RedPrairie updates global supply chain software
changes to its integrated supply chain execution and optimisation
suite in order to help customers comply with increasing trade,
security and retail regulations in an industry that has become
truly globalised.
"The reality is that almost all of our customers are faced with increased post 9/11 regulatory and security requirements, as well as new retail compliance mandates, that affect many aspects of their logistics operations," said RedPrairie company leader John Jazwiec.
"Our new release takes a coordinated, multifaceted approach to address these many challenges to help customers drive greater cost savings and competitive advantage from their global supply networks. This is the next step in fulfilling our customer results guarantee."
The 2004.2 release includes enhancements for all major applications through RedPrairie's single, synchronised release programme, which the company claims keeps all integration points in sync, making upgrades simpler and more cost effective.
The move towards integrating supply chain software within multinational operations illustrates the degree to which the food industry ahs become truly globalised. Suppliers and manufacturers must operate across all the major technology platforms used globally, and RedPrairie's 2004.2 release supports multiple technology platforms including .NET and LINUX, and web servers Apache, IIS and Websphere.
In addition, globalisation and compliance are closely linked, since complying with import/export regulations from multiple countries is a major challenge in global supply networks. To this end, RedPrairie has added compliance checking and optimisation for the shipping of goods via multiple modes including truck, rail, air cargo, air passenger and ocean freight for domestic and international shipments including labelling and documentation requirements.
Another globalisation challenge is tracking mobile assets, including equipment, containers, trailers and reusable pallets, as they traverse supply networks. Release 2004.2 provides general release of RedPrairie's recently announced mobile resource management system that enables companies to more effectively track and monitor assets, increasing asset utilisation, reducing loss and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
More importantly, this technology allows companies to monitor shipments for tampering and to comply with country of origin and homeland security regulations. This is provided through RFID-based sensory devices, and cell and satellite communications networks.
"Global trade is defined by complexity," said Adrian Gonzalez, service director, logistics executive council for ARC Advisory Group. "A typical cross-border shipment involves accurately completing and filing about 35 documents, interfacing with about 25 parties, and complying with over 600 regulations and 500 trade agreements that are constantly changing.
"Therefore, companies cannot afford to manage this process manually; they must have the appropriate IT infrastructure to automate and streamline global trade transactions."
Release 2004.2 also addresses retail compliance, both through Auto-ID/EPC based processing to comply with mandates from Wal-Mart, Tesco and other major retailers, and retail labelling compliance. The release provides compliance with the RFID /EPC mandates as well as with the label and price ticket printing requirements of the top 100 US retailers.
The 2004.2 release is scheduled for general availability in October 2004.
