- Suite deal. RedPrairie Corp., a provider of supply chain technologies, has signed a partnership agreement with ConnecTerra Inc., a supplier of enterprise software for device computing. Under the agreement, RedPrairie will become a reseller of ConnecTerra's RFTagAware for advanced data collection, device and process management. RFTagAware will be tightly integrated into RedPrairie's DigitaLogistix suite of RFID-enabled middleware and supply chain execution systems.
- To Infinity and beyond. FKI Logistex White Systems, a designer and maker of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) for manufacturers and distributors, has signed an exclusive agreement with SemiNet Automation under which SemiNet will use White Systems' vertical carousels exclusively in its SafeGuard and Infinity storage systems. The SemiNet SafeGuard and Infinity product lines are designed for applications in semiconductor and biotech manufacturing.
- Soft sell. Illinois-based software provider Lansa has just become an Honors Partner-Silver for Intermec Technologies Corp. Lansa offers application development, e-business solutions, technology integration and data access. The Intermec partnership also adds mobile computing, RFID and automated data collection capabilities for Lansa's customers.
- Delivering Brand Central. TNT Logistics North America has added two additional delivery points to its network of home delivery operations for Sears Logistics Services (SLS). SLS is the logistics arm for Sears, Roebuck and Co. TNT now offers 23 delivery points for Sears with the recent additions of Nashville, Tenn., and Royersford, Pa. The new operations deliver home appliances and other white goods to Sears' new residential construction customers.
- Out of this world. ClearOrbit, a provider of real-time supply chain execution software solutions, has been chosen to provide an advanced shipping methods solution for ArvinMeritor, a leading supplier to automotive OEMs and aftermarket sellers. The ClearOrbit solution, which integrates with ArvinMeritor's Oracle ERP system, allows parts to move directly from work-in-process lines to ArvinMeritor's shipping docks, providing maximum flexibility to respond to changing customer needs.
- In the Army now. Everett, Wash.-based Intermec Technologies has inked a contract with the U.S. Department of the Army to deliver mobile computing, automatic identification systems and wireless networking technologies. The deal could be worth as much as $238 million over the next five years. While the Army will act as administrator, Intermec will actually provide equipment, systems and services to all branches of the Department of Defense. It's all part of the DOD's Automatic Identification Technology initiative, which will provide asset visibility throughout its global supply chain.
- Smooth sailing. Shipcom Wireless has chosen to partner with Psion Teklogix to offer mobile computing and RFID solutions to a range of vertical markets. Shipcom Wireless, which produces software for enterprise mobility, RFID, supply chain automation and business process modeling solutions, will use Psion Teklogix's line of rugged mobile computing devices to run its Catamaran and Catamaran RFID software.
- Do you hear a solution? Following a pilot program, TJX Companies, the corporate parent of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores, has selected Voxware's VoiceLogistics system for its fulfillment operations. Voxware is a New Jersey-based provider of voice-directed logistics solutions. TJX showed substantial increases in picking accuracy and productivity during the pilot. The initial deployment is at TJX's Woburn, Mass., distribution facility.
- No slow boats to China here. FedEx Express has partnered with Intermec Technologies to develop a new dispatch system designed to capture accurate information about package pickup and delivery operations in real time. Initially, FedEx will deploy the system for its couriers in China. Known as GPRS-Dispatch, the initiative combines software developed by FedEx with Intermec's handheld mobile computers. Using real-time information provided by the system, FedEx expects to reduce pickup response time from 1.5 hours to just 1 hour.
- A prophetic vision for growth. In its fourth acquisition in just over a year, Prophet 21, a provider of technology solutions and software for distributors, has acquired software company Dynamic Data Solutions. Dynamic Data Solutions produces Turns, an enterprise software program for medical product distributors. The company says that customers will benefit from the marriage of Dynamic Data Solutions' specific vertical market expertise with Prophet 21's technology leadership and corporate strength. Prophet 21 is based in Yardley, Pa.
newsworthy
Gartner, Inc.