for that purpose or in any other manner provided by statute.
 
AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES AND REGULATIONS
 
    Under the OGCL and Symix's Amended Articles, an amendment to Symix's Amended
Articles must be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares
entitling them to exercise two-thirds of the voting power of Symix on the
proposal.
 
    Under the OGCL and Symix's Amended Regulations, an amendment to Symix's
Amended Regulations may be adopted, at a meeting called for such purpose, by the
affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise a majority
of the voting power of Symix on the proposal or, without a meeting, by the
written consent of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise a majority
of the voting power of Symix on the proposal.
 
    Sections 23-1-38-3 and 23-1-38-4 of the IBCL permit a corporation to amend
its articles of incorporation in any respect provided the amendment contains
only provisions that would be lawful in an original articles of incorporation
filed at the time of amendment. To amend the articles of incorporation, the
board must adopt a resolution presenting the proposed amendment. Unless a
greater vote is required by law, the board of directors or the articles of
incorporation, an amendment to the articles of incorporation of an Indiana
corporation generally may be adopted if the votes cast favoring the amendment
exceed the votes cast opposing the amendment, except that any amendment that
would create dissenters' rights must be approved by a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast. When the substantial rights of a class of shares will be
affected by an amendment, the holders of those shares are entitled to vote as a
class even if the shares are non-voting shares. When one or more series in a
class of shares, and not the entire class, will be adversely affected by an
amendment, the affected series may vote as a class. Under Pritsker's Articles of
Incorporation, any amendment to or deletion from the Articles of Incorporation
must be approved by the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of
Pritsker Common Stock.
 
    Section 23-1-39-1 of the IBCL provides that, unless the articles of
incorporation provide otherwise, only the board of directors of a corporation
may amend the by-laws. Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation do not provide
otherwise.
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
    Under the OGCL, dissenting shareholders are entitled to appraisal rights in
connection with the lease, sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all
or substantially all of the assets of a corporation and in connection with
amendments to its articles which change the rights of shareholders in a
substantially
 
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prejudicial manner. In addition, shareholders of an Ohio corporation being
merged into a new corporation are also entitled to appraisal rights.
Shareholders of an acquiring corporation are entitled to appraisal rights in a
merger, combination or majority share acquisition in which such shareholders are
entitled to voting rights.
 
    Section 23-1-44-8 of the IBCL provides that shareholders have the right, in
some circumstances, to dissent from certain corporate reorganizations and to
instead demand payment of the fair cash value of their shares. Dissenters do not
have rights of appraisal (i) with respect to shares of any class or series of
stock registered on a national securities exchange or traded on the NASDAQ
National Market or a similar market or (ii) if they were not entitled to vote on
the merger.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
    An Ohio corporation may pay dividends out of surplus, however created, in
cash, property or shares. An Ohio corporation must notify its shareholders if a
dividend is paid out of capital surplus.
 
    Section 23-1-28-1 of the IBCL allows a board of directors to make
distributions to shareholders, unless otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation. However, pursuant to Section 23-1-28-3 of the IBCL, no
distribution may be made if it would cause (i) the corporation to be unable to
pay its debts as they become due or (ii) the corporation's assets to be less
than the sum of its liabilities plus, except as otherwise specifically allowed
by the articles of incorporation, the amount that would be needed, if the
corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the
rights of preferential shareholders whose rights are superior to those receiving
the distribution. Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation prohibit Pritsker from
paying any dividends on or making any distributions in respect of Pritsker
Common Stock if Pritsker has failed to pay dividends, as required by its
Articles of Incorporation, on Pritsker Preferred Stock.
 
REPURCHASES
 
    Under the OGCL, a corporation may repurchase its own shares if authorized to
do so by its articles or under certain other circumstances but may not do so if
immediately thereafter its assets would be less than its liabilities plus its
stated capital, if any, or if the corporation is insolvent or would be rendered
insolvent by such a purchase or redemption. Article FIFTH of Symix's Amended
Articles of Incorporation permits Symix to repurchase shares to the extent
permitted by law.
 
    Under the IBCL, a corporation may repurchase its own shares, unless such
purchase would cause (i) the corporation to be unable to pay its debts as they
become due or (ii) the corporation's assets to be less than the sum of its
liabilities plus, except as otherwise specifically allowed by the articles of
incorporation, the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be
dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the rights of preferential
shareholders whose rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.
Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation prohibit the corporation from repurchasing
any shares of Pritsker's Common Stock if Pritsker has failed to pay dividends,
as required by its Articles of Incorporation, on Pritsker Preferred Stock.
 
DIRECTOR AND OFFICER LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
 
    Under Section 1701.13(E) of the OGCL, directors, officers, employees and
agents of Ohio corporations have an absolute right to indemnification for
expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by them to
the extent they are successful in defense of any action, suit or proceeding,
including derivative actions, brought against them, or in defense of any claim,
issue or matter asserted in any such proceeding. A director or officer is
entitled to such indemnification if his success is "on the merits or otherwise,"
thus mandating indemnification if the indemnitee is successful on the merits or
if he is successful, for example, in asserting a procedural defense, such as a
claim that the action is barred by the applicable statute of limitations or if
he is released pursuant to a negotiated settlement without making
 
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payment or providing other consideration. Directors (but not officers, employees
or agents) are entitled to mandatory payment of expenses by the corporation as
they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or
proceeding, provided the director agrees to cooperate with the corporation
concerning the matter and to repay the amount advanced if it is proved by clear
and convincing evidence that his act or failure to act was done with deliberate
intent to cause injury to the corporation or with reckless disregard for the
corporation's best interests.
 
    The OGCL permits a corporation to indemnify directors, officers, employees
or agents of the corporation in circumstances where indemnification is not
mandated by the statute if certain statutory standards are satisfied. A
corporation may grant indemnification in actions other than actions brought by,
or derivatively in the right of, the corporation if the indemnitee has acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Such
indemnification is permitted against expenses (including attorneys' fees) as
well as judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by the indemnitee.
 
    An Ohio corporation also may provide indemnification in actions brought by,
or derivatively in the right of, the corporation for attorneys' fees and
expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of an action if the officer, director, employee or agent acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the corporation. Ohio law does not expressly authorize
indemnification against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in such
actions. The corporation may not indemnify a director, officer, employee or
agent in such actions for attorneys' fees and expenses if the director, officer,
employee or agent is adjudged to be liable to the corporation for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duties to the corporation, unless and only
to the extent that a court determines that, despite the adjudication of
liability, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity.
 
    The OGCL grants express power to an Ohio corporation to purchase and
maintain insurance or furnish similar protection, including but not limited to
trust funds, letters of credit and self-insurance, for director, officer,
employee or agent liability. Such insurance may be purchased for, or other
protection provided to, any director, officer, employee or agent, regardless of
whether that individual is otherwise eligible for indemnification by the
corporation.
 
    Symix's Amended Regulations provide for indemnification consistent with
Section 1701.13(E) of the OGCL. The Regulations provide that Symix must
indemnify officers and directors against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred in connection with any
pending, threatened or completed action (whether criminal, civil, administrative
or investigative) by reason of the fact that such individual is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of Symix or is or was serving at the
request of Symix as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or other entity so long as such individual acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed was in, or not opposed to, the best interests
of Symix and, with respect to any criminal matter, he had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. Symix's Amended Regulations forbid Symix from
indemnifying an officer or director if such person is adjudged to be liable for
acting with reckless disregard for the best interests of Symix or misconduct
(other than negligence) in the performance of his duty to Symix unless and only
to the extent a court, in view of all the circumstances, concludes that such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to such indemnity as the court deems
proper. Symix's Amended Regulations create a presumption that a director or
officer has acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in,
or not opposed to, the best interests of Symix, and with respect to any criminal
matter to have had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Because of this presumption, Symix believes that a director or officer will not
have the initial burden of showing that he acted in good faith or in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Symix. In
addition, Symix's Amended Regulations require Symix to advance expenses on
behalf of officers and directors if they agree in writing to repay such amounts
if they are not successful in the litigation.
 
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    Symix's Amended Regulations state that the indemnification provided thereby
is not exclusive of any other rights to which any person seeking indemnification
may be entitled. Additionally, Symix's Amended Regulations provide that Symix
may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of Symix, or who is or was serving another
entity at the request of Symix, against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him in such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether
or not Symix would have the obligation or power to indemnify him under Symix's
Amended Regulations. Symix's Amended Regulations also authorize Symix to
purchase and maintain trust funds, letters of credit or self-insurance on behalf
of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of Symix or
who is serving or has served another entity at the request of Symix.
 
    Section 23-1-37-8 and Section 23-1-37-13 of the IBCL provide that a
corporation may indemnify any individual made a party to a proceeding (including
a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation) because the individual is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against liability
incurred in the proceeding if the individual acted in good faith and reasonably
believed (i) in the case of conduct in the individual's official capacity with
the corporation, that the individual's conduct was in the corporation's best
interests or (ii) in all other cases, that the individual's conduct was at least
not opposed to the corporation's best interests. In the case of any criminal
proceeding, the individual must have had either reasonable cause to believe the
conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe that it was unlawful. In
addition, Section 23-1-37-9 and Section 23-1-37-13 provide that a corporation,
unless limited by its articles of incorporation, must indemnify a director or
officer who was wholly successful in the defense of any proceeding to which the
director or officer was a party because the director or officer is or was a
director or officer of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by
the director or officer in connection with the proceeding.
 
    The Pritsker Articles of Incorporation do not limit the rights to
indemnification provided by the IBCL. Under resolutions adopted by Pritsker's
shareholders in 1985, Pritsker must indemnify directors and officers in certain
circumstances in which Pritsker would otherwise, under IC 23-1-37, have the
discretion to indemnify. The resolution requires Pritsker to indemnify directors
and officers against expenses (including attorney's fees) actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of third party actions and
actions by or on behalf of the corporation brought against directors or officers
by reason of the fact that the person seeking indemnification is or was a
director or officer of the corporation. To be entitled to indemnification under
the resolution, the director or officer must have acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation. Pritsker must indemnify an officer or director in any criminal
action if the officer or director met the standard described in the preceding
sentence and had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Pritsker is not required to indemnify an officer or director in a third party
action if that officer or director is found to have been negligent or to have
engaged in misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless
and only to the extent that a court requires Pritsker to indemnify the
individual. The determination whether an officer or director is entitled to
indemnification under the resolution must be made on a case by case basis by a
majority vote of disinterested directors, by legal counsel (if requested by the
disinterested directors) or by the shareholders. Pritsker has the discretion to
advance expenses to an officer or director upon receipt of an undertaking by or
on behalf of the officer or director to repay such amount unless he is
ultimately found to be entitled to indemnification under the resolution.
 
    The Merger Agreement provides that following the Effective Time of the
Merger, Symix and Acquisition Sub will indemnify and hold harmless each present
and former director and officer of Pritsker, and will advance costs and expenses
as incurred, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by law, in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or
pertaining to matters as to which such director or officer would be entitled to
indemnification or advancement of expenses from Pritsker under the Indiana
Business Corporation Law, including the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement.
 
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LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
 
    Ohio has codified the directors' common law duty of care and, in part, their
common law duty of loyalty. Section 1701.59(B) of the OGCL provides in pertinent
part: "A director shall perform his duties as a director, including his duties
as a member of any committee of the directors upon which he may serve, in good
faith, in a manner he reasonably believes to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and with the care that an ordinarily prudent
person in a like position would use under similar circumstances."
 
    Under Ohio law, a director is not liable for monetary damages unless it is
proved by clear and convincing evidence that his action or failure to act was
undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the corporation or with
reckless disregard for the best interests of the corporation. This higher
standard of proof must be met in any action brought against a director for
breach of his duties, including any action involving or affecting (i) a change
or potential change in control of the corporation, (ii) a termination or
potential termination of a director's service to the corporation as a director
or (iii) a director's service in any other position or relationship with the
corporation. The higher standard of proof, however, does not affect the
liability of directors for unlawful loans, dividends or distributions under
Section 1701.95 of the OGCL. There is no comparable provision limiting the
liability of officers, employees or agents of Ohio corporations.
 
    Ohio law provides specific statutory authority for directors, when
determining what they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the
corporation, to consider, in addition to the interests of the corporation's
shareholders, other factors such as the interests of the corporation's
employees, suppliers, creditors and customers; the economy of the state and
nation; community and societal considerations; the long-term and the short-term
interests of the corporation and its shareholders; and the possibility that
these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the
corporation.
 
    Section 23-1-35-1 of the IBCL provides that a director is not liable for any
action taken as a director, or any failure to act, unless the director has
breached or failed to perform the duties of the director's office in compliance
with Section 23-1-35-1 and the breach or failure to perform constitutes willful
misconduct or recklessness. Subject to this standard, a director who votes or
assents to distributions in violation of Section 23-1-28-3 of the IBCL is
personally liable to the corporation for the amount of the illegal distribution
and is entitled to contribution from the other directors who voted for or
assented to such distribution and the shareholders who received the
distribution.
 
    Section 23-1-35-1 of the IBCL provides that a board of directors, in
discharging its duties, may consider, in its discretion, both the long-term and
short-term best interests of the corporation, taking into account, and weighing
as the directors deem appropriate, the effects of an action on the corporation's
shareholders, employees, suppliers and customers and the communities in which
offices or other facilities of the corporation are located and any other factors
the directors consider pertinent. Section 23-1-35-1 specifically provides that
certain judicial decisions in Delaware and other jurisdictions, which might be
looked upon for guidance in interpreting Indiana law, including decisions that
propose a higher or different degree of scrutiny in response to a proposed
acquisition of the corporation, are inconsistent with the proper application of
that section.
 
SIZE AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    Section 1701.56 (A) of the OGCL provides that a board of directors must
consist of not less than three individuals (unless there are fewer than three
shareholders), with the number specified in or fixed in accordance with the
articles of incorporation or regulations. Section 1701.57 (B) of the OGCL
provides that the articles of incorporation or regulations may provide for
staggering the terms of directors by dividing the total number of directors into
either two or three classes consisting of not less than three directors each.
The Symix Board of Directors is not classified.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
    Section 23-1-33-3 of the IBCL provides that a board of directors must
consist of one or more individuals, with the number specified in or fixed in
accordance with the articles of incorporation or by-laws. Section 23-1-33-6 of
the IBCL provides that the articles of incorporation, or, if the articles of
incorporation so authorize, the by-laws, may provide for staggering the terms of
directors by dividing the total number of directors into either two or three
classes, with each class containing as closely as possible the same number of
directors. The Pritsker Board of Directors is not classified.
 
LOANS TO DIRECTORS
 
    Pursuant to Section 1701.95 of the OGCL, the directors of an Ohio
corporation shall be personally liable for a loan made to an officer, director
or shareholder, other than in the usual course of business, unless, at the time
the loan is made, a majority of the disinterested directors voted for the loan
and determined that making the loan could reasonably be expected to benefit the
corporation.
 
    Pursuant to Section 23-1-35-3 of the IBCL, a corporation may not lend money
to or guarantee the obligation of a director of the corporation unless (i) the
loan is approved by a majority of the disinterested shares, (ii) the board of
directors determines that the loan or guarantee benefits the corporation and
either approves the specific loan or guarantee or a general plan authorizing
loans and guarantees or (iii) the loan or guarantee is authorized by a statute
regulating any special class of corporations.
 
GENERAL VOTING RIGHTS
 
    Holders of Symix Common Shares are entitled to one vote for each share of
record upon any matter submitted to a vote of Symix shareholders.
 
    Holders of Pritsker Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of
record upon any matter submitted to a vote of Pritsker shareholders.
 
ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS THROUGH WRITTEN CONSENT
 
    Under Section 1701.54 of the OGCL, any action required or permitted to be
taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a written
consent thereto is signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on the
action.
 
    Under Section 23-1-29-4 of the IBCL, any action required or permitted to be
taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a written
consent thereto is signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on the
action.
 
CUMULATIVE VOTING FOR DIRECTORS
 
    Section 23-1-30-9 of the IBCL allows a corporation to provide for cumulative
voting in the articles of incorporation. Cumulative voting for directors permits
a shareholder to cast a number of votes equal to the number of shares owned
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected. Such votes may be cast for
one nominee or spread among designated nominees. Pritsker's Articles of
Incorporation provide for cumulative voting for directors.
 
    The holders of Symix Common Shares have no cumulative voting rights. See
"DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF SYMIX."
 
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
 
    Under Section 23-1-27-1 of the IBCL, absent an express provision in a
corporation's articles of incorporation, a shareholder does not, by operation of
law, possess preemptive rights to subscribe to an additional issue of stock.
Pritsker's Articles of Incorporation do not provide for preemptive rights.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
    The holders of Symix Common Shares do not have preemptive rights. See
"DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF SYMIX."
 
INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
 
    Section 1701.37 (C) of the OGCL entitles any shareholder of a corporation to
inspect and copy, at any reasonable time and for any reasonable and proper
purpose, certain enumerated corporate records.
 
    Section 23-1-52-2 of the IBCL entitles any shareholder of a corporation to
inspect and copy, during regular business hours, certain enumerated corporate
records if the shareholder gives the corporation at least five days' written
notice in advance. Certain records may be inspected only if the shareholder's
demand is made in good faith and for a proper purpose, the shareholder describes
with reasonable particularity the shareholder's purpose and the records to be
inspected are directly connected with the shareholder's purpose.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The validity of the issuance of the Symix Common Shares to be issued in
connection with the Merger will be passed upon by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and
Pease, Columbus, Ohio. As of October 20, 1997, members of Vorys, Sater, Seymour
and Pease beneficially owned an aggregate of 144,739 Symix Common Shares. Duke
W. Thomas, a member of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, is a director of the
Company.
 
    Certain matters on behalf of Pritsker in connection with the Merger will be
passed upon by Baker & Daniels, Indianapolis, Indiana.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements of Symix Systems, Inc., as of June 30,
1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30,
1997, appearing in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance
upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
 
    The financial statements of Pritsker Corporation for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, included herein and in the Registration
Statement have been audited by Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report with respect thereto and are included in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                             SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
    Any proposals by Symix shareholders intended to be presented at the 1998
annual meeting of Symix shareholders must be received by Symix on or prior to
June 5, 1998 in order to be considered for inclusion in Symix's 1998 proxy
statement.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>        <C>                                                                                                  <C>
I.         SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.................................................................................  F-2
           Report of Independent Auditors.....................................................................  F-3
           Consolidated Statements of Operations--Years ended June 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995...................  F-4
           Consolidated Balance Sheets--June 30, 1997 and 1996................................................  F-5
           Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity--Years ended June 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995.........  F-6
           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Years ended June 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995...................  F-7
           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--June 30, 1997..........................................  F-8
 
II.        PRITSKER CORPORATION--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995.............................  F-17
           Report of Independent Auditors.....................................................................  F-18
           Statements of Operations--Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995...................................  F-19
           Balance Sheets--December 31, 1996 and 1995.........................................................  F-20
           Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity--Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995..............  F-21
           Statements of Cash Flows--Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995...................................  F-22
           Notes to Financial Statements......................................................................  F-23
 
III.       PRITSKER CORPORATION--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)--JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996.....................  F-30
           Statements of Operations--Six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996..................................  F-31
           Balance Sheet--June 30, 1997.......................................................................  F-32
           Statements of Cash Flows--Six Months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996..................................  F-33
           Notes to Financial Statements......................................................................  F-34
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                             JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Symix Systems, Inc.
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Symix
Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Symix Systems,
Inc. and Subsidiaries at June 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 June 30, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Columbus, Ohio
July 25, 1997
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997         1996         1995
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
License fees...............................................................   $  36,477    $  24,682    $  24,677
Service, maintenance and support...........................................      29,295       21,077       18,151
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net revenue..............................................................      65,772       45,759       42,828
License fees...............................................................       9,721        6,840        6,845
Service, maintenance and support...........................................      12,719        8,838        8,037
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Cost of revenue..........................................................      22,440       15,678       14,882
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Gross margin.............................................................      43,332       30,081       27,946
Selling, general, and administrative.......................................      32,601       22,411       25,564
Research and product development...........................................       5,659        3,673        3,744
Restructuring and other unusual charges--Note G............................      --              506       --
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total operating expenses.................................................      38,260       26,590       29,308
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Operating income (loss)..................................................       5,072        3,491       (1,362)
Other income, net..........................................................         107          221          314
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) before income taxes........................................       5,179        3,712       (1,048)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes--Note F...............................       1,916        1,404         (410)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net Income (loss)........................................................   $   3,263    $   2,308    $    (638)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Earnings (loss) per share..................................................   $    0.52    $    0.40    $   (0.12)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares
  outstanding..............................................................       6,302        5,706        5,424
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      JUNE 30, 1997  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
                                                      ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.........................................................    $   2,332      $   6,774
  Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $702
    in 1997 and $450 in 1996........................................................       21,689         11,429
  Inventories.......................................................................          356            312
  Prepaid expenses..................................................................        1,162            522
  Other receivables.................................................................          300            117
  Deferred income taxes--Note F.....................................................          311            230
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
  Total current assets..............................................................       26,150         19,384
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Other assets:
  Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization of $6,106 in 1997 and $4,311
    in 1996.........................................................................        6,551          4,660
  Deferred income taxes--Note F.....................................................          171          1,004
  Intangibles, net..................................................................        4,779         --
  Deposits and other assets.........................................................          877            472
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                           12,378          6,136
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Equipment and improvements:
  Furniture and fixtures............................................................        2,436          2,294
  Computer and other equipment......................................................       10,423          8,078
  Leasehold improvements............................................................        1,288          1,187
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                           14,147         11,559
  Less allowance for depreciation and amortization..................................        8,423          6,616
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                            5,724          4,943
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Total assets........................................................................    $  44,252      $  30,463
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
 
