Managing Change Through Uncertainty

This year's FL100 listing offers tools and services to help companies weather the economic storm.

2009 FL 100

For the sixth year in a row, Food Logistics has identified the top 100 technology and solution providers to the food industry. Known as the FL100, this resource is a listing of software, hardware and IT service providers that focus on the unique technology needs of the food distribution industry.

Grocery and foodservice manufacturers and distributors are turning to these solution providers to help them reach their business goals. The FL100 are based on their proven track record and expertise in the industry. In this section, we've included a series of charts that list 19 categories of solutions.

 

 

AFS Technologies Inc.AFS Technologies Inc., Phoenix, AZ
www.afsi.com

Year founded: 1982
Number of employees: 200
Number of food customers: 1,000
Solution names: Priya WMS; DSD--Delivery, Automation/Mobile Sales; Discovery Business Intelligence Tools
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
Key problems solved: AFS Technologies provides a portfolio of technology solutions designed to optimize profitability in all operational areas. Within the four walls of the warehouse, Priya WMS reduces labor costs and optimizes space utilization while improving transaction/inventory accuracy. Our Delivery Automation/Mobile Sales tools improve driver productivity by eliminating paperwork. Discovery Business Intelligence provides the warehouse manager with actionable performance analysis to ensure operational efficiency.

 

Agentrics, Chicago, IL
www.agentrics.com

Year founded: 2005
Number of employees: 150
Number of food customers: 60
Solution names: Agentrics Product Lifecycle Management; Agentrics Supply Chain Optimization; Agentrics Spend Management and Contracts
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers, c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Our business solutions enable our customers to launch more products faster, trade more efficiently and achieve significantly higher inventory turns--chain-wide. Our solutions help retailers and suppliers further strengthen market success and profitability as well as enhance the integrity of their brands and customer appeal by ensuring ideal price points, product availability and just-right inventory positions chain-wide.

 

Aldata Solution Inc.Aldata Solution Inc., Atlanta, GA
www.aldata-solution.com/us

Year founded: 1986
Number of employees: 531
Number of food customers: 315
Solution names: Aldata G.O.L.D. This retail suite includes modules for merchandising, sales, replenishment, logistics and store operations. Aldata's Apollo Space Optimization. A collection of powerful, easy-to-use software solutions that give customers the ability to automate planogram production while enabling consistent, accurate execution of category plans and new product launches at any required granular level.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Aldata enables retailers to increase efficiency and reduce costs throughout the supply chain with solutions geared towards the store, back office and warehouse. With automatic replenishment and accurate forecasting, retailers can ensure they have the right mix of products on the shelf while better managing inventory. Aldata helps retailers decrease excess inventory--freeing up revenue and warehouse space.

 

ALK Technologies, Princeton, NJ
www.pcmiler.com

Year founded: 1979
Number of employees: 200
Number of food customers: N/A
Solution names: PC*MILER; PC*MILER/Streets; PC*MILER/Tolls; PC*MILER/HazMat; PC*MILER/Worldwide; PC*MILER/FuelTax; PC*MILER Web Services; PC*MILER Navigator, CoPilot Truck, and ALK/FleetSuite.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: PC*MILER enables users to maximize revenues and minimize costs while utilizing the safest, most cost-effective routing for their vehicles. It reduces out-of-route mileage, saving time, tolls, and fuel. PC*MILER's 23rd annual edition also includes updated truck restrictions, database and routing improvements and a new carbon emissions and intermodal analysis functionality, all essential tools to help users achieve short- and long-term goals in the current economic environment.

 

ArrowStream Inc., Chicago, IL
www.arrowstream.com

Year founded: 2000
Number of employees: 101
Number of food customers: 20
Solution names: ArrowStream OnDemand; ArrowStream Network; ArrowStream Logistics
Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Growth and profit goals can be met, even in a difficult market, by leveraging ArrowStream OnDemand that overcomes information sharing barriers to integrate the supply chain. When trading partners share information via a connected supply chain and with access to our established network of foodservice manufacturers, distributors and chain operators, all partners gain immediate time- and cost-cutting efficiencies. Process improvements in forecasting, contract negotiation, freight management and more are likewise achieved, supporting long term goals like increasing promotions, driving store traffic and achieving growth.

