Logistics News: Logistics - Shipping - Packaging

« October 2005 | Main | December 2005 »

November 30, 2005

Dr. Eli Goldratt, Best Selling Business Author, Releases New Video

San Diego to host next Viable Vision Offer Event in the U.S. on January 12! Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, author of the international best-selling business book “The Goal” has released a new video. The eight minute video outlines his latest development. His new process called “Viable Vision” has started to spread throughout the world. Goldratt Consulting is helping companies from over 20 different countries, from varying industries, and of different sizes to achieve Viable Visions.

(PRWEB) November 30, 2005 -- Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, author of the international best-selling business book “The Goal” has released a new video. The eight minute video outlines his latest development. His new process called “Viable Vision” has started to spread throughout the world. Goldratt Consulting is helping companies from over 20 different countries, from varying industries, and of different sizes to achieve Viable Visions.

Dr. Goldratt defines a Viable Vision as the specific strategy and tactics to turn a company’s current sales level into their profit level within 4 years. The new video, which can be viewed on-line or downloaded, explains how this seeming impossibility is often achievable.

The process starts with the CEO, President, or Business Owner attending one of the Viable Vision Offer Events. The events are designed for executives who are looking for substantial bottom-line growth and would like the insight and direction of one of the world’s leading business experts. Where most seminars leave you to figure out how the content applies to your specific situation, Dr. Goldratt is offering to do just that at no additional cost. If the top executive attends one of the Viable Vision Offer Events and Dr. Goldratt will send someone to collect the data from your company, devise your Viable Vision, then spend 2 hours discussing YOUR company and Viable Vision for no additional charge.

During the Viable Vision Offer Event Dr. Goldratt will outline the process, discuss the outstanding results achieved, and demonstrate that the process works even for commodity companies. Of the 200+ companies that have considered Dr. Goldratt’s Viable Vision Offer thus far, over 70% of them have embarked on this process. These companies range in sales from $1 million to several billion. Worldwide, approximately 5,000 companies or 6% of firms use the Theory of Constraints (the management philosophy Dr. Goldratt developed and that Viable Vision is based on).

Over 4 million copies of Dr. Goldratt’s book, “The Goal” have been sold and it is the best selling business book in the world. The Viable Vision Offer Event is the answer to – What’s next?

Dr. Eli Goldratt is an educator, author, physicist, philosopher, and business leader, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree from Tel Aviv University and his Masters of Science, and Doctorate of Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University. He has worked with many of the world's largest corporations and holds patents in a number of areas ranging from medical devices to drip irrigation and temperature sensors. He has been described by Fortune as a “guru to industry” and by Business Week as a genius. But he is, first and foremost, a thinker who provokes others to think. Often characterized as unconventional, stimulating, and “a slayer of sacred cows,” Dr. Goldratt has created this Viable Vision offer to expand the reach of his powerful concepts to small and mid-sized companies.

Up coming Viable Vision Offer Events are as follows:
Shanghai, China on December 6. 2005
San Diego, CA on January 12, 2006
Frankfurt, Germany on January 31, 2006
Santiago, Chile on March 23, 2006
Raleigh, North Carolina on May 9, 2006
Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 17, 2006

To view or download the video, please visit www.viablevision.com

For information and for reservations, please visit www.goldrattconsulting.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:30 AM | Comments (0)

“The Answer to Underperforming, Cutting Edge Technology is More Cutting Edge Technology”

In its latest published research, Technology Across the Supply Chain, Analytiqa surveyed over 100 European Supply Chain Executives in Eastern and Western Europe to provide market shares; evaluate customer satisfaction; identify technology strategies; understand future technology trends.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 30, 2005 -- hilst transport management systems (TMS) have, historically, been the least developed areas of the technological supply chain, technology providers and 3PLs are readdressing the balance.

Technology Across the Supply Chain

Analytiqa conducted an extensive survey in Q3, 2005. After benchmarking the leading technology providers and implementers by system type and geography, the research identifies customer satisfaction with their technology systems and ‘partners’. The report analyses the impact that software providers, implementers, location (geography) and industry market sectors have on the market dynamics, including investment strategies and timescales for future change.

Playing a unique role as both provider and customer of supply chain technology solutions, the research examines third party logistics providers, their levels of interaction with both technology companies and their clients – together with the quality and variety of services that they are now asked to perform. Finally, the research quantifies future trends for technology in the logistics sector, including the use of mobile technology and RFID, together with the priorities for future technology investment.

At all times, the research was placed in the context of modern logistics operations. These include the consolidation of supply chain structures to cost-efficient locations, moves towards process based working and the globalisation of supply chains.

Transport Management Systems move out of first gear

Whilst transport management systems (TMS) have, historically, been the least developed areas of the technological supply chain, technology providers and 3PLs are readdressing the balance. The role that 3PLs are playing in this development is especially important as Analytiqa research found that where supply chain functions are outsourced, 49.1% of companies rely on a 3PL to provide their TMS, whilst only 21.7% of such companies entrust their Warehouse Management System (WMS) to a 3PL.

3PLs may chose to use a system supplied by a specialist technology provider or they may chose to provide an in-house solution. This demonstrates a key challenge facing the more traditional providers of TMS.

Whilst they may be of the “best-in-class” variety, as process systems begin to encroach on their area of business, providers of these specialist TMS are being forced to be more innovative in order to “justify” their extra connectivity and visibility issues.

Scepticism surrounding claims of supply chain technology providers

Customer experiences contrast sharply to the promotional campaigns of the leading technology systems providers. Whilst technology systems are advertised as being robust, scalable and cost effective, Analytiqa uncovered a degree of scepticism surrounding such claims. These are often interpreted by the customer as “the answer to underperforming, cutting edge technology is more cutting edge technology”.

The tension between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) type systems and “best-in-class” systems is a common theme, particularly with WMS, as Analytiqa’s research highlighted a greater level of dissatisfaction with systems in Eastern Europe than in Western Europe.

An important factor affecting the success of a WMS implementation and subsequent satisfaction with the system is the degree of understanding which is brought to the planning process. This is reflected in the importance companies place in the experience of systems implementers, which cannot be underestimated. Part of the reason that systems are not used to their full potential is due to the complexity of the processes they are required to manage. This problem is most prominent in the case of ERP systems.

However, when it comes to employing a technology implementer, Analytiqa’s research highlights that the majority of providers leave customers highly satisfied with their services.

A major source of ‘end-user’ dissatisfaction lies with “in-house” technology systems implementers who do not possess the necessary expertise they would claim to have. A cause of many of the failed or “disastrous” implementations is a desire to keep costs to a minimum, overlooking the use of more appropriate implementers.

For more information see: http://www.analytiqa.com/TechnologySupplyChain.asp

Sample survey quotes and statistics taken from “Technology Across the Supply Chain”:

“In terms of market share of inventory management software providers, there is a significant difference between the retail sector and the manufacturing sector”

“Although SAP and Oracle dominate the WMS market, both companies command a lower market share than they achieve in the process and inventory management sectors”

“EU as an agent of change: Meeting new EU legislation is the fourth most important factor driving the technology systems improvements”

“For 3PLs, attempting to compete with specialist technology providers is no longer seen as an appropriate business development strategy – they must segment their technology service offering according to the needs and capabilities of their customers.”

“Of the companies which have made major WMS improvements within the last two years, at least 25.0% of them will make a major improvement within the next two years”

For more information see: http://www.analytiqa.com/TechnologySupplyChain.asp

About Analytiqa:

Analytiqa is a market analysis and business intelligence company providing published reports, profiles and databases, custom research and consulting for multi-national clients across a number of industry sectors from Logistics and Distribution through to FMCG and Professional Services. Analytiqa works closely with its clients, building partner relationships based on trust and the delivery of high quality and commercially relevant research.

Analytiqa is positioned between the logistics providers and their customers to provide the industry with commercially relevant business intelligence. Analytiqa works closely with logistics providers to source new customers and to better help them understand their existing clients. Similarly, retailers and manufacturers use Analytiqa’s logistics company profiles, databases and research services to analyse the operational and service capabilities of logistics providers and to benchmark the services they receive from their logistics providers against those of their own competitors.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:29 AM | Comments (0)

DOT Metal Products Selects Dallas Logistics Firm, JDF Distribution, For Warehousing and Distribution Services in Dallas and North Texas

Dot Metal Products, a division of the building products group of Gibraltar Industries, has selected JDF Distribution to be its warehousing and distribution provider for the company’s North Central Texas region. The solution calls for JDF to receive, store and distribute the company’s metal roofing products to over 130 retail locations in the region, including Home Depot stores.

Coppell, TX, (PRWEB) November 30, 2005 – Dot Metal Products, a division of the building products group of Gibraltar Industries, has selected JDF Distribution to be its warehousing and distribution provider for the company’s North Central Texas region.

The solution calls for JDF to receive, store and distribute the company’s metal roofing products to over 130 retail locations in the region, including Home Depot stores. Previously, DOT Metals handled distribution to North Texas from its manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas. By using JDF’s distribution center outside Dallas in Coppell, Texas, the company will free up valuable manufacturing space in its San Antonio facility and improve order cycle time to North Texas customers.

In addition to warehousing and inventory management, JDF Distribution manages all daily deliveries for DOT Metals, using its own flatbed trucks. JDF’s transportation team coordinates all store delivery appointments.

About JDF Distribution
JDF Distribution (www.jdfdistribution.com), headquartered in Coppell, Texas outside Dallas, is a logistics services company that provides high-quality warehousing and distribution services from its warehouses and transportation centers in Houston and Dallas. Founded in 1982, the company helps manufacturers and retailers get products to market quickly, reliably, and at the lowest possible cost.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:28 AM | Comments (0)

November 29, 2005

Compact Exhaust Analyzers Honored At AAPEX

XaustAlyzer.com’s featured products are recognized for their innovative design at the 2005 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo.