                                       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses--Note H.....................................    $   7,423      $   5,163
  Customer deposits.................................................................          307            242
  Deferred revenue..................................................................        9,685          5,786
  Income tax payable................................................................           63            518
  Current portion of long-term obligations--Note K..................................          775         --
  Current portion of lease obligations..............................................       --                137
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
  Total current liabilities.........................................................       18,253         11,846
Long-term obligations--Note K.......................................................          530         --
Deferred income taxes--Note F.......................................................        2,108          1,515
Shareholders' equity--Note C
  Common stock, authorized 20,000 shares; issued 6,160 shares at June 30, 1997, and
    5,826 shares at June 30, 1996, respectively; at stated capital amounts of $.01
    per share.......................................................................           62             58
  Preferred stock, authorized 1,000 shares; none issued and outstanding.............       --             --
  Convertible preferred stock of subsidiary--Note I.................................        1,031         --
  Capital in excess of stated value.................................................       13,291         10,985
  Retained earnings.................................................................       10,853          7,590
  Cumulative translation adjustment.................................................         (556)          (211)
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                           24,681         18,422
  Less: Common stock in treasury: 304 shares in 1997 and 1996, at cost..............        1,320          1,320
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
  Total shareholders' equity........................................................       23,361         17,102
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........................................    $  44,252      $  30,463
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
                                            COMMON STOCK                 STOCK             CAPITAL IN                  CUMULATIVE
                                      ------------------------  ------------------------    EXCESS OF     RETAINED     TRANSLATION
                                        SHARES       AMOUNT       SHARES       AMOUNT     STATED VALUE    EARNINGS     ADJUSTMENT
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Balances at June 30, 1994...........       5,630    $      56                               $  10,384     $   5,920     $    (166)
Issuance of shares on exercise of
  stock options.....................         120            2                                      88
Tax benefit on stock options
  exercised.........................                                                              142
Purchase of treasury stock..........
Equity adjustment from foreign
  currency translation..............                                                                                           40
Net (loss)..........................                                                                           (638)
                                           -----          ---          ---   -----------  -------------  -----------        -----
Balances at June 30, 1995...........       5,750           58                                  10,614         5,282          (126)
Issuance of shares on exercise of
  stock options.....................          76                                                  306
Tax benefit on stock options
  exercised.........................                                                               65
Equity adjustment from foreign
  currency translation..............                                                                                          (85)
Net income..........................                                                                          2,308
                                           -----          ---          ---   -----------  -------------  -----------        -----
Balances at June 30, 1996...........       5,826           58                                  10,985         7,590          (211)
Issuance of shares on exercise of
  stock options.....................         182            2                                     662
Tax benefit on stock options
  exercised.........................                                                              322
Equity adjustment from foreign
  currency translation..............                                                                                         (345)
Issuance of convertible preferred
  shares of subsidiary..............                                   250    $   2,062
Exercise of convertible preferred
  shares of subsidiary..............         125            1         (125)      (1,031)        1,030
Issuance of shares for employee
  stock purchase plan...............          27            1                                     142
Compensatory portion of stock
  options granted...................                                                              150
Net income..........................                                                                          3,263
                                           -----          ---          ---   -----------  -------------  -----------        -----
Balances at June 30, 1997...........       6,160    $      62          125    $   1,031     $  13,291     $  10,853     $    (556)
                                           -----          ---          ---   -----------  -------------  -----------        -----
                                           -----          ---          ---   -----------  -------------  -----------        -----
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                       TREASURY
                                         STOCK
                                      -----------
 
<S>                                   <C>
Balances at June 30, 1994...........   $    (553)
Issuance of shares on exercise of
  stock options.....................
Tax benefit on stock options
  exercised.........................
Purchase of treasury stock..........        (767)
Equity adjustment from foreign
  currency translation..............
Net (loss)..........................
                                      -----------
Balances at June 30, 1995...........      (1,320)
Issuance of shares on exercise of
  stock options.....................
Tax benefit on stock options
  exercised.........................
Equity adjustment from foreign
  currency translation..............
Net income..........................
                                      -----------
Balances at June 30, 1996...........      (1,320)
Issuance of shares on exercise of
  stock options.....................
Tax benefit on stock options
  exercised.........................
Equity adjustment from foreign
  currency translation..............
Issuance of convertible preferred
  shares of subsidiary..............
Exercise of convertible preferred
  shares of subsidiary..............
Issuance of shares for employee
  stock purchase plan...............
Compensatory portion of stock
  options granted...................
Net income..........................
                                      -----------
Balances at June 30, 1997...........   $  (1,320)
                                      -----------
                                      -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                                    -------------------------------
                                                                                      1997       1996       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
 Increase (decrease) in cash
 
Operating Activities
Net income (loss).................................................................  $   3,263  $   2,308  $     638
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Depreciation, amortization and write down of intangible assets..................      4,593      3,064      2,755
  Provision for losses (recoveries) on accounts receivable........................        261       (100)        50
  Provision for deferred income taxes.............................................      1,417        433       (390)
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Trade accounts receivable.....................................................     (9,151)      (467)    (1,986)
    Prepaid expenses and other receivables........................................       (474)      (190)        97
    Inventories...................................................................        (45)       (40)        40
    Deposits and other assets.....................................................       (611)        80       (112)
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses.........................................        157      1,255        865
    Customer deposits.............................................................         57       (428)        70
    Deferred revenues.............................................................      3,216        215      1,810
    Income taxes payable/refundable...............................................       (165)       755        406
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net cash provided by operating activities...................................      2,518      6,885      2,967
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Investing Activities
Net purchases of equipment and improvements.......................................     (2,649)    (1,463)    (2,519)
Additions to purchased and capitalized software...................................     (3,637)    (3,290)    (1,573)
Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired....................................     (1,191)    --         --
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net cash used by investing activities.......................................     (7,477)    (4,753)    (4,092)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of shares on exercise of stock options.....................        806        371         89
Principal payments on long-term obligations.......................................       (151)      (197)      (224)
Purchases of treasury stock.......................................................     --         --           (767)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities.........................        655        174       (902)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash...........................................       (138)       (30)        (5)
Net increase (decrease) in cash...................................................     (4,442)     2,276     (2,032)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..................................      6,774      4,498      6,530
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
      Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..................................  $   2,332  $   6,774  $   4,498
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
  Interest........................................................................  $       8  $      49  $      49
  Income taxes (net of refunds)...................................................        639        189       (499)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE A--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying financial statements include
the accounts of Symix Systems, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries and its
proportionate share of a joint venture, after elimination of intercompany
accounts and transactions.
 
    Organization: Symix Systems, Inc. designs, develops, markets and supports a
fully integrated manufacturing, planning and financial software system. The
software was developed for make-to-order and mixed-mode production
manufacturers. Among the key industries which use the Symix applications are
industrial equipment, fabricated metals, electronics, furniture/fixtures and
container packaging.
 
    Founded in 1979, Symix is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, employing more
than 485 people, with direct sales and support offices in the Americas, Europe,
and Asia Pacific.
 
    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 for all periods presented are accounted for in
accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 91-1, "Software Revenue
Recognition." Revenue is derived principally from the sale of internally
produced software products and short-term maintenance and support agreements
from software sales. Revenue from software license fees is generally recognized
upon shipment of product to the customer. Revenue from maintenance and support
agreements is billed periodically, deferred, and recognized ratably over the
life of the agreements. Revenue from consulting, education, and other services
is recognized as the services are provided.
 
    The Company establishes allowances to provide for uncollectible trade
receivables and anticipated adjustments to amounts previously billed.
 
    Capitalized Software: Capitalized software is stated at the lower of cost or
net realizable value. The Company capitalizes the cost of purchased software and
the qualifying internal cost of developing its software products in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, "Accounting for the
Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed."
Capitalized software costs are amortized by the straight-line method using
estimated useful lives of three years. Amortization expense was $1,795,000,
$1,161,000 and $874,000 for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
    Inventories: Inventories consist primarily of software-related products that
are held for resale. The Company values inventory at the lower of cost or
market. Cost is determined using the specific identification method.
 
    Equipment and Improvements: Equipment and improvements are stated on the
basis of cost. Provisions for depreciation and amortization are computed by the
straight-line method over the estimated lives of the related assets.
Depreciation expense was $1,952,000, $1,895,000 and $1,600,000 for the years
ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    Foreign Operations: The Company's international operations constitute 25%
and 13% of consolidated net revenue, and 26% (Europe 13% and Asia Pacific 13%),
and 14% of consolidated identifiable assets as of and for the years ended June
30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE A--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries
are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end rates of exchange. Revenues and
expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the periods and
capital accounts have been translated using historic rates. The resulting
translation adjustments are recorded as an adjustment to shareholders' equity.
 
    Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability
method pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109). Under the liability method, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the
financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted
tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to
reverse.
 
    Earnings Per Share: Earnings per share is computed using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during each period plus dilutive
common stock equivalents (stock options) using the treasury stock method. Fully
diluted earnings per share have not been presented as the differences are
insignificant. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (SFAS 128). SFAS 128 is effective for
periods ending after December 15, 1997. Until that time, the Company is required
to continue calculating earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 15. Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements
is provided for informational purposes and displays the Company's earnings per
share data as calculated under the provisions of SFAS 128.
 
    Stock-based Compensation: The Company accounts for stock compensation
arrangements in accordance with APB opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees." The pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per
share as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123) is disclosed in "Note
C--Common Stock and Stock Options".
 
    Preferred Stock: The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize 1,000,000
shares of preferred stock at no par value. The Board of Directors will determine
the rights and preferences of these shares. Presently, no preferred shares are
issued and outstanding.
 
    Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all demand deposits and
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less as cash
equivalents.
 
    Reclassification: Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the
1997 presentation.
 
    Intangible Assets: Intangible assets consist principally of goodwill and
other intangible assets resulting from acquisitions accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. The intangible assets are amortized using the
straight-line method over five years. The accumulated amortization of intangible
assets relating to acquired businesses was $608,000 at June 30, 1997.
 
NOTE B--LEASES
 
    The Company has entered into certain operating lease agreements for the
rental of office facilities and computer equipment. The facility leases provide
for annual rentals which are subject to escalation for increased operating
costs.
 
    Amounts expensed under all operating lease agreements were: $2,702,000,
$1,884,000 and $1,735,000 for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE B--LEASES (CONTINUED)
    The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments required under
the operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in
excess of one year as of June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------     OPERATING
                                                                                    LEASES
                                                                                ---------------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                             <C>
1998..........................................................................     $   1,902
1999..........................................................................         1,740
2000..........................................................................         1,470
2001..........................................................................         1,245
2002..........................................................................        --
                                                                                      ------
Total minimum payments........................................................     $   6,357
                                                                                      ------
                                                                                      ------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE C--COMMON STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS
 
    On July 8, 1996, shareholder approval was obtained to amend the Company's
Amended Articles of Incorporation to increase its authorized shares from
6,000,000 to 21,000,000, of which 20,000,000 are common shares and 1,000,000 are
preferred shares.
 
    On August 27, 1996 the Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 share split,
effected in the form of a share distribution of one share for each share
outstanding, effective on a September 10, 1996 record date. All share data and
references to Symix common stock have been retroactively restated to reflect the
increased number of Symix common shares outstanding.
 
    The Company has a non-qualified stock option plan ("the Plan") that provides
for the granting of options to officers and other key employees for shares of
common stock at purchase prices of not less than the fair market value on the
date of the grant as determined by the Board of Directors. The maximum number of
common shares which may be optioned under the Plan was 2,653,070 as of June 30,
1997. Options under the Plan generally vest over periods of up to four years and
must be exercised within ten years of the date of grant.
 
    The Company also has a non-qualified stock option plan for Key Executives
("Key Executives Plan"). A total of 400,000 shares of common stock are
designated for issuance under the Key Executives Plan. The Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors is authorized to set the price and terms and
conditions of the options granted under the Key Executives Plan. Options under
the Key Executives Plan must be exercised within ten years of the date of the
grant.
 
    The Company also has a Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors ("Outside
Directors Plan"). The Outside Directors Plan provides for the issuance of
options for 20,000 shares of stock to each Outside Director upon his/her
election to the Board of Directors. A total of 200,000 shares of common stock
may be issued under the Outside Directors Plan. Options under the Outside
Directors Plan vest immediately and must be exercised within ten years of the
date of grant.
 
    Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS No. 123, which also requires that the information be determined
as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted
subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement.
The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions for 1997 and 1996: risk-free interest rate of 6.50%;
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE C--COMMON STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
no dividend yield; volatility factor of the Company's common stock of 0.4; and a
weighted-average expected life of each option of 6 years.
 
    If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair
value of options at the grant date as prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the following
displays what reported net income and per share amounts would have been:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                          --------------------
                                                                            1997       1996
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                                 EXCEPT
                                                                            PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Net income..............................................................  $   2,848  $   2,035
Net income per share....................................................  $    0.45  $    0.36
</TABLE>
 
    The pro forma financial effects of applying SFAS No. 123 may not be
representative of the pro forma effects on reported results of operations for
future years.
 
    Information with respect to options granted under the three Plans is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     WEIGHTED-
                                                                                      AVERAGE
                                                                        NUMBER OF      PRICE
                                                                          SHARES     PER SHARE
                                                                        ----------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>
Outstanding at June 30, 1994..........................................     805,936   $    4.95
Granted...............................................................     262,000        4.95
Cancelled.............................................................    (189,104)       4.99
Exercised.............................................................    (119,844)       4.98
                                                                        ----------       -----
Outstanding at June 30, 1995..........................................     758,988        4.92
Granted...............................................................     813,000        4.82
Cancelled.............................................................    (176,438)       4.79
Exercised.............................................................     (77,648)       6.18
                                                                        ----------       -----
Outstanding at June 30, 1996..........................................   1,317,902        4.72
Granted...............................................................     361,750        7.89
Cancelled.............................................................     (20,000)       5.42
Exercised.............................................................    (181,902)       3.44
                                                                        ----------       -----
Outstanding at June 30, 1997..........................................   1,477,750   $    5.61
</TABLE>
 
    The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996 was $2.78 and $2.37, respectively. The weighted-average
remaining contractual life of those options is 8 years. At June 30, 1997,
options for 476,000 shares were exercisable, and 662,246 shares remained
available for grant.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE D--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    The Company has a 401(k) plan that covers substantially all employees over
21 years of age. The Company contributes to the plan based upon employee
contributions and may make additional contributions at the discretion of the
Board of Directors. The Company made contributions to this plan of approximately
$287,000, $196,000 and $188,000 for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
 
    The Company has an employee stock purchase plan that is in accordance with
Section 23 of the Internal Revenue Code whereby participants are eligible to
purchase common shares of the Company during the plan year. The purchase price
for a common share is determined by the Compensation Committee prior to the
effective date. The price may not be less than 90% of the closing price per
share of the Company's common shares on the NASDAQ National Market System, or
any national stock exchange, on either the effective date or the option date,
whichever is the lesser. Substantially, all employees are eligible to
participate.
 
NOTE E--LINE OF CREDIT
 
    In May, 1996 the Company negotiated with a bank a $6.0 million unsecured
revolving line of credit that expires in fiscal year 1999, convertible to a five
year term loan at any time on or before October 31, 1999. As of June 30, 1997,
there were no borrowings on the line of credit.
 
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES
 
    SFAS 109 requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the
expected future consequences of events that have been included in the financial
statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and
assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement
and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for
the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
 
    For the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, domestic operations
contributed approximately $525,000, $4.0 million and $184,000 to pre-tax
earnings, respectively, while foreign affiliates generated income (losses) of
$4.6 million, ($348,000), and ($1.2 million) for the same periods.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Income taxes are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                    -------------------------------
                                                                      1997       1996       1995
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Current:
  Federal.........................................................  $    (336) $     772  $    (136)
  State and local.................................................        (80)       149          4
  Foreign.........................................................      1,919        242         73
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        1,503      1,163        (59)
Deferred:
  Federal.........................................................        444        473        127
  State and local.................................................         68         73         14
  Foreign.........................................................        (99)      (305)      (492)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                          413        241       (351)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                    $   1,916  $   1,404  $    (410)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    During the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 the Company recorded a
tax benefit of approximately $322,000, $65,000 and $142,000, respectively, in
connection with the exercise of stock options. The benefit, which was due to the
difference in the fair market value and the exercise price of the options at the
date of exercise, was recorded as an increase in capital in excess of stated
value.
 
    The sources of significant timing differences which give rise to deferred
taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                        -------------------------------
                                                                          1997       1996       1995
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
Depreciation/amortization.............................................  $     539  $     338  $     105
Allowance for doubtful accounts.......................................        (21)        39        (20)
Adjustments for accruals..............................................        (21)        74        (29)
Leases................................................................         54         77         88
Losses related to investment in foreign affiliates....................        (99)      (305)      (492)
Other, net............................................................        (39)        18         (3)
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        $     413  $     241  $    (351)
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
as of June 30, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                                                                  --------------
                                                                                   1997    1996
                                                                                  ------  ------
                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                               <C>     <C>
Current deferred tax assets:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts...............................................  $  198  $  177
  Customer deposits.............................................................    --         3
  Accrued liabilities...........................................................     113      50
                                                                                  ------  ------
  Total current deferred tax assets.............................................  $  311  $  230
                                                                                  ------  ------
Long-term deferred tax assets:
  Foreign losses................................................................  $  171  $1,004
                                                                                  ------  ------
  Total long-term deferred tax assets...........................................  $  171  $1,004
                                                                                  ------  ------
Long-term deferred tax liabilities:
  Capitalized software..........................................................  $1,935  $1,347
  Capitalized leases............................................................     425     371
                                                                                  ------  ------
  Total long-term deferred tax liabilities......................................   2,360   1,718
Long-term deferred tax assets:
  Book over tax depreciation....................................................     252     201
  Accrued liabilities...........................................................    --         2
                                                                                  ------  ------
  Total long-term deferred tax assets...........................................     252     203
                                                                                  ------  ------
    Net long-term deferred tax liabilities......................................  $2,108  $1,515
                                                                                  ------  ------
                                                                                  ------  ------
</TABLE>
 
    The long-term deferred tax assets pertaining to foreign losses are net
operating loss carryforwards for certain foreign subsidiaries which the Company
believes will be utilized in future tax periods.
 
    The Company's effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. federal
income tax rate as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                       ----------------------------------
                                                                         1997       1996         1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Federal income tax statutory rate....................................         34%        34%       (34)%
State and local income taxes net of federal tax benefit..............          0          4          1
Foreign operations taxed at rates different from U.S. federal
  statutory rate.....................................................          5          1         (4)
Other................................................................         (2)        (1)        (2)
                                                                                                    --
                                                                             ---        ---
                                                                              37%        38%       (39)%
                                                                                                    --
                                                                                                    --
                                                                             ---        ---
                                                                             ---        ---
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE G--RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER UNUSUAL CHARGES
 
    During the first quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company incurred restructuring
and other non-recurring charges of $506,000 consisting primarily of severance
payments related to operational changes and costs associated with reorganizing
the European sales channel.
 
NOTE H--ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                                             --------------------
                                                                               1997       1996
                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>
Accounts payable...........................................................  $   2,437  $   2,065
Accrued commissions & bonus................................................      1,416      1,455
Third party payables.......................................................      1,395        525
Other......................................................................      2,175      1,118
                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                             $   7,423  $   5,163
                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE I--ACQUISITIONS
 
    On July 1, 1996 the Company acquired the net assets of Synchrony
Manufacturing Systems, Pty. Limited (Synchrony), its former distributor in
Australia, for approximately $220,000 which is payable in twenty-four equal
installments over two years. The acquisition was accounted for using purchase
accounting with results included since the date of acquisition. Acquisition
costs exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired by approximately
$451,000 which is being amortized over five years.
 
    On August 8, 1996 the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of RDD,
the parent company of GSI Industrie ("GSI"), a French manufacturing software
specialist, from its shareholders for approximately $1.8 million, of which
$944,000 was paid in cash at closing. The remaining balance is payable in three
equal annual installments beginning August 1997. In addition, if GSI's
cumulative financial results for the first three years are profitable, a payment
is to be made equal to a percentage of cumulative software sales, not to exceed
approximately $1.4 million. The contingent payment is due October 15, 1999 and
will be recorded at the end of the third fiscal year once it has been determined
that the conditions have been met. The acquisition was accounted for using
purchase accounting with results included since the date of acquisition.
Acquisition costs exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired by
approximately $1.9 million which is being amortized over five years.
 
    On January 9, 1997 the Company acquired an Ontario, Canada corporation
called Visual Applications Software, Inc. ("VAS") for $1.0 million (Canadian) in
cash, and 250,000 Class A Preference Shares (the "Class A Shares") and 500,000
Class B Preference Shares (the "Class B Shares") of a subsidiary of the Company.
The Class B Shares are redeemable by the holder for $1.00 (Canadian) per share.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company also entered into a Share
Exchange Agreement with the former stockholders of VAS which provides for a one
for one exchange of the Class A Shares for common shares of the Company. VAS
designs and markets a field service software product. The acquisition was
accounted for using purchase accounting with results included since the date of
acquisition. Acquisition costs exceeded the fair value of the net assets
acquired by approximately $3.2 million which is being amortized over five years.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE J--EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
    The following is provided for informational purposes and displays the
Company's earnings per share data as calculated under the provisions of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share":
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                        1997       1996       1995
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>
Basic earnings (loss) per share.....................................  $    0.56  $    0.42  $   (0.12)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share...................................  $    0.52  $    0.40  $   (0.12)
</TABLE>
 
NOTE K--LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
 
    Long-term obligations consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                                             --------------------
                                                                               1997       1996
                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>
GSI acquisition note payable...............................................  $     835     --
Synchrony acquisition note payable.........................................        113     --
Redeemable Class B Preference shares.......................................        357     --
                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                 1,305     --
Less current portion.......................................................        775     --
                                                                             ---------  ---------
Long-term obligations......................................................  $     530     --
                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The GSI and VAS acquisition note and redemption of preferred shares are
secured by letters of credit.
 
    The long-term obligations represent two equal payments related to the GSI
acquisition which are due on August 8, 1998 and 1999.
 
