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                                                                 EXHIBIT (c)(20)

                           Non-competition Agreement
                                  (AGREEMENT)


1.   Recitations and Date.  This Agreement is entered into as of the 1st day of
     September, 1999 by and between Effective Management Systems, Inc. (EMS) and
     Scott J. Mermel, a member of its Board of Directors (Director) effective
     upon the termination of his position as a director of EMS for any reason
     (Separation) following completion of a transaction contemplated with IFS
     Industrial and Financial Systems, Inc. (IFS).

2.   Compensation.  In consideration for Director's agreement as set forth
     herein, he shall be paid a lump sum fee of $7,000 within 10 days of
     Termination.

3.   Confidentiality Commitment.  Director acknowledges the ongoing obligation
     he has to EMS to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive
     business information.

4.   No Prior Agreements.  The parties acknowledge that this is the sole
     agreement between them with respect to this subject matter and, to the
     extent any such prior agreements exist, whether verbal or written, they are
     hereby revoked.

5.   Non-Solicitation of Employees.  For a period equal to the longer of one
     year from the Separation date, regardless of cause or initiating party,
     Director shall not, directly or indirectly, induce or attempt to induce any
     employee of EMS, including its presently existing Affiliates (at least 50%
     of the voting stock owned by EMS), to leave the employ of EMS.

6.   Non-competition Period.  Following Separation, and for a period of six
     months thereafter, Director shall not directly or indirectly, serve as a
     member of the Board of Directors of any business which is planning,
     considering, or does develop, market, or service ERP software anywhere in
     the United States in the mid-market segment (businesses with up to $100
     million in annual revenue).

7.   Legal Interpretation.  If any provision of this Agreement is found to be in
     conflict with provisions of any applicable law, the parties desire that
     such conflict not invalidate the entire Agreement and that it be construed
     to invalidate only the conflicting provisions and, where possible, to
     reduce the duration or scope of a conflicting provision to the maximum
     permitted by law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
     State of Wisconsin without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict
     of law rules or provisions.

8.   Other Terms.  Both parties agree that any public announcement of any
     Separation, shall require their mutual consent as to the content, subject
     only to SEC or equivalent requirements.  The parties also agree not to, at
     any time, make any comments concerning the other to media, prospective or
     actual employers, employees, customers, or prospects which could be
     reasonably construed as being in any way derogatory or negative of the
     other.

9.   Costs of Enforcement.  In an enforcement action relating to this Agreement,
     the prevailing party, whether claimant or respondent, following a final
     non-appealable decision, shall be immediately reimbursed by the other party
     for all its reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred during such action
     including attorneys' fees.

10.  Successors.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
     upon the successors and assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators of
     the parties except that Director may not assign or delegate his duties
     hereunder.

11.  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated only upon mutual written
     agreement of the parties.


Signed at Milwaukee, WI upon the date set forth above.

Effective Management Systems, Inc.                Director:  Scott J. Mermel

By: /s/ Michael D. Dunham, President              By: /s/ Scott J. Mermel
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                            Title                         an individual

Witness: /s/ R T Koenings                         Witness: /s/ Thomas M. Dykstra
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