 

Aspen, Temecula, CA
www.aspenlogistics.com

Year founded: 1978
Number of employees: 600
Number of food customers: 70+
Solution names: MyAspenLive.com (customer portal) instant access via internet connection to our YMS, WMS, TMS.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Technology is an enabler that speeds up work flows, maintains constant/consistent communications, and drives productivity. In this environment technology is a key differentiator. It establishes a platform to meet vision and goals. Technology sets apart industry leaders from the rest. With the economy contracted, few are investing in their IT and choose only to maintain essential operations. Customers who face the same economic obstacles are looking for opportunities to meet goals faster, more efficiently, and with greater transparency. Advancements in applications and services need to be provided by a supplier and are tantamount to basic operational goals. Technology is now conducting logistics in a more efficient and productive manner than ever before, and service providers need to position themselves to capitalize on these opportunities for their customers.

 

Baus Systems LLC, Seattle, WA
www.baus-systems.com

Year founded: 1990
Number of employees: 8
Number of food customers: 150+
Solution names: DSD Route Accounting; Dex Delivery System; StoreDex
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: DSD Route Accounting lets distributors reduce the time to sell while providing and collecting additional information. This allows for more efficient selling and servicing of customers, while enhancing the distributors' professional image, without increasing staff in the field or in the office.

 

Blinco Systems Inc., Toronto
www.blinco.com

Year founded: 1988
Number of employees: 15
Number of food customers: 9
Solution names: 3rdwave GCM; 3rdwave Visualization Station; 3rdwave Collaboration Station
Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: 3rdwave GCM technology enables clients to dramatically increase control over global sourcing and import environments, improve customer service and order fulfillment commitments, reduce global logistics costs and total inventory positions, and streamline operations. 3rdwave GCM provides a universal platform for e-business across the supply chain by integrating electronic messaging from suppliers, customers, service providers and financial institutions insuring total visibility at any/all stages of the cash-to-cash cycle resulting in reduced costs while increasing asset utilization, and regulatory and financial compliance.

 

Blue Sky Technologies Inc., Coppell, TX
www.blueskytech.com

Year founded: 2003
Number of employees: 6
Number of food customers: 16
Solution names: Insight--Supply Chain Visibility; Insight--Janus Appointment Management System; Insight--Executive Metrics
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Specifically in tough economic environments such as today's, companies need to make the most of what they currently have by using technology to uncover inefficiencies, cost savings opportunities and potential problems. Supply chain visibility solutions such as Insight, let you know, in real-time, when your operations are not running at their expected optimal levels by pointing out metrics and measurements that are outside of your predetermined tolerance specifications.

 

Cadec Global, Manchester, NH
www.cadec.com

Year founded: 1976
Number of employees: 55+
Number of food customers: 60+
Solution names: Mobius TTS; PowerVue
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Cadec's advanced fleet management solutions help companies monitor and track driver behaviors that waste fuel, waste time and jeopardize safety. Data collected by Cadec is conveyed in real time back to the yard to help fleet managers immediately improve safety and productivity. Examples: log details, speeding, sudden decels, off-route driving, excessive idling. Cadec's on-board computer also conveys important information to drivers, such as turn-by-turn directions, delivery details and routing.


CAMS Software Corp., New Westminster, British Columbia, CanadaCAMS Software Corp.
www.camspro.com

Year founded: 1997
Number of employees: 15
Number of food customers: 22
Solution names: CAMS Professional; CAMS Backhaul Module; CAMS Salvage Optimizer; CAMS Backhaul Optimizer
Markets served: Supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors.
Key problems solved:
Qualification Information: CAMS Software assists grocery retailers and wholesalers in the area of transportation. Our technology helps our clients to maximize the efficiency of their private fleet or third party resources while maintaining the highest possible service to their stores or customer accounts. Our many clients decrease costs and improve efficiency with; increased visibility into execution, driver incentive and activity based payroll, improved accuracy of information, as well as integration with all major grocery transportation systems. Generate revenues in the transportation department using the best optimization tools for backhaul and salvage optimization available in the grocery industry.

