webMethods Enables Longs to Launch Innovative Services and Automate Business Processes Through Integration of Disparate Back-Office Systems
FAIRFAX, Va. -- September 03, 2002 -- webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM), the leading provider of integration software, today announced Longs Drug Stores` (NYSE: LDG) successful deployment of the webMethods integration platform, to centralize critical business data from its more than 400 store locations, and customer information captured from the company`s Web site. The integration of IT systems on a common integration backbone allows Longs to efficiently manage business processes and provide valuable service offerings to its customers.
As part of Longs` drive towards operational efficiency, the webMethods integration platform is currently being leveraged to integrate new enterprise resource planning software, Retek 10, with Longs` existing IT infrastructure. The result of this integration project will be more efficient management of the supply chain as well as greater operational efficiency derived from business process automation. For example, inventory data from individual store locations will be shared automatically with Retek`s supply chain management software for improved productivity and efficiency across its retail operations.
Using the webMethods integration platform, Longs built an integrated IT infrastructure, which ultimately allowed the company to successfully centralize customer information from multiple channels including point of sale, Web site, telephony and email. The single view of customer data is allowing Longs to offer more strategic benefits for its customers.
For example, to enhance shopping capabilities, Longs Drugs integrated several third-party applications to support e-fills, Longs` online prescription program available through the company`s Web site. Through e-fills, Longs provides new services to existing customers and has broadened its customer reach by harnessing the flexibility of the Internet. The webMethods integration platform is also supporting an advanced pharmacy system by publishing integrated prescriptions in real-time to Longs` back-office applications.
"Longs has been providing its customers with superior service for over half a century. With webMethods, we have the solution we need to offer greater services and improve operational efficiency by leveraging new technologies," said Brian Kilcourse, senior vice president and CIO of Longs Drug Stores Corporation. "The webMethods integration platform has helped Longs build a foundation for more effective selling and valuable customer service to meet the growing needs of today while planning for tomorrow."
Using the webMethods integration platform, Longs is increasing both customer satisfaction and retention. Now, as customers move, shop in different locations or shop online, their personal file and prescription information is accessible by Longs` pharmacists to ensure a speedy and secure transaction.
"Longs Drug Stores has a long history of implementing innovative initiatives that increase customer activity and loyalty," said Scott Crompton, vice president and general manager, Manufacturing Business Unit, webMethods, Inc. "webMethods is proud to provide the integration backbone that has enabled Longs Drug Stores to centralize the IT infrastructure for seamless automation of critical business processes. As Longs continues to use technology as a means of delivering better service and products to its customers, it will undoubtedly continue to be one of the leading drug store chains in North America."
About Longs Drugs
Longs Drug Stores Corporation (NYSE:LDG) is one of the leading drug store chains in North America, with annual sales per store of approximately $10 million. Founded in 1938, Longs operates 443 stores in California, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, Colorado and Oregon. The company acquired pharmacy benefits management provider RxAmerica in fiscal 2002. Longs focuses on meeting the specific health and well being issues of its communities with superior pharmacy service and convenient product offerings that include over the counter medications, photo and cosmetics. Online prescription services, merchandise and health information are available at www.longs.com.
About webMethods, Inc.
As the leading independent provider of integration software, webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM - news) delivers the industry`s most comprehensive platform for enterprise-wide integration, including complete support for Enterprise Web Services. The webMethods integration platform allows customers to achieve quantifiable R.O.I. by linking business processes, enterprise and legacy applications, databases, Web services and workflows both within and across enterprises. Through this seamless flow of information, companies can reduce costs, create new revenue opportunities, strengthen relationships with customers, substantially increase supply chain efficiencies and streamline internal business processes.
Founded in 1996, webMethods is headquartered in Fairfax, Va., with offices throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. webMethods has more than 850 customers worldwide including Global 2000 leaders such as Bank of America, Citibank, Dell, Eastman Chemical, The Ford Motor Company, Grainger, and Motorola. webMethods` strategic partners include Accenture, AMS, BMC Software, BroadVision, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, CSC, Deloitte Consulting, EDS, Hewlett-Packard, i2 Technologies, J.D. Edwards, KPMG Consulting, SAP AG and Siebel Systems. More information about the company can be found at http://www.webMethods.com.
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This press release contains various remarks about the future expectations, plans and prospects of webMethods that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The actual results of webMethods may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those discussed under the heading "Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results" in the Business section of webMethods` Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2002 and in the Management`s Discussion and Analysis section of webMethods` Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, both of which are on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. webMethods disclaims any obligation to update or correct any forward-looking statements made herein due to the occurrence of events after the issuance of this press release.
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