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) November 29, 2005 -- The Model 9005 and 9004 hand held gas analyzers have been selected to receive the Professional Tool & Equipment News Innovation Award for 2005. The award is given for tools or equipment that enhance safety, save time, or improve the efficiency of automotive service procedures.

A nationwide panel of ASE-Certified Master Technicians and shop owners, drawing on their years of experience and observations, selected these products from a field of hundreds. The award citation applauded the vision of the designers, and said that the products establish a “benchmark for excellence throughout our industry.”

Here are some of the innovative features that caught the attention of the judges:

- Real-time Lambda calculation
- Real-time Air/Fuel Ratio calculation
- Real-time Combustion Efficiency calculation
- Alternative Fuel Compatibility
- Completely self-contained
- Cordless operation

The award-winning exhaust gas analyzers are used for automotive trouble diagnosis, emissions testing, and performance tuning. The Model 9004 and 9005 analyzers have enjoyed enduring success in the marketplace because of their compact size, excellent performance, and reliability. Those same qualities have now earned them critical acclaim as well.

About XaustAlyzer.com

Larry Allen, a 20-year veteran of the exhaust analyzer business, established XaustAlyzer.com in 2005. Before entering the sales and marketing side of the business, much of his career was devoted to developing gas analyzers and other instruments.

Contact:
Larry Allen
XaustAlyzer.com
866.240.6891
http://www.xaustalyzer.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

GTES Announces Relocation of SHERLOC™ Location Servers to PEER 1 World-Class Data Center

GTES announces today that it has relocated the servers for its SHERLOC™ Location Services (www.sherlocgps.com) to a world-class data center operated by PEER 1 Network Enterprises, Inc. (TSX-V:PIX).

Custer, WA – (PRWEB) Nov 29, 2005 -- GTES announces today that it has relocated the servers for its SHERLOC™ Location Services (www.sherlocgps.com) to a world-class data center operated by PEER 1 Network Enterprises, Inc. (TSX-V:PIX).

“Our customers are pleased with the hosted access to location services offered by SHERLOC™, as it requires no software installation and minimizes support requirements” stated GTES Senior Vice President and General Manager Gunnar Jonsson. “We recognized that as our customers come to rely on SHERLOC™ to enhance the security and visibility of their high-value goods in transit or mobile assets, we needed to ensure that we provided the most secure and reliable hosting and internet connectivity possible”.

After an extensive evaluation of the available co-location facilities, GTES chose PEER 1 as its Internet infrastructure provider. “The combination of security, reliability, and performance made PEER 1 the best choice for GTES and our customers” said GTES Vice President of Engineering Peter Carr. “With video surveillance, carded access, on-site security personnel, UPS and diesel power backups, redundant air-conditioning and fire suppression systems, and a high-availability Internet Transit network infrastructure, we are confident that PEER 1 will provide the support we need to ensure the availability and performance of SHERLOC™”.

SHERLOC™ is a web-based service that tracks the location of specialized wireless devices produced by a number of manufacturers, including those based on the latest Assisted GPS technologies. The system combines these technologies with an intelligent business-oriented application that is simple to manage and yet scales to meet the needs of customers from SMB to enterprise. Target applications include the tracking of high-value goods in transit through the supply chain, as well as vehicle based tracking solutions.

For more information on the SHERLOC™ wireless location services and products please contact VP of Sales Brooks Marsden at 770 754 1666.

About GTES
GTES has historically focused on providing support for Glenayre wireless messaging infrastructure and software. Recently, however the company has expanded its development activities to include wireless location technologies, a market that analysts forecast at $3.6 billion by 2010. In support of this new strategic direction, GTES has developed SHERLOC™ (www.sherlocgps.com), a complete one-stop wireless location service, which provides support for multiple tracking devices including the latest generation utilizing Assisted GPS technologies. Targeted at business customers who need to improve security or efficiency by tracking their high-value goods in transit or field assets, SHERLOC™ is a hosted application that combines configuration flexibility with ease of use.

About PEER 1
PEER 1 Network, a leading Internet infrastructure provider, delivers client-centric solutions that ensure customers’ online presence is available 100% of the time. From Internet network and co-location to dedicated hosting, PEER 1 has a solution to meet the online needs of companies of all sizes. Since its inception in 1999, the company has grown to include data centers and network points of presence in 16 major cities across North America and Europe, all connected by PEER 1’s world class Internet network. PEER 1 serves a variety of customers including hosting providers, online gaming companies, Internet phone (VoIP) companies and many small and medium sized businesses. The company’s headquarters are in Vancouver, Canada and the stock is traded on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol PIX. For more information visit http://www.peer1.net.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:07 PM | Comments (0)

November 25, 2005

Compare International Movers Moving Quotes and Relocation Services Using OneEntry.com.

A service by OneEntry.com provides customers with free international moving quotes, allowing them to compare different relocation services and wisely choose the best moving companies.

(PRWEB) November 25, 2005 -- Usually, people search for an international moving company using the Yellow Pages or browse the Internet for the best relocation services. This search process is both costly and time consuming. There is a new service that allows you to look for international movers quotes and is both cheap and quick. A service by OneEntry.com provides customers with free international moving quotes, allowing them to compare different relocation services and wisely choose the best moving companies. Visit now http://www.OneEntry.com and find out how to save both time and money.

One Entry’s services save you endless hours over the phone with different international relocation companies. Every important detail of your upcoming moving overseas is included in your OneEntry.com request form. Each International moving quote is customized for each mover’s request. The biggest advantage for customers is the ability to save money as they choose the best removal services for their specific needs. http://www.OneEntry.com provides quick and efficient moving rates.

Quickly after posting a request, customers start receiving international moving quotes. OneEntry.com provides a large network of international moving companies and cargo shipping services. OneEntry’s customers get only the best offers: international moving companies contact them with competitive quotes, allowing them to choose from many shipping rates. Mr. John Martin, one of http://www.OneEntry.com many visitors describes his experience with OneEntry.com: “I recently relocated from United Kingdom to the United States. Finding the best international moving company was an endless task. Luckily I found OneEntry.com on the internet and in no time international moving services started to call me with their quotes. OneEntry.com offered me the ability to choose from many options.”

Many people use international movers quotes, provided by OneEntry.com, as a tool to compare prices of different international relocation services. OneEntry.com also includes information about others countries. OneEntry.com cooperates with the best information providers, so its customers always have useful links and plenty of moving information. To get all the information you need and start saving time & money today, visit http://www.OneEntry.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:14 AM | Comments (0)

November 24, 2005

Compare International Movers, Removals Services and Find Helpful Knowledge for Overseas Relocation With International Moving .biz.

Finding international movers companies is not a satisfying task. International moving .biz introduces a service providing the customer with all the overseas moving data and options. Now choosing the best international removals company is a simple task. Customers are able to save money fast and easily with International Moving .biz free movers quotes service. International Moving .biz bring important tips for overseas removals and general details about international relocation services. Connect to InternationalMoving.biz , compare moving rates, and save time & money using helpful information.

(PRWEB) November 24, 2005 --International Moving .biz is not just about moving information. You will be able to receive overseas moving quotes quickly and professionally. The relocation rates are delivered according to the specific international removal facts you provide. Our customers get many options from different international movers and removal companies. By getting many options our costumers are able to choose from the best service providers, getting the relocation service of their choice. http://www.InternationalMoving.biz cooperate with http://www.OneEntry.com so customers get the best international moving quotes from the best service providers.

The user-friendly interface of International Moving .biz allows you to learn precious facts regarding the different aspects of international removal services and overseas relocation. The relocation and moving information is essential for International Moving .biz customers resulting in successful negotiating with worldwide removal companies. http://www.InternationalMoving.biz enables costumers to understand the movers jargon and key moving terms. Eventually, the information helps customers save both time and money as they make the best moving decision.

Good removal companies, and good international movers are hard to find. As you face an international relocation, you will do your best to use top removal services. International moving .biz is a resource for all the international knowledge you need. It provides endless international removals information and reliable relocation services quotes. Both of these services are essential for the moving person or for a family moving overseas, assuring that you arrive at your destination in the most efficient manner. Connect now and start using the free moving services at http://www.InternationalMoving.biz

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:31 AM | Comments (0)

OH Logistics Adds Mike Honious: Engineering Professional Joins Leading 3PL

Ozburn-Hessey Logistics announced the addition of Mike Honious as Vice President of Engineering.

(PRWEB) November 24, 2005 -- Ozburn-Hessey Logistics announced the addition of Mike Honious as Vice President of Engineering. In this role, Honious will oversee the design and execution of large client supply chain management solutions.

Mike spent 13 years with Gap, Inc. serving in various management capacities. Most recently he was Director of Engineering, North America for the specialty retailer and was responsible for the engineering teams at the company’s five North American campuses. Prior to that, he held operational and engineering leadership positions with the company in Gallatin, TN and Erlanger, KY.

“Mike’s experience on the client side of the business brings OH Logistics a great new perspective,” said Bob Spieth, Executive Vice President, Operations for OH Logistics. “His proven abilities to design warehouses, implement systems, oversee start-ups and to identify process improvements will bring added value to our clients. We are glad to have him on board.”

Honious earned a BS degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Dayton and has attended supply chain and executive leadership courses at Penn State and Vanderbilt Universities.

About OH Logistics (www.ohlogistics.com)
Based in Tennessee, Ozburn-Hessey Logistics is the nation’s largest privately held 3PL, serving Fortune 1500 companies with strategically placed, multi-client warehouse campuses as well as numerous dedicated facilities. The company serves the food service consolidation, industrial, electronic & high tech, pharmaceutical & medical, health and beauty, and consumer products industries. OH Logistics provides services including fulfillment, e-commerce fulfillment, service parts management, return logistics, cross docking and pool distribution. The company operates over 19 million square feet of warehouse space nationwide, offers complete transportation management of parcel, LTL and TL shipments, and employs over 2,700.

