• BEA Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: BEAS) announced that CarrierPoint has built and deployed its Shipment Dispatch, Dynamic Shipping Marketplace, DockMaster and DataDepot data warehouse on BEA WebLogic® Server.
  
  CarrierPoint's Web-based software brings together trucking carriers and freight shippers, helping to enable carriers to maximize the utilization of their hauling capacity and allowing shippers to streamline their shipment dispatch process, while obtaining the most competitive pricing available for overland deliveries by truck. The technology features contract facilitation, real-time bidding and shipment authorization, automating processes that are traditionally time and resource-intensive. DataDepot allows carriers to analyze lanes-of-traffic to optimize itineraries and schedules, and enables shippers to better track freight costs and delivery performance per carrier.
  
  
  
• Catalyst International (WMS, Nasdaq: CLYS) Selects Brooks Automation's (Simulation, NASDAQ:BRKS) AutoMod Simulation Software for simulation backbone for the CatSim Warehouse Simulator.
  
  AutoMod Simulation Software
  
  AutoMod provides users with the ability to simulate projects of any size or level of detail. With AutoMod, everything from simple manual picking operations to fully automated facilities can be created virtually, to better communicate ideas and prove results before any changes are made in the actual facility. Easy-to-read reports and graphs generated from real-time analysis can accurately predict the productivity and cost-effectiveness of existing or future systems.
  
  Accurate and easy to use, AutoMod features:
  -- Virtual reality (VR) 3-D animation graphics
  -- True-to-scale modeling capabilities
  -- Powerful, flexible simulation language
  
  CatSim Warehouse Simulator (NT)
  
  CatSim harnesses the power of AutoMod simulation and combines it with an interface to Catalyst's warehouse management system (WMS) software, to download data from warehouse operations and provide a graphic, real-time view of the warehouse to simulate and explore proposed changes such as:
  
  • Warehouse layout and specifications for new or changed facilities and equipment
  • Business changes such as new products, customers, suppliers or carriers
  • Staffing and/or scheduling changes
  • Warehouse procedures and the physical and logical flow of materials and orders
  • Simulation results can be analyzed using AutoMod Business Graphics features and are automatically exported to Microsoft Access for additional flexibility and power. The extensive logs developed by CatSim during a simulation run provide an almost unlimited ability to measure and evaluate results.
  
  
• Catalyst International (WMS, SCE, Nasdaq: CLYS) Announces Catalyst® Warehouse Management System (WMS) Release 8.1. The major product enhancements of Release 8.1 offers an enhanced SAP XML interface, new cartonization and process industry WMS features.
  
  Catalyst's New Release 8.1 - Features Include:
  
  • Catalyst's Advanced XML SAP Interface -- Leverages XML and HTML technologies to provide a strategic integration technology/product for SAP.
  • Container Selection -- The system automatically selects the optimal mix of shipping containers. Container selection allows for a true pick and pack process, eliminating the need to assemble and pack orders for shipment.
  • Advanced Cycle Counting -- Allows users to create dynamic cycle counting programs to meet the most stringent audit requirements, eliminating costly physical inventories. The system automatically
    schedules cycle counts based on a predefined plan. Cycle count validation can be tailored based on the product being counted, area of the warehouse and skill level of the employee performing the count.
  • Supply Chain Visibility -- Enables users to define message and alert services offered through SAP's Business Connector providing the ability for companies to perform order and inventory status inquiries via the Internet.
  • Catch Weight Support -- Captures catch weights as product is received or picked, providing companies with the ability to share catch weights with corporate order entry and billing systems for products being priced by weight.
  
  
  
• CAPS Logistics (1979, Division of Invensys, 1200 Installations, TMS, APS)announced an alliance with E3 Corporation, a leader in inventory management and Web-based collaborative solutions. E3 will resell CAPS' enhanced transportation and supply chain management solutions as a complement to E3's demand planning, forecasting and inventory management solutions.
  
  E3 will offer CAPS' three product suites: the Supply Chain Suite for network design & planning; the TransPro Suite for transportation planning; and the RoutePro Suite for vehicle routing and scheduling.
  
