Fortude

{{Short description|Enterprise digital solutions company}}

{{Infobox company

| name = Fortude

| logo = Fortude.png

| logo_size = 250px

| type = Private

| founded = 2012 (as Brandix i3)

| hq_location = Colombo

| hq_location_country = Sri Lanka

| locations = Offices in 9 countries

| key_people = Arjuna Sirinanda (Managing Director)

| industry = Technology, Consulting

| products = Fortest, Charlie

| services = ERP Consulting, Data Analytics, Automation, Digital Transformation

| parent = Brandix

| website = {{URL|https://fortude.co}}

}}

Fortude is an enterprise digital solutions company that provides consulting, ERP implementations, data analytics, automation, and digital transformation services to enterprises across the globe. Fortude operates as a subsidiary of apparel manufacturer Brandix.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.lk/article/622485/Brandix-i3-announces-name-change-to-Fortude|title=Brandix i3 announces name change to Fortude|date=16 June 2017|work=Daily FT|access-date=22 May 2025}} Fortude is an Infor Global Alliance Partner{{cite web|url=https://fortude.co/news/fortude-recognized-as-infor-business-partner-of-the-year/|title=Fortude recognized as Infor Business Partner of the Year|publisher=Fortude|access-date=22 May 2025}} and a Microsoft Gold Partner for data analytics.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.lk/IT-Telecom-Tech/Fortude-awarded-Microsoft-Gold-Partner-Certification-in-Data-Analytics/50-653972|title=Fortude awarded Microsoft Gold Partner Certification in Data Analytics|work=Daily FT|date=4 April 2018|access-date=22 May 2025}}

In 2025, Fortude achieved its second Microsoft Solutions Partner designation in Azure Digital & App Innovation, further strengthening its capabilities in cloud-native application development and modern software engineering.{{cite press release|url=https://apnews.com/press-release/globenewswire-mobile/microsoft-corp-acfb562b28de5973b25e0ac699faa324|title=Fortude Unlocks Second Microsoft Solutions Partner Designation in Azure Digital & App Innovation|publisher=AP News|date=2 May 2025|access-date=22 May 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/fortude-unlocks-second-microsoft-solutions-partner-designation-in-azure-digital-app-innovation-1034790383|title=Fortude Unlocks Second Microsoft Solutions Partner Designation in Azure Digital & App Innovation|publisher=Business Insider|date=2 May 2025|access-date=22 May 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/fortude-unlocks-second-microsoft-solutions-partner-designation-in-azure-digital-app-innovation|title=Fortude Unlocks Second Microsoft Solutions Partner Designation in Azure Digital & App Innovation|publisher=Financial Post|date=2 May 2025|access-date=22 May 2025}}

History

Fortude was established in 2012 as Brandix i3, initially providing ERP implementations within the apparel industry using Infor ERP systems. The company rebranded as Fortude in June 2017, expanding its services beyond apparel into sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage, logistics, and distribution.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.lk/article/622485/Brandix-i3-announces-name-change-to-Fortude|title=Brandix i3 announces name change to Fortude|date=16 June 2017|work=Daily FT|access-date=22 May 2025}} Fortude’s dual role as both an Infor customer and implementation partner through Brandix provides the company with distinctive expertise in ERP consulting and digital transformation.{{cite web|url=https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/topics/sustainability/how-the-fashion-industry-can-pave-the-way-for-a-sustainable-future|title=How the Fashion Industry Can Pave the Way for a Sustainable Future|publisher=Retail TouchPoints|date=25 March 2022|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Notable projects

Fortude has delivered notable digital transformation projects using Infor’s ERP solutions, including:

AXNY: Partnered with Fortude and Infor to modernize operations across its fashion business. By adopting Infor CloudSuite Fashion, the brand aimed to improve inventory accuracy, unify financial systems, and enable faster decision-making across sales, production, and fulfillment functions. The implementation supports AXNY’s multi-brand portfolio with integrated capabilities for product lifecycle management and demand planning.{{cite web|url=https://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2023/04/14/axny-powers-fashion-operations-with-infor-and-fortude/|title=AXNY powers fashion operations with Infor and Fortude|publisher=Enterprise Times|date=14 April 2023|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Bega Cheese: Implemented Infor CloudSuite ERP as well as Fortude test automation solution, Fortest, as a result, significantly reducing testing time and improving operational efficiency.{{cite web|url=https://fortude.co/news/fortude-deepens-relationship-with-infor-to-drive-further-growth-in-australia-new-zealand/|title=Fortude deepens relationship with Infor|publisher=Fortude|access-date=22 May 2025}}

