SAP "Fusion" database delays cause massive HP product shortfall

* UPDATE 11:29 GMT The problem doesn't just affect notebooks, as we originally said, but also servers, desktops and laser printers. Not, however, consumables.

SOURCES SAID that the implementation of a SAP Fusion system on the 16th of February has caused huge delays in HP's ability to deliver notebooks to its customers.

Resellers tell the INQUIRER that HP can only meet 40% of orders across a range of laptops, and that it's likely to be some time before the problem is fixed.

HP told its channel partners last week that it's trying to make sure disruptions in supply caused by the shift to Fusion are as little as possible.

The mighty firm implemented SAP Fusion in mid-February, as part of a consolidated HP systems platform, intended to improve the firm's supply chain.

But the codename Fusion stands for a move of many different Compaq systems to a system intended to act as an umbrella system at HP.

HP is telling its customers that it's working all the hours god sends to resolve problems with the system, which is holding up supply.

One of the problems is that HP staff have to get to know the new systems, deal with products coming in, and fix functionality problems that cause "inconsistent delivery scheduling and delays" in different parts of the chain.

DHL is also throwing personnel at the problem, it appears.

There's no word when the problems are likely to be fixed. µ