  
• Descartes Systems Group Inc., (TMS, Nasdaq:DSGX, TSE:DSG) announced today that China Shipping Group has selected WebSimon™ rate management services for ocean shipping. Descartes’ rate management services are widely used by the ocean carrier community, including eight of the top 10 largest ocean carriers. WebSimon is part of Descartes’ Contract Execution solutions portfolio for ocean shippers and carriers. The Contract Execution solutions enables online rate and contract retrieval, automated Bill of Lading rating, electronic booking, and real-time shipment visibility and alert management.
  
  MyWebSimon™, a branded extension of WebSimon, offers self-service search and booking request capabilities for a carrier’s customers via the carrier’s own Web site.
  
  Descartes Launches E-Dispatch Manager, Transportation Optimization Solution e-Dispatch Manager is a dispatcher’s command and control system. Using real-time data communications between dispatchers and drivers, it enables distributed organizations such as Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carriers, expedited carriers, and retail delivery, home delivery and field service operations to monitor and manage their remote transportation resources across local service areas, and rapidly respond to changing conditions and customer demands.
  
  From a Web browser desktop, dispatchers use e-Dispatch Manager to monitor pick-up and delivery activities in real time, compare actual events to the original route plan to improve driver efficiency, adjust route sequencing on the fly based on recommendations from the system, and produce more accurate and up-to-date ETAs for customers. Drivers use Descartes’ MobileLINK applications on wireless data communications Windows CE and Palm devices such as RIM Blackberry™ two-way pager to send real-time status updates to the e-Dispatch Manager system.
  
  The e-Dispatch Manager system accepts data from multiple wireless data communications networks. It provides multiple dispatchers with a single Web-browser view of pick-up and delivery activities across multiple service areas. Combined with Descartes’ dynamic routing optimization capabilities, e-Dispatch Manager can incrementally optimize routes and schedules based on real-time updates from drivers received through the e-Dispatch Manager system.
  
  
• Erhhardt Warehouse Management Systems (WMS, AS/400) and Varsity Logistics (TMS, SMS, AS/400) team up together to provide a SCE solution to SAP users. Erhardt will provide the WMS and Varsity will provide the TMS products.
  
  
  
• GeoCom TMS (TMS) announced TMS ZoneDesigner, a planning tool that uses detailed routing constraints and advanced optimization techniques to generate highly efficient territories.TMS ZoneDesigner was created for businesses that depend on establishing territories for their distribution activities. A business with highly dynamic demand doesn't have the luxury of knowing who will require what on any given day. This can make planning efficient vehicle routes next to impossible. With TMS ZoneDesigner, customers can be pre-assigned to the most efficient zones. When the demand hits, it will be easily and quickly routed to the correct vehicle or zone.
  
  
  

• ILOG (Optimization, B2B Tools, Nasdaq: ILOG) today announced the first step towards enabling BUSINESS RULE EXCHANGE over the web with the new ILOG JRules(TM) 3.5. The industry's first XML-centric business rule engine, ILOG JRules 3.5 will make it possible for business rules, representing business policy, to be dynamic and reusable in a standard format. XML-centric means that XML is the primary input/output method versus just another standard that is supported. ILOG JRules 3.5 can also deliver reduced deployment time and cost, and faster performance for applications that need to exchange XML data. ILOG JRules 3.5 is available immediately for HP-UX, Red Hat Linux, Sun Solaris and Windows NT/2000. Pricing starts at $10,000 for a development license.
  
  As the first step in the creation of a Business Rule Exchange, ILOG JRules 3.5 will replace static business logic program code in an application with XML business rules, which can be easily updated, changed, shipped across the Internet and executed on trading partners' systems, for example.
  
  The availability of an XML-centric product will have an impact on a wide range of applications, including:
  
  • -- In a trade exchange setting, business rules can be created in XML for affecting purchase requisitions, shipment dates, etc., so that companies can identify possible partners and suppliers instantly.
  • -- For customer relationship management (CRM) applications, XML-centric business rules allow customer preferences to be defined that "travels" over the web with customer data.
  • -- In enterprise application integration (EAI) applications, business rules can be used to determine how information, which is stored in disparate applications, needs to be manipulated and routed as part of a larger business process.
  
  
• LIS (WMS, SCE) LAUNCHES PROOF OF DELIVERY APPLICATION. DeliveryProof is a module of LIS' Dispatcher-SCE supply chain execution suite. Designed to integrate closely with the user's warehouse management system, DeliveryProof maintains a two-way, real-time exchange of data with delivery drivers. Information is exchanged with the WMS via a durable hand-held terminal incorporating signature capture functionality and an in-built bar code scanner.
  