NOTE L--SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
 
    On October 2, 1997, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire
Pritsker Corporation, a world-wide provider of open client/server manufacturing
and scheduling software and interactive, design-oriented simulation software. In
connection with the acquisition, it is estimated that Symix will issue
approximately 484,000 shares of common stock valued at approximately $8.7
million, redeem Pritsker preferred stock valued at $550,000, exchange Symix
options for Pritsker options valued at approximately $460,000 and assume
liabilities of $1,540,000. In connection with the acquisition, it is estimated
that the Company will incur a nonrecurring charge of approximately $6.4 million
relating to immediate write-off of acquired in-process technology of Pritsker.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           December 31, 1996 and 1995
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
 
Pritsker Corporation
 
Indianapolis, Indiana
 
    We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Pritsker Corporation as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of operations, changes
in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Pritsker Corporation as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
 
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 28, 1997
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            1996          1995
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
Revenue...............................................................................  $  4,135,000  $  4,169,000
Operating expenses
  Cost of revenues....................................................................     1,228,000     1,112,000
  Sales and marketing.................................................................     1,438,000     1,793,000
  Research and development............................................................       664,000       783,000
  General and administrative..........................................................       599,000       557,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                           3,929,000     4,245,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Income/(loss) from operations.........................................................       206,000       (76,000)
Other income (expense)
  Interest expense....................................................................       (86,000)     (112,000)
  Gain/(loss) on disposal of property and equipment...................................         3,000        (1,000)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                             (83,000)     (113,000)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Income/(loss) before income taxes.....................................................       123,000      (189,000)
Income tax expense(Note 3)............................................................        38,000        70,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Net income/(loss) before dividends on preferred stock.................................  $     85,000  $   (259,000)
Dividends on preferred stock..........................................................        52,000        52,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares.........................................  $     33,000  $   (311,000)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Earnings (loss) per share.............................................................  $        .01  $       (.13)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Weighted average number of common and common share equivalents outstanding............  $  2,366,978  $  2,366,734
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            1996          1995
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
                                                      ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash................................................................................  $     24,000  $     31,000
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 (1996)
    and $1,000 (1995) (Note 4)........................................................     1,164,000     1,158,000
  Other current assets................................................................       191,000       194,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total current assets..............................................................     1,379,000     1,383,000
 
Investments (Note 1)..................................................................        19,000        19,000
Property and equipment, net (Notes 1 and 4)...........................................       227,000       250,000
 
Other assets
  Capitalized software costs, net (Note 1)............................................     1,859,000     1,962,000
  Other...............................................................................        50,000        58,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        $  3,534,000  $  3,672,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
 
                                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities
  Short-term debt (Note 4)............................................................  $    625,000  $    350,000
  Accounts payable....................................................................       251,000       276,000
  Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 5).......................................       --            190,000
  Accrued compensation................................................................       222,000       308,000
  Other accrued liabilities...........................................................       109,000        78,000
  Deferred income.....................................................................        23,000        66,000
  Deferred lease offset (Note 7)......................................................        75,000        75,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total current liabilities.........................................................     1,305,000     1,343,000
 
Long-term debt (Note 5)...............................................................       176,000       234,000
Deferred lease offset (Note 7)........................................................        55,000       130,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities.................................................................     1,536,000     1,707,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
 
Redeemable preferred stock, no par value..............................................       700,000       700,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
 
Stockholders' equity (Note 2)
  Common stock, no par value..........................................................     1,055,000     1,055,000
  Retained earnings...................................................................       269,000       236,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                           1,324,000     1,291,000
    Less - treasury stock.............................................................       (26,000)      (26,000)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                           1,298,000     1,265,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        $  3,534,000  $  3,672,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    TREASURY STOCK
                                                             COMMON STOCK             (AT COST)
                                                       ------------------------  --------------------   RETAINED
                                                         SHARES       AMOUNT      SHARES     AMOUNT     EARNINGS
                                                       ----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCES, JANUARY 1, 1995............................   2,366,734  $  1,055,000     20,366  $  21,000  $   547,000
Payment of preferred stock dividends.................                                                      (52,000)
Purchase treasury stock..............................                               34,560      5,000
Net loss.............................................                                                     (259,000)
                                                       ----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -----------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1995..........................   2,366,734     1,055,000     54,926     26,000      236,000
Stock options exercised..............................         488
Payment of preferred stock dividends.................                                                      (52,000)
Net income...........................................                                                       85,000
                                                       ----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -----------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1996..........................   2,367,222  $  1,055,000     54,926  $  26,000  $   269,000
                                                       ----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                       ----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1996         1995
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income/(loss).....................................................................  $    85,000  $  (259,000)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
    Depreciation and amortization.......................................................      731,000      732,000
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of property, building and equipment.........................       (3,000)       1,000
    Deferred lease offset...............................................................      (75,000)     (74,000)
    Change in assets and liabilities
      Accounts receivable...............................................................       (6,000)     319,000
      Other assets......................................................................        3,000        2,000
      Accounts payable..................................................................      (51,000)      91,000
      Accrued compensation..............................................................      (86,000)     (45,000)
      Other liabilities.................................................................      (12,000)      (4,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
        Net cash from operating activities..............................................      586,000      763,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from sale of property, building and equipment and investment.................        3,000       25,000
  Capitalized software costs............................................................     (535,000)    (260,000)
  Property and equipment expenditures...................................................      (62,000)     (88,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
        Net cash from investing activities..............................................     (594,000)    (323,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Principal payments on long-term debt..................................................     (248,000)    (319,000)
  Net change in short-term debt.........................................................      275,000      (50,000)
  Treasury stock purchase...............................................................      --            (5,000)
  Dividends on preferred stock..........................................................      (26,000)     (52,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
        Net cash from financing activities..............................................        1,000     (426,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Net change in cash......................................................................       (7,000)      14,000
Cash at beginning of year...............................................................       31,000       17,000
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
CASH AT END OF YEAR.....................................................................  $    24,000  $    31,000
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
  Cash paid during the year for interest................................................  $    87,000  $   108,000
  Cash paid during the year for taxes...................................................  $    38,000  $    70,000
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    BUSINESS ACTIVITY:  The Company, founded in 1973, designs, produces and
markets simulation and scheduling based decision support software products and
provides consulting services to customers throughout the world.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION:  The Company recognizes revenue from the granting of
licenses to use its propriety computer software systems upon shipment of the
system to the end user. The Company has no obligation under the licensing
agreements after delivery. Revenue derived from providing consulting services is
recognized as earned under the percentage-of-completion method. Renewal revenues
are recognized as earned based on the anniversary date of the contract.
 
    INCOME TAXES:  Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions
reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus
deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of assets and
liabilities for financial and income tax reporting. The deferred tax assets and
liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences,
which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are
recovered or settled, at enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded,
if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount considered more likely
than not to be realizable.
 
    SOFTWARE PRODUCTION COSTS:  The Company capitalizes certain software
development costs in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 86.
 
    Amortization of capitalized software costs is based upon straight-line
amortization over the remaining estimated economic life of the product not to
exceed five years.
 
    Capitalized software costs amounted to $535,000 and $260,000 during 1996 and
1995, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software costs during 1996 and
1995 was $638,000 and $568,000, respectively and is included in research and
development in the statements of operations. Accumulated amortization of
capitalized software development costs at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was
$4,249,000 and $3,611,000, respectively.
 
    All other research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
    INVESTMENTS:  The investment in Batch Process Technologies, Inc.
(approximately 20% ownership) of $19,000 is stated at the lower of cost or net
realizable value.
 
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:  Property and equipment are stated at cost and
consist of the following at December 31, 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996          1995
                                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Equipment.........................................................  $  1,118,000  $  1,583,000
Furniture and fixtures............................................       209,000       393,000
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                       1,327,000     1,976,000
Less accumulated depreciation.....................................     1,100,000     1,726,000
                                                                    ------------  ------------
Property and equipment, net.......................................  $    227,000  $    250,000
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                    ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    Property and equipment is depreciated over estimated useful lives (5 to 7
years) using the straight-line method. The cost of assets retired or sold,
together with the related accumulated depreciation, are removed from the
accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is charged to operations.
 
    Depreciation expense was $93,000 and $164,000 for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. An
estimate that is more susceptible to change in the near term is the amortization
of capitalized software costs.
 
    STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:  The statements of cash flows have been prepared
using a definition of cash that includes investments with an original maturity
of three months or less.
 
NOTE 2--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
    At December 31, 1996 and 1995, 10,000,000 common shares were authorized.
 
    During 1992, the Company entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement
("Purchase Agreement") whereas 133,843 shares of preferred stock were issued to
private investment groups at a price of $5.23 per share. As part of the Purchase
Agreement, 4,080 warrants were issued subsequent to December 31, 1992, to the
investors to purchase common stock at a price of $4.41 per share and are
exercisable commencing on the date issued and ending on December 31, 1997.
Additionally, as part of the Purchase Agreement, 13,384 common stock shares were
issued to the investors subsequent to December 31, 1992 as a stock dividend.
 
    The Purchase Agreement grants the Company a call option on the preferred
stock and warrants on and after December 31, 1997, at a price per share equal to
the greater of 1) the purchase price or 2) 110% of the greater of A) an amount
equal to the appraised market value at the call date or B) the average of the
appraised market value for each of the prior three fiscal years. Additionally,
the Purchase Agreement grants the private investment groups a put option on the
preferred stock and warrants on and after December 31, 1997, at a price per
share equal to the greater of 1) the purchase price ($700,000) or 2) the
appraised market value.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 3--INCOME TAXES
 
    Income tax expense for 1996 and 1995 consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1996       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Federal.................................................................  $  --      $  --
State...................................................................     --         --
Foreign.................................................................     38,000     70,000
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          $  38,000  $  70,000
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The components of income tax expense for 1996 and 1995 are summarized as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1996       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Current.................................................................  $  38,000  $  70,000
Deferred................................................................     --         --
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          $  38,000  $  70,000
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The differences between the amounts recorded for income taxes from
continuing operations for financial statement purposes and the amounts computed
by applying the Federal statutory tax rate to income before taxes are the result
of foreign taxes and changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
 
    Items that gave rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax balance
sheet accounts at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996           1995
                                                                  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Current
  Accrued expenses..............................................  $      32,000  $      40,000
Long-term
  Deferred lease offset.........................................         52,000         86,000
  Regular net operating loss carryforward.......................        567,000        670,000
  General business credit carryforward..........................        409,000        409,000
                                                                  -------------  -------------
Total gross deferred tax assets.................................      1,060,000      1,205,000
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Long term
  Depreciation..................................................        (25,000)       (22,000)
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance..........................     (1,035,000)    (1,183,000)
                                                                  -------------  -------------
Net deferred tax liability......................................  $    --        $    --
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 3--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Approximately $1,555,000 of regular tax net operating loss carryforwards
exist at December 31, 1996 which expire as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                               <C>
2006............................................................................  $  1,171,000
2008............................................................................       347,000
2010............................................................................        37,000
</TABLE>
 
    In addition, approximately $409,000 in general business credit carryforwards
exist at December 31, 1996, which begin to expire in 2000.
 
    The foreign taxes in 1996 ($38,000) and 1995 ($70,000) arose from the
withholding tax on revenues from software sold outside of the United States.
 
NOTE 4--SHORT-TERM DEBT
 
    Note payable to bank at December 31, 1996 and 1995 represents borrowings on
a $750,000 line of credit. The line of credit is due June 1, 1997 and accrues
interest at the Bank's prime rate plus 1.0% (9.25% at December 31, 1996). The
outstanding balance is limited to specified percentages of eligible accounts
receivable. The note is collateralized by virtually all business assets.
 
    The line of credit agreement between the Company and the Bank includes
negative covenants prohibiting or restricting certain transactions and various
positive covenants related to specified financial ratios. The Company was in
compliance with those covenants at December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 5--LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1996        1995
                                                                        ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>
Notes payable to shareholders, with interest only payments due
  monthly.Notes bear interest at 12% and are due January 1998;
  unsecured...........................................................  $  176,000  $  234,000
Installment note payable to bank in monthly installments through
  November 1996.......................................................      --         190,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                           176,000     424,000
Current maturities....................................................      --         190,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Long-term debt........................................................  $  176,000  $  234,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                        ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6--EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN
 
    The Company maintains a noncontributory profit sharing plan for employees
who are at least twenty-one years of age, have been employed with the Company
for at least 30 days, completed 1,000 hours of service in the benefit year, and
are employed on the December 31 valuation date. The plan also includes a 401(k)
option for employees who are at least twenty-one years of age and have been
employed at least 30
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 6--EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN (CONTINUED)
days prior to entry dates of January 1 and July 1. The Company's contributions
are made in amounts as determined by the Board of Directors and are accrued out
of current annual earnings. The Company matches 25% of employees' first six
percent contributed to the 401(k) plan. The amount of contribution expense for
1996 and 1995 was $19,000 and $25,000, respectively. Matching contributions for
1996 and 1995 included amounts from non-vested forfeitures of terminated
employees.
 
NOTE 7--COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under noncancelable
operating leases which expire through 1998.
 
    The future minimum lease payments under these operating leases are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                                                                                  AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
1997..............................................................................  $   83,000
1998..............................................................................      54,000
1999..............................................................................      23,000
                                                                                    ----------
                                                                                    $  160,000
                                                                                    ----------
                                                                                    ----------
</TABLE>
 
    During 1994, the Company sold its West Lafayette, Indiana building for
$1,275,000. Proceeds from the sale were used to retire the outstanding
debentures secured by the building, accrued interest thereon, and a portion of
an outstanding term loan. Because the Company leases the space it previously
owned, the amount of gain on sale recognized was limited to the amount by which
the gain ($469,000) exceeded the present value of the lease payments ($298,000).
The remaining portion of the gain was deferred and is being amortized as a
reduction to rent expense over the term of the related lease. The current
portion of the deferred lease offset is $75,000 which does not represent a
current cash requirement.
 
    Rental expense related to operating leases for 1996 and 1995 was $77,000 and
$159,000, respectively.
 
NOTE 8--KEY EMPLOYEE STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
 
    In December 1987, the Company adopted the 1987 Stock Option and Incentive
Plan (the "Plan"). All outstanding awards under previous plans are now included
in the Plan. The Plan allows for four types of awards; 1) incentive stock
options, 2) non-qualified stock options, 3) restricted stock and 4) any
combination of the foregoing. The Plan's Committee specifies the terms of each
award.
 
    Options granted under the Plan are exercisable at any time during the ten
year period following the date of grant given that the participant maintains
continuous service as defined in the Plan agreement.
 
    The fair value of each option granted is established on the grant date using
the "Minimum Value" method for non-public companies using the following
assumptions. The dividend yield was 0%, the risk-free interest rate is 6% and
the expected life is 5 years.
 
    The Company applies APB Opinion 25 in accounting for the Plan. Accordingly,
no compensation costs have been recognized for the Plan in 1996 or 1995. Had
compensation cost been determined on the
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 8--KEY EMPLOYEE STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (CONTINUED)
basis of fair value pursuant to FASB Statement No. 123, net income would have
been reduced by $2,520 for 1996 and $0 for 1995.
 
    The following is a summary of the status of the Plan during 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF   WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                                                     SHARES      EXERCISE PRICE
                                                                   -----------  ----------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 1, 1996...........................     123,045      $   4.2022
Granted..........................................................       6,000          1.6500
Exercised........................................................        (488)          .6142
Forfeited........................................................      (1,000)        (4.4100)
                                                                   -----------       --------
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996.........     127,557      $   4.0942
                                                                   -----------       --------
                                                                   -----------       --------
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 1996.......                  $      .42
                                                                                     --------
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 1, 1995...........................     143,616      $   3.8774
Granted..........................................................      --              --
Exercised........................................................      --              --
Forfeited........................................................     (20,571)        (1.9349)
                                                                   -----------       --------
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1995.........................     123,045      $   4.2022
                                                                   -----------       --------
                                                                   -----------       --------
Options exercisable at December 31, 1995.........................     121,795      $   4.2125
                                                                   -----------       --------
                                                                   -----------       --------
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 1995.......                  $      N/A
                                                                                     --------
</TABLE>
 
    Following is a summary of the states of fixed options outstanding and
exercisable at December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         WEIGHTED
                                                                          AVERAGE     WEIGHTED
                                                                         REMAINING     AVERAGE
                                                                        CONTRACTUAL   EXERCISE
EXERCISE PRICE RANGE                                          NUMBER       LIFE         PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>          <C>
$3.125 - $5.00                                                 108,847   2.80 years   $   4.604
$.005 - $2.50                                                   18,710   3.67 years   $   1.128
</TABLE>
 
    On January 24, 1997 the Board of Directors of the Company passed a
resolution to place a ceiling on the exercise price of stock options held by
non-officer staff members at $2.00 per share. This resolution reduces the option
price of 40,087 options held by non-officer staff members but does not affect
the 72,760 options held by officers of the Company. The remaining options are
unaffected by the resolution, because their exercise price is already under
$2.00.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 9--BUSINESS MODERNIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
 
    The Company has two grants from a state agency to develop either
enhancements to a basic software program or new software programs. The first
grant received was for $350,000 for the period from January 1986 through January
1988. The second grant received was for $400,000 through 1989. The terms of
these grants require that the Company pay the state agency a royalty of 4% of
gross FACTOR revenues until total royalties paid are equal to twice the original
$750,000 of total grants. Royalties of approximately $24,000 and $25,000 on
revenues earned in 1996 and 1995, respectively, have been recorded related to
these grants. Royalties paid through December 31, 1996 totaled $325,000. In the
event that the Company discontinues marketing the FACTOR family of products but
offers new or other products associated with manufacturing-based simulation and
modeling programming systems, then the royalty obligation will apply to those
manufacturing-based simulation and modeling programming systems' products that
were based on or derived from any of the FACTOR family of products.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 30
                                                                                        --------------------------
                                                                                            1997          1996
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
Revenue...............................................................................  $  1,645,000  $  2,025,000
Operating expenses
  Cost of revenues....................................................................       438,000       466,000
  Sales and marketing.................................................................       654,000       814,000
  Research and development............................................................       256,000       223,000
  General and administrative..........................................................       247,000       449,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                           1,595,000     1,952,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Income/(loss) from operations.........................................................        50,000        73,000
 
Interest expense......................................................................        45,000        43,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Income /(loss) before income taxes....................................................         5,000        30,000
 
Income tax expense....................................................................        53,000        43,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Net (loss)............................................................................  $    (48,000) $    (13,000)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                 See accompanying note to financial statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
                                                      ASSETS
 
Current assets
  Cash..............................................................................................  $      1,000
    Accounts receivable.............................................................................     1,095,000
    Other current assets............................................................................       162,000
                                                                                                      ------------
Total current assets................................................................................     1,258,000
 
Investments.........................................................................................        19,000
Property and equipment, net.........................................................................       200,000
 
Other assets
  Capitalized software costs, net...................................................................     2,003,000
  Other assets......................................................................................        45,000
                                                                                                      ------------
Total assets........................................................................................  $  3,525,000
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      ------------
 
                                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities
  Short-term debt...................................................................................  $    675,000
  Accounts payable..................................................................................       320,000
  Current maturities of long-term debt..............................................................       --
  Accrued compensation..............................................................................       233,000
  Other accrued liabilities.........................................................................        96,000
  Deferred income...................................................................................        10,000
                                                                                                      ------------
Total current liabilities...........................................................................     1,334,000
 
Long-term debt......................................................................................       176,000
Deferred lease offset...............................................................................        93,000
                                                                                                      ------------
  Total liabilities.................................................................................     1,603,000
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      ------------
Redeemable preferred stock, no par value............................................................       700,000
 
Stockholders' equity
  Common stock, no par value........................................................................     1,055,000
  Retained earnings.................................................................................       193,000
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                         1,248,000
    Less - treasury stock...........................................................................       (26,000)
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                         1,222,000
                                                                                                      ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..........................................................  $  3,525,000
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      ------------
</TABLE>
 
                 See accompanying note to financial statement.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE
                                                                                                     30
                                                                                          ------------------------
                                                                                             1997         1996
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss................................................................................  $   (48,000) $   (13,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities
    Depreciation and amortization.......................................................      347,000      358,000
    Deferred lease offset...............................................................      (37,000)     (37,000)
    Change in assets and liabilities
      Accounts receivable...............................................................       67,000       (9,000)
      Other assets......................................................................       21,000      (83,000)
      Accounts payable..................................................................       56,000      (69,000)
      Accrued compensation..............................................................       41,000       (7,000)
      Other liabilities.................................................................      (44,000)     (87,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Net cash from operating activities......................................................      403,000       53,000
 
Cash flows from investing activities
Capitalized software costs..............................................................     (445,000)    (267,000)
Property and equipment expenditures.....................................................      (18,000)     (25,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Net cash from investing activities......................................................     (463,000)    (292,000)
 
Cash flows from financing activities
Principal payments on long-term debt....................................................      --           (59,000)
Proceeds from short-term debt...........................................................       50,000      295,000
Dividends on preferred stock............................................................      (13,000)     (26,000)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Net cash from financing activities......................................................       37,000      210,000
Net change in cash......................................................................      (23,000)     (29,000)
Cash at beginning of period.............................................................       24,000       32,000
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Cash at end of period...................................................................  $     1,000  $     3,000
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                 See accompanying note to financial statement.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE A--ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying financial statements are unaudited; however, the
information contained herein reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion
of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for
the interim periods. All adjustments made were of a normal recurring nature.
These interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected for a full year.
 
    The notes to the financial statements contained in the Pritsker Corporation
December 31, 1996 financial statements should be read in conjunction with these
interim financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX I
 
                                                                      APPENDIX I
 
                              AGREEMENT OF MERGER
 
                          DATED AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1997
 
                                     AMONG
 
                             PRITSKER CORPORATION,
 
                              SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.,
 
                                      AND
 
                             SSI ACQUISITION CORP.
<PAGE>
                              AGREEMENT OF MERGER
 
    THIS AGREEMENT OF MERGER (together with the schedules and exhibits attached
hereto being referred to as the "Agreement"), is made and entered into as of the
2nd day of October, 1997, by and among SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation
(the "Buyer"); PRITSKER CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation (the "Company"); and
SSI ACQUISITION CORP., an Ohio corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Buyer ("Merger Sub");
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
    WHEREAS, the Buyer and the Company deem it advisable and in their best
interests and in the bests interests of their respective shareholders that the
Company be acquired by the Buyer through a merger (the "Merger") of the Company
and Merger Sub in accordance with The Indiana Business Corporation Law (the
"Indiana Act") and the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "Ohio Act"), with the
effect that the holders of the Common Shares of the Company ("Company Common
Stock") will receive common shares, no par value, of the Buyer ("Buyer Common
Stock") and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Buyer;
 
    WHEREAS, it is intended that for Federal income tax purposes the Merger
shall be tax free to the parties to this Agreement and the holders of Company
Common Stock; and
 
    WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to take all actions that are
necessary and appropriate to effect the Merger as set forth in this Agreement.
 