OH Logistics can be reached at (877) 401-6400 or on the web at www.ohlogistics.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:30 AM | Comments (0)

Mallory Alexander International Logistics Names Treadwell to Global Business Development Group

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (PRWEB) November 24, 2005 -- Carey Treadwell has been named to a prestigious team of Global Business Development Directors by Mallory Alexander International Logistics. He will focus on development of global supply chain and logistics solutions for national accounts.

With this addition, the Mallory Alexander Global Business Development Group now includes six directors, with a combined experience of more than 150 years.

“Carey brings a wealth of knowledge to our customers,” says Neely Mallory III, President of Mallory Alexander. Most recently Treadwell was Director – Business Development of Meridian IQ. “His past six years with the international logistics arm of Yellow Roadway Corporation was spent developing key relationships with major global accounts.”

Previously, Treadwell held sales positions with Direct Container Line, which he joined after meeting sales responsibilities in the health care sector.

“In addition to his significant business development experience,” says Mallory, “we also have a powerful team including five other Global Business Development Directors. We are proud to have assembled the best in the business for our customers.”

In addition to Carey Treadwell, Mallory Alexander Global Business Development Directors are:
- Scott Hagan
- Donna Lemm
- Joe Grimme
- Don Guinter
- Steve Tuttle

A resident of Germantown Tennessee, Carey Treadwell is married with two children.

About Mallory Alexander International Logistics

Mallory Alexander International Logistics (www.mallorygroup.com) is a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider. As a specialist in global logistics and supply chain services, Mallory Alexander acts as a single source for all logistics and supply chain needs. Specifically, Mallory Alexander provides public and contract warehousing, freight forwarding (international, domestic, air and ocean), custom brokerage, import/export services, intermodal trucking and transportation, logistics services and consulting.

Mallory Alexander is a fourth-generation company, with 19 offices and 12 strategically-located warehouses and distribution centers throughout the U.S. The company has more than 500 employees worldwide. Previously, Mallory Alexander was known as Alexander International and Mallory Distribution Centers, operated as separate subsidiaries.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:29 AM | Comments (0)

November 23, 2005

Compare international Shipping Quotes and Moving Rate Using Shipping–to.com

Shipping–to.com introduces a new message platform for information in the subject of shipping. The new service allows customers to share and post moving or cargo shipping requests in an easy and simple manner. Whether you like details regarding international movers, or help with your upcoming cargo shipping, just post your moving request and receive quick answer.

(PRWEB) November 23, 2005 -- Shipping–to.com introduces a new message platform for information in the subject of shipping. The new service allows customers to share and post moving or cargo shipping requests in an easy and simple manner. Whether you like details regarding international movers, or help with your upcoming cargo shipping, just post your moving request and receive quick answer.

The information shipping–to.com supply includes general details or specific moving quotes. The message board allows costumers to post messages about international shipping companies and make the best moving choice. The useful website also consist of international cargo shipping directory. Whether costumers require air cargo, ocean cargo or road freight, they are able to find all the shipping information. The directory is comprehensive and holds information about different international movers in addition to every special cargo shipping method. Consumers which use shipping–to.com (http://www.shipping-to.com ) directory are able to post messages for additional information.

In addition to the shipping directory, customers may have information about different countries and cities as they use the cargo shipping wizard. This information is very important for customers who don’t ship or move often. All this knowledge enables our costumers to make shipping and moving an easy task. If consumers want more specific information they can place a message on shipping–to.com (http://www.shipping-to.com) and the team will post an response.

The most helpful character of shipping–to.com is the moving and shipping quotes options which is available through OneEntry.com (http://www.oneentry.com ). The process is very simple. The costumer enters shipping details- road freight, ocean (sea) cargo or air shipment. A shipping quote from several moving and shipping companies is delivered in couple of hours. This service is very popular among international cargo shipping and moving companies.

Shipping–to.com allows costumers to find all the shipping information they need. Whether its international move or local cargo storage, costumers can post massages, or browses the shipping directory. Every kind of moving quotes- Ocean or road freight, storage or express shipping is on hand. Connect to http://shipping-to.com and start using the great tools.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:01 AM | Comments (0)

Moving ToDos Releases New Portal for Finding International Moving Companies Quotes & Rates

Moving To-dos.com provides people relocating with several services, which simplify the process of international moving. Services include international relocation and shipping quotes, a moving directory and a To-Dos list. These features ensure that the moving person will have a clear road map for the upcoming international relocation and will have access to all relevant information. To find out more visithttp://www.movingtodos.com

(PRWEB) November 23, 2005 -- Moving doesn’t have to be a frustrating business. MovingToDos.com is an international moving portal, which includes all the moving information you need. One of several benefits Moving ToDos.com offers is a service that enables customers to receive international moving and shipping quotes. This is a helpful service for Moving ToDos.com visitors: no more endless runs after international moving companies; just click on http://movingtodos.com moving wizard, provide the details of your upcoming move and receive moving companies quotes specifically for your own needs. Moving services are provided in support with http://www.oneentry.com (the worldwide leader in international relocation and moving quotes).

Everyone who practiced working with international relocation companies knows that preparing for the daily life in the new country is crucial. Every culture is unique and one should have as much information as possible about life and customs in the new place. Moving ToDos.com will significantly save the time it takes to find all the information you need for your international relocation. http://www.movingtodos.com introduces its moving directory that includes not just information regarding the relocation, but also a useful moving guide for life in the new country. Every detail you want to know can be found in the moving directory: financial, banking, telecom, real estate, cleaners, insurance and many more .

The biggest advantage of Moving ToDos.com is its to-dos lists and its reminders. Those who immigrate to a new country will find the knowledge base full of moving calculators, tools and guides. Visit http://www.movingtodos.com and learn in no time how to create your personal to-do list. There are automatic reminders that will not let you forget which tasks are left in your list. These to-do lists guarantee that you will be prepared for the coming international move or relocation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:00 AM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2005

Haulage Exchange: A New Online Trading Platform For The Haulage Industry

Transport Exchange Group Limited, the creators of Courier Exchange, announce the launch of a new online real-time trading hub specifically for the haulage industry.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 22, 2005 -- Hauliers, owner operators, and freight forwarders now have their own dedicated online resource. Haulage Exchange is the UK's online trading network for the road transport industry professional dealing in the full load and groupage market.

Hauliers can now find a virtual network of Goods To Move and Backloads online. This online trading hub welcomes all pre-qualified professional transport companies, freight forwarders and logistics companies. For our members’ security, all operators must be bona fide transport and logistics operators.

Independent owner operators can use Haulage Exchange to become more flexible, as our virtual network allows owner operators to work when they want for whom they want. Sophisticated software automatically matches Return Journeys to any new loads.

Freight Companies can use Haulage Exchange to find reliable sub-contractors, to make better use of vehicles and to make contacts to expand their business. Freight Forwarders can benefit from the exchange to contact sub-contractors in real-time. Our online system TrampCX allows freight forwarders to raise orders to any member without going offline.

For additional information on Haulage Exchange, contact Lyall Cresswell or visit www.haulageexchange.co.uk

About Haulage Exchange:
Haulage Exchange is the UK's online road-transport trading network for freight and transport companies, independent owner-drivers, and owner operators in the Full Load and Groupage Market. Haulage Exchange is a member of Fret Alliance.

Contact:
Lyall Cresswell, managing director
Haulage Exchange
Telephone: 0870 241 1472
Fax: 0870 241 2108
http://www.haulageexchange.co.uk

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:22 AM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2005

Packaging Software Improves Container Fill Features

New version of Quick Pallet Maker packaging software that improves Container Fill and Multiple Box selection has been released by Koona, LLC.

(PRWEB) November 21, 2005 -- Koona, LLC has released version 4 of its “Quick Pallet Maker” packaging software that improves the ability of filling containers with a mix of boxes and pallets and the ability to pack multiple box sizes automatically on a pallet. Quick Pallet Maker is a stand-alone packaging software application that enables the user to design and calculate pallet and container loads from package and box input, thus saving shipping costs. Users enter their primary package or box dimensions along with load constraints and QPM rapidly lays out different palletizing options based on calculated or off-the-shelf boxes.

QPM offers the capability of working with predetermined box and pallet dimensions based on warehouse or supplier availability. Output options include palletizing movies, bitmap graphics, SVG vector graphics, text and XML (eXtensible Markup Language) data files. Quick Pallet Maker runs on Windows 98 or later and on Mac OS 8 or later (including OSX). It is now available in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese Simplified and French languages.

A free 30-day trial version is available for download at the following web site http://www.koona.com/downloads. More information is available at the product web site http://www.koona.com/qpm.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:45 AM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2005

Single Language Workplaces Going the Way of Drive-in Movie Theatres, according to Safety.BLR.com Survey

Facilities where only one language is spoken are becoming a thing of the past – a trend which brings with it big new challenges for OSHA safety training.

Old Saybrook, CT (PRWEB) November 17, 2005 -- Safety professionals report that more and more languages are being spoken in their workplaces and that worksites where only one language is spoken are now a distinct minority. The survey from Safety.BLR.com, the website that makes safety training and compliance easier, highlights the difficulty that today’s safety managers have in training their multicultural workforces.

The Business & Legal Reports, Inc. (BLR), survey asked: “How many languages are spoken among your company’s employees?”

Fully 3 of every 4 of the 493 respondents reported that at least two languages were spoken at their facility. Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported 3 to 6 languages, 28 percent reported 2 languages, 6 percent reported 7 to 10, and 4 percent reported more than 10. Only 24 percent reported that theirs was a one-language workforce.

“This poll is yet more evidence of the continued diversification of the American workforce,” commented Steve Quilliam, managing editor of Safety.BLR.com. “That trend is a big challenge for employers, because their obligation to ensure that employees understand safety and health training and follow OSHA safety and health requirements doesn’t change – no matter how many languages are spoken in the facility.”

To help employers address multiple language worksites, Safety.BLR.com now has a Spanish Resources Center at http://safety.blr.com/spanish.cfm. The Center includes, in Spanish, more than 100 training handouts and 69 quizzes on multiple OSHA topics.