  DeliveryProof works with the WMS and route planning applications to calculate and notify the driver of the most efficient delivery sequence for orders. At the point of delivery, the driver can use the terminal to record the date, time and recipient's signature, and to scan the pallets, cartons or even individual products to confirm the correct items are being delivered. All data is relayed in real-time to the WMS, from where it can be shared with other applications such as customer care and billing systems.
  
  Another key strength of DeliveryProof is its data capture capability. At the point of delivery, the driver can use the terminal to record the date, time and recipient's signature, and to scan the pallets, cartons or even individual products to confirm the correct items are being delivered. The driver can also process expected or unexpected returns, whether they are products or returnable packaging. All data is relayed in real-time to the WMS, from where it can be shared with other applications such as customer care and billing systems.
  
  DeliveryProof is aimed at companies that operate their own delivery fleets or use dedicated third party carriers. The application sits on a robust and user-friendly terminal from Symbol Technologies, which uses the Palm computing platform and incorporates a communications port as well as the built-in barcode scanner.
  
  In the event of a discrepancy such as missing, damaged or returned stock, DeliveryProof allows details, including a reason code, to be recorded on the device to facilitate the completion of post-delivery management and reporting processes. DeliveryProof units can also be used to log vehicle fuel and mileage for each journey.
  
  
• Kewill Systems plc (WMS, TMS, ERP, SMS) has acquired the assets of Alliance Manufacturing Software, International, Inc., a leading provider of MRP-II & ERP software for emerging manufacturers. Alliance, with corporate headquarters in Goleta, CA and international operations based in Leicester, UK, provides ERP solutions to emerging manufacturers that generally total about $1 to $15 million in sales. Its Windows-based products include: StartMRP and Alliance/MFG.
  
  
• Manhattan Associates (WMS, TMS, Optimization, SCE, Nasdaq: MANH) announces PkMS Pronto™, an integrated warehouse and transportation management system specifically designed for SMALL to MID-SIZE warehouses. PkMS Pronto provides a price point that is targeted to smaller businesses. PkMS Pronto provides modules that manage the full range of warehouse activities from receiving through shipping.
  
  With its advanced functionality, PkMS Pronto captures real-time productivity statistics for key warehouse assets, enabling warehouse managers to utilize graphical data in tracking warehouse operations. PkMS Pronto also allows companies to more easily access order status and shipment delivery information, track and trace packages, and provides detailed order status information via Web inquiry or e-mail notification. Additionally, PkMS Pronto has been architected for easy installation and pre-configured for a shorter implementation window.
  
  "The on-going cost of ownership has always been a barrier for companies with lower automation needs that want to invest in a full-feature warehouse management system," said Tim Conroy, vice president of Manhattan Associates. "With PkMS Pronto, these companies can now receive the scope of an enterprise warehouse management solution at a price that small- to mid-size companies can afford." "In addition, PkMS Pronto reduces long-term costs by providing self-installing upgrades.
  
  
  
• Pitney Bowes (TMS, NYSE: PBI) and Logility, Inc. (WMS, TMS, Nasdaq: LGTY) announced an alliance where Pitney Bowes will re-market Logility's Voyager Transportation Planning and Management solution and Logility Voyager XES(TM) for Collaborative Transportation Management.
  
  "Pitney Bowes has always been a market leader in the transportation and carrier management market and has recently expanded its presence in supply chain management solutions. This partnership allows us to provide enterprise customers with transportation planning and optimization solutions that complement the Pitney Bowes supply chain execution and fulfillment suite of products," said Stephen M. Smith, president of Pitney Bowes Distribution Solutions. Logility Voyager Transportation Planning and Management extends Pitney Bowes' transportation management solutions, giving customers best-of-breed optimization and consolidation for all modes of transportation. With Logility Voyager XES, Pitney Bowes will offer customer's Internet-based, real time collaboration and visibility with suppliers and carriers for freight order entry, routing, tendering, tracking and payment.

• PeopleSoft (ERP, CRM, HR, Nasdaq: PSFT) launched PeopleSoft 8 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) which runs entirely on the internet. Benefits include pure internet architecture, embedded analytics, and seamless integration of enterprise data and business processes.
  
