Allders Chooses CatalystCommerce™ To Signficantly Reduce Supply Chain Execution Costs
August 23, 2001
Catalyst and Kewill Partnership Produces Solution that Allows Allders to Streamline Business Processes, Increase Order and Shipping Accuracy by Increasing Supply Chain Visibility
Catalyst International Inc., (NASDAQ: CLYS), a global supplier of supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, and Kewill Systems plc (LSE: KWL), a leading provider of shipping management, order management, enterprise resource planning and supply chain control software for global trading communities have announced that Allders Department Stores has selected CatalystCommerce™ powered by Kewill to streamline its business processes and reduce operating costs by substantially increasing visibility across the supply chain. This Web-based solution will be seamlessly integrated with Allders’ existing CatalystÒ Warehouse Management System (WMS), part of the CatalystComplete™ supply chain execution solution.
To effectively support its growth strategy while enhancing customer service, Allders has set goals of driving supply chain costs down, improving inventory accuracy, along with automating and reducing the complexity of its current operations. CatalystCommerce provides Allders with Web-based purchase order and invoicing management, and increases receiving performance through accurate advanced shipping notifications (ASN) and supplier performance tools. This added functionality gives Allders enhanced supply chain control, reduced data costs, improved vendor relationships and optimized business processes.
The CatalystCommerce project will include the deployment of e-ordering capabilities and fully Web-based transaction ordering, sales data and advanced shipping notification. These applications will replace Allders’ existing EDI order system and, as a consequence, significantly help to reduce supply chain transaction costs.
According to Val Selby, logistics director for Allders, “It is important to recognize that the Web has the potential to allow information exchanges at every point of contact with a supplier, making many opportunities for efficiencies. By using CatalystCommerce powered by Kewill, we can improve data accuracy and make better use of purchasing personnel’s time in that they no longer have to fax or post orders.”
Allders is one of the largest department store operators in the UK with 42 stores nationwide and plans to open more stores next year. Allders sells a comprehensive range of household products including clothes, large and small electrical goods, furniture, soft furnishings, carpets and virtually anything else required for the home.
CatalystCommerce, based on proven Kewill technology, removes the barriers to supplier compliance through its Internet-hosted secure solution. Now, by utilizing XML and other technologies, realizing 100 percent supplier compliance with Allders trading guidelines is a reality. By leveraging technology, CatalystCommerce greatly reduces the number of paper transactions for orders and invoices, reducing costs. It provides Allders with a high level of accuracy, speed and allows for more of Allders’ suppliers to participate in e-commerce.
Judy Fearn, vice president of European operations for Catalyst International comments, “CatalystCommerce allows Allders to maximize the benefits to be gained from implementing CatalystComplete. Electronic data transmission via our WMS enables small and medium-size suppliers to utilize the Internet more easily and make them part of Allders electronic supply chain. The system provides Allders with timely and accurate real-time shipping status information and increases the ability to respond to problems and unexpected circumstances much more quickly and with more information at hand.”
“Supply chain control is critical in today’s economic climate,” said Bob Malley, CEO of Kewill Systems. “By selecting CatalystCommerce, Allders can maximize efficiencies throughout its supply chain both in terms of cost and customer satisfaction. This is an excellent example of how the Kewill-Catalyst partnership enables businesses to take control and proactively manage their global trading communities.”
About Catalyst
Catalyst International Inc. collaborates to provide supply chain execution solutions that accelerate business growth and facilitate change. For over 20 years Catalyst has made change positive through innovation—from the first true multi-language WMS software package to the industry’s first Web-based warehouse application. Catalyst software and services support business growth by optimizing efficiencies, increasing profitability and enhancing quality customer service. By providing the supply chain visibility needed for collaboration, Catalyst delivers real-time information for rapid response to changing business needs.
Catalyst has provided successful supply chain execution solutions around the world for leading companies including Panasonic, Reebok International, Home Depot, Subaru and Cooking.com and can meet the needs of warehouses of any size, any volume, in nearly any industry.
Catalyst corporate headquarters are located in Milwaukee, WI with offices in London, UK. CLYS shares are traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange. For more information, call toll free 1 800-236-4600 or visit www.catalystwms.com
About Kewill Systems plc
Kewill Systems (LSE: KWL) has more than 28 years of experience developing shipping management, order management, enterprise resource planning and supply chain control software for global trading communities. More than 75,000 businesses, including Federal Express, Siemens, Marks and Spencer and Verizon, use Kewill to control the movement of goods and information while reducing cycle times and operating costs. For more information visit www.kewill.com.
Kewill, Kewill.Net, Kewill.Trade,Kewill.Receive, Kewill.View, Kewill.Integrate, Kewill.Ship, Clippership, and APSS are trademarks, registered trademarks or servicemarks of Kewill Systems plc. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or servicemarks are the property of their respective owners.
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