• Free Professional advice & discussion on software & logistics is now available. Open forum format, via Logistics.About.com. Philip Obal of IDII moderates the WMS Software forum.
  
  WMS Software Forum - Click Here
  
  List of All Forums, a wide variety from logistics to warehousing, Click Here
  
  
  
• Start thinking on buying stock on some technology companies in the future (near to long term). Stock prices of Logility, Catalyst, Manugistics, I2 Technologies, Ariba, and Commerce One are near their 52 week lows. Also, be aware that EXE and Manhattan have had INSIDER SELLING. View our stock selections at http://www.idii.com/stockprices.htm - Please do your own research, debt and company management are factors to consider - invest wisely - IDII is not recommending these stocks nor is an investment advisor.

• White Paper on "Reducing Transportation Costs After Corporate Acquisitions". We thank Eric Scholar of ClickLogistics.com for permission to use this white paper.
  
  
  
• T.L. Ashford offers a FREE 52 page book on Bar Code Labeling. It is designed to help you get an over all understanding of bar code labeling and compliance topics.
  
  Topics Included Are:
  
  • The 10 Commandments of Bar Code Labeling
  • Compliance Labeling Overview
  • Bar Code Symbologies
  • Glossary of Terms
  
  To get this free book, go to http://www.tlashford.com/Forms/book_free.htm
  
  
  

• Elogex Inc.(APS, Visibility, Optimization) - ,http://www.elogex.com releases Supplier Logistics Management (SLM). e Elogex SLM functionality provides cost savings by gaining control of the next frontier of transportation management - inbound logistics. Elogex SLM solution includes the following capabilities:
  
  --PURCHASE ORDER MANAGEMENT - Advises suppliers of product requirements in advance of transportation scheduling through direct integration with purchase order systems. Improved visibility enables better management of inventory and product commitments.
  
  --INBOUND PLANNING AND OPTIMIZATION - Automates the consolidation of smaller inbound shipments from multiple suppliers into single, cost-effective deliveries. Through a centralized platform for both inbound and outbound shipments, continuous move opportunities are identified, resulting in cost savings and efficiency improvements for both shipper and carrier.
  
  --APPOINTMENT AND RESOURCE SCHEDULING - Streamlines the timely and resource intensive process of scheduling delivery and pickup appointments. Minimized carrier dwell time and optimized shipping and receiving workloads accelerate asset turnaround and reduce service disruption.
  
  --ORDER VISIBILITY AND EVENT MANAGEMENT - Offers a centralized view of inbound inventory in motion with advanced notification and decision support capabilities to resolve supply chain exceptions.
  
  --SUPPLIER COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT - Automates and improves inbound shipping compliance by leveraging a common platform across a supplier base. Standardized routing instructions are extended to the supplier base resulting in streamlined carrier selection and tendering processes.
  
  
  
• KNAPP Logistics & Automation, Inc. (WMS, MH, Integrator) announced that they have acquired MONT, LLC and the entire line of software products developed and distributed by MONT, LLC. The complete product line of world-class Internet/Intranet ready logistics software products now includes the WMS-2000 solution.
  
  WMS-2000, a leading edge Warehouse Management Software system written in JAVA and developed to be platform and application independent, will now be offered by KNAPP as a part of its integrated Warehouse and Logistics solutions.
  
  KNAPP, headquartered in Graz, Austria with worldwide operations has over 700 installations in 46 countries and is continuing to grow rapidly in complex Material Handling Systems and WMS technologies. The Company employs 860 logistics professionals and has much experience in providing the most advanced material handling solutions.
  
  
  
• Manhattan Associates (WMS, TMS, SCE, Nasdaq: MANH) announced the release of infolink™ 2001R1. This new version of infolink provides real-time connectivity and integration to a user's factories and other supply chain participants, such as off-shore contractors, consolidators, brokers and freight forwarders.
  
  Not only does infolink provide real-time connectivity, but it also provides the data necessary to institute the process changes needed at each trading partner's facilities to achieve operational excellence. The end result throughout the entire supply chain is better in-stock positions for increased sales and customer service, along with improved efficiencies and productivity.
  
  "This release of infolink now makes true supply chain collaboration and end-to-end visibility possible for our users and their trading partners. Not only is data exchanged in real time, trading partners can now execute on that data. They can work to ensure product continues to move through the supply chain as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Eddie Capel, vice president, infolink. "For example, as demand changes or an overseas shipment is delayed due to weather, the infolink user and the associated vendors can respond to these changes in real time. This technology brings the supply chain closer to a state of self healing."
  
  The only collaborative commerce solution designed specifically for the retail supply chain, infolink provides the infrastructure and integration needed to collaborate electronically with supply chain partners by standardizing methods of information exchange and synchronizing business processes, while also streamlining operations.
  