  PeopleSoft 8 CRM suite includes Sales, Marketing, Field Service, HelpDesk, Interaction Management and Support applications. PeopleSoft currently expects to deliver the following languages within thirty days of general availability: French; French Canadian; German; Spanish; Italian; Dutch; Japanese; Brazilian Portuguese; Traditional Chinese (Taiwan); Swedish.
  
  PeopleSoft announced PeopleSoft 8 Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), a pure internet solution that enables organizations to effectively manage supplier relationships through a roles-based, collaborative portal.
  
  SRM enables the management of all types of supplier relationships, including collaborative design, planning, and sourcing. To enable collaboration, PeopleSoft provides technologies which facilitate deployment of an online supplier portal, direct XML, on-ramps to exchanges, as well as traditional Electronic Data Interchanges. Embedded analytics help organizations quickly evaluate the strategic value of their suppliers by providing insight into key supplier performance metrics.
  
  
  
• Sage Software (ERP) Unveils Integrated Web Navigation and Enhanced Shipping Capabilities for Sage MAS 90 And MAS 200. At the heart of the new shipping capabilities is a bi-directional link with StarShip, shipping software that supports each of the major shipping carriers. The StarShip link will additionally compare prices from major carriers to find the best possible rate, and supports third-party parcel insurance coverage, creating significant savings. The shipping enhancements provide individual package content tracking and detailed package tracking history.
  
  
  
• Syspro Impact Software, Inc. (1997, ERP, MRP) announces new Return to Vendor (RTV) module. This module enables a company to control the return and exchange of items purchased from suppliers with visibility and tracking through the conclusion of the transaction. The module also interfaces with IMPACT Encore's Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) module to facilitate the return of parts from customers back to the original supplier. The RTV module integrates with other IMPACT Encore modules, including RMA, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Inventory Control, and Purchase Order Processing.
  
  The RTV module removes any items to be returned to a vendor from available stock and holds them in a review area pending negotiations for the return. In addition, the module allows for credit notes and replacement items. It also tracks the costs of items not replaced, handles stocked and non-stocked items and retains an unlimited history of all RTV transactions. Additionally, the RTV module issues return documents and creates purchase orders for expected replacement items.
  
  
  
• Provia (WMS, TMS, SCE) to offer TRADEPAQ’s Logistic Software Suite with ViaWare. TRADEPAQ’s web-based trade logistics solutions will become a standard offering with Provia’s ViaWare suite. The combination creates an integrated e-fulfillment solution.
  
  TRADEPAQ’s technology will give Provia clients core functionality for automating the total logistics requirements of global trade transactions – from trade document creation to trade finance and settlement. This includes web-based document generation, workflow, trade finance, compliance, landed cost, settlement, logistics, inspection, access to insurance carriers, security with non-repudiation, authentication and business-to-business integration with partners’ enterprise systems.
  
  
  
• TanData Unveils ConnectShip Warehouse - Shipping Solution - New Full-Featured, Multi-Carrier Shipping Application - a rating and shipping management application designed for companies with mid- to high-volume shipping needs. ConnectShip Warehouse, powered by TanData's patented Progistics(TM) technology, is a networkable solution that enables companies with numerous shipping locations to manage shipping operations from a central location.
  
  ConnectShip Warehouse is compliant with all major small parcel and LTL carriers, including UPS, FedEx, FedEx Ground, U.S. Postal Service, Airborne, BAX Global, DHL, and Emery Worldwide, and is designed to manage multiple carriers all from one system. It can also be integrated into existing systems.
  
  
  

• "Turn your midlife crisis to your own advantage by making it a time for renewal of your body and mind, rather than stand by helplessly and watch them decline."
  --Jane E. Brody
  
  

"What To Look For In Warehouse Management System Software"
Obal, Philip	See reviews and more information on this book at Amazon.com

"Warehouse & Logistics Software Directory"
Obal, Philip	See reviews and more information on this book at Amazon.com

Valuable Future Events

June 10-13, 2001 - Exciting ASRS - AGVS - CAROUSEL Users' Conference at Columbus, Ohio. Excellent speakers are making presentations, two plant tours, and special interest groups will convene during the conference to discuss ASRS, AGVS, and Carousel plans, ideas, and issues. Contact Sam Powell of the 2001 ASRS AGVS Users' Conference for details and brochure.

June 11-14, 2001 - Supply Chain Expo. WMS / TMS / SCE Software. Chicago. 40+ sessions. http://www.supplychainexpo.com!

About This Newsletter - ISSN 1533-435X

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