- Giving at the office. Office chair maker Knoll Manufacturing has installed Accu-Sort Systems' integrated bar-code and RFID tag readers and sortation system at its facility in East Greenville, Pa. The new system allows chairs to be delivered directly to the shipping area rather than staged in production for pickup by lift trucks. The new equipment has increased throughput and reduced shipping errors.
- Factory direct. Third-party service provider National Retail Systems and Sinotrans, China's largest logistics company, have created a joint venture called SinoNRS. The partnership offers U.S. retailers a comprehensive suite of transportation, consolidation, warehousing, distribution, trade facilitation, and value-added services. It will use Sinotrans' logistics network in China to gather products from Chinese factories for eventual delivery to retail stores in the United States via NRS's facilities and services.
- Ahoy there. West Marine, a retailer of boating supplies and accessories, is implementing RedPrairie's Execution Management application. The Web-based software will help West Marine design, execute, and monitor processes at its 375 stores.
- Sticking with it. Elmer's Products, a maker of glues and adhesives, has chosen Kewill Flagship software, an enterprise-class multi-carrier shipping management system. Elmer's will use the software at four locations to provide post-shipping visibility and calculate net shipping costs. The new software will be integrated into its existing SAP system.
- Uplifting deal. Intermec has inked an aftermarket reselling agreement with NACCO Materials Handling Group. Under the deal, Intermec will provide vehicle-mounted computers, handheld bar-code scanners, and RFID technology for NACCO's Hyster and Yale brand lift trucks.
- Down on the farm. Tractor Supply Co., the nation's largest farm and ranch retail chain, has equipped more than 100 trailers in its dedicated fleet with the SkyBitz Global Locating System. This tracking solution provides Tractor Supply with complete visibility and increased security for its trailers.
- Spanning the gap. BridgeNet Solutions, a provider of data analytics software, has successfully implemented a global freight initiative with Stryker, a medical products and services company. After analyzing its client's shipping data, BridgeNet suggested a number of steps that could potentially save Stryker $16 million annually.
- The heat is on. Rheem Manufacturing's water heater division has implemented the Gentran Integration Suite and Sterling Collaboration Network from Sterling Commerce as its multi-enterprise integration platform. The software will enable Rheem to streamline order processes from key customers by providing dynamic order information to internal decision makers and external partners without the need to involve IT staff.
- Riding the rails. BNSF Railway Co. is implementing the SAP Business Suite family of business applications as well as Duet software from SAP and Microsoft. The rollout, which provides a single platform connecting the railroad's financial, human resources, and compliance operations, will improve BNSF's transaction visibility and invoice processing.
- Succession plan. Nissan Forklift Europe is acquiring Swedish warehouse equipment manufacturer Atlet AB from the Jacobsson family, which has owned the company since its founding 49 years ago. The acquisition expands on a preexisting relationship between the two companies; Atlet has been manufacturing some Nissan equipment for select European markets since 2002.
- A package deal. Packaging company MeadWestvaco has awarded DSC Logistics a 20-year management contract for the logistics center it's building in Lofton, Va. The 400,000-squarefoot facility is expected to be completed late next year. DSC will manage inbound and outbound rail service, damaged goods returns processing, and inventory management at the site.
- From sea to see. Hanjin Shipping is the first Korean carrier to list its shipping schedules with OceanSchedules.com. The free online service provides carriers, shippers, and forwarders with accurate sailing schedules. It also provides streamlined search capabilities, which help users find specific schedules by day of the week.
- Retail service. Bon-Ton Stores has chosen DHL as its exclusive small-package delivery provider. DHL will provide both U.S. domestic express and home-delivery services. Bon-Ton is one of the nation's largest regional department store chains, operating under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Younkers, and Parisian names.
- Going to the dogs. Professional Veterinary Products is working with TranSystems/ESYNC on supply chain projects that include facility layout, inventory control, and improved customer service. Professional Veterinary Products is one of the nation's largest distributors of animal health products.
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