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual
promises, representations, warranties and covenants hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                                   THE MERGER
 
    SECTION 1.1  THE MERGER.  On the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined below), the Company shall be merged
with and into Merger Sub in accordance with the Indiana Act and the Ohio Act,
whereupon the separate existence of the Company shall cease, and Merger Sub
shall be the Surviving Corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") and shall
continue to be governed by the Ohio Act. From and after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges, powers and
franchises of, and shall be subject to all of the restrictions, disabilities and
duties of, the Company and Merger Sub, all as provided under the applicable
provisions of the Indiana Act and the Ohio Act.
 
    SECTION 1.2  CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER. As soon as practicable after the
Closing (as defined below), the Company and Merger Sub will file, or cause to be
filed, Articles of Merger and a Plan of Merger substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Articles of Merger") with the Secretary of
State of the State of Indiana and a certificate of merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Ohio and will make all other filings or recordings
required by the Indiana Act and the Ohio Act in connection with the Merger. The
Merger shall become effective (the "Effective Time") at the latest of (a) the
time the Articles of Merger are duly filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Indiana, (b) the time the certificate of merger is duly filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Ohio, or (c) at such later time as may be
mutually agreed upon by the parties and specified in the certificate of merger
and the Articles of Merger.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
    SECTION 1.3  CONVERSION OF OUTSTANDING SHARES.  At the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder of the
capital stock of the Company or the capital stock of Merger Sub ("Merger Sub
Common Stock"):
 
    (a) Each share of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 1.7 herein, be
converted into the right to receive .170108 shares of Buyer Common Stock.
 
    (b) Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company
("Company Preferred Stock") outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 1.6 herein, be converted into the
right to receive $5.23 plus accrued unpaid dividends.
 
    (c) Each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock held by
the Company as treasury stock immediately prior to the Effective Time or owned
by the Buyer, Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect subsidiary of the Buyer
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and extinguished, and
no payment shall be made with respect thereto under this Agreement.
 
    (d) Each share of Merger Sub Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be converted into and shall represent one fully paid
and non-assessable share of the Surviving Corporation.
 
    (e) The shares of Buyer Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.3(a) and
the cash payable pursuant to Sections 1.3(b) and 1.5 is herein referred to as
the "Merger Consideration."
 
    SECTION 1.4  CANCELLATION OF OPTIONS AND WARRANTS.
 
    (a) All rights under any stock option granted by the Company pursuant to the
Company's Employee Stock Option Plan that remains unexercised immediately prior
to the Effective Time (collectively, "Options") shall be assumed by Buyer, and
shall thereafter represent the right to acquire that number of shares of Buyer
Common Stock to which the optionee would have been entitled pursuant to the
conversion ratio provided for in Section 1.3(a) if, immediately prior to the
Merger, the optionee had fully exercised the Option and had been a shareholder
of record of the Company, except that all fractional shares will be rounded to
the nearest whole share. The option price of each Option shall be adjusted to
the extent necessary to assure that the rights and benefits of the optionee
under such Option shall not be increased or decreased by reason of this Section
1.4(a) and, in addition, each Option which is an incentive stock option shall be
adjusted as required by Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and the regulations promulgated thereunder so as not to
constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Option within the meaning
of Section 424(h) of the Code. The date each Option becomes exercisable and the
expiration date of each Option will remain the same. Upon such conversion, all
rights under any and all Options and the stock option plans previously granted
or adopted by the Company shall terminate.
 
    (b) All rights under any warrant issued to Cambridge Ventures, L.P., that
remains unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time ("Warrants") shall
be assumed by Buyer, and shall thereafter represent the right to acquire that
number of shares of Buyer Common Stock to which the Warrant holder would have
been entitled pursuant to the conversion ratio provided for in Section 1.3(a)
if, immediately prior to the Merger, the Warrant holder had fully exercised the
Warrant and had been a shareholder of record of the Company, except that all
fractional shares will be rounded to the nearest whole share. The exercise price
of each Warrant shall be adjusted to the extent necessary to assure that the
rights and benefits of the Warrant holder under such Warrant shall not be
increased or decreased by reason of this Section 1.4(b). Upon such conversion,
all rights under any and all warrants previously granted or adopted by the
Company shall terminate.
 
    SECTION 1.5  FRACTIONAL SHARES.  All fractional shares of Buyer Common Stock
which a holder of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time
would otherwise be entitled to receive
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
immediately after the Effective Time shall be aggregated for each Company
stockholder. If a fractional share results from such aggregation, such
stockholder shall be entitled, after the later of the Effective Time and the
surrender of such stockholder's certificate or certificates representing such
shares of Company Common Stock, to receive from the Buyer an amount in cash, in
lieu of such fractional share, equal to the closing price per share of Buyer
Common Stock on the NASDAQ-NMS System on the last trading day preceding the
Effective Time multiplied by the fraction of a share of Buyer Common Stock to
which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled.
 
    SECTION 1.6  SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE.
 
    (a) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the Buyer will deliver
to an agent designated by it for this purpose and reasonably acceptable to the
Company (the "Exchange Agent") the number of shares of Buyer Common Stock
issuable in the Merger pursuant to Sections 1.3(a) and 1.4(a). In addition, the
Buyer shall make available to the Exchange Agent when and as needed funds
sufficient to make the payments required by Section 1.3(b) in respect of Company
Preferred Stock and Section 1.5 in respect of fractional shares.
 
    (b) Each holder of shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred
Stock that have been converted into a right to receive the Merger Consideration,
upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a certificate or certificates
representing such Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock, will be
entitled to receive the Merger Consideration payable in respect thereof. Until
so surrendered, each such certificate shall, after the Effective Time, represent
for all purposes only the right to receive the Merger Consideration payable in
respect thereof.
 
    (c) Any portion of the Merger Consideration made available to the Exchange
Agent pursuant to subparagraph (a) hereof that remains unclaimed by the holders
of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock six months after the
Effective Time shall be returned to Buyer, upon demand, and any such holder who
has not exchanged his Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock for the
Merger Consideration in accordance with this Section 1.6 prior to that time
shall thereafter look only to Buyer for payment of the Merger Consideration
payable in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall not be
liable to any holder of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock for any
amount paid to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property laws.
Any amounts remaining unclaimed by holders of Company Common Stock or Company
Preferred Stock two years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date
immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or
become property of any governmental entity) shall, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, become the property of Buyer free and clear of any claims or
interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
 
    SECTION 1.7  DISSENTING SHARES.  Notwithstanding Section 1.3, shares of
Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time and held by a holder who has not voted in favor of the
Merger or consented thereto in writing and who has demanded appraisal for such
shares in accordance with the Indiana Act ("Dissenting Shares") shall not be
converted into a right to receive the Merger Consideration, unless such holder
fails to perfect or withdraws or otherwise loses his right to appraisal. If,
after the Effective Time, such holder fails to perfect or withdraws or loses his
right to appraisal, such shares shall be treated as if they had been converted
as of the Effective Time into a right to receive the Merger Consideration. The
Company or the Surviving Corporation shall give Buyer prompt notice of any
demands received by the Company for appraisal of Company Common Stock and
Company Preferred Stock, and Buyer shall have the right to participate in all
negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. The Surviving
Corporation shall not, except with the prior written consent of Buyer, make any
payment with respect to, or settle or offer to settle, any such demands.
 
    SECTION 1.8  NO FURTHER TRANSFERS.  The stock transfer books of the Company
shall be closed at the close of business on the business day immediately
preceding the Effective Time, and no transfer of shares of Company Common Stock
or Company Preferred Stock shall be made thereafter. If, after the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Effective Time, certificates representing Company Common Stock or Company
Preferred Stock are presented to the Surviving Corporation, such certificates
shall be canceled and exchanged for the consideration provided for, and in
accordance with the provisions set forth, in this Article I.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                           THE SURVIVING CORPORATION
 
    SECTION 2.1  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.  The Articles of Incorporation of
Merger Sub in effect immediately before the Effective Time shall be the articles
of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with
the articles of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and applicable law.
The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be Pritsker Corporation.
 
    SECTION 2.2  REGULATIONS.  The Code of Regulations of Merger Sub in effect
immediately before the Effective Time shall be the Regulations of the Surviving
Corporation until amended or repealed in accordance with the Code of Regulations
of the Surviving Corporation and applicable law.
 
    SECTION 2.3  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  The directors of Merger Sub and the
officers of Merger Sub at the Effective Time shall be the directors and
officers, respectively, of the Surviving Corporation, until successors are duly
elected or appointed in accordance with applicable law and the Articles of
Incorporation and Regulations of the Surviving Corporation.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                                    CLOSING
 
    SECTION 3.1  CLOSING.  The closing shall take place at the offices of Vorys,
Sater, Seymour and Pease, 52 E. Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio (or at such other
place as the parties may mutually agree), on a date and at a time upon which the
parties shall mutually agree, as soon as practicable after each of the
conditions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 have been satisfied or, to the
extent permitted hereunder, waived (the "Closing Date", "Closing" or "time of
Closing").
 
    SECTION 3.2  INSTRUMENTS OF CONVEYANCE AND TRANSFER, FURTHER ASSURANCES AND
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT.
 
    (a) If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall determine or be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances
in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable to (i) vest, perfect or
confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation its right, title
or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of the
Company, or (ii) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the
Company, its officers and its directors shall be deemed to have granted to the
Surviving Corporation an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver
all such deeds, assignments or assurances in law and to do all acts necessary or
proper to vest, perfect or confirm title to and possession of such rights,
properties or assets in the Surviving Corporation and otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, and the officers and directors of the Surviving
Corporation are authorized in the name of the Company or otherwise to take any
and all such action.
 
    (b) The parties agree to use their best efforts to cause the Merger
transaction to be treated as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax
purposes (except to the extent cash is received for fractional shares pursuant
to Section 1.5 hereof or in respect of Dissenting Shares pursuant to Section 1.7
hereof).
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE IV
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                 OF THE COMPANY
 
    In order to induce the Buyer and Merger Sub to enter into this Agreement,
the Company represents and warrants to the Buyer and Merger Sub as follows:
 
    SECTION 4.1  CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER.  The Company is a corporation
duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Indiana, and
has all corporate powers and authority required to carry on its business as now
being conducted and to own and operate the properties and assets now owned and
being operated by the Company. The Company has not been a controlled or
majority-owned subsidiary or division of another corporation at any time since
January 1, 1995. The Company is duly qualified or licensed to do business as a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the character of the property
owned or leased by it or the nature of its activities makes such qualification
necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed would not
have a material adverse effect on the business, operations or financial
condition of the Company taken as a whole. Schedule 4.1 sets forth the states in
which the Company is qualified to do business. The Company has heretofore made
available to the Buyer true and complete copies of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation, including all amendments thereto, and the Company's By-laws as
currently in effect.
 
    SECTION 4.2  CORPORATE AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery and
performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company
of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the Company's corporate
powers and, except for any required approval by the Company's stockholders in
connection with the consummation of the Merger, have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of the Company.
 
    SECTION 4.3  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION.  Except as disclosed on Schedule
4.4 hereto, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
Agreement and the consummation of the Merger by the Company require no action by
or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency, official or
authority other than the filing of the Articles of Merger in accordance with the
Indiana Act and a certificate of merger in accordance with the Ohio Act.
 
    SECTION 4.4  NON-CONTRAVENTION.  Neither the execution nor the delivery of
this Agreement by the Company, nor the Company's consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, will (a) violate or conflict with or result in
a breach of any provision of or constitute a default (or an event which with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under or result in
the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge, or encumbrance of any kind or
nature upon, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws or, except as may be disclosed on Schedule
4.4, any promissory note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license,
agreement or other material instrument or obligation to which the Company is a
party or by which the Company, any of its assets or, to the knowledge of the
Company, any of the Company Common Stock may be bound or affected, or (b)
violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation
applicable to the Company, any of its properties, its assets or, to the
knowledge of the Company, any of the Company Common Stock. (For purposes of the
representations and warranties in this Article IV, the phrase "to the knowledge
of the Company" means to the knowledge of current corporate officers (and, for
purposes of Section 4.12(j), to the knowledge of employees who use the title
"Vice President"), as such knowledge has been obtained in the normal conduct of
the business and following a reasonable investigation or inquiry for the express
purpose of making such representations and warranties.)
 
    SECTION 4.5  CAPITALIZATION.  The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 10,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and 286,807 shares of
Company Preferred Stock. There are presently issued and outstanding (a)
2,847,244 shares of Company Common Stock, (b) 105,163 shares of Company
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
Preferred Stock (which are convertible into Company Common Stock), (c) stock
options to purchase an aggregate of 253,847 shares of the Company Common Stock
and (d) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,080 shares of Company Common
Stock. Such shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock, stock
options and warrants are held by the persons named and in the amounts set forth
in Schedule 4.5. Except as set forth in this Section, there are outstanding (i)
no shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the Company, (ii) no
securities of the Company convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital
stock or voting securities of the Company, (iii) no options, warrants or other
rights to acquire from the Company, and no obligation of the Company to issue,
any capital stock, voting securities or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for capital stock or voting securities of the Company (the items in
clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) being referred to collectively as the "Company
Securities"). There are no outstanding obligations of the Company to repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any Company Securities, except for the terms of the
Preferred Stock and the Stock Purchase Agreement related thereto. Schedule 4.5
identifies each person who may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of the Company
(each, an "Affiliate") for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Schedule 4.5 also lists each distribution to
Company stockholders, other than ordinary cash dividends on the Company
Preferred Stock, and each issuance, exchange, repurchase and retirement of
Company Common Stock and Company Securities effected since January 1, 1995.
 
    SECTION 4.6  SUBSIDIARIES.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6, the Company
does not own any equity interests in any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company or similar entity.
 
    SECTION 4.7  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The Company has delivered to the Buyer
copies of the following financial statements (hereinafter sometimes collectively
referred to as the "Financial Statements"):
 
    (a) The audited balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 1996 and
1995 and statements of income, and changes in stockholders' equity for the
calendar years ended on those dates, together with supporting schedules and
auditors' reports thereon; and
 
    (b) The unaudited balance sheets of the Company as of July 31, 1997 and
related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flow for
the seven-month period ended on such date, together with supporting schedules
certified by the Chairman of the Board and the President of the Company
(hereinafter sometimes "Interim Financials").
 
    Except as set forth in the notes thereto or as set forth in Schedule 4.7,
all of the Financial Statements are complete and correct and present fairly and
accurately the financial position of the Company at the respective dates of said
balance sheets and the results of its operations and changes in its financial
position for the respective periods then ended. Each of the Financial Statements
was prepared on a basis consistent with each other. The Company has good and
marketable title to all of the assets described in the Interim Financials and to
such additional assets as may have been acquired by the Company after July 31,
1997. The Company has no liabilities of any nature, whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise, other than (i) those expressly disclosed in any of the
Financial Statements and/or this Agreement and (ii) any liabilities incurred in
the ordinary course of business of the Company after July 31, 1997 which are
not, singly or in the aggregate, materially adverse to the Company.
 
    SECTION 4.8  NO MATERIAL CHANGE.  Since July 31, 1997, except for the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and as set forth in Schedule 4.8, the
Company has not:
 
    (a) Had any change in its financial condition, current operations, current
business, properties, assets or liabilities, other than changes in the ordinary
course of business, which changes have not individually or in the aggregate been
materially adverse to the Company;
 
    (b) Suffered any damage, destruction or loss of physical property (whether
or not covered by insurance);
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
    (c) Issued, sold or otherwise disposed of, or agreed to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of, any Company Securities;
 
    (d) Incurred or agreed to incur any indebtedness for borrowed money;
 
    (e) Paid or obligated itself to pay in excess of $25,000 in the aggregate
for any fixed assets;
 
    (f) Suffered any substantial loss or waived any substantial right;
 
    (g) Sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or agreed to sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, any assets or canceled, or agreed to cancel, any debts
or claims, other than in the ordinary course of business;
 
    (h) Mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any charge, lien, claim or
encumbrance, or agreed to mortgage, pledge or subject to any charge, lien, claim
or encumbrance, any of its properties or assets;
 
    (i) Declared, set aside or paid any dividend or made any distribution
(whether in cash, property or stock) with respect to any of its capital stock or
redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired, or agreed to redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, any of its capital stock;
 
    (j) Increased, or agreed to increase, the compensation payable to any of its
officer, employees or agents ("the Company Personnel"), adopted or increased or
agreed to adopt or increase any benefit under any insurance, pension or other
employee benefit plan, payment or arrangement made to, for or with any of the
Company Personnel or; paid or agreed to pay any bonus or incentive compensation,
or any other like benefit to any Company Personnel; or entered into or agreed to
enter into any severance arrangement with any of the Company's employees;
 
    (k) Lost any major customer or had any material order canceled or become
aware of any threatened cancellation of any material order or had any real
property or personal property leases to which it has been a party either
terminated or not renewed;
 
    (l) Made or permitted any amendment or termination of any contract,
agreement or license to which it is a party other than in the ordinary course of
business;
 
    (m) Had any resignation or termination of employment of any of its officers
or key employees or become aware of any impending or threatened resignation or
resignations or termination or terminations of employment that would have a
material adverse effect on its operations or business;
 
    (n) Had any labor trouble or become aware of any impending or threatened
labor trouble;
 
    (o) Experienced any shortage or difficulty in obtaining any raw material;
 
    (p) Made any change in its accounting methods or practices with respect to
its condition, operations, business, or practices with respect to its condition,
operations, business, properties, assets or liabilities;
 
    (q) Made any charitable or political contribution;
 
    (r) Entered into any transaction not in the ordinary course of its business;
 
    (s) Entered into or become aware of any agreement with respect to the shares
of the Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock;
 
    (t) Encouraged, solicited or held discussions (directly or indirectly) with
any person other than the Buyer concerning any merger, consolidation or sale of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
 
    (u) Entered into agreements or commitments of any nature to do any of the
foregoing.
 
    SECTION 4.9  TITLE TO AND CONDITION OF PROPERTIES AND ASSETS.  Except as
disclosed in either Schedule 4.9 or 4.10, the Company has good and marketable
title to all of its owned properties and assets, including, without limitation,
(i) all those used in the Company's business, and (ii) those reflected in the
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
Interim Financials (except as thereafter sold or otherwise disposed of in the
ordinary course of business) subject to no mortgage, pledge, conditional sales
contract, lien, security interest, right of possession in favor of any third
party, claim or other encumbrance, except the lien of current taxes not yet due
and payable. Subsequent to July 31, 1997, the Company has not sold or disposed
of any of its properties or assets or obligated itself to do so except in the
ordinary course of business. The facilities, machinery, furniture, office and
other equipment of the Company that are used in its business are in good
operating condition and repair, subject only to the ordinary wear and tear, and
neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any property or asset
owned or leased by the Company is in violation of any applicable ordinance,
regulation or building, zoning, environmental or other law in respect thereof.
Said facilities, machinery, furniture, office and other equipment and assets of
every type and kind owned or leased by the Company are sufficient to enable the
Company to operate its business.
 
    SECTION 4.10  CERTAIN PROPERTIES.  Schedule 4.10 sets forth all real estate
either leased to the Company or owned by the Company and all personal property
leased, orally or in writing, to the Company and specifies, in the case of real
estate, the location of each property, the use of the facility thereon, the name
of the owner or the names of the lessor and the lessee, the square footage of
improvements and the acreage of land. The Company has delivered to the Buyer:
 
    (a) A copy of each lease by which the Company acquired title to or its
interest in the leased real estate described in Schedule 4.10;
 
    (b) A copy of all title abstracts and title insurance policies the Company
has for the real estate described in Schedule 4.10;
 
    (c) A copy of all environmental reports and a copy of the most recent survey
or surveys the Company has for the real estate described in Schedule 4.10;
 
    (d) A copy of all certificates of occupancy for the improvements on the real
estate described in Schedule 4.10 which the Company has and a copy of any
variance granted with respect to any of such real estate described in Schedule
4.10 pursuant to applicable zoning laws or ordinances which the Company has; and
 
    (e) A copy of each lease by which the Company acquired its interest in the
personal property described in Schedule 4.10; all of which documents are true
and complete copies thereof as in effect on the date hereof. The Company has not
received any written notice from any governmental agency, board, bureau, body,
department or authority of any United States or foreign jurisdiction, with
respect to the use of any of the real estate described in Schedule 4.10. Except
as set forth in Schedule 4.10, to the knowledge of the Company, there is no
easement, right-of-way agreement, license, sublease, occupancy agreement or like
instrument with respect to any of the real estate described in Schedule 4.10
that would materially and adversely affect the Company's business or its
operations. Each lease pursuant to which the Company leases any real or personal
property is, to the knowledge of the Company, in full force and effect and is
valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms. There is not under any such
lease any default by the Company, or any event that with notice or lapse of time
or both would constitute such a default by the Company and with respect to which
the Company has not taken adequate steps to prevent such default from occurring;
all of such events, if any, and the aforesaid steps taken by the Company are set
forth in Schedule 4.10. There is not under any such lease (i) any default, to
the knowledge of the Company, by any other party thereto or (ii) any event that
with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a default thereunder
by the Company or, to the knowledge of the Company, any other party. Each
property used in the business of the Company is reflected in the Interim
Financials to the extent required by generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    SECTION 4.11  TAX MATTERS.
 
    (a) All federal, state, local and foreign tax returns, reports and
statements required to be filed by the Company have been properly and timely
filed with the appropriate governmental agencies in all jurisdictions in which
such returns, reports and statements are required to be filed, and all Charges
(as hereinafter defined) and other impositions shown thereon to be due and
payable have been paid prior to the date on which any fine, penalty, interest,
late charge or loss may be added thereto for the nonpayment thereof, unless any
such amounts are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and an
adequate reserve has been established on the Interim Financials, or any such
fine, penalty, interest, late charge or loss has been paid. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Charges" shall mean all federal, state, county, city, municipal,
local, foreign or other governmental taxes, levies, assessments and charges,
liens, claims or encumbrances upon or relating to:
 
        (i) the Company's employees, payroll, income or gross receipts,
 
        (ii) the Company's ownership or use of any of its assets, and
 
       (iii) any other aspect of the Company's business, in each case including
    any and all interest and penalties.
 
