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alliances: who's sealed a deal

  • RFID ready. Menlo Worldwide, a global supply chain management, transportation and logistics company, has selected Provia Software's warehouse management system to meet its growing needs for RFID compatibility.
  • Hardware company chooses software. United Hardware Distributing Co. has selected HighJump Software's Supply Chain Advantage suite to help manage its fulfillment and distribution operations. The software suite will be installed in United Hardware's 400,000-square-foot distribution facility in South Dakota.
  • RFID pros. Syscan International has joined with Psion Teklogix to provide custom RFID solutions for Psion Teklogix's recently launched Workabout Pro product. Workabout Pro is a Windows CE .NET-based handheld computer designed for data collection in harsh environments. Syscan provides RFID-based business efficiency solutions, many of which are made for harsh operating environments, such as freezers. Psion Teklogix is a global supplier of mobile computing systems, wireless data collection devices and RFID solutions.
  • Should we send a card? Intermec Technologies Corp. and Field Performance Group are teaming up to provide electronic reordering and real-time inventory information for Hallmark Cards. The combined system, called Infolink, will allow field service personnel to maintain in-store merchandise displays. Intermec will supply the pen-based handheld computers that will be used at the store level. Field Performance will provide the application software.
  • Potato chips and microchips. Frito Lay and the PepsiCo Business Solutions Group have selected Intermec Technologies Corp. to supply handheld computers, mobile printers and related equipment for a new "precision execution" direct store delivery selling system in North America. Deployment is scheduled to begin early next year.
  • On the road again. Qualcomm will provide its untethered trailer asset management solution to two large transportation companies. National Freight is equipping 4,000 of its trailers with the advanced tracking system. Atlas Van Lines has also selected the solution for its asset management and has signed a contract for the shipment and installation of 4,000 units.
  • Wal-Mart ready. Bruce Foods, a specialty food manufacturer, has chosen RedPrairie to provide it with RFID, transportation and warehouse management solutions. As a supplier to Wal-Mart, Bruce will use RedPrairie's RFID Igniter to comply with RFID shipping requirements. In addition, RedPrairie will supply software that will allow Bruce to gain network visibility and inventory control at the point of sale.
  • Flying high. FKI Logistex has been commissioned by Ottawa International Airport in Canada to provide a new $11 million baggage conveying, sortation and security screening system. The system doubles the airport's baggage handling capabilities and is part of a three-level 15- gate terminal expansion that allows the airport to accommodate seven million passengers a year.
  • Best choice. Electronics retailer Best Buy has entered into a seven-year strategic alliance with Accenture. The relationship will include consulting and outsourcing services that will help Best Buy optimize its supply chain, expand the functionality of its Web sites, enhance the vendor management of its call centers, and support the company's efforts to move toward a more efficient, customer-centric business model.
  • eBay made easier. QuikDrop International, eBay's top drop-off store franchise, has announced an exclusive agreement with DHL to provide shipping services for goods sold through the online auction site. Consumers use QuikDrop stores to photograph and list their products on eBay. Once the items are sold, QuikDrop handles payment and ships the products via DHL's global transportation network.
  • Music to their ears. Yamaha, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments and a producer of audio/visual products, has selected DSC Logistics to provide customized logistics operations management. The agreement includes distribution, fulfillment, packaging, kitting, warehousing and inventory control. DSC will also develop a centralized distribution site near Chicago to serve Yamaha's East Coast markets.
  • A pretty cool deal. Hanson Logistics Services, a thirdparty logistics provider to the refrigerated foods industry, has announced it will add transportation services to its customer offerings. To manage operations, Hanson has chosen LeanLogistics' On Demand transportation management software. Hanson's transportation services will include frozen and refrigerated truckload, less than truckload, and freight pool consolidation. LeanLogistics specializes in Web-native transportation management systems.

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