Some typical training topics in the Resources Center include Spanish handouts and quizzes on confined spaces, defensive driving, electrical safety, and eye protection.

The challenge: finding safety meetings for Hispanic workers
OSHA itself has acknowledged this challenge, recently announcing a cooperative alliance with officials from Mexico and specialists from Georgia Tech aimed at improving safety among Hispanic workers.

To help employers get their training started, BLR has made available a sample hazard communication training meeting in English and Spanish, similar to those available at Safety.BLR.com. To download this free sample, go to http://www.blr.com/81001600/PRS64.

About BLR
Old Saybrook, Conn.-based BLR produces plain-English compliance and training resources for safety, environmental, HR, and compensation managers. For a free catalog, call 800-727-5257 or visit www.BLR.com.

Contact:
Safety.BLR.com
Managing Editor
Steve Quilliam
860-510-0100 x 2148

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:01 AM | Comments (0)

Paula Giovannetti Accepted to 'AIDC 100'

Paula Giovannetti, founder and President of EC Workshops, LLC has been accepted into the prestigious ranks of the “AIDC 100.”

Lake Geneva, WI (PRWEB) November 17, 2005 -- Paula Giovannetti, founder and President of EC Workshops, LLC has been accepted into the prestigious ranks of the “AIDC 100.”

AIDC 100, a not-for-profit organization, is comprised of the top one hundred men and women who invented, established, and continue to expand the use of automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) technology. AIDC technologies include Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), biometrics and bar code symbology.

According to Giovannetti, “The emphasis these days is on RFID, which will eventually give us exponential improvements in automatic data capture, prevent supply chain theft and counterfeiting, and improve visibility to item and business event information. However, traditional bar codes continue to provide an extremely valuable tool for tracking items, hours and operations. In fact we are introducing new, high density, “small footprint” bar code symbols to be used in retail, grocery, healthcare, and for the Department of Defense.” She adds, “I am confident there is a way to improve virtually every business with simple and cost effective bar code applications.”

Giovannetti provides custom workshops and webinars for companies, and also regularly lectures at Ohio University’s AIDC Technical Institute, UW-Madison’s eBusiness Consortium RFID Work Group, and at Gateway Technical College. She is also the Director of eBusiness for the Industrial Supply Association and is a member of GS1 committees for AIDC standards. More information on bar codes and AIDC standards can be found on EC Workshops’ website, www.ecworkshops.com.

The AIDC 100 hosts an annual “Truth in Technology” conference at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. To learn more about the AIDC 100 organization and its activities, please visit www.aidc100.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:00 AM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2005

St Louis Minority Supplier Business Development Council Certifies Bellwether Logistics Services, A Lean Six Sigma And Global Supply Chain Consultancy Firm

St. Louis Minority Supplier Business Development Council certifies Bellwether Logistics Services, a Lean Six Sigma and Global Supply Chain Consultancy Firm with high growth potential, as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

(PRWEB) November 15, 2005 -- St. Louis Minority Supplier Business Development Council certified Bellwether Logistics Services, a Lean Six Sigma and Global Supply Chain Consultancy Firm with high growth potential, as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

One of the country's leading business membership organizations, the primary objective of the national minority supplier development council (NMSDC) is to provide a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. It was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

The NMSDC network includes a national office in New York and 39 regional councils across the country. There are 3,500 corporate members throughout the network, including most of America's largest publicly-owned, privately-owned and foreign-owned companies, as well as universities, hospitals and other buying institutions. The regional councils certify and match more than 15,000 minorities owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American) with member corporations which want to purchase goods and services.

Bellwether, headquartered in Stockbridge, GA, with large & small business affiliates throughout Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, is dedicated to providing effective lean six sigma and global supply chain solutions to aerospace, automotive suppliers, beverage, call centers, chemical, consumer products, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, exporters, food, importers, telecommunications, transportation and warehousing companies.

Bellwether Logistics Services was founded as Consult Quality, LLC in 2001. Bellwether expanded its service offerings to include lean six sigma and global supply chain consulting in October 2004. Bellwether Logistics Services, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Enterprise (SDVOB), and 8(a) enterprise is an international consulting firm which specializes in applying the six sigma methodology in challenging public and private sectors. Interested parties may view more bellwether logistics services details at the website, www.bellwether-services.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:28 AM | Comments (0)

Summer Success: Two Sales and a New Office for YCO

Pioneering yacht management and consultancy company YCO has had a busy summer with two new sales, and will soon be moving to new and larger premises overlooking Monaco harbour.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2005 -- YCO are proud to announce the sale of 47m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Hyperion. Following lengthy negotiations conducted by YCO on the owner’s behalf, the sale was concluded and the new owner has now taken delivery: “Client representation for sale and purchase of large yachts is part of the unique YCO philosophy,” says Gary Wright, YCO managing partner. “We provide our clients with expert advice, support and guidance throughout the entire process with the back up of our highly professional team.”

Midway through the summer the 50m Bennetti QM of London was also sold with Jim Evans, YCO sale and purchase client representative, acting on the buyer’s behalf. YCO has taken the yacht under full management and she is currently undergoing an extensive refit at MB92 in Barcelona, in preparation for joining the YCO charter fleet next summer. “We are extremely pleased to welcome QM of London into our Charter Fleet,” says Robert Shepherd, Director of Charter Marketing at YCO.
“In the past her seven stateroom layout has proven most successful whilst chartering in the Mediterranean. We look forward to a busy charter season with her in 2006.”

Plans for QM of London’s refit include extensive cosmetic improvements, installation of zero speed stabilizers, upgrade of Audio Visual and IT equipment and the addition of new tenders and toys.

Meanwhile, Charlie Birkett, Partner, announced that the rapidly expanding YCO team will be relocating just a few doors away from their current office to much larger premises overlooking the Eastern side of Monaco harbour.
Telephone, fax and email details will remain unchanged, however the new address is: 9 ave President John F Kennedy, Monaco MC98000. YCO hope to take up residence in the new offices mid to late January.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:27 AM | Comments (0)

Second British Turntable HGV access turntable for Waitrose

Bolton, U.K.(PRWEB) November 16, 2005 -- British Turntable has supplied a second 15 metre diameter HGV access turntable to Waitrose, creating an efficient loading and unloading operation at the company’s new store in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. The contract follows the success of the unit British Turntable had previously installed in the underground loading area at the Surbiton store in Surrey.

Installation of the turntable has allowed the service yard to occupy as little land as possible, leaving more space for the store’s sales area; additionally, vehicles can drive straight into and out of the service area, a safer procedure for the village, whose roads are very narrow and busy.

The turntable fills the service yard and is capable of taking an articulated truck up to 16.5m long and with 40 tonnes capacity. On entering the yard from the main road, the truck drives straight onto the turntable and is then rotated approximately 90 degrees to line it up with the unloading dock; after unloading it can be rotated a further 90 degrees to allow it to drive straight out again.

As the service area is so restricted the turntable has been designed to allow cages to be stored on an area of the turntable not required by the truck and also for a transit-sized van, used by the store for home deliveries, to be parked on the turntable without preventing an articulated truck from using it. The cages and van simply rotate with the turntable.

A safety light beam has been installed to protect a static construction close to the turntable; if the beam is broken this will stop the turntable from rotating further.

The Waitrose turntable has been adapted from one of British Turntable’s standard vehicle revolve designs and is typical of the many vehicle revolves which British Turntable has manufactured and installed in government buildings, major high street stores and other commercial establishments throughout the world.

Standard features of the HGV access revolve design include: a fixed speed rotation of 0.5rpm, which allows vehicles to be moved into the ideal position in only 60 seconds; yellow markers to make positioning of the vehicle on the turntable easier; and a vandal-proof, security key protected control box to aid the manoeuvring process. The turntable components are generally located in a pit that has provision for water drainage.

Further information is available from David Houghton on tel: +44 (0)1204 525626, or by visiting the website at www.british.turntable.co.uk.

PHOTO: British Turntable has supplied a second 15 metre diameter HGV access turntable to Waitrose, creating an efficient loading and unloading operation at the company’s new store in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. (Image(s) available from Chris Macpherson, tel: +44 (0)1204 842818).

Editorial contact:
Chris Macpherson
Chapelfield Associates Limited, 27 Abercorn Road, Smithills, Bolton BL1 6LF,
tel: +44 (0)1204 842818, fax: +44 (0)1204 844688, www.chapelfieldpr.com

Product contact:
David Houghton,
British Turntable Co. Ltd., Emblem Street, Bolton BL3 5BW,
tel: +44 (0)1204 525626, fax: +44 (0)1204 382407, www.british.turntable.co.uk

Information for Editors:
British Turntable Co has been developing and manufacturing movement solutions for a wide range of industries since 1959 and exports to more than 120 countries world wide. In 2004 the company bought Hovair Systems to strengthen its position in air film movement technology and has recently acquired the business of Cawley Marine, including the exclusive distribution rights for Jung lifting equipment in the UK.

The company has also developed products for the consumer, including the MAT motorcycle turntable, the manually operated DriveAway domestic driveway turntable and a range of powered units that can be customised to meet individual needs.

Typical industrial and commercial applications include retail display units, revolving stages for nightclubs and other leisure markets, car revolves to solve inner-city parking problems, HGV access turntables, materials handling carousels, transporters and lifting equipment, and large revolves capable of carrying a military tank or an aeroplane. A hire service is available on many units.

Customers include major high street names including the famous London stores, Harrods and Hamleys, a wide range of independent retailers, world renowned museums and heritage centres, exhibition contractors, TV and film companies, government agencies, national standard test laboratories, multi-national organisations and all the major car manufacturers world wide.
British Turntable is accredited to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:26 AM | Comments (0)

FKI Logistex Promotes Three Senior Managers in North American Manufacturing Systems Unit to Further Unit's Growth

Ken Thouvenot was appointed as vice president of project management and engineering.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2005 -- FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com), a global leader in integrated material handling solutions, announces the promotion of three senior managers in the company's North American Manufacturing Systems unit, aimed at furthering the unit's growth plans. Leading the promotions is the appointment of Ken Thouvenot to vice president of project management and engineering.