    (b) The Company has paid when due and payable all Charges required to be
paid by it. The provisions for taxes due in the Interim Financials are
sufficient for all unpaid Charges.
 
    (c) Schedule 4.11 sets forth for the Company those taxable years for which
its tax returns are currently being audited by the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS"). No issue has been raised or settled in any such examination that, by
application of similar principles, reasonably may be expected to result in an
assertion of a material deficiency for any other taxable year not so examined
that has not been accrued on the balance sheets of the Company as of July 31,
1997. The Company has not settled, issued or has entered into a closing
agreement with respect to any tax year for which an audit or examination has
been concluded that, by application of similar principles, reasonably may be
expected to result in a material deficiency for any other taxable year not so
examined (or currently under examination) that has not been accrued on the
Interim Financials on a basis consistent with that applied in all of the
Financials. There is no issue known to the Company relating to any Charge
(federal or otherwise) that, if determined adversely to the Company, would
result in the assertion of any material deficiency for any taxable year that has
not been accrued on the Interim Financials.
 
    (d) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11, the Company has not executed or
filed with the IRS or any other governmental authority any agreement or other
document extending, or having the effect of extending, the period for assessment
or collection of any Charge.
 
    (e) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11, the Company has not filed a
consent pursuant to Section 341(f) of the Code or agreed to have Section
341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any disposition of Subsection (f) assets (as such
term is defined in Section 341(f)(4) of the Code). The Company has not made any
payment, is not obligated to make any payment and is not a party to any
agreement that could under certain circumstances obligate it to make any
payment, that will not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code. The Company
has disclosed on its federal income tax returns all positions taken thereon that
could give rise to a substantial understatement of federal income tax within the
meaning of Section 6661 of the Code.
 
    (f) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11, none of the property owned by the
Company is property which the Company is required to treat as being owned by any
other person pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Code and in
effect immediately prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 or is
"tax-exempt use property" within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code.
 
    (g) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11, the Company has not agreed or has
been requested to make any adjustment under Section 481(a) of the Code by reason
of a change in accounting method initiated by
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
the Company and the Company has no knowledge that the IRS has proposed any such
adjustment or change in accounting methods.
 
    (h) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11, the Company has no obligation
under any written tax sharing agreement.
 
    SECTION 4.12  CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS.  Except as set forth in Schedule
4.12, the Company is not a party to any written or oral contract, agreement or
commitment to be performed in whole or in part after the date hereof, including
any:
 
    (a) Contract with any labor union;
 
    (b) Employment (other than those which are deemed to be at will) or
consulting contract or other contract for services;
 
    (c) Lease, whether as lessee or lessor, with respect to any property, real
or personal;
 
    (d) Loan agreement or instrument relating to any indebtedness;
 
    (e) Contract of purchase or sale with respect to the assets or business
except in the ordinary course;
 
    (f) Contract with any agent, dealer or distributor;
 
    (g) Stand-by letter of credit, guarantee or performance bond;
 
    (h) Contract or agreement restricting the ability of any person from freely
engaging in any business or competing anywhere in the world;
 
    (i) Severance or bonus agreements with current or past employees; or
 
    (j) Contract with customers (excluding maintenance and support and
consulting agreements made in the ordinary course of business, but including all
commitments for product development, enhancement, modification and
customization).
 
    Except as set forth in Schedule 4.12, the Company is not a party to any
contract with any governmental authority or any other contract that materially
and adversely affects its condition, operations, business properties, assets or
liabilities. Each contract or other agreement listed in Schedule 4.12 is, to the
knowledge of the Company, in full force and effect and is valid and enforceable
by the Company, in accordance with its terms. Neither the Company nor, to the
knowledge of the Company, any other party is in material default in the
observance or the performance of any term or obligation to be performed by them
under any contract listed in Schedule 4.12. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.12, the Company is not a party to nor has it made any outstanding bid or
contract proposal that, if accepted or entered into, might result in a material
loss to the Company. The Company has delivered to the Buyer true and complete
copies of all written contracts listed in Schedule 4.12 in effect on the date
hereof.
 
    SECTION 4.13  LITIGATION.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.13, there are
no pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, actions, suits,
claims, proceedings, arbitrations or investigations, either at law or in equity,
or before any commission or other administrative authority in any United States
or foreign jurisdiction, of any kind now pending or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threatened or proposed in any manner or, to the knowledge of the
Company, any circumstances which should or could reasonably form the basis of
any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, involving the Company or any
of its properties or assets that (a) if asserted and decided adversely to the
Company, would materially and adversely affect the operations or the business of
the Company, (b) questions the validity of this Agreement or (c) seeks to delay,
prohibit or restrict in any manner any action taken or to be taken by the
Company or any of its stockholders pursuant to this Agreement. Neither the
Company nor any of its properties or assets is subject to any judicial or
administrative judgment, order, decree or restraint. Schedule 4.13 lists all
actions, arbitrations and lawsuits instituted against the Company during the
preceding five-year period.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    SECTION 4.14  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
 
    (a) The patents and inventions, trademarks and service marks, trade names
and styles, logos and designs, trade secrets, technical information, engineering
procedures, designs, know-how and processes (whether confidential or otherwise),
software, copyrights and other intellectual property (including applications for
any of the aforesaid), in each case used or reasonably necessary to permit
satisfactory operation of the business of the Company as presently constituted
are collectively referred to hereinafter as the "Intellectual Property".
Schedule 4.14 identifies any and all United States and foreign patents and filed
applications for patent owned by the Company, and any and all state, federal,
foreign or provincial registrations, or applications for registration, of any
trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights owned by the Company.
Schedule 4.14 also identifies each license and other agreement that: (i) relates
to the granting by the Company of any rights, including without limitation
rights of use and ownership, in any of the Intellectual Property, other than
standard software license agreements of the Company (the forms of which have
been provided to Buyer), and (ii) requires the payment to the Company of at
least $15,000 in the aggregate. Schedule 4.14 identifies each license and other
agreement that: (i) relates to the acquisition by the Company of any rights,
including without limitation rights of use and ownership, in any of the
Intellectual Property, and (ii) requires the payment by the Company of at least
$15,000 in the aggregate. Other than as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, to the
knowledge of the Company, no person has a right to receive a royalty, or has
claimed a right to receive a royalty, with respect to any of the Intellectual
Property. Other than as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, there are no claims or
proceedings pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against
the Company asserting that its use of any of the Intellectual Property infringes
upon the rights of any other person. To the knowledge of the Company, there is
no basis for any claim that the use by the Company of any of the Intellectual
Property infringes upon the rights of any other person. All patents, trademarks,
trade names, service marks and copyrights listed on Schedule 4.14 are valid and
in full force and effect. Other than as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, the rights
of the Company in and to the Intellectual Property is, and at Closing will be,
transferable as contemplated by this Agreement.
 
    (b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, the Company is the sole and
exclusive owner throughout the world of the software products listed on Schedule
4.14 (the "Products"), including without limitation all source code, object code
and algorithms embodied therein. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, no person
other than the Company has the right to market any source code of the Products
to any person. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, the Products are year 2000
compliant.
 
    SECTION 4.15  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  The Company has complied with and is in
compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws,
ordinances, regulations, rules, permits, judgments, orders and decrees
applicable to it or any of its properties, assets, operations and businesses,
and there does not exist any basis for any claim of default under or violation
of any such statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, judgment, order or
decree, except such defaults or violations or such bases for any claims of such
defaults or violations, if any, that in the aggregate do not and will not
materially and adversely affect the property, operations, financial condition or
prospects of the Company. Without limiting any of the foregoing or any other
provisions of this Agreement, and by way of example only, included herein are
violations arising in the following areas: all matters relating to the
environment, employee safety, fair labor standards, product safety, equal
employment opportunity, Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation,
federal, state and local taxes of all types, ERISA, COBRA, Immigration and
Naturalization, and zoning. The Company has no knowledge of any presently
pending proceeding, hearing or investigation with respect to the adoption of
amendments or modifications to existing laws, ordinances, rules, regulations or
restrictions with respect to such matters which, if adopted, would materially
and adversely affect the business and/or operations of the Company.
 
    SECTION 4.16  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  The Company has complied with and is
in compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws,
ordinances, regulations, rules, permits, judgments, orders and decrees
applicable to it or any of its properties, assets, operations and businesses
relating to
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
environmental protection including, without limitation, standards relating to
air, water, land and the generation, storage, transportation, treatment or
disposal of Hazardous Wastes and Hazardous Substances (as such terms are defined
in any applicable state or federal environmental law or regulation). The Company
has obtained and adhered to all necessary permits and other approvals necessary
to store, dispose of and otherwise handle Hazardous Wastes and Hazardous
Substances and has reported, to the extent required by all federal, state, local
and foreign statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, rules, permits, judgments,
orders and decrees, all past and present sites owned and operated by the Company
where Hazardous Wastes or Hazardous Substances have been treated, stored or
disposed. The Company has no knowledge of any on-site or off-site location to
which the Company has transported Hazardous Wastes or Hazardous Substances or
arranged for the transportation of Hazardous Wastes or Hazardous Substances,
which site is the subject of any federal, state, local or foreign enforcement
action or any other investigation which could lead to any claim against the
Surviving Corporation, the Company or the Buyer for any clean-up cost, remedial
work, damage to natural resources or personal injury, including, but not limited
to, any claim under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended. The Company has no contingent liability in
connection with any release of any Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substance into
the environment.
 
    SECTION 4.17  ERISA MATTERS.  All employee pension benefit plans (within the
meaning of Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended ("ERISA")) maintained by the Company are listed in Schedule 4.17, and
all such plans: (a) are qualified to the extent required by law under Section
401(a) of the Code; (b) have been operated in all material respects in
accordance with ERISA including, but not limited to, the fiduciary standards
required by Title I, Subtitle B, Part 4 of ERISA; (c) have not engaged in any
prohibited transactions (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of
the Code); (d) have met the minimum funding standards contained in Title I,
Subtitle B, Part 3 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code; (e) are not subject to
liability to any multi-employer pension plan on account of "withdrawal" or plan
"reorganization" (as those terms are defined in ERISA), or to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation for any reason; (f) have not and are not currently
undergoing (except as otherwise contemplated herein) a "partial" or "complete"
termination (as defined in ERISA); and (g) are not subject to any "reportable
events" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA), as of the Closing Date, except as
otherwise contemplated herein. Each employee welfare benefit plan of the
Company, within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA, are listed on Schedule
4.17, have been operated in all material respects in accordance with ERISA and
are not underfunded. The Company has heretofore made available to Buyer true and
complete copies of all of the plans listed on Schedule 4.17.
 
    SECTION 4.18  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS AND REGULATIONS.  Schedule 4.18
lists all licenses, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations
held by the Company relative to the conduct of its business. Such licenses,
franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations are valid, and the
Company has not received any notice that any governmental authority intends to
cancel, terminate or not renew any such license, franchise, permit or other
governmental authorization. The Company holds all licenses, franchises, permits
and other governmental authorizations the absence of any of which could have a
material adverse effect on any of its business. The business of the Company is
not being conducted, and no properties or assets of the Company relating thereto
are owned or are being used by the Company, in violation of any statute, law,
ordinance, regulation, rule or permit of any governmental entity or any
judgment, order or decree which would have a materially adverse effect upon the
Company, its business or its operations. All services provided and/or products
sold by the Company comply in all material respects with all statutes, laws,
ordinances, regulations and rules and criteria governing the design, manufacture
and intended use thereof, the failure of which would have a materially adverse
effect upon the Company, its business or its operations.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    SECTION 4.19  SEC AND ANTITRUST FILINGS.  The Company has not issued any
security covered by a registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the 1933 Act or the Investment the
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and no security issued by the Company has ever
been registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
("1934 Act"). The Company is not required to file a report under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 or any other antitrust law
in respect to any action pursuant to or contemplated by this Agreement.
 
    SECTION 4.20  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.20,
since January 1, 1995, there has been no transaction, and no transaction is now
proposed, to which the Company was or is to be a party and in which any director
or officer of the Company or any person owning of record or beneficially more
than 10% of the outstanding capital stock of any class of the Company or any
associate of any such person had or has a direct or indirect material interest.
 
    SECTION 4.21  ACCOUNTING PRACTICES.  The Company makes and keeps accurate
books and records reflecting its assets and its business operations and the
Company maintains internal accounting controls that provide reasonable assurance
that (a) transactions are executed with management's authorization, (b)
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the Company's
financial statements and to maintain accountability for the assets of the
Company, (c) access to the assets of the Company is permitted only in accordance
with management's authorization and (d) the reported accountability of the
assets of the Company is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals.
 
    SECTION 4.22  MINUTE BOOKS.  The Company's minute books contain complete and
accurate records of all meetings and other corporate actions of its stockholders
and Board of Directors and committees thereof. The Company has heretofore made
available to Buyer all of its minute books.
 
    SECTION 4.23  INSURANCE.  All properties and operations of the Company are
insured for its benefit, in amounts deemed adequate by the Company, against all
risks usually insured against by persons operating similar properties or
conducting similar operations in the localities where such properties are
located or such operations are conducted under valid and enforceable policies
issued by insurers of recognized responsibility. Schedule 4.23 lists all such
policies and the policy amounts. The Company has delivered to the Buyer true and
complete copies of all such policies as in effect on the date hereof.
 
    SECTION 4.24  BANK ACCOUNTS; POWERS OF ATTORNEY.  Schedule 4.24 sets forth
(a) the name of each bank in which the Company has an account or safe deposit
box and the names of all persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access
thereto and (b) the names of all persons, if any, holding powers of attorney
from the Company and a summary statement of the terms thereof.
 
    SECTION 4.25  PRODUCT/SERVICE WARRANTIES.  Except as set forth in Schedule
4.25: (a) the Company has no unexpired, expressed, product or service warranty
with respect to any product that it sells or that it has heretofore sold or any
service that it provides or sells or has heretofore provided or sold, other than
standard software warranties, the forms of which have been provided to Buyer;
(b) the Company has not received any notice of any claim based on any such
product or service warranty; and (c) the Company has no knowledge of any claim
(actual or threatened) based on any such product or service warranty of which
the Company has not received notice.
 
    SECTION 4.26  CERTAIN DISCLOSURES.  Schedule 4.26 contains a list of all
officers and other employees, agents and consultants of the Company whose
current annual salary or rate of compensation from the Company (including bonus
and incentive compensation) is $25,000 or more or to whom the Company has loaned
funds.
 
    SECTION 4.27  CUSTOMER RELATIONS.  The Company has previously provided Buyer
with a list of the Company's twenty (20) largest customers since January 1,
1996, together with an itemization of sales to such customers.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    SECTION 4.28  BROKERS.  All negotiations relative to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby have been carried on by the Company directly
with the Buyer and without the intervention of any other person and in such
manner as not to give rise to any valid claim against any of the parties for any
finder's fee, brokerage commission or like payment.
 
    SECTION 4.29  NO UNTRUE STATEMENTS.  No statements by the Company contained
in this Agreement and no written statement furnished by the Company to the Buyer
pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, contains or will contain any
untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements therein contained not misleading.
There is no fact known to the Company that affects, or in the future might
reasonably be expected to affect, adversely the financial condition, operations,
business, properties, assets or liabilities of the Company or the Company Common
Stock in any material respect that is not set forth in this Agreement or the
schedules hereto.
 
    SECTION 4.30  TAX AND REGULATORY MATTERS.  Neither the Company nor any
Affiliate has taken any action, or has any knowledge of any fact or
circumstance, that is reasonably likely to prevent the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, including the Merger, from qualifying as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
    SECTION 4.31  STATE TAKEOVER LAWS.  The Company has taken all necessary
steps to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from any
applicable state takeover law.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                       OF
                                   THE BUYER
 
    In order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement, the Buyer
represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
 
    SECTION 5.1  CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING.  Each of Merger Sub
and the Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, and each has all corporate powers
and authority required to carry on its business as now being conducted and to
own and operate the properties and assets now owned and being operated by it.
The Buyer is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing
as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the character of the
property owned or leased by it or the nature of its activities make such
qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be
so qualified or licensed would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. ("Material Adverse Effect"
means an effect that is materially adverse to the condition (financial or
otherwise), business, assets or results of operations of Buyer and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole.) Since the date of its incorporation, Merger Sub
has not engaged in any activities other than in connection with or as
contemplated by this Agreement.
 
    SECTION 5.2  CORPORATE AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery and
performance by the Buyer and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation
by the Buyer and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby are within
the corporate powers of the Buyer and Merger Sub and have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of the Buyer and Merger Sub.
 
    SECTION 5.3  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery and
performance by Buyer and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation of
the Merger by them require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any
governmental body, agency, official or authority other than the filing of the
Articles of Merger in accordance with the Indiana Act, the filing of a
certificate of merger in accordance with the Ohio Act and compliance with the
applicable requirements of federal and state securities laws.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
    SECTION 5.4  NON-CONTRAVENTION.  Neither the execution nor the delivery of
this Agreement by Buyer and Merger Sub, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, will (a) violate or conflict with or result in a breach of
any provision of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse
of time, or both, would constitute a default) under or result in the termination
of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any
lien, security interest, charge, or encumbrance of any kind or nature upon any
of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or
Regulations of the Buyer or Merger Sub or any promissory note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, deed of trust, license, agreement, or other material instrument or
obligation to which the Buyer or Merger Sub is a party or by which the Buyer or
Merger Sub, any of their respective assets or any of the Buyer Common Stock may
be bound or affected, or (b) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree,
statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Buyer or Merger Sub, any of their
respective properties or assets or any of the Buyer Common Stock.
 
    SECTION 5.5  BUYER COMMON STOCK.  The authorized capital stock of Buyer
consists of 20,000,000 common shares, each without par value, of which 5,857,556
shares were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 1997, and 1,000,000 preferred
shares, none of which are designated, issued or outstanding. All of the issued
and outstanding shares of Buyer Common Stock are, and all of the shares of Buyer
Common Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Company Common Stock upon
consummation of the Merger, when issued in accordance with the terms hereof,
will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will be issued
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement free and clear of any preemptive
right or any lien charge or encumbrance arising through the Buyer.
 
    SECTION 5.6  TAX AND REGULATORY MATTERS.  Neither Buyer nor any affiliate
thereof has taken any action or has any knowledge of any fact or circumstance
that is reasonably likely to prevent the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, from qualifying as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
    SECTION 5.7  BROKERS.  All negotiations relative to this Agreement and the
Transactions contemplated hereby have been carried on by the Buyer directly with
the Company and without the intervention of any other person and in such manner
as not to give rise to any valid claim against any of the parties for any
finder's fee, brokerage commission or like payment.
 
    SECTION 5.8.  REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Since July 1, 1995, Buyer
has filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any required
amendments thereto, that it was required to file with the SEC under Sections
12(b), 12(g), 13(a) or 14(a) of the 1934 Act, including, but not limited to
Forms 10-K, Forms 10-Q and proxy statements (the "Buyer Reports"). Buyer has
previously furnished the Company with true and complete copies of Buyer's annual
report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, and its quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed since that date, as
well as the most recent proxy statement distributed to its shareholders. As of
their respective dates, the Buyer Reports complied with the requirements of the
SEC and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstance under which they were made not
misleading. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim
financial statements of Buyer included in the Buyer Reports have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto)
and fairly present the financial position of Buyer and its consolidated
subsidiaries taken as a whole as at the dates thereof and the consolidated
results of their operations and changes in cash flows for the period then ended
subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements, to normal
year-end and audit adjustments and any other adjustments described therein.
There exist no material liabilities of Buyer and its consolidated subsidiaries,
contingent or otherwise, except as disclosed in the Buyer Reports.
 
    SECTION 5.9  NO UNTRUE STATEMENTS.  No statements by the Buyer contained in
this Agreement and no written statement furnished by the Buyer to the Company
pursuant to or in connection with this
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
Agreement, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or
omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein contained not misleading. There is no fact known to the Buyer
that affects, or in the future might reasonably be expected to affect, adversely
the financial conditions, operations, business, properties, assets or
liabilities of the Buyer or the Buyer Common Stock in any material respect that
is not set forth in this Agreement or the schedules hereto.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                               CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
    SECTION 6.1  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING CLOSING.  From and after the date
of this Agreement until the Effective Time, the Company shall conduct its
business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and shall use its
reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organizations and
relationships with third parties and to keep available the services of its
present officers and employees. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, from the date hereof until the Effective Time, without the written
consent of Buyer:
 
    (a) The Company will maintain itself at all times as a corporation duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of its state of incorporation and
each other state in which it is qualified or licensed to do business;
 
    (b) The Company will not take any action which will result in, and will use
its best efforts to avoid, any material adverse change in the financial
condition, properties or operation of the business of the Company;
 
    (c) The Company will not issue or sell, or agree to issue or sell, any
Company Securities; there will be no dividends declared or paid or other
distributions made in respect of the shares of the Company Common Stock or the
Company Preferred Stock, other than ordinary dividends on the Company Preferred
Stock;
 
    (d) The Company shall maintain in full force and effect all of its presently
existing insurance coverage or insurance comparable to such existing coverage;
 
    (e) The Company will not engage in any activity or transaction or make any
commitment to purchase or spend other than in the ordinary course of business as
heretofore conducted; provided, however, without the prior written consent of
the Buyer, the Company will not make any commitment to purchase or spend more
than $25,000 or more in any single transaction;
 
    (f) The Company will not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, or agree to
redeem purchase or otherwise acquire, any Company Securities;
 
    (g) The Company will not pay or obligate itself to pay any compensation,
commission, bonus or severance to any Company Personnel as such, except for the
regular compensation and commissions payable to such director, officer, employee
or independent contractor at the rate in effect on the date of this Agreement ;
 
    (h) The Company will use its best efforts to preserve its business
organization intact, to keep available to the Buyer and the Surviving
Corporation the services of the Company's employees and independent contractors
and to preserve for the Buyer and the Surviving Corporation the Company's
relationships with suppliers, licensees, distributors and customers and others
having business relationships with the Company;
 
    (i) The Company will not obligate itself to sell or otherwise dispose of, or
pledge or otherwise encumber, any of its properties or assets except in the
ordinary course of business, and the Company will maintain its facilities,
machinery and equipment in good operating condition and repair, subject only to
ordinary wear and tear;
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
    (j) The Company will not amend its Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws;
 
    (k) The Company will not engage in any activity or transaction other than in
the ordinary course of its business as heretofore conducted;
 
    (l) The Company will not incur or agree to incur any indebtedness for
borrowed money, or create or allow to be created any new liens, security
interests, charges or encumbrances of any nature whatsoever on any of its
properties or assets;
 
    (m) The Company will not (i) take or agree or commit to take any action that
would make any representation and warranty of the Company hereunder inaccurate
in any respect at or as of any time prior to the Effective Time or (ii) omit or
agree or commit to omit to take any action necessary to prevent any such
representation or warranty from being inaccurate in any material respect at any
such time; and
 
    (n) Without limiting the foregoing, the Company will consult with the Buyer
regarding all significant developments, transactions and proposals relating to
the business or operations or any of the assets or liabilities of the Company.
 