  This latest version of infolink also provides exception-based processing and alerting capabilities. This functionality ensures that only the data that needs review and requires action is pushed to the trading partner. Again, the benefit is that it allows for a real-time response to events in the supply chain. To access the infolink user's data, the trading partner only needs a dial-up connection and minimal hardware. Because infolink integrates with the user's ERP, WMS and TMS systems, there are no data synchronization issues nor is there a need to touch mission-critical data, and the non-hosted solution provides better security for the infolink data.
  
  
  
• Manhattan Associates (WMS, TMS, SCE, Nasdaq: MANH) and Siemens Dematic, the company formed by the merger of Rapistan Systems and Dematic with Siemens Production and Logistics Systems, have formed a North American corporate alliance to standardize integration between PkMS®, Manhattan Associates’ leading supply chain execution solution, and Siemens Dematic’s material handling automation systems.
  
  As a component of the agreement, Manhattan Associates and Siemens Dematic will also engage in joint sales and marketing activities.
  
  Under terms of the agreement, Manhattan Associates and Siemens Dematic will jointly create and support a standard tool set to ensure ease of integration between the two companies’ solutions. The tool set will provide joint clients with the seamless integration, ongoing upgradeability and support they need to integrate PkMS with Siemens Dematic’s material handling automation systems. The tool set will be maintained with each release, helping customers sustain a lower cost of ownership over time.
  
  Both Manhattan Associates and Siemens Dematic have invested in development to strengthen the integration between the two product lines for joint customers. In addition, mutual customers will experience faster implementation times and significant reductions in risk due to the familiarity with product interfaces and company procedures shared by Manhattan Associates and Siemens Dematic.
  EDITORS NOTE: YES - GOOD JOB Manhattan! We finally see "standards" between MHE providers and the software companies starting to make it happen.
  
  
• MAPICS (ERP, MRP, SCM, Nasdaq: MAPX) - New Release 6.0 of MAPICS Strengthens Manufacturers’ Ability to Plan Across Entire Supply Chain. The new version also improves customer service by allowing customers to perform their own what-if scenarios via the Internet so they can make their own decisions on what existing orders can be delayed while others are expedited.
  
  "Release 6.0 puts MAPICS in a small group of midrange ERP suppliers that offer full-fledged flexible supply chain management, not just finite scheduling,” said Julie Fraser, principal, Industry Directions Inc. “This system reflects how manufacturers compete today: as multi-site, multi-company value networks rather than individual enterprises; migrating from current highly buffered situations to low inventory at critical bottlenecks; working under the 80-20 rule for strategic customers and suppliers; and responding to constant change."
  
  
  
• MARC Global Services (WMS, TMS) will resell Streamsoft's FlowTrak Slotting Software. FlowTrak complements MARC's current SCE offerings by providing three major capabilities: Warehouse Design & Analysis, Initial Slotting, and On-going Optimization. MARC Global Services will utilize the FlowTrak tool in conjunction with the MARC SCE suite of products to provide product profiling and warehouse layout for Greenfield facilities, as well as for customers with medium to large, seasonal product bases. The use of FlowTrak will offer customers a fully optimized fulfillment system encompassing receiving and putaway to picking and shipping. Developed by Streamsoft in 1998, FlowTrak optimizes the warehouse by continually maintaining an optimal layout of products within storage or picking locations in the warehouse (SKU Profile). The software tool considers such factors as movement, staging and storage of the SKUs in the warehouse as well as their fluctuation and cost impact to the operation. Addressing such key issues as inappropriate racking, improperly sized locations, and under-utilized capacity for the SKU mix, FlowTrak provides slotting recommendations that improve labor productivity and reduce costs.
  
  FlowTrak has been implemented in over 50 warehouse sites comprising 35+ million square feet and 1.2+ million SKUs. FlowTrak's standard platform executes in a Windows NT environment. Streamsoft's FlowTrak tool is compatible with the MARC SCE product suite.
  
  Streamsoft, LLC, develops FlowTrak Warehouse Optimization software and provides optimizing and maintaining slotting strategies for maximal operational efficiency in the warehouse. For further information, visit www.streamsoft.net or www.flowtrak.com.
  
  
  
• McHugh Software International, Inc. (WMS, TMS, SCE) and Nistevo Corporation (TMS, Web-based Collaborative Logistics Network) announced an integrated solution to help joint customers, including Georgia-Pacific and Nestlé USA, maximize the efficiency of their transportation function through enabling integration of Enterprise Transportation Management and cross-company collaboration with other shippers.
  
  Leading companies such as Georgia-Pacific, Nestlé USA, Eveready and Olin-Winchester have already leveraged McHugh's transportation management system, DLx™ Transportation, to reduce costs, gain control, and improve service within their enterprises. Cross-company collaboration with multiple shippers is the natural progression for these innovative companies.
  
