SeeControl Issues Unique Identification Edition of Visibility Tool for Defense Applications
SeeControl Inc., a provider of asset visibility and security systems via the internet, has released a UID (Unique Identification) edition of its On Demand software suite. SeeControl OnDemand is a Web-based system which centralizes information related to inventory activity on a real-time basis. It links up with other SeeControl software, as well as mobile devices, to streamline the collection and management of inventory data. The new product is particularly aimed at military applications. The U.S. Department of Defense has mandated that all of its assets and property, including those under the control of contractors, be tracked with unique identification numbers and codes. The related DOD specification allows contractors to choose from a range of labeling and data-structure options to comply with government policy. SeeControl's UID edition can scan and interpret information whether it is embedded in linear barcodes, 2D barcodes or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The new product will be generally available in the second quarter of 2007. A beta version is currently available, the vendor said. http://www.seecontrol.com
DHL to Adopt New Scanning Technology Across U.S. Network
DHL is embracing the latest generation of document- and package-scanning technology. In the process, DHL will deploy a single system across its entire U.S. network, providing enhanced shipment visibility for customers. The new scanning devices, for the capture of shipment information by couriers and other operations personnel, utilizes Wi-Fi (wireless local area network connectivity) communications. It will be deployed nationwide by the third quarter of this year. The result, said the company, will be immediate visibility and real-time tracking for customers, increasing the speed in which personnel can process shipments at customer locations and DHL facilities. The new wireless scanners draw on the latest technologies related to General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and wireless local area network (WLAN) communications. DHL will be able to transmit customer shipment information automatically, from pickup to final delivery, without the need to place a device within a transmission cradle. The information can be fed immediately into DHL's back-end systems. DHL said it will be integrating its Microsoft Windows-based courier application within the handheld Motorola HC 700 device. http://www.dhl-usa.com
JPMorgan Chase Vastera to Expand Its ITAR Compliance Team
JPMorgan Chase Vastera has beefed up its expertise in International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR), through creation of a dedicated consulting team on that topic. The move is in response to increased customer and prospect demand, the firm said, in addition to greater U.S. government scrutiny of the export of sensitive technologies. As a specialty area within the Trade Management Consulting practice, Vastera's ITAR service now employs approximately 20 consultants. ITAR covers any item modified in any way for military application, including all items sold directly or indirectly to the military. The rules affect electronics, computers, telecom, chemical products, glass products, vehicle parts and virtually all commercial items. ITAR also covers firearms, explosives, aircraft and parts, protective equipment, software and many chemicals. Failure to comply with ITAR can paralyze a supply chain and result in significant fines, Vastera noted. http://www.jpmorganchase.com
SAP Updates All-in-One Software for Mid-Sized Companies
SAP AG has created a new version of its SAP All-in-One software, with enhancements aimed at mid-sized companies. The package draws on mySAP ERP (enterprise resource planning) 2005 as a foundation for a company-wide service-oriented architecture (SOA), as well as customer-relationship management (CRM) capabilities designed for the mid-sized market. According to SAP, the tools allow for a more intuitive user experience, streamlined business scenarios, enhanced analytical reporting and integrated management of customer relationships. At the same time, SAP has introduced program and software tools to make it easier for its worldwide network of channel partners to upgrade their existing SAP All-in-One applications, and build new systems to address individual industry segments. SAP recently formed a new global business unit to oversee its mid-sized customer business. To be introduced worldwide throughout 2007, the new applications will incorporate the next wave of enhancements to SAP Best Practices, a global portfolio of proven industry scenarios and documentation. http://www.sap.com
IBSA Inks Agreement with Sato for HealthCare Customers
International Business Solutions Alliance, LLC (IBSA) has signed an agreement with Sato America, Inc., a vendor of systems for barcode printing, labeling and radio frequency identification (RFID). The pact calls for IBSA to begin offering Sato's Positive Patient Identification system. The product helps healthcare providers to deploy a variety of new patient-I.D. technology, including Sato's DuraMark thermal wristbands; code-colorized, fail-safe fastening clips; CTMD thermal printers, and Label Gallery2 HC application software. The last interfaces with any hospital information system, allowing the use of advanced identification technologies. Sato's CMTD thermal printers can be utilized in the most sensitive of hospital environments, the vendor said, with an exterior of anti-bacterial properties and quiet operation. The Positive Patient ID wristbands work seamlessly with existing bedside barcode systems, ensuring that patients receive safe, accurate and timely medical procedures, Sato said. http://www.satoamerica.com http://www.ibsaonline.com