    SECTION 6.2  REGISTRATION STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDER MEETING; PROXY MATERIAL.
 
    (a) As soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, Buyer shall
prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement covering the Buyer Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger (the "Registration Statement"), which will
include a proxy statement for a meeting of Company stockholders (the "Company
Proxy Statement"). The Company will cooperate with the Buyer in preparing and
filing the Registration Statement.
 
    (b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement
becomes effective under all applicable securities laws, the Company shall cause
a meeting of its stockholders (the "Company Stockholder Meeting") to be duly
called and held for the purpose of voting on the approval and adoption of this
Agreement and the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby. The Directors
of the Company shall, subject to their fiduciary duties as advised by counsel,
recommend approval and adoption by the Company's stockholders of this Agreement
and the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company will (i)
mail to its stockholders the Company Proxy Statement and all other proxy
materials for such meeting, (ii) will use its reasonable efforts to obtain the
necessary approvals by its stockholders of this Agreement and (iii) will
otherwise comply with all legal requirements applicable to such meeting.
 
    (c) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Buyer for
inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Company Proxy Statement will, at
the time of filing thereof, and with respect to the Company Proxy Statement,
when first mailed to the stockholders of the Company, be false or misleading
with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading, or, in the case of the Company Proxy Statement or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the time of the Company Stockholder
Meeting, be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to
state any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any earlier
communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the Company
Stockholders Meeting. All documents that Buyer is responsible for filing with
the SEC in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will
comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of applicable
law.
 
    (d) The information with respect to the Company that the Company furnishes
to the Buyer or Merger Sub in writing specifically for use in the Registration
Statement or Company Proxy Statement will not, at the time of the filing
thereof, at the time of any distribution thereof and at the time of the
consummation of the Merger, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    (e) Buyer shall take all necessary steps to cause the Buyer Common Stock to
be issued in the Merger to be listed on the NASDAQ-NMS System.
 
    SECTION 6.3  ACCESS TO INFORMATION.  From the date hereof until the
Effective Time, the Company will give to the Buyer, its counsel, financial
advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives, full and complete
access to the books and records and personnel of the Company, all as provided by
and subject to the confidentiality requirements of the letter of intent, dated
July 24, 1997 between the Buyer and the Company (the "Letter of Intent").
 
    SECTION 6.4  AFFILIATE'S LETTER.  The Company will use its best efforts to
cause each Affiliate listed on Schedule 4.5 to sign a letter, in substantially
the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the "Affiliate's Letter"), agreeing not
to sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of the shares of Buyer Common
Stock to be received by such person upon consummation of the Merger except in
compliance with applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and Rule 145 promulgated
thereunder,
 
    SECTION 6.5  OPTIONS AND WARRANTS.  If necessary under the terms of the
Options and the Warrants, the Company will use its best efforts to cause each
Option holder and the Warrant holder to consent to the conversion of the Options
and Warrants pursuant to Sections 1.4(a) and 1.4(b) hereof and, in connection
therewith, will cause each person so consenting who is also a holder of Company
Common Stock to agree not to demand appraisal for such shares in accordance with
the Indiana Act.
 
    SECTION 6.6  OTHER NEGOTIATIONS.  During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, except with the prior approval of Buyer, the
Company shall not, and shall not permit its representatives, directly or
indirectly, to provide any information (other than information contained in a
press release issued by the parties hereto) concerning this transaction to, or
initiate or solicit discussions with, any corporation, partnership, person or
other entity or group concerning any merger in which the Company is not the
acquiror or sale of substantial assets, sale of shares of capital stock (or
securities convertible or exchangeable into or otherwise evidencing, or any
agreement or instrument evidencing, the right to acquire capital stock) or
similar transaction involving the Company.
 
    SECTION 6.7  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.  At the Effective Time, each of the employee
benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), each of the fringe benefit
plans (as defined in Section 6039D(d)(1) of the Code) and each of the employment
practices included in Schedule 4.17, except the Pritsker Corporation Employee
Retirement Plan (the "Pritsker Plan"), shall be terminated. As of the Effective
Time, the employees of the Surviving Corporation shall cease their participation
in the Pritsker Plan and, subject to its applicable terms and conditions for
eligibility, become participants in the Symix Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the
"Symix Plan"). For purposes of eligibility to participate in, and vesting under,
the Symix Plan, all service with the Company credited to employees of the
Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time, shall be counted as service with
the Buyer. Within a reasonable time following the Effective Time, the Pritsker
Plan shall be merged into the Symix Plan in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Code. With respect to all other employee benefits, Buyer
agrees that, as of and following the Effective Time, Buyer shall provide, or
shall cause Surviving Corporation to provide employees of Surviving Corporation
with employee benefit plans and programs, including, but not limited to,
employee benefit plans, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which
provide benefits that are no less favorable in the aggregate to those provided
to employees of Buyer of comparable status and seniority. With respect to all
such benefits, for purposes of eligibility to participate in, and vesting under,
such plans and programs, all service with the Company credited to employees of
the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time, shall be counted as service
with the Buyer.
 
    SECTION 6.8  INDEMNIFICATION OF THE COMPANY'S OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.  Buyer
and the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and
former director and officer of the Company, and shall advance costs and expenses
as incurred, in each case to the full extent permitted by law, in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or
pertaining to matters as to which such director or officer would be entitled to
indemnification or advancement of
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
expenses from the Company under the Indiana Act, including the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
 
    SECTION 6.9  CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO MERGER.  From and after the
Effective Time and for so long as is necessary in order to permit the Company's
Affiliates to sell Buyer's stock acquired in the Merger pursuant to Rule 145,
and to the extent practicable Rule 144, under the 1933 Act, Buyer shall use its
best efforts to file on a timely basis all reports required to be filed by it
pursuant to Section 13 of the 1934 Act, referred to in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule
144, in order to permit the Company's Affiliates to sell Buyer's Common Stock
held by them pursuant to the terms and conditions of Rule 145 and the applicable
provisions of Rule 144.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                             CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
 
    SECTION 7.1  CONDITIONS TO THE BUYER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE.  The obligation
of the Buyer to close the transaction is subject to the condition that, between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date:
 
    (a) It shall not have discovered any error or misstatement in any
representations and warranties of the Company which, either individually or in
the aggregate, would reasonably be likely to have a material adverse effect on
the Company or the Surviving Corporation or would prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a tax-free reorganization; and it shall have received a
certificate dated as of the Closing Date signed by the Chairman of the Board and
the President of the Company certifying that the representations and warranties
as set forth in Article IV are accurate in all material respects as of the
Closing Date;
 
    (b) All terms and conditions of this Agreement to be performed and complied
with by the Company shall have been performed and complied with in all material
respects on or before the Closing Date;
 
    (c) Nothing shall have happened to the Company Common Stock, the Company's
assets or the Company's business nor will there have been any claim asserted
against the Company which would reasonably be likely to materially and adversely
affect (i) the operations or net worth of the Company, (ii) its business, or
(iii) its assets; and the Company shall have delivered to the Buyer a
certificate dated as of the Closing Date, covering the time period from the date
of this Agreement to the Closing Date, signed by the Chairman of the Board and
the President of the Company to all such effects;
 
    (d) The Company shall have delivered to the Buyer an accurate list as of the
Closing Date showing all material contracts and commitments entered into by the
Company since the date hereof;
 
    (e) The Company shall have provided the Buyer with certificates of existence
for the Company issued by the Secretary of State of Indiana and by the secretary
of state of each jurisdiction listed on Schedule 4.1, each as of a date
reasonably close to such Closing Date;
 
    (f) The Company shall have obtained and delivered to the Buyer all consents,
authorizations and approvals under all statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations,
rules, judgments, decrees and orders of any court or governmental agency, board,
bureau, body, department or authority required to be obtained by the Company in
connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and all necessary
consents under any contracts or commitments to which the Company is a party and
which Buyer reasonably believes are material to the Company's business;
 
    (g) The Buyer shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of
Baker & Daniels, counsel for the Company, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel;
 
    (h) The Company shall have delivered to the Buyer the original corporate
record books of the Company and the written resignations of all of the Company's
directors and corporate officers (as directors and officers, but not as
employees) effective as of the Closing Date;
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    (i) The Company shall have diligently supported this Agreement in any
proceeding before any regulatory authority whose approval of the transaction
contemplated hereby is required;
 
    (j) The required approval of the Company's stockholders shall have been
obtained, and the Company shall have delivered to the Buyer true and complete
copies, certified by the Company's secretary, of the resolutions which have been
adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and its stockholders authorizing the
Merger and the consummation of such other transactions related to the Agreement;
 
    (k) The holders of not more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company
Common Stock shall have demanded appraisal of their shares of the Company Common
Stock in accordance with Indiana law;
 
    (l) All Affiliates listed on Schedule 4.5 shall have signed an Affiliate's
Letter;
 
    (m) The Registration Statement shall have become effective and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been
issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or
threatened by the SEC; and
 
    (n) To the extent necessary under the terms of the Options and Warrants, the
holders of all Options and Warrants shall have given written consent to having
such Options converted in the Merger in accordance with Sections 1.4(a) and
1.4(b) hereof.
 
    SECTION 7.2  CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE. The obligation
of the Company to close the transactions is subject to the condition that at or
before the Closing:
 
    (a) All representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in Article V
hereof shall be accurate in all material respects as of the Closing Date; all of
the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement to be complied with and
performed by the Buyer and the Merger Sub have been performed and complied with
in all material respects on or before the Closing Date; and a certificate to the
foregoing effect dated as of the Closing Date and signed by an officer of the
Buyer shall have been delivered to the Company;
 
    (b) The Company shall have received a certified copy of the resolutions of
the directors of the Buyer authorizing the execution of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;
 
    (c) The Company shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, counsel for the Buyer and the Merger Sub, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its counsel;
 
    (d) The Buyer and the Merger Sub shall have obtained and delivered to the
Company all consents, authorizations and approvals under all statutes, laws,
ordinances, regulations, rules, judgments, decrees and orders of any court or
governmental agency, board, bureau, body, department or authority or of any
other person required to be obtained by the Buyer and Merger Sub in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;
 
    (e) The Buyer and Merger Sub shall have diligently supported this Agreement
in any proceeding before any regulatory authority whose approval of the
transactions contemplated hereby is required;
 
    (f) The Buyer and Merger Sub shall not have knowingly taken any action which
could reasonably be expected to interfere unreasonably with the business or
operations of the Company;
 
    (g) There shall have been no material adverse change to the Buyer's assets
or the Buyer's business nor shall there have been any claim asserted against the
Buyer which would reasonably be likely to materially and adversely affect (i)
the operations or net worth of the Buyer, (ii) its business, or (iii) its
assets; and the Buyer shall have delivered to the Company a certificate dated as
of the Closing Date, covering the time period from the date of this Agreement to
the Closing Date, signed by an officer of the Buyer to all such effects;
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    (h) The required approval of the Company's stockholders in accordance with
its Articles of Incorporation and The Indiana Act shall have been obtained;
 
    (i) The Registration Statement shall have become effective and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been
issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or
threatened by the SEC;
 
    (j) All arrangements with the Exchange Agent and the related procedures for
payment of the Merger Consideration are in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Company and its counsel;
 
    (k) The Company shall be reasonably satisfied that the receipt of Buyer
Common Stock pursuant to Section 1.3(a) will qualify for tax free treatment
pursuant to Section 368(a) of the Code; and
 
    (l) All arrangements related to the conversion of the Options and Warrants
pursuant to Sections 1.4(a) and 1.4(b) hereof are in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its counsel.
 
                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS
 
    SECTION 8.1  SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; EFFECT OF CLOSING.
The parties hereto agree that the representations and warranties of the Company,
the Buyer and Merger Sub in Articles IV and V of this Agreement shall not
survive the Closing.
 
    SECTION 8.2  SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto acknowledge that
irreparable damage would result if this Agreement is not specifically enforced
and that, therefore, the rights and obligations of the Buyer and the Company
under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Buyer's rights to
proceed with the Merger, may be enforced by a decree of specific performance
issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. Such remedy shall, however, not be
exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which the Buyer or the
Company may have under this Agreement or otherwise.
 
    SECTION 8.3  TERMINATION BY THE BUYER. The Buyer may, without liability to
the Company, terminate this Agreement by notice to the Company at any time prior
to (except for (b) below which must be true only at Closing) and including the
Closing Date:
 
    (a) If a default shall be made by the Company in the observance or in the
due and timely performance of any of the terms hereof to be performed by the
Company that cannot be cured by the Company prior to Closing; or
 
    (b) If any of the conditions precedent to Buyer's obligation to close shall
not have been fulfilled at or prior to the Closing.
 
    SECTION 8.4  TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY. The Company may, without liability
to the Buyer, terminate this Agreement by notice to the Buyer at any time prior
to (except for (b) below which must be true only at Closing) and including the
Closing Date:
 
    (a) If a default shall be made by Buyer in the observance or in the due and
timely performance of any of the terms hereof to be performed by Buyer that
cannot be cured by Buyer prior to Closing; or
 
    (b) If any of the conditions precedent to the Company's obligation to close
shall not have been fulfilled at or prior to the Closing; or
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    SECTION 8.5  EFFECT OF TERMINATION.
 
    (a) If this Agreement is terminated, this Agreement shall no longer be of
any force or effect and there shall be no liability on the part of any party or
their respective directors, officers or shareholders or agents except:
 
        (i) in the case of termination by Buyer because of a failure of the
    conditions of any of subparagraphs (a), (b), (f), (i), (j), (l) or (n) of
    Section 7.1 or by the Company other than in accordance with Section 8.4
    hereof, the Buyer may recover from the Company the amount of expenses
    incurred by the Buyer in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
    contemplated hereby which the Buyer would otherwise have to bear pursuant to
    Section 8.8 of this Agreement; and
 
        (ii) in the case of termination by the Company because of a failure of
    the conditions of any of subparagraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) or (f) of Section
    7.2 or by Buyer other than in accordance with Section 8.3 hereof, the
    Company may recover from Buyer the amount of expenses incurred by the
    Company in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
    hereby which the Company would otherwise have to bear pursuant to Section
    8.8 of this Agreement.
 
    (b) If this Agreement shall be terminated, each party will
 
        (i) redeliver all documents and work papers, whether obtained before or
    after the execution of this Agreement, to the party furnishing the same, and
 
        (ii) destroy all documents, work papers and other materials developed by
    its accountants, agents and employees in connection with the transactions
    contemplated hereby which embody proprietary information or trade secrets
    furnished by any party hereto or deliver such documents, work papers and
    other materials to the party furnishing the same or excise such information
    or secrets therefrom. All information received by any party hereto with
    respect to the business of any other party or any of its subsidiaries (other
    than information which is a matter of public knowledge or which has
    heretofore been or is hereafter published in any publication for public
    distribution or filed as public information with any governmental authority)
    shall not at any time be used for personal advantage or disclosed by such
    party to any third person to the detriment of the party furnishing such
    information.
 
    SECTION 8.6  UPDATING INFORMATION. The Company shall promptly deliver to the
Buyer any information concerning events subsequent to the date of this Agreement
which is necessary to supplement the information contained in and made a part of
the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, including in
the schedules thereto, in order that the information herein is kept current,
complete and accurate, it being understood and agreed that the delivery of such
information shall not in any manner constitute a waiver by the Buyer of any of
the other provisions of this Agreement.
 
    SECTION 8.7  STOCK LEGENDS. Certificates evidencing any of the shares of
Buyer Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement to the Affiliates
listed in Schedule 4.5 shall, until such time as the same is no longer required
under applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, contain a legend, substantially in the form set forth below:
 
    THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION
    TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
    AMENDED, APPLIES. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY ONLY BE
    TRANSFERRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AFFILIATE'S LETTER
    AGREEMENT DATED AS OF       , 1997, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE
    PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
    SECTION 8.8   EXPENSES.  Whether or not the Closing is consummated, except
as otherwise provided in Section 8.5, each of the parties will pay all of their
own legal and accounting fees and other expenses incurred in the preparation of
this Agreement and the performance of the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    SECTION 8.9  WAIVER.  The parties hereto may by written agreement (a) extend
the time for or waive or modify the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the parties hereto or (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document
delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
 
    SECTION 8.10  PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Unless legally obligated to announce
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, neither party nor any of their
respective officers, directors, employees, representatives or agents shall
disclose to any third party or publicly announce the proposed transaction until
such time as the parties agree to make such disclosure or announcement. The
parties agree to cooperate and to consult with each other in advance concerning
the form and content of any press release or other public disclosure relating to
the subject matter hereof and, subject to legal requirements to the contrary, no
public disclosure of these matters will be made without the express written
consent of both Buyer and the Company.
 
    SECTION 8.11  NOTICES.  All notices, requests or other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
delivered or three days after being mailed first class certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid addressed as follows:
 
    In the case of the Buyer or the Merger Sub:
 
       Symix Systems, Inc.
       2800 Corporate Exchange Drive
       Columbus, Ohio 43231
       Attention: Lawrence W. DeLeon
       Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
    with a copy to:
 
       Ivery D. Foreman, Esq.
       Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
       52 East Gay Street
       Columbus, Ohio 43215
 
    In the case of the Company:
 
       PRITSKER CORPORATION
       8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600
       Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
       Attention: A. Alan B. Pritsker
       Chairman of the Board
 
    with a copy to:
 
       BAKER & DANIELS
       300 North Meridian Street, Suite 2700
       Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
       Attention: Tibor D. Klopfer
 
or to such other address as may have been furnished in writing to the party
giving the notice by the party to whom notice is to be given.
 
    SECTION 8.12  SEVERABILITY.  In case any provision of this Agreement shall
be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall
not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
 
    SECTION 8.13  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement embodies the entire
agreement among the parties and there have been and are no agreements,
representations or warranties, oral or written, among
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
the parties other than those set forth or provided for in this Agreement (it is
agreed that the Letter of Intent is superseded by this Agreement, except for the
provisions of paragraph 4 which shall remain in full force and effect). This
Agreement may not be modified or changed, in whole or in part, except by a
supplemental agreement signed by each of the parties.
 
    SECTION 8.14  ASSIGNABILITY OF RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  This Agreement
shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns, but shall not be assignable by any party without the
prior written consent of the other parties, except that the Buyer shall have the
right at any time to assign its rights, but not its obligations, hereunder to
any entity affiliated with it. Except for the rights of persons to receive the
Merger Consideration pursuant to Article I of this Agreement, the rights of
persons under Section 6.2(e), the rights of the Company's officers and directors
under Section 6.8 hereof and the rights of Affiliates under Section 6.9 hereof,
nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any person, other
than the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and assigns,
any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this
Agreement.
 
    SECTION 8.15  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to
choice of law or conflicts of law principles.
 
    SECTION 8.16  HEADINGS; REFERENCES TO SECTIONS, EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES.  The
headings of the sections, paragraphs and subsidiary paragraphs of this Agreement
are solely for convenience and reference and shall not limit or otherwise affect
the meaning of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement. The reference
herein to sections, exhibits and schedules, unless otherwise indicated, are
references to sections of and exhibits and schedules to this Agreement.
 
    SECTION 8.17  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but which together constitute
one and the same instrument.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.
 
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                                                 <C> <C>
SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.                                     SSI ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                  /s/ STEPHEN A. SASSER                                   /s/ STEPHEN A. SASSER
           ------------------------------------                    ------------------------------------
By                                                      By
               Stephen A. Sasser, PRESIDENT                            Stephen A. Sasser, PRESIDENT
 
                  /s/ LAWRENCE W. DELEON                                  /s/ LAWRENCE W. DELEON
           ------------------------------------                    ------------------------------------
By                                                      By
                    Lawrence W. DeLeon                                      Lawrence W. DeLeon
                      VICE PRESIDENT                                          VICE PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
 
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>        <C>
                                    By                 /s/ A. ALAN B. PRITSKER
                                               --------------------------------------
                                                A. Alan B. Pritsker, CHAIRMAN OF THE
                                                                BOARD
 
                                    By                  /s/ STEPHEN D. DUKET
                                               --------------------------------------
                                                   Steven D. Duket, VICE PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT A
                             TO AGREEMENT OF MERGER
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               ARTICLES OF MERGER
                                       OF
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
                                      INTO
                             SSI ACQUISITION CORP.
              (WHOSE NAME WILL BE CHANGED TO PRITSKER CORPORATION
                           AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER)
 
    In accordance with the requirements of the Indiana Business Corporation Law,
the undersigned corporation surviving a merger pursuant to the Indiana Business
Corporation Law and the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "Merger"), sets forth
the following facts:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                             SURVIVING CORPORATION
 
    The name of the corporation surviving the Merger is SSI Acquisition Corp.
(the "Surviving Corporation") and such name will be changed to Pritsker
Corporation as a result of the Merger. The Surviving Corporation is an Ohio
corporation that [is qualified to do business in Indiana as of              ,
1997] or [will be qualified to do business in Indiana upon approval of its
Application for Certificate of Authority filed concurrently herewith].
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                              MERGING CORPORATION
 
    The name of the corporation merging with and into the Surviving Corporation
is Pritsker Corporation (the "Merging Corporation"). The Merging Corporation is
an Indiana corporation incorporated on May 10, 1973.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                                 PLAN OF MERGER
 
    The Plan of Merger pursuant to which the Merging Corporation will merge into
the Surviving Corporation, containing the information required by Indiana Code
23-1-40-1(b), is attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
                                 EFFECTIVE TIME
 
    The Merger shall become effective [at         .m. on              , 1997].
 