APP Group: Implemented Infor CloudSuite Fashion ERP for brands Mackage and SOIA & KYO, optimizing global supply chain management.{{cite web|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/07/28/2487892/0/en/Fortude-and-Infor-transform-APP-Group-s-global-supply-chain.html|title=Fortude and Infor transform APP Group’s global supply chain|date=28 July 2022|website=GlobeNewswire|access-date=22 May 2025}}

BioMar: Extended its collaboration with Fortude to strengthen digital capabilities across finance and supply chain operations, leveraging Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage ERP to enhance global standardization and reporting efficiency.{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.lk/it-telecom-tech/BioMar-expands-partnership-with-Fortude/50-769457|title=BioMar expands partnership with Fortude|website=Daily FT|date=26 March 2024|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Hatco: Facilitated adoption of Infor CloudSuite Fashion, improving operational efficiency and order fulfillment.{{cite web|url=https://fortude.co/case-study/hatco-us-based-manufacturer-of-hats-creates-the-bedrock-for-digital-transformation-with-the-cloud/|title=Hatco creates bedrock for digital transformation|website=Fortude|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Microsoft AI for Accessibility

The Microsoft AI for Accessibility program, launched by Microsoft, provides grants and resources for developing assistive technology to support individuals with disabilities.{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2020/12/03/seven-winning-solutions-to-empower-people-with-disabilities/|title=Seven winning solutions to empower people with disabilities|publisher=Microsoft News|date=3 December 2020|access-date=22 May 2025}} In 2020, Fortude became the first Sri Lankan recipient of this grant, creating a mobile application to help diagnose dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) among infants and children. This project was part of Microsoft’s broader initiative in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside other recipients such as Vulcan Coalition (Thailand) and Kerjabilitas (Indonesia).{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2020/06/22/fortude-first-from-sri-lanka-to-join-microsoft-ai-for-accessibility-program/|title=Fortude first from Sri Lanka to join Microsoft AI for Accessibility Program|publisher=Microsoft News|date=22 June 2020|access-date=22 May 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2020/01/17/creating-inclusiveness-at-our-first-ai-for-accessibility-hackathon-in-asia-pacific/|title=Creating inclusiveness at our first AI for Accessibility hackathon in Asia Pacific|publisher=Microsoft News|date=17 January 2020|access-date=22 May 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-tech-firm-gets-microsofts-ai-grant-for-healthcare-app-71369/|title=Sri Lanka’s tech firm gets Microsoft’s AI grant for healthcare app|publisher=EconomyNext|date=3 December 2020|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Diversity and Inclusion

Fortude has actively participated in diversity and inclusion initiatives. In collaboration with the IFC (International Finance Corporation), Fortude launched the "Together We Can" initiative aimed at promoting workplace diversity, gender equality, and inclusion through targeted awareness campaigns, workshops, and advocacy programs.{{cite web|url=https://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/fortude-partners-with-ifc-to-champion-workplace-diversity-and-inclusion-through-together-we-can/|title=Fortude partners with IFC to champion workplace diversity and inclusion through 'Together We Can'|publisher=Ada Derana Biz|date=7 April 2022|access-date=22 May 2025}}

During the COVID-19 lockdown in Sri Lanka, Fortude partnered with AIESEC Sri Lanka to conduct the "Build with Her" virtual program. The initiative aimed to empower women in technology through virtual mentoring, knowledge-sharing sessions, and professional development opportunities.{{cite web|url=https://fortude.co/blog/fortude-launches-its-diversity-and-inclusion-initiative-i-am-diversity/|title=Fortude launches Diversity and Inclusion initiative 'I AM DIVERSITY'|publisher=Fortude|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Awards

Fortude has received recognition including:

Infor Business Partner of the Year{{cite web|url=https://fortude.co/news/fortude-recognized-as-infor-business-partner-of-the-year/|title=Fortude recognized as Infor Business Partner of the Year|publisher=Fortude|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Top 10 Women-Friendly Workplace, Daily Mirror Sri Lanka{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Fortude-recognsed-as-a-Top-10-Women-Friendly-Workplace/273-293767|title=Fortude recognised as a Top 10 Women-Friendly Workplace|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=22 May 2025}}

CGMA Professional Awards Asia-Pacific 2024{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Fortude-wins-big-at-CGMA-Professional-Awards-Asia-Pacific-2024/273-300802|title=Fortude wins big at CGMA Professional Awards Asia-Pacific 2024|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=22 May 2025}}

Ownership

Fortude operates as a subsidiary of Brandix, an apparel manufacturer headquartered in Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url=https://www.brandix.com|title=Brandix Official Website|website=Brandix|access-date=22 May 2025}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}