<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INCLUDED IN THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q AS OF AND FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000905724
<NAME> FOURTH SHIFT CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 8,254
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 9,834<F1>
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 64
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 19,444
<PP&E> 18,967
<DEPRECIATION> (13,525)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 32,876
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 23,497
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 105
<OTHER-SE> 6,710
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 32,876
<SALES> 9,182
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 31,363
<CGS> 2,905
<TOTAL-COSTS> 35,280
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 110
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 75
<INCOME-PRETAX> (4,102)
<INCOME-TAX> 129
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (4,231)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (4,231)
<EPS-BASIC> (.40)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.40)
<FN>
<F1>THESE ASSETS REPRESENT AMOUNTS NET OF ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS.
</FN>
</TABLE>