A 10-year veteran of FKI Logistex, Thouvenot most recently served as vice president of project management and marketing in the Manufacturing Systems unit. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis.

"Ken combines his extensive experience at FKI Logistex with a complete knowledge of systems engineering and the business of engineering management. He understands the strategic importance we have placed on pre- and post-order excellence at FKI Logistex in making our business grow," says Ted Clucas, president, Manufacturing Systems, FKI Logistex North America. Thouvenot reports to Clucas.

Clucas also announced the promotion of Matt Wicks to director of systems engineering, as well as the promotion of Brett Felton to the new role of international sales manager.

With FKI Logistex since 1995, Wicks previously served as manager of controls engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Wicks reports to Thouvenot.

"Matt's strength is systems controls and software, and he has been a major force in driving project execution within the organization," says Clucas.

Felton joined FKI Logistex in 1998 as senior mechanical engineer, and was subsequently promoted to project engineer and senior project engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In his new role, Felton will oversee the unit's international sales representative structure, adding representatives to increase the company's sales coverage in Latin America. He reports to Martin Clark, director, newspaper and international operations.

"I am confident these appointments add the right blend of technical and organizational expertise to the senior management of Manufacturing Systems North America," adds Clucas. "These promotions ensure that FKI Logistex Manufacturing Systems North America maintains the highest levels of customer satisfaction."

For sales and marketing information, contact Jill Raab, marketing communications coordinator, FKI Logistex North America, by phone at (314) 993-4700 or by e-mail at e-mail protected from spam bots.

For media information, contact David Abels, senior account executive, Koroberi, Inc. (www.koroberi.com), by phone at (919) 960-9794 ext. 22

About FKI Logistex
FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com) is a leading global provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying its customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order fulfillment systems, RFID implementation, EDS integration, baggage handling systems, warehouse control systems, and total material handling automation.

FKI Logistex provides material handling solutions for airports, postal facilities, parcel distribution, manufacturing operations, library automation, and for warehouse and distribution facilities. With projects that include many of the world's largest and most advanced material handling operations, FKI Logistex has manufacturing, engineering and support facilities around the world. For more information on FKI Logistex, click here to visit the FKI Logistex media center. For general sales information, contact FKI Logistex by phone at +1.877.935.4564 in North America, +44 (0) 8706 060120 in Europe, or +86 21 52372255 in Asia.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:25 AM | Comments (0)

November 15, 2005

Healthcare RFID Leader Announces Special 5th Anniversary Package

New Shepherd Door Alert Package to be sold for a maximum MSRP of $430. Management advises that with applicable instant on-line rebates the systems are available for as little as $95. Initial sales have been brisk. The systems will begin shipping in time for 2006 5th Anniversary. All systems and rebates are widely available through distributors, developers and user groups.

PORTLAND, MAINE (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) November 15, 2005 -- Parco Wireless announced today the release of "Shepherd" a new package designed to enable biomedical and material management staff to quickly, easily and cost effectively determine whether RFID tracking is appropriate for their institution. This package will be specially priced to help celebrate Parco's 5th Anniversary which begins in 2006.

The Parco Shepherd system consists of 20 Parco RFID tags and 1 Door Reader (Parco Part Number HWFBR-SYS.) The tags have a 4+ year battery life and can easily be attached to mobile assets such as wheelchairs, litters, infusion pumps, patient worn cardiac monitors and other high value mobile devices. The tags signal between 1 and 8 times per second (factory programmed) and are permanently sealed to provide better protection from moisture. The tags are compatible with all existing and future Parco RFID Tracking Systems.

The Door Reader is a new Parco product which is easily mounted above a door in the hospital's lobby. The reader is powered using an external transformer. The unit has a bright strobe-type light attached to the front. When a tag approximates a distance of 10 feet or less from the door the strobe-type light flashes alerting the security guard nearby that a tagged asset is about to leave the building. The Door Reader has an on/off switch, power transformer plug, reset button, power light and an input/output port which will support expansion devices including a planned WiFi interface.

The Parco tags can beacon 1 or more times per second which is most effectively demonstrated using the Parco Door Reader which identifies and alerts tagged assets while they are in motion. Competitor's tags and readers work less effectively because their tags beacon less than once every five seconds --- slower than the average person can walk through a door. The Parco tags have the best battery life and have been recognized with various awards from the industry.

Shepherd will be available at a discount from Parco Authorized Distributors, Developers and through a preferred customer referral website for $430. Distributors offering the special pricing include CDW Health, Accucode, QRS Medical and Accutech. Developers offering the special pricing include Aramark CTS, Patient Care Technology Systems, Phoenix Data Systems, Tagnos and the Parco Users Group.

Special marketing incentives including instant rebates are allowed with this package. Customers willing to participate in a couple of five question surveys and completing a referral form will receive instant rebates which reduce the price of the entire package to $95 excluding shipping and handling.

Orders are currently being accepted at a special website www.parcotrack.com (click this link to order.) The systems will begin shipping in December 2005.

Some restrictions apply including:
(a)All customers must accept and digitally sign the standard Parco End User License Agreement. (b)Limit one Shepherd system per customer campus building. (c) Available to qualified hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical clinics, surgical clinics, or similar healthcare related businesses. (d) Offer not valid outside of the U.S.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:58 AM | Comments (0)

The Scotts Company LLC and OH Logistics Partner in Southern California

ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, announced a partnership in which OH Logistics will provide warehousing and transportation scheduling for The Scotts Company and operate a 600,000 square foot building in Fontana, CA.

NASHVILLE (PRWEB) November 15, 2005 -- Ozburn-Hessey Logistics (OH Logistics, www.ohlogistics.com) and The Scotts Company LLC, a subsidiary of The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, announced a partnership in which OH Logistics will provide warehousing and transportation scheduling for The Scotts Company and operate a 600,000 square foot building in Fontana, CA.

The addition of this space brings OH Logistics total square footage in the Riverside/Inland Empire area to approximately 800,000 and total square footage in Southern California to well over one million.

“We wanted a 3PL partner who could offer us flexibility and we found that with OH Logistics,” said Scott Hendrick, Sr. Director of Warehousing from The Scotts Company. “We view the relationship we have with OH Logistics as a true partnership. We look forward to working with them.”

“We are very pleased with the way the relationship has developed with Scotts,” said Scott McWilliams, CEO of OH Logistics. “Providing supply chain management solutions for them and utilizing the space as a multi-client site provides benefits to Scotts and to other OH Logistics clients.”

The Fontana facility features 144 dock doors, 180 trailer spots and offers specialized handling areas. OH Logistics is helping The Scotts Company with its scheduling, carrier management, consolidation and pool distribution.

About OH Logistics (www.ohlogistics.com)
Based in Tennessee, Ozburn-Hessey Logistics is the nation’s largest privately held 3PL, serving Fortune 1500 companies with strategically placed, multi-client warehouse campuses as well as numerous dedicated facilities. The company serves the food service consolidation, industrial, electronic & high tech, pharmaceutical & medical, health and beauty, and consumer products industries. OH Logistics provides services including fulfillment, e-commerce fulfillment, service parts management, return logistics, cross docking and pool distribution. The company operates over 19 million square feet of warehouse space nationwide, offers complete transportation management of parcel, LTL and TL shipments, and employs over 2,700.

OH Logistics can be reached at (877) 401-6400 or on the web at www.ohlogistics.com.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With more than $2 billion in worldwide sales and more than 6,000 associates, The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company, LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with products for professional horticulture as well. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. The Company also owns Smith & Hawken, a leading brand of garden-inspired products that includes pottery, watering equipment, gardening tools, outdoor furniture and live goods. In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:57 AM | Comments (0)

November 14, 2005

ICIM Has Released Process Capability Metrics PCM 1.0 for Companies to Identify, Retain and Improve Their Business Capabilities

On October 27, ICIM released its technology-based Process Capability Metrics, PCM 1.0. The model is developed in collaboration with the leading business schools, business fraternity and the industry leaders. The project's objective is to develop an integrated set of models, an assessment method, and analyze materials that provide support for process capability improvement in industry and government.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 14, 2005 -- ICIM, (http://www.manageinnovations.com) the Process Innovation division of WCP Group released its technology-based Process Capability Metrics, PCM 1.0. The model is developed in collaboration with the leading business schools, business fraternity and the industry leaders. The project's objective is to develop an integrated set of models, an assessment method, and analyze materials that provide support for process capability improvement in industry and government.

This version of the Process Capability Metric model incorporates change requests from Asian manufacturing companies and US servicing industry stakeholders who reviewed initial drafts. The greatly streamlined multidimensional analysis model, documentation procedures, and glossary have been issued as a stand-alone document to facilitate its adoption as an international standard.(http://www.manageinnovations.com/processstandard.htm.)

Process Capability Standard is the basic structure for companies to identify and retain core capabilities, manage Service Level Agreement (SLA), measure BPO capabilities and monitor performance improvements of their 'Process network.'Process Capability Metrics (PCM) has been designed to identify the target performance of service consumers and providers and evaluate what it takes to succeed with a process according to the standard. The growth of business process outsourcing industry has virtually no standards for how most business processes should be performed.

The PCM Project welcomes review of the model from organizations that are considering using it. For more information about the PCM Project and the public release of PCM Version 1.0, see http://www.manageinnovations.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:12 AM | Comments (0)

November 11, 2005

Anexa Research Publishes Latest Research on the Rapidly Consolidating Global Logistics Industry

Anexa Research's Global Logistics 100 is a series of strategic profiles of the World's largest 100 logistics providers.