  Nistevo is the provider of the Web-based Collaborative Logistics Network(SM). The Nistevo network allows shippers and carriers to form collaborative communities to manage contracts online, match truck demand and capacity between trusted members and jointly execute each step of the shipment. Through this trusted community network, members can improve customer service, reduce costs, automate interaction with carriers and streamline their supply chain processes. Carriers can increase asset utilization and improve driver retention. For more information, visit www.nistevo.com.
  
  
  
• NxTrend (ERP, SCE) announces bizLinx: Offered in two configurations as bizLinx Enterprise Commerce Management (ECM) and bizLinx PTX. NxTrend’s Enterprise Commerce Management (ECM) solution is bizLinx ECM. “Whether you want to give your customers a searchable eCatalog with attributed data, or you want to provide a fully-integrated storefront for your trading community, bizLinx ECM is the new industry standard,” said Hughes. “bizLinx ECM allows distributors to leverage their existing technology investments with web storefronts, mobile commerce, and e-catalogs.”
  
  NxTrend’s ECM suite includes several eBusiness applications:
  
  • bizLinx Trade Center—a fully integrated, multichannel sales and customer self-service portal solution
  • bizLinx Mobile—a set of applications for the Palm OS® (both wireless and cradled) to deliver online order entry, system inquiries, proof of delivery, and eCatalogs
  • bizLinx Catalog—a means for a distributor, or group of distributors to offer their product information, pricing, and availability on a World Wide Web storefront
  • bizLinx PTX (Private Trading Exchange)
  
  NxTrend’s bizLinx PTX solution is for companies who want to collaborate effectively and set up their own private trading community. NxTrend’s bizLinx PTX is a perfect solution for handling:
  
  
  • Supplier integration across disparate systems
  • Distributed purchasing and invoicing to handle large national accounts across multiple company lines
  • Inventory visibility in your trading community to allow better surplus allocations and reseller-to-reseller opportunities with slow moving units
  • NxTrend’s bizLinx PTX includes all of the applications in bizLinx ECM, and also allows you to expand your trading opportunities beyond your own corporate structure
  
  
  
• NxTrend (ERP, SCE, Wholesale Distribution) Announces Return to Former Owners. Company officials at NxTrend Technology, Inc, announced the return of title on all NxTrend assets to its former owners. Since March of 2000, NxTrend had operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of BuildNet, a solutions provider for the U.S. construction industry. Although the company has been operating independently of BuildNet since March of this year, the return of title formally separates NxTrend and BuildNet.
  
  “We anticipated the return of title and we’re pleased to have this behind us,” said Michael J. Cornell, President and CEO of NxTrend. “This is really the last piece of the puzzle to shedding all that baggage. We’re thrilled about the future and happy our customers and prospects no longer have this to be concerned about.”
  
  
  
• PeopleSoft (HR, Payroll, CRM, ERP, Nasdaq: PSFT) embeds BEA WebLogic in PeopleSoft 8 Enterprise Applications. The combined solution enables customers to rapidly deploy scalable, reliable and flexible eBusiness infrastructures. "BEA WebLogic has become a leading application server for our customers," said Craig Conway, president and chief executive officer of PeopleSoft. "The high performance and flexibility of the BEA WebLogic E-Business Platform, coupled with our pure internet architecture provides our customers with a lower of cost ownership, rapid implementation and faster return on investment."
  
  PeopleSoft is also participating in a beta program for the BEA WebLogic Integration' Adapter Development Kit (ADK) that will provide open standards-based integration for its customers. Based on the industry standard Java 2 Enterprise Edition Connector Architecture (J2EE CA), the ADK enables PeopleSoft to rapidly create, develop and test a WebLogic Integration adapter enabling seamless integration with other vendor`s applications.
  
  
  
• Viewlocity (SCM) acquires Supply Chain Event Management (SCEM) vendor Electron Economy, in an all-stock transaction. Key components of Electron Economy's adaptive workflow technology will be incorporated into Viewlocity's TradeSync™ product suite.
  
  
  

• "To expect life to be tailored to our specifications is to invite frustration." --Anon.
  

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

"Warehouse & Logistics Software Directory" Order From Amazon or IDII
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"Standard WMS RFI Search Bundle" Order From Amazon or IDII
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Valuable Future Events


Supply-Chain World Europe Conference - October 1-3, 2001 Hilton Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Register for the conference at www.supplychainworld.org. Discuss SCOR Version 5.0., B2B, and much more.

SCOR Users Seminar in Washington, DC, Wednesday November 14th at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza. For details see web site www.supply-chain.org or call the Council at 412-781-4101.

Frontline Solutions Expo 2001 -- November 12-November 15, 2001 Chicago, IL, USA


About This Newsletter - ISSN 1533-435X

We educate and share news on software for warehousing, transportation, shipping, packing, slotting, loading, optimization, and enterprise wide software solutions. This free newsletter is published twice a month. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others that you know. One may quickly subscribe by accessing our website at www.idii.com/esn/index.htm.

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