RedPrairie Announces Integrations With Microsoft and Voxware Products; Hosted StorePerform Workbench
RedPrairie Corp., having wrapped up its annual RedShift user conference, has achieved integration with products from Microsoft and Voxware, in addition to issuing a hosted version of its software for retail store execution management. The vendor has achieved integration with the Microsoft Dynamics GP Web enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite. The pre-built integration employs both Microsoft Dynamics GP Web services and RedPrairie's own Integrator middleware products. The action provides multiple data-transfer methods to meet the needs of each user, while preserving software upgrade paths. Data-transfer frequencies are user-configurable, with support for the multi-company and multi-warehouse data structures of both applications. RedPrairie has also integrated its E2e software with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. The move gives users the ability to search across disparate systems based on supply-chain data. Search results are delivered quickly, RedPrairie said, with relevance tuned to a company's business data, so that users can share information in the context of where they are working. In another vendor partnership, RedPrairie has integrated the voice technology of Voxware, Inc. with its Warehouse Management System (WMS). RedPrairie will resell Voxware's open voice software product for the supply chain, relying on recognized standards such as service-oriented architecture (SOA) and VoiceXML (extensible markup language). Voxware's voice technology is certified on mobile devices from a variety of manufacturers, including those with multi-modal functionality. In addition, RedPrairie is now offering in-house hosting services for its StorePerform Workbench product. The on-demand model brings store execution management capabilities within the reach of smaller retailers, the vendor said.
Integration With Dynamics GP ERP:http://www.redprairie.com Integration With SharePoint Server:http://www.redprairie.com Integration With Voxware: http://www.voxware.com
Hosted StorePerform Workbench:http://www.redprairie.com
Crowley Adding LTL/LCL Service to Route Between U.S., Haiti
The logistics unit of Crowley Maritime Corp. plans to initiate less-than-trailerload (LTL) and less-than-containerload (LCL) service between the U.S. and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Beginning May 30, shippers can send freight to Haiti via Crowley's Miami warehouse, where it will be consolidated before making the voyage to Port-au-Prince. The new service will be offered southbound twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays over Port Everglades, Fla., with five-day transit to Haiti by way of Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. Northbound services will be available on a schedule that is dependent on demand, Crowley said. Enmarcolda S.A. will act as Crowley's local agent in Port-au-Prince. Jean-Charles Rousseau will supervise the deconsolidation of Crowley's loads upon arrival in the country. Wood Paul will work directly with local consignees to ensure proper routing once cargo is received. In addition to consolidation and deconsolidation, Crowley offers transportation management, warehousing, distribution, cross-docking, freight forwarding, cargo insurance and customs brokerage service for LTL and LCL loads. http://www.crowley.com
Savi Offers "QuickStart" Licensing for RFID Container Seals
Savi Technbology, a provider of asset-management systems built around radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, is now offering patent licensing of intellectual property (IP) incorporated into ISO 18185, the new standard for electronic cargo seals. Savi's QuickStart e-Seal Licensing Program includes a reduced licensing fee for orders received by June 30. Savi said the licensing of its IP for tag-to-reader communication requirements in the ISO standard will speed up worldwide adoption of e-Seals, improve interoperability among RFID networks and make basic e-Seals more affordable. Approved im mid-April, the ISO 18185 standard addresses technical and application standards for e-Seals, which ISO describes as non-reusable freight container seals that electronically detect tampering or intrusion through the container doors. The e-Seals class of active RFID devices incorporate both a mechanical locking mechanism and active RFID module, to provide wireless altering and location capabilities not currently possible with traditional bolt seals.http://www.savi.com
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Intermec Introduces RFID Reader With Celeron Processor
Intermec Inc. has introduced the IF61 Enterprise RFID (radio frequency identification) Reader. The device incorporates an Intel Celeron M 600MHz processor with extensive storage and memory to run complex applications, store tag data and operate peripheral devices, all without the need for a dedicated industrial computer. Built for high-volume operations, the rugged IF61 is available with up to 1GB of flash memory and an optional 40GB spinning drive capable of storing data from billions of Electronic Product Code (EPC) tags. "Store and forward" features, coupled with onboard memory, ensure that data won't be lost if the host system or electrical power fail. According to Intermec, the device can be programmed to store a day's worth of shipping manifests, compare the pallet tags it reads against the manifests in its memory, and drive a peripheral device to issue a visual or audible signal of a correctly or incorrectly loaded pallet. http://www.intermec.com
Agility Opens Office in San Diego to Support Mexican Trade
