- No more crossed wires. Circuit City Stores will implement JDA Portfolio category management software to support the retailer's merchandising systems transformation. The application will help Circuit City gain flexibility and functionality in managing its inventory and assortments of products sent to stores.
- Suitedeal. Innovene, a large petrochemical company, has chosen new supply chain management software from Supply Chain Consultants. The deal calls for full implementation of the Zemeter suite of products, which includes advanced forecasting, collaborative demand planning, inventory planning and production planning.
- Ridinghigh. Saddle Creek Corp., a third-party logistics service provider, has created a strategic alliance with G3 Enterprises, which supplies labels and logistics services to the beverage industry. The deal allows Saddle Creek to use G3's distribution facilities in Chicago and Modesto, Calif. Likewise, G3 will have access to Saddle Creek's sites in Atlanta, Fort Worth, Charlotte and Lakeland, Fla.
- Some assembly required. IKEA has selected viastore systems to provide a new automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) for a distribution facility under construction in Savannah, Ga. The deal calls for the manufacture and integration of 13 viapal storage/retrieval machines to handle IKEA's home furnishings and other household products.
- Down on the farm. Averitt Express has been chosen to provide dedicated freight transportation for Tennessee Farmers Co-op, one of the nation's largest suppliers of agricultural products. The co-op previously operated its own private fleet. Averitt will distribute freight between the coop's suppliers and distribution centers, including the coop's main DC in La Vergne, Tenn., and 138 county co-op retail stores.
- Catching the wave. SeayCo Integrators Inc. and D.L. Neu have landed a contract to design a new wave control system for Unified Western Growers, a retailer-owned wholesale grocery cooperative headquartered in California. The deal calls for the installation of an advanced wave control system at Unified's new DC in Stockton, Calif. The system, which will use the latest RF scanning technology, will be capable of sorting 140 cartons per minute. SeayCo provides custom software and controls solutions to the conveyor industry, while D.L. Neu provides systems engineering for material handling clients.
- Planning ahead. ConAgra, one of North America's largest packaged food companies, has licensed SmartOps Corp.'s Multistage Inventory Planning & Optimization (MIPO) software. ConAgra says the agreement will enhance its supply chain planning and improve its ability to meet customers' needs. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, SmartOps specializes in enterprise-class inventory optimization solutions. The company also recently inked a deal with J.M. Smucker.
- Take it to the bank. Diebold Inc., which makes automated teller machines and other self-service terminals, has signed an agreement with Vector SCM, a joint venture of General Motors and Menlo Worldwide that provides logistics services to GM and other clients. Under terms of the three-year agreement, Vector SCM will provide process design, consulting and project management services for Diebold's strategic supply chain re-engineering initiative.
- Keep on trucking. Ford Motor Co. has extended an arrangement with TNT Logistics North America under which TNT provides logistics services for Ford's F-series truck manufacturing plant in Kansas City. TNT has been responsible for the delivery and sequencing of parts going into the plant since 2002. The new contract extends their working relationship through 2009.
- Smart move. BTD Manufacturing, a manufacturer of metal components and assemblies, has installed the RF- SMART brand of wireless, mobile and RFID solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX at its Detroit Lakes and Lakeville, Minn., facilities. BTD, which uses Microsoft Dynamics AX as its enterprise software, implemented RF-SMART's Distribution Suite.
- Taking the lead. Eaton Corp. has selected Penske Logistics to serve as lead logistics provider for the company's North America-based automotive and truck business segments. Penske will manage the inbound supply chain for these divisions. Eaton also uses Penske as its lead logistics provider in Europe.
- Jumpingin. HighJump Software has teamed up with Flexware Innovation to help manufacturers select and implement manufacturing execution systems (MES). Flexware has been assisting companies with MES requirements, vendor evaluation tools and integration for more than 10 years. HighJump offers its Manufacturing Advantage MES and integration capabilities with its comprehensive execution suite.
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