(PRWEB) November 11, 2005 -- Global consolidation is grabbing the headlines. Deutsche Post's impending acquisition of Exel, Kuehne & Nagel's proposed acquisition of ACR Logistics (formerly Hays Logistics) and now rumours of Deutsche Bahn linked with the acquisition of BAX Global are all recent evidence of the rapidly consolidating industry. No longer are companies mono-sectoral. The global strategy of the largest companies includes cross-sector services, marrying contract logistics with global freight forwarding, uniting surface transportation with sea and air transportation. More importantly, it means capturing large multinational supply chain accounts.

Anexa Research has just published strategic profiles of the World's largest 100 Logistics Providers. The Global Logistics 100 series is the definitive source of global logistics business information. The profiles contain up to date information on financials, operational performance, customers, strategy and other key corporate statistics.

Please call +44 1933 30 30 11 or visit http://www.globallogistics100.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:59 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2005

Storage Systems and Material Handling Equipment Distributor Assists Gulf Coast Region

Stor-Quip Systems, Inc., a leading storage systems and material handling equipment distributor, is offering an additional 10% discount to assist businesses and organizations that are rebuilding in the Gulf Coast region in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

(PRWEB) November 10, 2005 -- Stor-Quip Systems, Inc., a leading storage systems and material handling equipment distributor, is offering an additional 10% discount as hurricane relief to assist businesses and organizations that are rebuilding in the Gulf Coast region in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Stor-Quip will also place a high priority on all storage systems and material handling orders shipping to the Gulf Coast for those businesses that are rebuilding.

Manufacturers, warehouses, and businesses of all types lost much, if not all, of their storage systems and material handling equipment from Katrina and Rita. Stor-Quip wishes to be a part of the hurricane relief by offering equipment that will be used in the rebuilding process.

“There are many, many businesses affected by the disastrous hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Mark Palmer, President of Stor-Quip Systems, Inc. “Small- and medium-sized businesses are hardest hit in situations such as this. Cash flow becomes a major problem because companies are forced to shut down. They are unable to ship their product, and therefore cannot invoice their customers to receive payment. It is imperative companies get up and running as quickly as possible.”

Stor-Quip provides numerous products, such as storage systems and wire security partitions, which are fundamentally essential for manufacturers and other businesses. Self-dumping hoppers can assist with removal of debris, while wire partitions can secure damaged areas in buildings and are easily-moveable storage systems. Modular offices and preassembled portable buildings can be used as a temporary and secure place for offices, break rooms, and restrooms.

Business owners from the devastated gulf coast region can visit www.StorQuip.com, or call 1-888-392-7867 to:
• Get an additional 10% discount on all storage systems and material handling equipment
• Receive expedited shipping to the Gulf Coast region
• Find more information on storage systems, pricing, or special offers
• Contact customer service with questions

About Stor-Quip Systems, Inc.
Stor-Quip Systems, Inc., a leading security products, storage systems, and material handling equipment distributor, is dedicated to providing high quality storage systems and material handling equipment with exceptional customer service. Their storage systems include self-dumping hoppers, wire partitions, and wire containers. They are located in Owasso, Oklahoma, with multiple shipping points throughout the U.S.

Promotion for Press Release powered by Xeal Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:51 AM | Comments (0)

Spider Strategies and AddGain B.V. Partner to Launch Scoreboard® in Europe

Partnership offers Spider’s Performance Management Suite, Scoreboard®, to users in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) November 8, 2005 -- Spider Strategies®, Inc., the cutting-edge leader in performance management software, announced today that it has partnered with AddGain B.V., a performance management solution provider to customers in the Benelux region of Europe. This partnership will allow Spider Strategies to provide its industry-leading performance management suite, Scoreboard®, to users in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

AddGain, headquartered in the Netherlands, will provide French and Dutch application translation. Also, AddGain has agreed to provide all French and Dutch user support and customer service via Spider Strategies’ users forums at http://forums.spiderstrategies.com.

“We are pleased and excited about our partnership with AddGain,” stated Conor Crimmins, Managing Partner of Spider Strategies. ; “This strategic partnership has increased the usability of Scoreboard® to include French and Dutch language versions, allowing Spider Strategies to reach customers in the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium – while also allowing us to further demonstrate the power and versatility of Scoreboard®’s browser locale technology.

The partnership between Spider Strategies and AddGain is a win for AddGain as well, points out Herro Zoutendijk, Director of AddGain B.V. “This partnership is a perfect match for AddGain. With Scoreboard®, our customers can now visualize the connection between logistical, financial, production, and IT departments in one application. This has given us a distinct technical advantage over our competition and will help us to grow our business.”

With this recent partnership, Spider Strategies now holds strategic software market share in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. As Crimmins notes, “Spider’s focus for 2006 is to expand our user community – both in the industries that we serve, as well as the regions. Scoreboard® is a product that continues to grow through the experience of our customers. And to maximize its potential, we need to draw from expanded markets and users. This partnership with AddGain is a strategic step in that endeavor – not only in the regions that AddGain serves, but also in the customers and industries.”

Scoreboard® is an industry-leading performance management tool that comprises balanced scorecards, action and task lists, performance charts, strategy maps, analysis, on-line meetings, document management, and performance dashboards all in one application. Easy-to-use and affordable, Scoreboard® is currently being utilized by thousands of users from dozens of markets and industries – from non-profits to government, military, and Fortune 500 companies.

About Spider Strategies, Inc.
Spider Strategies, Inc., is a pioneering software company with offices in Washington, D.C., and St. Paul, MN. Spider Strategies helps corporations, government, and military organizations drive market-leading performance. For more information about Spider Strategies or to view a demo of Scoreboard®, visit: http://www.spiderstrategies.com.

About AddGain B.V.
AddGain works to link practical experience between controlling, logistical, and Information Technology with tools that contribute concretely to the success of its customers. Its aim is to provide companies large and small the proper performance management tools to be able to remove the barriers preventing companies from utilizing Corporate Performance Management within their organization. AddGain’s mission is simple: AddGain works to solidify its customers’ capacity to succeed. For more information about AddGain B.V., visit: http://www.addgain.nl (Dutch language Website).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:51 AM | Comments (0)

Package Testing Services Firm, DDL, Sponsors “Relay for Life” Team for Cancer Awareness Charity

Package testing services laboratory, DDL, is sponsoring an American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” team to raise money for Cancer research.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) November 10, 2005 -– DDL Inc. (http://www.testedandproven.com ), a leading package, product and material testing laboratory, is taking an active role in raising money for Cancer research by sponsoring an American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life team.

The Relay for Life charity, which was founded 20 years ago, asks groups of participants to gather at schools, fairgrounds and parks and run/walk laps in order to raise money for Cancer research.

DDL recently raised money for the charity by sponsoring the “Walkie Talkies” Relay for Life team at a local Minneapolis school event.

“It’s great to see how far the Relay for Life charity has come over the last 20 years,” said Patrick Nolan, COO, DDL. “More than 3 million Americans now participate in Relay for Life events nationwide.”

DDL’s participation in the Relay for Life activities is in line with the package testing services company’s core values and emphasis on both professional and personal development.

“At the last event, our team raised $6,000 for Cancer research,” said Patrick Nolan. “We hope that DDL can continue to contribute to such a great cause.”

Find out more information about the American Cancer Society and participate in a Relay for Life event in your area: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/GI/content/GI_1_1_How_to_Participate.asp

About DDL
DDL offers expert package testing, product testing and material testing services including shock testing, vibration testing, tensile testing, leak testing and validation. DDL package testing clients find value through its growing suite of PackServices: PackAdvice, a zero-cost package testing consulting service, and PackReview, a DDL approved certification to demonstrate compliance with ISO 11607 (clause 7). DDL Testing Services maintains full service testing labs in Minnesota and California. http://www.testedandproven.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

Abhisam Software Releases Free White Paper on "Hazardous Area Installations -- How to Make 92% of Hazardous Areas Safer Without Increasing Costs"

Abhisam Software is pleased to announce a Free White Paper on "Hazardous Area Installations--How to make 92% of hazardous areas safer without increasing costs". This White Paper will be extremely useful to people working in chemical plants, oil and gas installations, petrochemical and fertlizer plants, shipping terminals, as well as tank farms, grain silos and warehouses where hazardous areas exist.

(PRWEB) November 10, 2005 -- Abhisam Software is pleased to announce a Free White Paper on "Hazardous Area Installations--How to make 92% of hazardous areas safer without increasing costs". This White Paper will be extremely useful to people working in chemical plants, oil and gas installations, petrochemical and fertlizer plants, shipping terminals, as well as tank farms, grain silos and warehouses, where hazardous areas exist. In these areas, the equipment is specially designed so that its usage does not increase the risk of fire or explosion in these areas.

However, a recent study has concluded, that a large number (as many as 92%) of the hazardous areas that were surveyed, were not up to the mark and were souces of potentially unsafe occurences/incidents.
This White Paper attempts to guide design, operations and maintenance personnel who work in similar hazardous areas to make the hazardous installations safer, without increasing the costs of compliance.
This White Paper can be downloaded freely from http://www.abhisam.com/WP.html

About Abhisam Software
Abhisam Software is a young knowldege based startup, engaged in providing e-learning solutions to people working in various industries. Abhisam Software is the producer of the industry acclaimed e-learning course on "Hazardous Area Instrumentation." For enquiries please visit http://www.abhisam.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)

November 09, 2005

Allstar Supply, Inc. Announces The Purchase Of The George Fuller Tape Company

Allstar Supply, Inc. of New Hartford, CT has announced the purchase of The George Fuller Tape Company of Sudbury, MA for an undisclosed amount.

New Hartford, CT, (PRWEB) November 9, 2005 -- Allstar Supply, Inc. of New Hartford, CT has announced the purchase of The George Fuller Tape Company of Sudbury, MA for an undisclosed amount. Allstar Supply, Inc. established in 1991 and The George Fuller Tape Company Established in 1983 are both distributors of packaging products and industrial supplies.