The logistics provider Agility has opened an office in San Diego to manage customer needs in the area, as well as trade moving between the U.S. and Mexico. The new branch will have warehouse facilities along with operational and sales staff. It will handle air, ocean and over-the-road freight forwarding and logistics, customs clearance and related customer needs. The facility expects to reach companies in the San Diego County market and Northern Mexico, from immediately south of the U.S. border to Ensenada. Agility's Americas headquarters are in Santa Ana, Calif. Formerly made up of several providers under the PWC Logistics Group umbrella, Agility was rebranded in November of 2006. Today, it claims more than 20,000 employees and 450 offices in 100 countries. Specialized business units are Defense & Government Systems, Project Logistics and Fairs & Events Logistics. http://www.agilitylogistics.com
PeopleNet Integrates Handhelds With g3 Mobile Computing
PeopleNet, a provider of internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems, has integrated its g3 product with ruggedized handheld devices, which allow drivers to gather and display information both in and out of the truck. The new handheld platform creates a hybrid of onboard and portable technologies, extending PeopleNet's capabilities to wherever a driver works. The vendor partnered with TrueContext, a mobile solutions software provider, to craft mobile form systems on handhelds for virtually all relevant transportation applications. Situation-specific business and regulatory forms are easily understood and completed by drivers, PeopleNet claimed. Such forms include vehicle-inspection reports and delivery manifests. The digital documents can be adapted to virtually any specialized requirements, the vendor said. Barcode scanning allows a driver accurately to document items that are delivered or picked up. http://peoplenetus.customer.bhi.com
MailExpress Initiates Money-Back Pledge for Expedited Mail
MailExpress is promising a four-times money-back guarantee on expedited mail deliveries. The provider guarantees delivery within five days, or will reimburse the mailer four times the cost of shipment to cover refulfillment costs. The warranty covers flat mail at the rate of four times the postage, and parcels at two times the cost. MailExpress claims to be offering the expedited mail industry's first money-back guarantee. It is made possible, the company said, by a nationwide network of processing facilities supported by proprietary OnTrack technology and "state-of-the-art" automation. MailExpress tracks each individual piece of mail and provides piece-level reporting to verify performance against the money-back guarantee. http://www.mailexpressinc.com
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Agistix Issues Latest Release of Logistics Management App
Agistix Inc. has developed the latest release, known as Agistix Spring '07, of its global logistics-management automation (LMA) software. The new version features advances in automating and enforcing shipping-related workflows, provides a single interface to manage inbound and outbound multimodal shipments of all sizes and origin, and expands reporting capabilities to provide a more comprehensive view of the transportation spend picture. Agistix automates all stages of the shipping lifecycle, including shipment preparation, bidding, bid comparisons, scheduling, execution, documentation, track and trace, vendor relationships, contract management and settlement. The carrier-neutral, mode-agnostic platform incorporates a rules-based workflow engine for tracking day-to-day shipment processing, the vendor said. In addition, it features a centralized repository of real-time information. New elements include advanced routing guide functionality and global freight-carrier integration. The software also expands the library of standard reports available in real time. http://www.agistix.com
Tyco Electronics Forges RFID Alliance With OATSystems
A new strategic alliance between Tyco Electronics and OATSystems (OAT) provides radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to a variety of vertical markets, including aerospace and defense, transportation and industrial segments. Tyco is a global provider of engineered electronic components, networks and wireless systems. OAT sells RFID-based applications. It covers the entire RFID process, from tagging to data capture and analysis. The deal combines OATSystems' software with Tyco's services and hardware. Tyco will provide the RFID labels, readers and antennas, along with integration and support expertise. OAT's products can integrate data from heterogeneous tag sources, including passive, active and sensory tags. http://www.oatsystems.com
DHL Expands in Louisville With New Regional Service Center
DHL has opened a new service center near the Louisville, Ky. International Airport. The 64,000-square-foot operation, located across from Standiford Field, combines a facility east of Louisville with DHL's previous operations near the airport. It is home to DHL's local pickup, delivery and sorting operations, as well as providing a base for local sales employees. The pickup and delivery area for the new facility includes cities in and around the Louisville metro area, east to Indiana including Austin, and as far south as cities along the Tennessee border. DHL said the service center will handle a wide variety of shipments, including domestic and international parcels, and palletized, loose-load and container freight. According to the company, the facility can process shipments 50 percent faster than the previous operation. It features 84 load positions to accommodate more vehicles and higher freight volumes. DHL invested $2.7m in the project. http://www.dhl-usa.com