                                   ARTICLE V
              MANNER OF ADOPTION AND VOTE OF SURVIVING CORPORATION
 
    Section 1.  ACTION BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION.  By
unanimous written consent dated              , 1997, the Board of Directors of
the Surviving Corporation approved and adopted the Plan of Merger and
recommended its approval by the sole shareholder of the Surviving Corporation.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
    Section 2.  ACTION BY SOLE SHAREHOLDER OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION.  By
unanimous written consent dated as of              , 1997, the sole shareholder
of the Surviving Corporation approved the Plan of Merger.
 
    Section 3.  COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.  The manner of the approval
and adoption of the Plan of Merger and the vote by which it was approved and
adopted constitute full legal compliance with the provisions of the Indiana
Business Corporation Law, the Ohio General Corporation Law, and the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
               MANNER OF ADOPTION AND VOTE OF MERGING CORPORATION
 
    Section 1.  ACTION BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MERGING CORPORATION.  The Board
of Directors of the Merging Corporation, at a meeting thereof duly called,
constituted and held on September 3, 1997, adopted, by a majority vote of the
members of such Board, resolutions approving and adopting the Plan of Merger and
directing that it be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Merging
Corporation entitled to vote in respect thereof at a special meeting of the
shareholders of the Merging Corporation.
 
    Section 2.  ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS OF MERGING CORPORATION.  The shareholders
of the Merging Corporation entitled to vote in respect of the Plan of Merger at
a special meeting thereof duly called, constituted and held on              ,
1997, and at which a quorum was present in person or by proxy, approved the Plan
of Merger. The votes were cast as follows:
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding...................................
Number of votes entitled to be cast............................................
Number of votes represented at the meeting.....................................
Number of votes in favor of the Plan of Merger.................................
Number of votes against the Plan of Merger.....................................
Number of votes abstaining.....................................................
</TABLE>
 
                                PREFERRED STOCK
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
Number of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding...........
Number of votes entitled to be cast............................................
Number of votes represented at the meeting.....................................
Number of votes in favor of the Plan of Merger.................................
Number of votes against the Plan of Merger.....................................
Number of votes abstaining.....................................................
</TABLE>
 
    Section 3.  COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.  The manner of the approval
and adoption of the Plan of Merger and the vote by which it was approved and
adopted constitute full legal compliance with the provisions of the Indiana
Business Corporation Law, the Ohio General Corporation Law, and the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Merging Corporation.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Surviving Corporation has caused these Articles of
Merger to be signed by its duly authorized officer on the     day of           ,
1997.
 
                                          SSI ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                          By:
                                             -----------------------------------
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                                                      DRAFT OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1997
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                       TO
                               ARTICLES OF MERGER
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                 PLAN OF MERGER
 
    This PLAN OF MERGER provides for the merger of PRITSKER CORPORATION, an
Indiana corporation (the "Merging Corporation"), into SSI ACQUISITION CORP., an
Ohio corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"), pursuant to the Indiana Business
Corporation Law and the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "Merger").
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                             NAMES OF CORPORATIONS
 
    The name of the Surviving Corporation is SSI Acquisition Corp., which is an
Ohio corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Symix Systems, Inc. The name
of the Merging Corporation is Pritsker Corporation, which is an Indiana
corporation. As a result of the Merger, the name of the Surviving Corporation
will be changed to Pritsker Corporation.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                               EFFECTS OF MERGER
 
    At the effective time of the Merger, the Merging Corporation shall be merged
with and into the Surviving Corporation in a tax-free transaction as provided
for under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and
the separate corporate existence of the Merging Corporation shall cease. In
addition, the Merger shall have such other effects as are specified by the
Indiana Business Corporation Law and the Ohio General Corporation Law.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
             MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES OF THE MERGING CORPORATION
 
    Section 3.1.  CONVERSION OF COMMON STOCK.  At the effective time of the
Merger, each of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Merging
Corporation, by virtue of the Merger shall be converted into the right to
receive      shares of Common Stock, without par value, of Symix Systems, Inc.,
an Ohio corporation.
 
    Section 3.2.  CONVERSION OF SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK.  At the
effective time of the Merger, each of the issued and outstanding shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Merging Corporation by virtue of the
Merger shall be converted into the right to receive $5.23 in cash, plus the
amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends through the effective time of the
Merger.
 
    Section 3.3.  SHARES HELD IN TREASURY.  At the effective time of the Merger,
all shares of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the
Merging Corporation held in the treasury of the Merging Corporation shall be
cancelled and extinguished, without any payment or other distribution in respect
thereof.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
         EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE STOCK OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION
 
    The Merger shall have no effect on the stock of the Surviving Corporation.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT C
 
                          [FORM OF AFFILIATE'S LETTER]
                                          , 1997
 
Symix Systems, Inc.
2800 Corporate Exchange Drive
Suite 400
Columbus, Ohio 43231
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
    I have been advised that, as of the date hereof, I may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" of Pritsker Corporation, an Indiana corporation ("Pritsker"), as
that term is defined for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the
Rules and Regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act").
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
October 2, 1997 (the "Agreement"), by and among Symix Systems, Inc., an Ohio
corporation ("Buyer"), SSI Acquisition Corp., an Ohio corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer ("Merger Sub"), and Pritsker providing for the
merger of Pritsker with and into Merger Sub (the "Merger"), and as a result of
the Merger, I may receive common shares of Buyer ("Buyer Common Stock") in
exchange for the shares of common stock of Pritsker owned by me at the Effective
Time of the Merger.
 
    I represent and warrant to Buyer and covenant with Buyer that in such event:
 
        1.  I shall not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of the
    Buyer Common Stock in violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations.
 
        2.  I have carefully read this letter and the Agreement and discussed
    its requirements and other applicable limitations upon my ability to sell,
    transfer or otherwise dispose of the Buyer Common Stock to the extent I felt
    necessary with my counsel or counsel for Pritsker.
 
        3.  I have been advised that the issuance of the Buyer Common Stock to
    me pursuant to the Merger has been registered with the Commission under the
    Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However, I have also been
    advised that, because I may be deemed to have been an affiliate of Pritsker
    at the time the Merger was submitted for a vote of the stockholders of
    Pritsker and because the resale by me of the Buyer Common Stock received in
    the Merger has not been registered under the Act, the Buyer Common Stock
    must be held by me until the first anniversary of the Effective Time of the
    Merger unless (i) my resale of the Buyer Common Stock has been registered
    under the Act, (ii) my sale of the Buyer Common Stock is made in conformity
    with the volume and other limitations of Rule 145 promulgated by the
    Commission under the Act and Buyer has received evidence reasonably
    satisfactory to it of compliance with said Rule 145, or (iii) in the opinion
    of counsel reasonably acceptable to Buyer, some other exemption from
    registration is available with respect to any such proposed sale, transfer
    or other disposition by me of the Buyer Common Stock.
 
        4.  I understand that Buyer is under no obligation to register on my
    behalf the sale, transfer or other disposition of the Buyer Common Stock by
    me or to take any other action necessary in order to make compliance with an
    exemption from registration available, except as provided in Section 6.9 of
    the Agreement.
 
        5.  I also understand that stop transfer instructions will be given to
    Buyer's transfer agents with respect to the Buyer Common Stock issued to me
    in connection with the Merger and that there will be
<PAGE>
    placed on the certificates for such Buyer Common Stock, or any substitutions
    therefor, a legend stating in substance:
 
    "The shares represented by this certificate were issued in a transaction to
    which Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
    applies. The shares represented by this certificate may only be transferred
    in accordance with the terms of an affiliate's letter agreement, a copy of
    which agreement is on file at the principal offices of Symix Systems, Inc."
 
        6.  I also understand that, unless the transfer by me of the Buyer
    Common Stock issued to me in connection with the Merger has been registered
    under the Act or is a sale made in conformity with the provisions of Rule
    145, Buyer reserves the right to put the following legend on the
    certificates of Buyer Common Stock issued to any transferee:
 
    "The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered under
    the securities act of 1933, as amended, and were acquired from a person who
    received such shares in a transaction to which Rule 145 promulgated under
    the Securities Act of 1933, as amended applies. The shares have been
    acquired by the holder not with a view to, or for resale in connection with,
    any distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933,
    as amended and may not be sold, pledged or otherwise transferred except in
    accordance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
    It is understood and agreed that the legends set forth in Paragraphs 5 and 6
above shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificates of Buyer Common
Stock without such legend (i) if the undersigned shall have delivered to Buyer a
copy of a letter from the staff of the Commission, or an opinion of counsel in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, to the effect that such
legend is not required for purposes of the Act, or (ii) upon my request at any
time after the first anniversary of the Effective Time of the Merger provided
that I am not then an Affiliate of Buyer.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          --------------------------------------
 
                                          Name:
 
Accepted this   day of
        , 1997, by
 
SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
By
- ------------------------------------------
 
   Name:
 
   Title:
<PAGE>
                                                                     APPENDIX II
 
                        INDIANA BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW
                               DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
IC 23-1-44-1  "CORPORATION" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by
              a dissenter before the corporate action, or the surviving or acquiring
              corporation by merger or share exchange of that issuer.
 
IC 23-1-44-2  "DISSENTER" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to
              dissent from corporate action under section 8 of this chapter and who
              exercises that right when and in the manner required by sections 10 through
              18 of this chapter.
 
IC 23-1-44-3  "FAIR VALUE" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "fair value", with respect to a dissenter's shares,
              means the value of the shares immediately before the effectuation of the
              corporate action to which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation
              or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion
              would be inequitable.
 
IC 23-1-44-4  "INTEREST" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "interest" means interest from the effective date of
              the corporate action until the date of payment, at the average rate currently
              paid by the corporation on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate
              that is fair and equitable under all the circumstances.
 
IC 23-1-44-5  "RECORD SHAREHOLDER" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "record shareholder" means the person in whose name
              shares are registered in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner
              of shares to the extent that treatment as a record shareholder is provided
              under a recognition procedure or a disclosure procedure established under IC
              23-1-30-4.
 
IC 23-1-44-6  "BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDER" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a
              beneficial owner of shares held by a nominee as the record shareholder.
 
IC 23-1-44-7  "SHAREHOLDER" DEFINED
 
              As used in this chapter, "shareholder" means the record shareholder or the
              beneficial shareholder.
 
IC 23-1-44-8  RIGHT TO DISSENT AND OBTAIN PAYMENT FOR SHARES
 
              (a) A shareholder is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair
                  value of the shareholder 's shares in the event of, any of the following
                  corporate actions:
 
                  (1) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a party
                      if:
 
                      (A) shareholder approval is required for the merger by IC 23-1-40-3
                          or the articles of incorporation; and
 
                      (B) the shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger.
</TABLE>
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
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<S>           <C>
                  (2) Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is
                      a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the
                      shareholder is entitled to vote on the plan.
 
                  (3) Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all, of
                      the property of the corporation other than in the usual and regular
                      course of business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the
                      sale or exchange, including a sale in dissolution, but not including
                      a sale pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan
                      by which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale
                      will be distributed to the shareholders within one (1) year after the
                      date of sale.
 
                  (4) The approval of a control share acquisition under IC 23-1-42.
 
                  (5) Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
                      extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the
                      board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are
                      entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.
 
              (b) This section does not apply to the holders of shares of any class or
                  series if, on the date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to
                  receive notice of and vote at the meeting of shareholders at which the
                  merger, plan of share exchange, or sale or exchange of property is to be
                  acted on, the shares of that class or series were:
 
                  (1) registered on a United States securities exchange registered under
                      the Exchange Act (as defined in IC 23-1-43-9); or
 
                  (2) traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
                      Automated Quotations System Over-the-Counter Markets--National Market
                      Issues or a similar market.
 
              (c) A shareholder:
 
                  (1) who is entitled to dissent and obtain payment for the shareholder's
                      shares under this chapter; or
 
                  (2) who would be so entitled to dissent and obtain payment but for the
                      provisions of subsection (b); may not challenge the corporate action
                      creating (or that, but for the provisions of subsection (b), would
                      have created) the shareholder's entitlement.
 
IC 23-1-44-9  DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDER
 
              (a) A record shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than all
                  the shares registered in the shareholder's name only if the shareholder
                  dissents with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any one (1)
                  person and notifies the corporation in writing of the name and address of
                  each person on whose behalf the shareholder asserts dissenters' rights.
                  The rights of a partial dissenter under this subsection are determined as
                  if the shares as to which the shareholder dissents and the shareholder's
                  other shares were registered in the names of different shareholders.
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
              (b) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares held
                  on the shareholder's behalf only if:
 
                  (1) the beneficial shareholder submits to the corporation the record
                      shareholder's written consent to the dissent not later than the time
                      the beneficial shareholder asserts dissenters' rights; and
 
                  (2) the beneficial shareholder does so with respect to all the beneficial
                      shareholder's shares or those shares over which the beneficial
                      shareholder has power to direct the vote.
 
IC            PROPOSED ACTION CREATING DISSENTERS' RIGHTS; NOTICE
23-1-44-10
 
              (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 8
                  of this chapter is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the
                  meeting notice must state that shareholders are or may be entitled to
                  assert dissenters' rights under this chapter.
 
              (b) If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 8 of this
                  chapter is taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation shall
                  notify in writing all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights
                  that the action was taken and send them the dissenters' notice described
                  in section 12 of this chapter.
 
IC            PROPOSED ACTION CREATING DISSENTERS' RIGHTS; ASSERTION OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
23-1-44-11
 
              (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 8
                  of this chapter is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a
                  shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights:
 
                  (1) must deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken written
                      notice of the shareholder's intent to demand payment for the
                      shareholder's shares if the proposed action is effectuated; and
 
                  (2) must not vote the shareholder's shares in favor of the proposed
                      action.
 
              (b) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)  is
                  not entitled to payment for the shareholder's shares under this chapter.
 
IC            DISSENTERS' NOTICE; CONTENTS
23-1-44-12
 
              (a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 8
                  of this chapter is authorized at a shareholders' meeting, the corporation
                  shall deliver a written dissenters' notice to all shareholders who
                  satisfied the requirements of section 11 of this chapter.
 
              (b) The dissenters' notice must be sent no later than ten (10) days after
                  approval by the shareholders, or if corporate action is taken without
                  approval by the shareholders, then ten (10) days after the corporate
                  action was taken. The dissenters' notice must:
 
                      (1) state where the payment demand must be sent and where and when
                          certificates for certificated shares must be deposited;
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
                      (2) inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer
                          of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is
                          received;
 
                      (3) supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the
                          first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms
                          of the proposed corporate action and requires that the person
                          asserting dissenters' rights certify whether or not the person
                          acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before that date;
 
                      (4) set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment
                          demand, which date may not be fewer than thirty (30) nor more
                          than sixty (60) days after the date the subsection (a) notice is
                          delivered; and
 
                      (5) be accompanied by a copy of this chapter.
 
IC            DEMAND FOR PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT OF SHARES BY SHAREHOLDER
23-1-44-13
 
              (a) A shareholder sent a dissenters' notice described in IC 23-1-42-11 or in
                  section 12 of this chapter must demand payment, certify whether the
                  shareholder acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before the date
                  required to be set forth in the dissenter's notice under section 12(b)(3)
                  of this chapter, and deposit the shareholder's certificates in accordance
                  with the terms of the notice.
 
              (b) The shareholder who demands payment and deposits the shareholder's shares
                  under subsection (a) retains all other rights of a shareholder until
                  these rights are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed
                  corporate action.
 
              (c) A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit the shareholder's
                  share certificates where required, each by the date set in the
                  dissenters' notice, is not entitled to payment for the shareholder's
                  shares under this chapter and is considered, for purposes of this
                  article, to have voted the shareholder's shares in favor of the proposed
                  corporate action.
 
IC 1-44-14    UNCERTIFICATED SHARES; RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER; DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
              (a) The corporation may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares from
                  the date the demand for their payment is received until the proposed
                  corporate action is taken or the restrictions released under section 16
                  of this chapter.
 
              (b) The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to uncertificated
                  shares retains all other rights of a shareholder until these rights are
                  canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.
 
IC            PAYMENT TO DISSENTER
23-1-44-15
 
              (a) Except as provided in section 17 of this chapter, as soon as the proposed
                  corporate action is taken, or, if the transaction did not need
                  shareholder approval and has been completed, upon receipt of a payment
                  demand, the corporation shall pay each dissenter who complied with
                  section 13 of this chapter the amount the corporation estimates to be the
                  fair value of the dissenter's shares.
 
              (b) The payment must be accompanied by:
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
                  (1) the corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year ending
                      not more than sixteen (16) months before the date of payment, an
                      income statement for that year, a statement of changes in
                      shareholders' equity for that year, and the latest available interim
                      financial statements, if any;
 
                  (2) a statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value of the
                      shares; and
 
                  (3) a statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under section
                      18 of this chapter.
 
IC            FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION; RETURN OF CERTIFICATES; NEW ACTION BY CORPORATION
23-1-44-16
 
              (a) If the corporation does not take the proposed action within sixty60) days
                  after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share
                  certificates, the corporation shall return the deposited certificates and
                  release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.
 
              (b) If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
                  restrictions, the corporation takes the proposed action, it must send a
                  new dissenters' notice under section 12 of this chapter and repeat the
                  payment demand procedure.
 
IC            WITHHOLDING PAYMENT BY CORPORATION; CORPORATION'S ESTIMATE OF FAIR VALUE;
23-1-44-17    AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES
 
              (a) A corporation may elect to withhold payment required by section 15 of
                  this chapter from a dissenter unless the dissenter was the beneficial
                  owner of the shares before the date set forth in the dissenters' notice
                  as the date of the first announcement to news media or to shareholders of
                  the terms of the proposed corporate action.
 
              (b) To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under subsection
                  (a), after taking the proposed corporate action, it shall estimate the
                  fair value of the shares and shall pay this amount to each dissenter who
                  agrees to accept it in full satisfaction of the dissenter's demand. The
                  corporation shall send with its offer a statement of its estimate of the
                  fair value of the shares and a statement of the dissenter's right to
                  demand payment under section 18 of this chapter.
 
IC            DISSENTERS' ESTIMATE OF FAIR VALUE; DEMAND FOR PAYMENT; WAIVER
23-1-44-18
 
              (a) A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of the dissenter's own
                  estimate of the fair value of the dissenter's shares and demand payment
                  of the dissenter's estimate (less any payment under section 15 of this
                  chapter), or reject the corporation's offer under section 17 of this
                  chapter and demand payment of the fair value of the dissenter's shares,
                  if:
 
                  (1) the dissenter believes that the amount paid under section 15 of this
                      chapter or offered under section 17 of this chapter is less than the
                      fair value of the dissenter's shares;
 
                  (2) the corporation fails to make payment under section 15 of this
                      chapter within sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding
                      payment; or
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
                  (3) the corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does not
                      return the deposited certificates or release the transfer
                      restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares within sixty (60) days
                      after the date set for demanding payment.
 
              (b) A dissenter waives the right to demand payment under this section unless
                  the dissenter notifies the corporation of the dissenter's demand in
                  writing under subsection (a) within thirty (30) days after the
                  corporation made or offered payment for the dissenter's shares.
 
IC            COURT PROCEEDING TO DETERMINE FAIR VALUE; JUDICIAL APPRAISAL
23-1-44-19
 
              (a) If a demand for payment under IC 23-1-42-11 or under section 18 of this
                  chapter remains unsettled, the corporation shall commence a proceeding
                  within sixty (60) days after receiving the payment demand and petition
                  the court to determine the fair value of the shares. If the corporation
                  does not commence the proceeding within the sixty (60) day period, it
                  shall pay each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount
                  demanded.
 
              (b) The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the circuit or superior
                  court of the county where a corporation's principal office (or, if none
                  in Indiana, its registered office) is located. If the corporation is a
                  foreign corporation without a registered office in Indiana, it shall
                  commence the proceeding in the county in Indiana where the registered
                  office of the domestic corporation merged with or whose shares were
                  acquired by the foreign corporation was located.
 
              (c) The corporation shall make all dissenters (whether or not residents of
                  this state) whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as
                  in an action against their shares and all parties must be served with a
                  copy of the petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered or
                  certified mail or by publication as provided by law.
 
              (d) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under
                  subsection (b) is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one (1) or
                  more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend decision on
                  the question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described in
                  the order appointing them or in any amendment to it. The dissenters are
                  entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil
                  proceedings.
 
              (e) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment:
 
                  (1) for the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of
                      the dissenter's shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the
                      corporation; or
 
                  (2) for the fair value, plus accrued interest, of the dissenter's
                      after-acquired shares for which the corporation elected to withhold
                      payment under section 17 of this chapter.
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
IC            COSTS; FEES; ATTORNEY FEES
23-1-44-20
 
              (a) The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under section 19 of this
                  chapter shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the
                  reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the
                  court. The court shall assess the costs against such parties and in such
                  amounts as the court finds equitable.
 
              (b) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts
                  for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:
 
                  (1) against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if the
                      court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the
                      requirements of sections 10 through 18 of this chapter; or
 
                  (2) against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any other
                      party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
                      expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good
                      faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.
 