According to Tom Zotter, President of Allstar Supply, this union should provide an increased presence for the company in the Boston-Worcester area as well as broadening existing business in the area. “Although we sell product worldwide, many of our sales are local and the addition of this well-respected, time honored distributor should add to our ability to service the Massachusetts market. In addition, we can now offer additional products to existing George Fuller customers through our broad product line of packaging, safety and janitorial products.”
Most customers will see little change as both names will be maintained and all existing employees will be retained. Both companies will maintain their existing offices and warehouses but have the ability to feed from one-and-others inventory.

Allstar Supply, Inc. is a leading supplier of packaging and industrial supplies located at 8 Wickett Street in New Hartford, CT. The company specializes in industrial packaging products such as stretch wrap and shrink wrap film, tape, plastic bags, strapping and staples. For further information, please see our websites at www.allstarsupply.com or www.boatshrink.com .

For more information:
Tom Zotter
President
Allstar Supply, Inc.
860-379-9626
FAX 860-379-9597

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:14 AM | Comments (0)

November 08, 2005

Unlocking the New Powers of SAP Material Handling

Numina Group’s Real-Time Distribution System eliminates expensive secondary systems by integrating material handling equipment directly to SAP’s powerful R3 WM warehouse management module.

(PRWEB) November 8, 2005 -- Until recently, many SAP software clients were duplicating efforts and costs by using standalone Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) in order to get robust warehouse functionality. Now many of these firms can “breathe new life” into their warehouse material handling operations using a software module that integrates conveyors, pick-to-light, print and apply and other automation equipment to SAP R3’s powerful warehouse management (WM) module.

The use of secondary, standalone software systems to manage warehouse operations and material handling functions has some painful drawbacks. Not only do they require duplicate development servers, they are expensive to purchase and support. Plus, errors can result in the process of duplicating inventory data.

Many operations can obtain tremendous improvements and eliminate duplicate software support costs by simply upgrading to the right control and automation software. Numina Group’s RDS (Real-Time Distribution System) software is designed to manage the real-time control, while directly interfacing to SAP software (R3). Customers get more out of both new and existing investments. Benefits include improved operations and shipping accuracy with all inventory records residing on R3 while eliminating the high costs and challenges of maintaining dual business systems.

Forest Pharmaceuticals, a high-growth division of global Forest Laboratories, Inc., prides itself on the execution and ability to quickly distribute to its’ clients superior pharmaceutical products, marketing materials and sales initiatives.

An SAP customer, in 2003 Forest was considering the replacement of a third party WMS at its Earth City, MO distribution center. Since SAP’s WM module had evolved to include all the required software functionality need to operate the distribution operation requirements, Forest recognized the many advantages incorporating the warehouse-distribution it into the R3 Business System.

“We talked to Numina Group during the proposal phase, and felt confident that they could handle the interface,” explains David Dunaway, Manager of Business Applications at Forest Laboratories’ St. Louis office. “Numina Group was very experienced and knowledgeable in data integration to SAP as well as material handling equipment, controls and warehouse operations, so they were a good fit for the team.”

Numina Group is a leading system integrator and material handling automation supplier, providing warehouse controls and automation solutions in manufacturing and distribution material handling facilities throughout the US. Headquartered in Burr Ridge, IL. Numina Group specializes in both new and control retrofits for new or existing facilities. It’s highly experienced in R3 data interface as well as the latest warehouse automation technologies.

“Forest Laboratories’ requirement was to move all of their warehouse business rules to SAP,” explains Dan Hanrahan, Numina Group CEO. “We were able to reuse almost all of their existing investment in the control hardware, pick to light system and conveyor and integrate the material handling equipment into R3.

Using its RDS (Real-Time Distribution System) Software, Numina integrated all of Forest Laboratories’ real-time material handling control requirements, while all the inventory and business rules reside in the SAP software. As business rules change, it is no longer necessary to duplicate changes on another system. The result is a much lower cost of ownership and eliminating of errors that can result from having duplicate inventory systems.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:03 AM | Comments (0)

Spider Strategies Partners with HYT Consulting to Launch Spider Strategies Latin America

Partnership offers Spider’s Performance Management Suite, Scoreboard®, to Latin American users

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) November 5, 2005 -- Spider Strategies®, Inc. today announced the launch of Spider Strategies Latin America Corp., through a strategic partnership with HYT Consulting, one of Latin America’s leaders in business performance management analysis. This partnership will allow Spider Strategies to provide Latin American users with its industry-leading performance management suite, Scoreboard®.

In Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, Scoreboard® will now be fully accessible in Spanish. “We are now able to offer Scoreboard® and all of its functionality to any and all users in Spanish-speaking countries,” said Conor Crimmins, Managing Partner of Spider Strategies. “What’s more, companies that have offices in both Spanish- and English-speaking regions can now utilize the exact same information using the exact same tool, with no addition costs,” continued Crimmins.

Built with sophisticated browser locale technology, Scoreboard® automatically detects the global location of the browser it is being accessed in, and will display the application in the native language. Scoreboard’s innovative browser technology also allows users to set which language it will open in, and allows two different users in the same company to access Scoreboard® in different languages, depending on their personal preference.

Spider Strategies LA will also provide full customer support to all Spanish-speaking users via Spider Strategies user forums at http://forums.spiderstrategies.com.

“The creation of Spider Strategies LA allows Spider the ability to showcase the power and versatility of Scoreboard®,” said Crimmins. “We have designed our product line so that users anywhere in the world can access our applications at their own desk, in their own language. Due to proximity to the United States and the needs of some of our current customers, we are starting with the Spanish language version. However, in the near future, we will begin providing Scoreboard and our other products in several other languages, including French, Dutch, German, and Italian, added Crimmins.

Scoreboard® is an industry-leading performance management tool that comprises balanced scorecards, action and task lists, performance charts, strategy maps, analysis, on-line meetings, document management, and performance dashboards all in one application. Easy-to-use and affordable, it is currently being utilized by thousands of users from dozens of markets and industries – from non-profits to government, military, and Fortune 500 companies.

About Spider Strategies, Inc.
Spider Strategies, Inc., is a pioneering software company with offices in Washington, D.C., and St. Paul, MN. Spider Strategies helps corporations, government, and military organizations drive market-leading performance. For more information about Spider Strategies or to view a demo of Scoreboard®, visit: http://www.spiderstrategies.com.

About Spider Strategies, Latin America Corp.
Spider Strategies LA is a certified re-seller and consultant for all Spider Strategies, Inc. products and services. Spider Strategies LA serves Latin American customers and companies in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. For more information, please contact Spider Strategies Latin America directly at:

Spider Strategies Latinoamérica, Corp.
Carrera 13 No. 82-49, suite 302 Bogota-Colombia
Tel: 571-257-4219 / Fax: 571-611-5693

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:02 AM | Comments (0)

Intechra, RetroBox Merger Creates Largest Information Technology Asset Disposition Company

Intechra Holding Corporation and RetroBox LLC have announced a definitive agreement to merge, creating the largest full-service information technology asset disposition company in the U.S. with annual revenues of approximately $40 million. The combined company will operate as Intechra.

JACKSON, MS and COLUMBUS, OH (PRWEB) November 8, 2005 -- Intechra Holding Corporation and RetroBox LLC today announced a definitive agreement to merge, creating the largest full-service information technology asset disposition company in the U.S. with annual revenues of approximately $40 million. The combined company will operate as Intechra.

IT asset disposition helps companies retire IT assets (personal computers, servers, monitors, printers, etc.) in compliance with federal privacy regulations, state and local environmental laws and in-house environmental policies. Intechra will have processing centers in three cities (Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Ariz.) and will be the only full-service IT asset disposition company in the United States with national, geographically dispersed locations. Intechra’s operations will be headquartered in Dallas and will have sales offices in 10 cities.

“Both Intechra and RetroBox have a strong track record in a young but rapidly growing industry,” said Lynn C. (Chip) Slack Jr., Intechra chief executive officer. “The industry has reached a level of development and the customers’ needs have grown to the point where it makes sense on many levels to create a company with a size and scale that can take maximum advantage of the significant market potential.”

Stampp Corbin, RetroBox’s founder and chief executive officer, said the companies complement each other in many ways.

“Intechra and RetroBox have distinct sales channels and strong customer bases with little duplication,” Corbin said. “While Intechra sells primarily through computer manufacturers and wholesalers, RetroBox for the most part sells directly to Fortune 1000 companies. In essence, we have complementary geographic markets that will improve customer service.”

Corbin will remain with the company as Intechra’s chief strategic officer.

“RetroBox is well known and highly regarded by its customers and competitors,” Slack said. “In addition to merging with a solid company, we get the added benefit of Stampp’s passion for and knowledge of the industry as we grow the business together.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans will retire 100 million personal computers in the next year. Large national and multinational companies are paying more attention to IT asset disposition because of federal privacy laws, such as Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as well as environmental legislation in 40 states addressing e-waste.

Cindy Brannon, who joined Intechra late last year, has been named chief operating officer. Prior to Intechra, she was with Compaq for 17 years and served as general manager for their $350 million remarketing and remanufacturing division.

“Retired IT assets are fraught with data security and environmental issues,” said Brannon. “Intechra is able to offer customers a level of confidence thanks to liability indemnification, guaranteed security and disposition reporting for all IT assets.”

Intechra offers all aspects of IT asset disposition, including:
Data destruction, which indemnifies owners by overwriting and erasing data on hard drives using Department of Defense standards
Remarketing, which generates revenue for our clients from retired assets
Environmental recycling, which eliminates a client’s environmental risks by extracting all recyclable materials from assets and keeping toxic materials found in IT assets out of landfills

“Three geographically dispersed processing centers will give our customers significant savings on shipping and ensure their remarketed assets get to market faster,” Brannon said.

The company’s significant investors are Chrysalis Ventures in Louisville, Ky.; Clayton Associates in Nashville, Tenn.; Votum Capital in Jackson, Miss.; WestWind Partners LLC in Quad Cities area of Illinois; and Stampp Corbin. No investor owns a majority of the company.

The terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in the next few weeks, were not disclosed.

