Unparalleled Domain Expertise and Close Partnership
Makes 10-Week Implementation a Success
ATLANTA, Dec. 18 -- Manhattan Associates Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH),
a global leader in providing extended supply chain execution solutions, today
announced the successful deployment of PkMS(R), its advanced supply chain
execution system, at KBtoys.com`s 440,000-square foot distribution center in
Blairs, Virginia. KB Toys, which operates more than 1,300 stores in all 50
states, is the largest combined mall-based and online specialty toy retailer
in the U.S. KBtoys.com is an online division of KB Toys and offers consumers
a wide selection of toys and video games for purchase through the Internet.
Using PkMS` fulfillment management capabilities, KBtoys.com is ensuring that
its customers receive the correct orders quickly and enjoy an easy, hassle-
free online shopping experience during the holiday season and beyond.
Earlier this year, KB Toys acquired select eToys inventory and assets, and
leased its Blairs, Virginia distribution center to maintain its leadership
position and support the continued growth and success of its online division,
represented by KBToys.com and eToys.com. Bringing the former eToys
distribution center into its supply chain system, KBToys.com needed to make
several critical business decisions. In addition to hiring a new management
team and more than 600 employees, the online retailer made the decision to
invest in an advanced supply chain execution system that could handle its peak
season requirements. The Blairs, Viriginia warehouse also required a system
that could interface with its material handling equipment (MHE) systems and
work with its order management system. Further, it needed a solution that it
could implement quickly -- less than ten weeks -- in order to be ready for the
holiday season demand.
According to KBtoys.com Vice President of Distribution Bob Hassen, "Given
that the facility is highly automated and the fact that we had a limited time
frame to implement, PkMS was the obvious solution. I`ve worked with Manhattan
Associates in the past and knew first-hand that it could successfully meet our
system requirements and tight deadlines."
Added Alison Castle, senior director of project management, KBtoys.com,
"Manhattan Associates and KBtoys.com worked closely together and completed the
implementation on-time and 10 percent under budget. This was the result of
careful planning, close partnerships and Manhattan Associates` comprehensive
understanding of the industry and of this company`s needs."
"PkMS helped KBtoys.com change the way it runs the former eToys
distribution center," said Bruce Eicher, vice president, customers, Manhattan
Associates. "PkMS has enabled KBtoys.com to operate as efficiently as
possible, providing the company with a competitive advantage in today`s
crowded market place. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our
relationship with KBtoys.com."
KBtoys.com has been recognized by industry analyst organizations,
Forrester Research and Keynote, as one of the leading Internet retailing
sites. Last holiday season, a Forrester PowerRankings Report called the
KBtoys.com customer service the "fastest" of e-commerce toy sites and Keynote
ranked it as one of the top five most accessible sites during the 2000 holiday
season.
About KB Toys
KB Toys is the nation`s largest combined mall-based and online specialty
toy retailer, operating more than 1,300 stores in all 50 states, the American
Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, doing business as KB
Toys, KB Toy Works, KB Toy Outlet, KB Toy Liquidators, KB Toy Express and with
online shopping at KBtoys.com (http://www.kbtoys.com) & eToys (http://www.etoys.com).
Offering a wide and competitively priced selection of toys and video games,
commitment to customer service, convenient mall locations and a growing online
shopping site, including the new KBwholesale.com, KB Toys combines the speed
of the Internet with the convenience of returns at any store. KB Toys is
headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and employs more than 13,000
associates nationwide. KB Toys became a privately held company in December
2000 through a management buyout in partnership with Bain Capital Inc.
About Manhattan Associates
Manhattan Associates, Inc. is a global leader in providing extended supply
chain execution solutions. These solutions leverage state-of-the-art
technologies, innovative practices and the company`s domain expertise to
enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan
Associates has licensed more than 800 customers representing 1,100 facilities
worldwide, which include some of the world`s leading manufacturers, suppliers
and retailers. For more information about Manhattan Associates telephone
770.955.7070 or visit http://www.manh.com
CONTACT:
Mary Frances Bishop of Lois Paul & Partners
+1-781-782-5780
bishop@lpp.com
for Manhattan Associates
Shaunna Quigley of Manhattan Associates
+1-678-597-7908
squigley@manh.com
John P. Reilly of KB Toys
+1-413-496-3427
jreilly@kbtoys.com
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