              (c) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were of
                  substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated and that the
                  fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation,
                  the court may award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of
                  the amounts awarded the dissenters who were benefitted.
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    Division (E) of Section 1701.13 of the Ohio Revised Code governs
indemnification by a corporation and provides as follows:
 
        (E)(1) A corporation may indemnify or agree to indemnify any person who
    was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened,
    pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
    administrative, or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of
    the corporation, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director,
    officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
    request of the corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee,
    member, manager, or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign,
    nonprofit or for profit, a limited liability company, or a partnership,
    joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including
    attorney's fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually
    and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit, or
    proceeding, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed
    to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with
    respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he had no reasonable cause
    to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or
    proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction, or upon a plea of
    nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
    presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner he
    reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
    corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he had
    reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
 
        (2) A corporation may indemnify or agree to indemnify any person who was
    or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened,
    pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation
    to procure a judgment in its favor, by reason of the fact that he is or was
    a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was
    serving at the request of the corporation as a director, trustee, officer,
    employee, member, manager, or agent of another corporation, domestic or
    foreign, nonprofit or for profit, a limited liability company, or a
    partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses,
    including attorney's fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him in
    connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if he
    acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
    opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no
    indemnification shall be made in respect of any of the following:
 
           (a) Any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person is adjudged
       to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty
       to the corporation unless, and only to the extent that, the court of
       common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought
       determines, upon application, that, despite the adjudication of
       liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person
       is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the
       court of common pleas or such other court shall deem proper;
 
           (b) Any action or suit in which the only liability asserted against a
       director is pursuant to section 1701.95 of the Revised Code.
 
        (3) To the extent that a director, trustee, officer, employee, member,
    manager, or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense
    of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in division (E)(1) or (2) of
    this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall
    be indemnified against expenses, including attorney's fees, actually and
    reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action suit or proceeding.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
        (4) Any indemnification under division (E)(1) or (2) of this section,
    unless ordered by a court, shall be made by the corporation only as
    authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification
    of the director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager, or agent is
    proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of
    conduct set forth in division (E)(1) or (2) of this section. Such
    determination shall be made as follows:
 
           (a) By a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors of the
       indemnifying corporation who were not and are not parties to or
       threatened by the action, suit, or proceeding referred to in division
       (E)(1) or (2) of this section;
 
           (b) If the quorum described in division (E)(4)(a) of this section is
       not obtainable or if a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested
       directors so directs, in a written opinion by independent legal counsel
       other than an attorney, or a firm having associated with it an attorney,
       who has been retained by or who has performed services for the
       corporation or any person to be indemnified within the past five years;
 
           (c) By the shareholders;
 
           (d) By the court of common pleas or the court in which such action,
       suit or proceeding referred to in division (E)(1) or (2) of this section
       was brought.
 
        Any determination made by the disinterested directors under division
    (E)(4)(a) or by independent legal counsel under division (E)(4)(b) of this
    section shall be promptly communicated to the person who threatened or
    brought the action or suit by or in the right of the corporation under
    division (E)(2) of this section, and, within ten days after receipt of such
    notification, such person shall have the right to petition the court of
    common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought to review
    the reasonableness of such determination.
 
        (5)(a) Unless at the time of a director's act or omission that is the
    subject of an action, suit, or proceeding referred to in division (E)(1) or
    (2) of this section, the articles or the regulations of a corporation state,
    by specific reference to this division, that the provisions of this division
    do not apply to the corporation and unless the only liability asserted
    against a director in an action, suit, or proceeding referred to in division
    (E)(1) or (2) of this section is pursuant to section 1701.95 of the Revised
    Code, expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by a director in
    defending the action, suit, or proceeding shall be paid by the corporation
    as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action,
    suit, or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
    director in which he agrees to both of the following:
 
               (i) Repay such amount if it is proved by clear and convincing
           evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that his action or
           failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate
           intent to cause injury to the corporation or undertaken with reckless
           disregard for the best interests of the corporation;
 
               (ii) Reasonably cooperate with the corporation concerning the
           action, suit, or proceeding.
 
           (b) Expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by a director,
       trustee, officer, employee, member, manager, or agent in defending any
       action, suit, or proceeding referred to in division (E)(1) or (2) of this
       section, may be paid by the corporation as they are incurred, in advance
       of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, as
       authorized by the directors in the specific case, upon receipt of an
       undertaking by or on behalf of the director, trustee, officer, employee,
       member, manager, or agent to repay such amount, if it ultimately is
       determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.
 
        (6) The indemnification authorized by this section shall not be
    exclusive of, and shall be in addition to, any other rights granted to those
    seeking indemnification under the articles, the
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
    regulations, any agreement, a vote of shareholders or disinterested
    directors, or otherwise, both as to action in their official capacities and
    as to action in another capacity while holding their offices or positions,
    and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, trustee,
    officer, employee, member, manager, or agent and shall inure to the benefit
    of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.
 
        (7) A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar
    protection, including, but not limited to, trust funds, letters of credit,
    or self-insurance, on behalf of or for any person who is or was a director,
    officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
    request of the corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee,
    member, manager, or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign,
    nonprofit or for profit, a limited liability company, or a partnership,
    joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted
    against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his
    status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
    indemnify him against such liability under this section. Insurance may be
    purchased from or maintained with a person in which the corporation has a
    financial interest.
 
        (8) The authority of a corporation to indemnify persons pursuant to
    division (E)(1) or (2) of this section does not limit the payment of
    expenses as they are incurred, indemnification, insurance, or other
    protection that may be provided pursuant to divisions (E)(5), (6), and (7)
    of this section. Divisions (E)(1) and (2) of this section do not create any
    obligation to repay or return payments made by the corporation pursuant to
    division (E)(5), (6), or (7).
 
        (9) As used in division (E) of this section, "corporation" includes all
    constituent entities in a consolidation or merger and the new or surviving
    corporation, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee,
    trustee, member, manager, or agent of such a constituent entity, or is or
    was serving at the request of such constituent entity as a director,
    trustee, officer, employee, member, manager, or agent of another
    corporation, domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit, a limited
    liability company, or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
    enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section with respect
    to the new or surviving corporation as he would if he had served the new or
    surviving corporation in the same capacity.
 
    Section 5.01 of the Registrant's Regulations govern indemnification by
Registrant and provides as follows:
 
        SECTION 5.01. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION. The corporation shall indemnify
    any officer or director of the corporation who was or is a party or is
    threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
    action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
    investigative (including, without limitation, any action threatened or
    instituted by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact
    that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation,
    or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
    trustee, officer, employee or agent of another corporation (domestic or
    foreign, nonprofit or for profit), partnership, joint venture, trust or
    other enterprise, against expenses (including, without limitation,
    attorneys' fees, filing fees, court reporters' fees and transcript costs),
    judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
    incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he
    acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
    opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any
    criminal action or proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his
    conduct was unlawful. A person claiming indemnification under this Section
    5.01 shall be presumed, in respect of any act or omission giving rise to
    such claim for indemnification, to have acted in good faith and in a manner
    he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
    corporation, and with respect to any criminal matter, to have had no
    reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, and the termination of
    any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction,
    or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself,
    rebut such presumption.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
    In addition, Registrant has purchased insurance coverage under policies
issued by Great American Insurance Co. which insure directors and officers
against certain liabilities which might be incurred by them in such capacity.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS.
 
(a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT NO.
- ---------------
<C>              <S>
         2       Agreement of Merger dated as of October 2, 1997, among Pritsker Corporation, Symix Systems, Inc. and
                   SSI Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Appendix I to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in
                   Part I of this Registration Statement)
         3(a)    Amended Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a)(3) to
                   Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997)
         3(b)    Amended Regulations of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) Registrant's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-38878) filed February 12, 1991)
         4(a)    Amended Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a)(3) to this
                   Registration Statement on Form S-4)
         4(b)    Amended Regulations of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) this Registration
                   Statement on Form S-4)
         5       Form of Opinion of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease regarding egality
         8       Form of Opinion of Baker & Daniels regarding tax matters
        10(a)    Third Lease Amendment for office located at 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio
                   (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
                   the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994)
        10(b)    Lease Agreement between Symix Computer Systems, Inc. and Society Equipment Leasing Company
                   (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 19 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                   the period ended September 30, 1991)
        10(c)    Progress Software Application Partner Agreement dated February 8, 1995 (incorporated herein by
                   reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal year ended
                   March 31, 1995)
        10(d)    Agreement between Hewlett-Packard and Symix Computer Systems, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference
                   to Exhibit 10(g) to Registrant's Amendment to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal
                   year ended June 30, 1993)
        10(e)    Summary of Bonus Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Registrant's Annual
                   Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997)
        10(f)    Symix Systems, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Key Employees, As Amended (incorporated
                   herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                   ended June 30, 1993)
        10(g)    Sasser Employment Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Registrant's
                   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996)
        10(h)    Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Stepehn A. Sasser dated January 17, 1996 (incorporated
                   herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal
                   quarter ended March 31, 1996)
        10(i)    Symix Systems, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
                   Exhibit 10(i) of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 1993)
        10(j)    Symix Systems, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Key Executives (incorporated herein by
                   reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal year ended
                   March 31, 1996)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT NO.
- ---------------
<C>              <S>
        21       Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21 to Registrant's Annual
                   Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 1997)
        23(a)    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
        23(b)    Consent of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP, Independent Auditors
        23(c)    Consent of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease (included in Exhibit No. 5)
        23(d)    Consent of Baker & Daniels (included in Exhibit No. 8)
        24       Powers of Attorney
        27       Financial Data Schedule
        99       Form of Proxy
</TABLE>
 
(b)    Financial Statement Schedules
 
          Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                Page II-8
 
(c)    Not Applicable.
 
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
(a) (1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called
for by the other items of the applicable form.
 
    (2) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (2) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used
in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed
as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used
until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against
the registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion
of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
(b)    Not Applicable.
 
(c)    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Columbus, State of Ohio, on October 27, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC.
 
                                By:            /s/ LAWRENCE W. DELEON
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                 Lawrence W. DeLeon
                                      VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                                   AND SECRETARY
</TABLE>
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated, on October 27, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    NAME AND TITLE                                          NAME AND TITLE
- ------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>                                                     <C>
                 /s/ LAWRENCE J. FOX*                                       JOHN T. TAIT*
     -------------------------------------------             -------------------------------------------
                   LAWRENCE J. FOX                                           JOHN T. TAIT
         CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER                                  DIRECTOR
 
                /s/ STEPHEN A. SASSER*                                   /s/ DUKE W. THOMAS*
     -------------------------------------------             -------------------------------------------
                  STEPHEN A. SASSER                                         DUKE W. THOMAS
   PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIRECTOR                             DIRECTOR
 
                                                                        /s/ LAWRENCE W. DELEON
                /s/ LARRY L. LIEBERT*                        -------------------------------------------
     -------------------------------------------                          LAWRENCE W. DELEON
                   LARRY L. LIEBERT                     VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY
                       DIRECTOR                                     (PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
 
               /s/ JAMES A. RUTHERFORD*
     -------------------------------------------
                 JAMES A. RUTHERFORD
                       DIRECTOR
                *By Power of Attorney
 
                /s/ LAWRENCE W. DELEON
     -------------------------------------------
                  LAWRENCE W. DELEON
                  (ATTORNEY-IN-FACT)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
                 SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                      SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  COL. B           COL. C ADDITIONS           COL. D
                                               ------------  ----------------------------  ------------     COL. E
COL. A                                          BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO     CHARGED TO      DEDUCTIONS   -------------
- ---------------------------------------------  BEGINNING OF   COSTS AND   OTHER ACCOUNTS    --DESCRIBE    BALANCE AT
DESCRIPTION                                       PERIOD      EXPENSES      --DESCRIBE         (1)       END OF PERIOD
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  ------------  -------------
<S>                                            <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>
Year ended June 30, 1997
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts............   $  450,400    $ 560,500      $       0      $  308,900    $   702,000
 
Year ended June 30, 1996
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts............   $  550,000    $ 475,000      $       0      $  574,600    $   450,400
 
Year ended June 30, 1995
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts............   $  500,000    $ 437,000      $       0      $  387,000    $   550,000
 
Year ended June 30, 1994
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts............   $  622,500    $  78,000      $       0      $  200,500    $   500,000
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Uncollectible Accounts written off and credits issued.
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                                                                                                     PAGE
- --------------                                                                                                 ---------
<C>             <S>                                                                                            <C>
         2      Agreement of Merger dated as of October 2, 1997, among Pritsker Corporation, Symix Systems,
                  Inc. and SSI Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Appendix I to the Proxy
                  Statement/Prospectus in Part I of this Registration Statement)
 
         3(a)   Amended Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a)(3)
                  to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997)
 
         3(b)   Amended Regulations of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-38878) filed February 12, 1991)
 
         4(a)   Amended Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a)(3)
                  to this Registration Statement on Form S-4)
 
         4(b)   Amended Regulations of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) this
                  Registration Statement on Form S-4)
 
         5      Form of Opinion of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease regarding legality
 
         8      Form of Opinion of Baker & Daniels regarding tax matters
 
        10(a)   Third Lease Amendment for office located at 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio
                  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994)
 
        10(b)   Lease Agreement between Symix Computer Systems, Inc. and Society Equipment Leasing Company
                  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 19 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
                  10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1991)
 
        10(c)   Progress Software Application Partner Agreement dated February 8, 1995 (incorporated herein
                  by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal year
                  ended March 31, 1995)
 
        10(d)   Agreement between Hewlett-Packard and Symix Computer Systems, Inc. (incorporated herein by
                  reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Registrant's Amendment to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 1993)
 
        10(e)   Summary of Bonus Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Registrant's
                  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997)
 
        10(f)   Symix Systems, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Key Employees, As Amended
                  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1993)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                                                                                                     PAGE
- --------------                                                                                                 ---------
<C>             <S>                                                                                            <C>
        10(g)   Sasser Employment Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to
                  Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996)
 
        10(h)   Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Stepehn A. Sasser dated January 17, 1996
                  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
                  10-Q for fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996)
 
        10(i)   Symix Systems, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (incorporated herein by reference
                  to Exhibit 10(i) of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30,
                  1993)
 
        10(j)   Symix Systems, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Key Executives (incorporated herein
                  by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal year
                  ended March 31, 1996)
 
        21      Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21 to
                  Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 1997)
 
        23(a)   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
 
        23(b)   Consent of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP, Independent Auditors
 
        23(c)   Consent of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease (included in Exhibit No. 5)
 
        23(d)   Consent of Baker & Daniels (included in Exhibit No. 8)
 
        24      Powers of Attorney
 
        27      Financial Data Schedule
 
        99      Form of Proxy
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-10

<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 5



                                                                 (614) 464-6400



                                October __, 1997

Symix Systems, Inc.
2800 Corporate Exchange Drive
Columbus, Ohio  43231

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to Symix Systems, Inc. (the "Company") in
connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") of the issuance of up to
[528,215] common shares, without par value, of the Company (the "Common Shares")
in connection with acquisition of Pritsker Corporation pursuant to an Agreement
of Merger dated as of October 2, 1997, among Pritsker Corporation, the Company
and SSI Acquisition Corp., an Ohio corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company ("Merger Subsidiary") (the "Agreement").

     This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item
601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated
under the Act (the "Rules and Regulations").

     In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have examined and
are familiar with each of the following:

     1.   The Amended Articles of Incorporation and Amended Regulations of the
Company, each as currently in effect, and the Company's corporate minute book.

     2.   The Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission through the EDGAR system under the Act on the date hereof.

     3.   The Agreement.

     4.   The resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company
relating to the issuance of the Common Shares and approving the Agreement.


<PAGE>

     5.   Such other records, documents or instruments as in our judgment are
necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions herein.

     In our examinations and in rendering the opinions set forth below, we have
assumed, without independent investigation or examination, (a) the genuineness
of all signatures, the authenticity and completeness of all documents submitted
to us as copies and the authenticity of such originals of such latter documents;
(b) that the final, executed copy of each document submitted to us in draft form
will not differ in any material respect from the draft form of such document
submitted to us; (c) that, with respect to documents executed by parties other
than the Company, such parties had the power, corporate or otherwise, to enter
into and perform all obligations thereunder and that such documents were duly
authorized by all requisite action, corporate or otherwise, of such parties,
that such documents were duly executed and delivered by such parties and that
such documents are the valid and binding agreements of such parties; and
(d) that the Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
parties thereto, other than the Company and Merger Subsidiary, and constitutes
valid and binding obligations of the parties thereto, other than the Company and
Merger Subsidiary, enforceable against such parties in accordance with its
terms.  As to the facts material to our opinions expressed herein which were not
independently established or verified, we have relied upon oral or written
statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the
Company and others.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and the further qualifications and
limitations set forth below, as of the date hereof, we are of the opinion that
the Common Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.

     We are members of the Bar of the State of Ohio and do not purport to be
experts in the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Ohio
and the United States of America.

     We hereby consent to the use of our name in the Registration Statement
under the caption "Experts" and to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to
the Registration Statement.  In giving this consent, we do not admit that we
come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Act or the Rules and Regulations.

                                   Very truly yours,


                                   VORYS, SATER, SEYMOUR and PEASE







                                      2

<PAGE>

                                 BAKER & DANIELS

       300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, SUITE 2700 . INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204
                       (317) 237-0300 . FAX (317) 237-1000


October __, 1997

Pritsker Corporation
8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Symix Systems, Inc.
2800 Corporate Exchange Drive
Columbus, OH 43231

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is delivered to you in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of Symix Systems, Inc. (Registration No. 333-___________),
as amended (the "Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.

     We have examined the Registration Statement and such other documents as we
have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion.  In addition, we
have made such other and further investigations as we have deemed appropriate.

     Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations
stated herein, we hereby advise you that in our opinion the statements made in
the Registration Statement under the caption "THE MERGER--Certain Federal Income
Tax Consequences," insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of matters of
United States federal income tax law or legal conclusions with respect thereto,
constitute accurate summaries of the matters described therein in all material
respects.

     The foregoing opinion is based on current provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder, published pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service and other
relevant authorities, all of which are subject to change.  No opinions are
expressed concerning any matters other than those specifically addressed herein.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 8 to the
Registration Statement and to the references to us in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement.  In giving
this consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

                                        Very truly yours,


                                        BAKER & DANIELS


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated July 25, 1997 in the Registration Statement (Form S-4)
and related Proxy Statement/ Prospectus of Symix Systems, Inc. for the
registration of 500,000 shares of its common stock.

Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Symix Systems, Inc.
listed in Item 21(b).  This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.



                                        Ernst & Young LLP
Columbus, Ohio
October 27, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 23 (b)






CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Symix Systems, Inc. on Form S-4, of our report dated March 28, 1997 on the 1996
and 1995 financial statements of Pritsker Corporation.  We also consent to the
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of
this Registration Statement.



                                        Crowe Chizek and Company LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
October 24, 1997


<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 24

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, hereby constitutes and appoints
Stephen A. Sasser and Lawrence W. DeLeon, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments or
documents related thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or
resubstitutes, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 8th day
of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ Lawrence J. Fox
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   Lawrence J. Fox
                                   Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
                                   Officer and Director

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, hereby constitutes and appoints
Lawrence J. Fox and Lawrence W. DeLeon, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments or
documents related thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or
resubstitutes, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 8th day
of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ Stephen A. Sasser
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   Stephen A. Sasser
                                   President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                   Director

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, hereby constitutes and appoints
Lawrence J. Fox and Stephen A. Sasser, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments or
documents related thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or
resubstitutes, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 8th day
of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ Lawrence W. DeLeon
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   Lawrence W. DeLeon
                                   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
                                   Secretary

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, hereby constitutes and appoints
Lawrence J. Fox, Stephen A. Sasser and Lawrence W. DeLeon, and each of them, his
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments or
documents related thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or
resubstitutes, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 8th day
of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ John T. Tait
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   John T. Tait
                                   Director

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, hereby constitutes and appoints
Lawrence J. Fox, Stephen A. Sasser and Lawrence W. DeLeon, and each of them, his
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments or
documents related thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or
resubstitutes, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 8th day
of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ Duke W. Thomas
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   Duke W. Thomas
                                   Director

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, hereby constitutes and appoints
Lawrence J. Fox, Stephen A. Sasser and Lawrence W. DeLeon, and each of them, his
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments or
documents related thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or
resubstitutes, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 8th day
of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ Larry L. Liebert
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   Larry L. Liebert
                                   Director

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer and/or
director of SYMIX SYSTEMS, INC., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), which is
about to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C.,
under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 for the registration of certain of its Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the merger involving Pritsker Corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1997, hereby constitutes and appoints Lawrence J. Fox, Stephen A. Sasser and
Lawrence W. DeLeon, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration
Statement and any or all amendments or documents related thereto, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and substitutes or resubstitutes, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or
his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunder set his hand this 10th
day of September, 1997.

                                   /s/ James A. Rutherford
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   James A. Rutherford
                                   Director


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS IN THE
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 FOR SYMIX SYSTEMS,
INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                           2,332
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   22,391
<ALLOWANCES>                                       702
<INVENTORY>                                        356
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                26,150
<PP&E>                                          14,147
<DEPRECIATION>                                   8,423
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  44,252
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           18,253
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            62
<OTHER-SE>                                      23,299
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    44,252
<SALES>                                         36,477
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                65,772
<CGS>                                            9,721
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   22,440
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                38,260
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   252
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   8
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,179
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,916
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,263
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,263
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.52
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                                                                      EXHIBIT 99
                              PRITSKER CORPORATION
                           8910 PURDUE ROAD, SUITE 600
                           INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46268

                                      PROXY

     I hereby appoint A. Alan B. Pritsker, John E. Layden and Steven D. Duket,
or any of them, my proxy or proxies, with power of substitution, to vote all
shares of common and/or preferred stock of Pritsker Corporation (the "Company")
that I am entitled to vote at the special meeting of shareholders of the Company
to be held at the Company's principal office, 8910 Purdue Road, Suite 600,
Indianapolis, Indiana, on ____________, ____________ __, 1997, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, and at any adjournment, as follows:

     1.   Proposal to approve the merger of the Company with and into SSI
          Acquisition Corp., an Ohio corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of
          Symix Systems, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("Symix"), pursuant to the
          Agreement of Merger and the Plan of Merger attached as Appendix I to
          the Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated ____________ __, 1997.

              FOR                 AGAINST             ABSTAIN

              \ \                   \ \                  \ \

     2.   In their discretion on any other matters that may properly come before
          the meeting.

     This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed.  IF
NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSAL NUMBER 1.


Date:                 , 1997
      ----------------             ----------------------------------------
                                                  Signature


                                   ----------------------------------------
                                     Additional signature if held jointly



Please sign exactly as your name appears on your stock certificates.  When
shares are held by two or more persons, all of them should sign.  When signing
as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full
title as such.  If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by
President or other authorized officer.  If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.




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