ABOUT INTECHRA
Intechra is a full-service IT asset disposition company with $22 million in revenue and more than 125 employees at its Dallas processing center. Founded in 1987 as Resource Concepts Inc., the company pioneered IT asset recycling and now also provides data destruction and remarketing to corporate customers. It sells brand-name refurbished computer equipment through Outlet Computer (www.outletcomputer.com) and a vast network of domestic and international resellers. Intechra is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intechra Holding Corporation.

ABOUT RETROBOX
RetroBox is an accomplished information technology asset disposition company specializing in the efficient retirement, redeployment, remarketing and recycling of desktop computers, notebooks, servers, networking equipment and associated peripherals. RetroBox lowers the total cost of ownership while guaranteeing that equipment does not enter the secondary market with software or corporate secrets resident on hard drives, and eliminating the environmental and legal risk associated with e-waste.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:01 AM | Comments (0)

Xterprise Announces Enhanced RFID XARM™ Application Server -- XAS

Building upon its leadership position in turn-key RFID “tagging” solutions, Xterprise has deployed its new release 2.0 XAS.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) November 8, 2005 –– Xterprise Incorporated, an industry leading solutions provider and experts for the “RFID Enabled Supply Chain” announced today the release of its performance enhanced XARM™ Application Server (XAS) for RFID tagging solutions.

Xterprise has installed the Release 2.0 of its XAS in two of its latest deployments for two Fortune 500 CPG firms. In these deployments, enhancements to the application server are enabling production line throughput rates and more agile exception handling, even friendlier user interface and more comprehensive SAP integration than their Release 1.0 which was first deployed in 2004. In most cases, suppliers are choosing to install RFID infrastructure in response to retailer RFID compliance requirements that will drive further efficiency gains in retail supply chains. Wal-Mart and Best Buy have recently announced and increase of over 700% in number of stores that will be outfitted to read the RFID tags and for significant increase in number of suppliers being required to tag product.

Xterprise has found a key factor in the ability to place a high volume of RFID labels on cases, both for both automated picking lines and high speed production lines. One of the Fortune 500 CPG firm’s/Wal-Mart Tier 1 Supplier’s deployments is using the enhanced features in placing RFID labels on cases immediately after case erection on the production line.

Although placing RFID labels on cases in production lines is not new to Xterprise, the new software and hardware enhancements allows the customer to achieve higher throughput, both at case labeling and the often ignored palletization process, as well as easy migration to Gen 2 technology as it becomes available.

“When we began thinking through what enhancements our customers were asking us for in our XARM solutions, we chose to focus on increased performance and more exception management”, said Clint Tennill, Director of Development at Xterprise. “We are committed to our Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach as it lends itself to not only matching customer unique requirements and interfaces but also supporting the spectrum of changes that we have experienced in client deployments, from dealing with migration from Gen 1 to Gen 2 to dealing with transitions to new ERP and Supply Chain Systems.” Much of Xterprise’s XAS success is based on a library of workflow objects that they have built on top of Apriso’s FlexNet platform.

Xterprise stated that some of the requirements have come from not only its new and existing customers but also working closely with retailers such as Wal-Mart on providing the necessary RFID expertise in defining future requirements. These requirements focus on higher volume roll-outs for labeling products in production, as well as tagging data that can be used to reduce out of stocks. As Wal-Mart stated in its press release from October 14th, the retailer is seeing promising signs of benefit through the use of RFID in its supply chain and thus is planning on a 6x increase in number of suppliers participating in shipping tagged product in the next 15 months and a 7x increase in the number of stores outfitted with RFID equipment in that same period. These requirements translate into more suppliers having to tag quantities greater than 1,000,000 cases annually and, having outgrown a manual slap and ship approach, require either production packaging line integration (XARM 4000) or an automated tagging solution (XARM 3000).

“The geometric increase in capacity of tag and label placement requires a significant departure from most deployments of 2005. It requires a disciplined, more production minded approach to solution development,“ said Steve Hall, Senior Vice President of Sales for Xterprise. “Our team, which has one of the longest list of successful deployments in the industry, have looked beyond the manual tag placement approaches to develop this new enhanced family of scalable automated solutions.”

About Xterprise -- Xterprise Incorporated develops RFID supply chain solutions and has been chosen by the many of the world’s most respected supply chains and fastest growing companies as their RFID solution provider. Xterprise blends best practices, supply chain processes, material handling, system hardware and RFID Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) application software, enterprise systems integration, data analytics, demand signaling applications and remote solution support.

Xterprise works with other RFID & Supply Chain industry leaders, including Alien Technology, Zebra Technology, Symbol, Apriso, Red Prairie, TrueDemand, DPI, Weber, and others. These technology vendors’ products are displayed in Xterprise’s 6,000 ft2 RFID Solution Center where their vertical market solutions are showcased.

Xterprise is headquartered in Carrollton, TX and currently serves customers in Asia, Europe and North America. For more information, visit www.xterprise.com or call 972-690-9460, ext. 300.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:00 AM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2005

Finally, An Intermodal Cargo Security System That Really Works

The destructive visits by Katrina, Rita and Wilma, although lacking the potential of any good outcome, unwittingly aided in the process of validating the technology, functionality of the system, operational processes and our business model. Under the worst possible conditions, it all worked… and it works really well.

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) November 7, 2005 -- Asset Tracking Logistics And Security LLC (ATLAS) [date of actual issue – “The destructive visits by Katrina, Rita and Wilma, although lacking the potential of any good outcome, unwittingly aided in the process of validating the technology, functionality of the system, operational processes and our business model. Under the worst possible conditions, it all worked… and it works really well”, said Dr. Bob Sewak, VP Special Projects, for ATLAS.

For several years now, on a number of fronts, very quietly, very privately and with little or no fanfare, the Asset Tracking Logistics And Security LLC (ATLAS) team has been pioneering and establishing new frontiers for intermodal cargo security. One such example is their Project PILOT. Over the past 6 months, ATLAS – in collaboration with eScreen Sensor Solutions, Inc., Seaboard Marine, and Maritime Protective Services, Inc. – has been carrying out a unique, one-of-a-kind, proof of performance/concept, investigative research study. Dubbed The Performance, Integration, Logistics, Operations Test or PILOT, the project has produced a greater yield of meaningful data, experience and information than could ever have been expected when it was originally conceived and structured.

Designed with intent to further the business, developmental and research objectives of the collaborating participants in a manner consistent with their individual, mutual, and collective interests – the project wrestled with a series of unfortunate, difficult and seemingly impossible obstacles while getting underway. If tackling the multiple issues of security, safety, tracking, tagging, surveillance and monitoring of intermodal cargo shipping weren’t daunting enough, consider things like: education, training, language, familiarization, government regulation and oversight – both here in the U.S. and abroad and the complexity of the situation, comes better into focus.

However, due to the unexpected disasters – brought on by an unrelenting series of merciless hurricanes – ATLAS was presented with a host of unusual and novel opportunities to really test its integrated, state-of-the-art Tracking, Logistics and Security (TLS) technologies by putting them to good use servicing those who were helping those who were suffering in the devastation of these horrible storms.

“Intelligent containers” – donated to rescue and aid services from Miami/Dade County by ATLAS’s Seaboard Marine partner – outfitted with ATLAS equipment, were tracked and monitored from stuffing to distribution… and made for a more efficient and effective delivery of much needed supplies and relief materials by those most in need in areas of the Gulf Coast region hit hardest by Katrina and Rita. At the same time, ATLAS benefited by being able to “watch” its systems perform under a unique set of real world conditions.

Then along came Wilma. Hitting closer to home… and the “testing” got more complicated and rigorous – operate with: no power, no telecommunications, no gas and no excuses. And, once again, the preparation and planning experience of the ATLAS team paid off.

The company’s facility, specially designed to handle situations exactly like this, performed admirably. Monitoring and surveillance didn’t skip a beat. Power loss was overcome almost instantly (40 seconds) with all systems up and running – literally, no down time. And even though it took all most 48 hours to regain telephone communications (through Bell South Special Services), any required and/or necessary telephonic exchanges could be handled through cellular, satellite or fiber optic links. Once again, the ATLAS commitment of providing the best possible service today with design standards of the future – proved out.

Through all of this (and more), one thing became abundantly clear: no one else is anywhere near producing the level of sophistication and associated systems functionality than that which ATLAS is developing. The ATLAS Monitor Series* may very well be THE state-of-the-art in intermodal asset tracking and security. ATLAS has the only system that invokes applications that can provide and can process tag-to-container; container-to-container (CTC); and container-to-network data collection for selective and discriminate data sharing, distribution and reporting. And, the ATLAS systems are capable of transmitting data and information, over a unique hierarchal, multi-modal radio frequency communications system which incorporates the capabilities of: GSM, GPS, GPRS, SMS and SATELLITE and operates 24/7/365 around the world, in “real-time”.

According to John Bennett, CEO of ATLAS, “Clearly we’ve achieved a completely new level of application development value. Considering the fact that there don’t appear to be many other ‘real players’ in the marketplace, I’m not so sure we’ve been fair by raising the bar so high for the competition. That is, of course, when (or if) they decide to make an appearance”.

*ATLAS Monitor Series PATENT PENDING

About ATLAS:
ADDRESS: 1052 S. Powerline Rd. Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33442 PHONE: 1-954-428-6880

Along with its sister company Maritime Protective Services, Inc (MPS), ATLAS has been recognized as a major force in the critical dimensions of maritime, intermodal and transportation security. Accordingly, both firms continue to diligently pursue well-deserved leadership positions around the globe. Committed to setting the standard, through unique integrated-discipline methodology, each has consistently been able to respond directly to the diverse and demanding needs of an impressive international client group, including: prominent seaports, shipping companies, shipping lines, petro-chemical and other industry leaders as well as governments and government regulatory agencies.

Acknowledged by the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration, the U.K. Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, the U.K. Transportation Security Directorate, Bureau Veritas, and a host of other governing and regulatory authorities throughout the world as providing exceptional services proficiently and professionally, MPS has established a firm position at the