SPS Commerce Enhances Outsourced EDI, Labeling Services
SPS Commerce, a provider of hosted electronic data interchange (EDI) services, has made several enhancements to its outsourced EDI and label services. The changes were designed to connect multiple supply-chain partners using only existing internet connections. Manufacturers can work more closely with third-party supply-chain partners, such as logistics providers, warehouses, banks, consolidators, freight forwarders, import and export entities, and international sourcing companies, to perform restricted tasks using the supplier's online EDI account from SPS Commerce. Such activities may include purchase-order forwarding, on-site label printing and affixing, and the transmission of advance ship notices (ASNs). Users are given permission to view and create select EDI documents, such as ASNs, on behalf of the supplier for specific trading partners. For example, a supplier could enable its third-party logistics provider to print and affix an order's GS1-128 label onsite, complete the corresponding ASN and send it via EDI to the retailer on behalf of the supplier. The 3PL would not be able to see the corresponding invoice or any other documents. http://www.spscommerce.com
WebMethods Debuts Fabric 7.0; Expands in Mideast, N. Africa
WebMethods, Inc. has developed webMethods Fabric 7.0, the latest version of its flagship software suite for process development, automation and monitoring. The new product features the introduction of webMethods BPMS (business process management suite), an Eclipse-based process-modeling environment for codeless development, task-flow support, business rules management and a new semantic metadata library. Fabric 7.0 also includes webMethods Infravio X-Registry and X-Broker for service-oriented architecture (SOA) governance. Such integration allows users to include existing services in their process models for implementation. Fabric 7.0 is intended to reduce the cost and effort associated with deploying new processes and composite applications, the vendor said. In a related development, webMethods has opened a new regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The company first established a presence in the region more than four years ago. Heading up webMethods' MENA operations is Paul Hammond, formerly with Veritas.
Fabric 7.0: http://www.webmethods.com
Bahrain Office: http://www.webmethods.com
FullTilt Releases Latest Version of Perfect Product Suite
FullTilt Solutions, Inc., a vendor of product information management (PIM) software, has made generally available version 6.0 of its Perfect Product Suite. The tool aggregates and manages production information, providing companies with a comprehensive view of key data. The new release is built on a metadata-driven model which lets users easily define and extend data definitions, including those specific to trading partners. The software offers an extensible workflow process, allowing users to insert specific business logic and rules, and manage exceptions during the data-import process. New data-validation and transformation capabilities allow for the synchronization of data between manufacturers, distributors and retailers. A price-management feature incorporates exception processing, including internal and external notifications and alerts. Improved reporting capabilities provide better visibility to product information and key business processes, the vendor said. http://www.fulltilt.com
Tourtellotte Launches Sourcing Tools for Retail and CPG
Tourtellotte Solutions has launched a new version of its sourcing-management software for branded apparel, footwear, retail and consumer goods. RockBlocks 7.1 offers some 65 functional improvements over its predecessor, the vendor said. Changes include updated security, faster access to features and an improved user interface. In addition, the tool incorporates Oracle business rules to promote user customization. Tailored screens are intended to streamline operations. The software offers support for a wide range of attachments, promoting the timely sharing of key product and competitive information. http://www.rockblocks.com
Eqos Issues Update of App for Sourcing, Supplier Management
Eqos, Inc. has made immediately available Eqos Release 3.5, an update of the vendor's software for sourcing and supplier management. According to Eqos, the new release makes it easier for retailers to collaborate with suppliers in order to simplify, standardize and scale the processes involved in sourcing private-label merchandise. Version 3.5 includes a re-engineered user interface, to reduce training requirements; an executive dashboard, which enables comprehensive performance analysis; an end-user task-management console; factory auditing and quality-compliance capabilities, and Eqos's Express Implementation Service, promising to get the whole system up and running with 60 days. Eqos software is designed to streamline processes associated with private-label merchandise, from product concept through production and delivery to the retailer. Eqos applications are built on a service-oriented architecture, allowing for easy integration with retailers' legacy and supply-chain applications. http://www.eqos.com
