- Fit to print. The Roanoke Times newspaper in Roanoke, Va., has renewed its dedicated contract carriage (DCC) contract with Ryder System. Under the agreement, Ryder will continue to manage delivery of the newspaper from the printing plant to its circulation distribution centers. The deal includes customized vehicles, drivers, fleet management, dock operations management, and maintenance programs for the equipment.
- Retail right. IBM and Epicor have collaborated on a comprehensive integrated retail management product for specialty and department store retailers. The two companies will develop and market a total offering to centrally manage and support point-of-sale hardware and software via IBM's Remote Management Agent. The system will also use Epicor's Retail Store software solutions.
- Being a good sport. FKI Logistex has completed the installation of an automated material handling system for Forzani Group, Canada's largest sporting goods retailer. The installation at Forzani's Toronto distribution center included a pick-tolight module, a conveyor system, and a shipping sorter.
- Saving paper. Sappi Fine Paper North America, a manufacturer of coated paper products, has purchased Smart Software's SmartForecasts Enterprise. The software, which has been integrated with Sappi's SAP ERP system, has helped it to optimize inventory controls, including accurate estimations of safety stock, cycle stock, and inventory-reorder points. The software solution also helps Sappi react to changes in product demand.
- Listen up. Voxware, a supplier of software for voice-based warehousing operations, has partnered with software vendor Innovation Solutions. Innovation Solutions will leverage the Voxware 3 platform to enhance deployments of its warehouse management systems. The collaboration will help clients increase workforce productivity, accuracy, and safety, as well as provide real-time visibility to order status.
- Chilly reception. Burris Logistics has selected LeanLogistics' On-Demand TMS to manage inbound transportation at its frozen food warehouses and distribution centers. On-Demand TMS provides Web-based visibility to shipments for Burris's vendors, carriers, and facilities.
- Asia rimmed. DHL Express Asia-Pacific has implemented the Quintiq Parcel and Express Planning Solution in its Singapore operations. The Singapore implementation is the first step in the regional rollout of the advanced planning and scheduling solution, which will assist DHL Express with its pickup and delivery services across Asia Pacific. Additional rollouts are planned for Malaysia, India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and other nations in the region.
- Vigilance. ODIN Technologies has been selected as a lead RFID deployment partner in a $62 million contract awarded to Unisys by the Department of Homeland Security. The Customs and Border Protection contract features RFIDenabled ID cards combined with license-plate recognition to secure American borders and streamline border crossings.
- Northward bound. CargoWise edi has signed a strategic alliance with PC Plus, a supplier of IT and consulting services for the air-cargo and transportation industry. Under the agreement, PC Plus will jointly market CargoWise edi's flagship software product, ediEnterprise, throughout Canada.
- Flying high. American Airlines Cargo is implementing a Cargo Revenue Optimization platform from JDA Software. The solution, which takes into consideration all factors concerning the decision process within the transportation environment, will provide demand forecasting and will enhance revenue generation throughout the network.
- Plugged in. Salton North America, a distributor of small household appliances, has contracted with Weber Distribution to manage its West Coast distribution. Weber will utilize its nearly 1 million-square-foot facility in Redlands, Calif., to handle warehousing and distribution of Salton's products, which include Black & Decker, Spacemaker, George Foreman, and Littermaid appliances. Most of these products are manufactured in Asia and are imported through the Port of Los Angeles for U.S. distribution.
- New directions in the North. Sony of Canada has upgraded its RedPrairie Warehouse Management software at its distribution facilities at Whitby, Ont., and Coquitlam, B.C. The upgrade will enable Sony to take advantage of new features and functionality, including voice picking with Vocollect Voice.
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