 

CaseStack Inc.CaseStack Inc., Santa Monica, CA
www.casestack.com

Year founded: 1999
Number of employees: 150
Number of food customers: 400
Solution names: Supply Chain Optimization; Inventory Imbalance Correction
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Small and mid-sized suppliers must offer inexpensive, quality products to stay competitive, and that means reducing supply chain waste. CaseStack's web-based visibility platform provides unique insight, allowing customers to set minimum inventory levels, measure inventory against inbound and outbound orders, monitor which SKUs do best in which regions and add order attributes often required by retailers. Our proprietary technology serves the customers' immediate and future needs, simplifying daily fulfillment and streamlining their entire supply chain.

 

Ross EnterpriseCDC Software, Atlanta, GA
www.cdcsoftware.com

Year founded: 2002
Number of employees: 1,200
Number of food customers: 310
Solution names: Ross Enterprise; CDC Factory; CDC Supply Chain
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Food processors today are threatened by challenges including high costs for materials, energy, transportation and labor. CDC Factory improves factory performance by reducing cost per case and labor utilization typically between 10-20 percent in less than six months. It unlocks hidden capacity on the factory floor. Ross Enterprise helps companies manage demand, increase operational efficiencies, improve profitability, and streamline regulatory compliance. Customers report exceptional operating improvements including inventory savings of 20 percent, 15 percent throughput improvements, and 50 percent reductions in order fulfillment times. CDC Supply Chain optimizes and manages order fulfillment, replenishment, and transportation processes based on customer demand.

 

Chainalytics, Atlanta, GA
www.chainalytics.com

Year founded: 2001
Number of employees: 50
Number of food customers: 45
Solution names: Supply Chain Consulting;Transportation Planning; Inventory Planning; Supply Chain Strategy; Supply Chain Design and Infrastructure Planning (network design); Strategic Market Planning; Strategic Procurement Planning Services; Strategic Master Planning; Transportation Planning; Transportation Operations Assessment; Transportation Master Planning; Transportation Procurement; Model-Based Benchmarking Consortium; Fleet Routing & Scheduling; Inventory Planning; Inventory Deployment Planning; Portfolio Management
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Inventory decisions can affect your company's profitability. Consider velocity, variability, value, life-cycle stage, shelf life and evaluating margin contribution to help you meet customer expectations, minimize total cost, and maximize company ROI.
Reduce your company's complexity and shape demand by rationalizing your product portfolio. Manage inventory more effectively to lower overall pricing.

 

CipherLab, Plano, TX
www.cipherlab.com

Year founded: 1988
Number of employees: 256
Number of food customers: 15+
Solution names: CipherLab handheld mobile computers, BT and tethered scanners, fixed data terminals
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: CipherLab products help food and logistics companies attain efficiencies that will save them time and money--something any company can relate to during the current economic environment. CipherLab's mobile computers, scanners and fixed data terminals automate inventory management processes, and eliminate the costs associated with manual data entry, stock overage and empty shelf space. By eliminating manual tasks, companies save money through streamlined staffing.

 

CombineNet, Pittsburgh, PA
www.combinenet.com

Year founded: 2000
Number of employees: 80
Number of food customers: 13
Solution names: The CombineNet Advanced Sourcing Application Platform (ASAP)
Markets served: Manufacturers; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Customers of CombineNet's Advanced Sourcing Application Platform are finding the immediate savings they need to survive in these challenging economic times, helping to reduce costs of supply from the sourcing of raw materials through delivery of final product to consumers. And through the collaborative capabilities of Expressive Commerce powered by CombineNet's industry-leading sourcing optimization technologies, they are preparing their organizations, and those of their key suppliers, to thrive in the future, by identifying core strategic suppliers, new sources of supply, new product innovation, and more efficient manufacturing and logistics strategies that will drive long-term competitive advantage when the economy turns around.

 

Container and Pooling Solutions (CAPS), Livonia, MI
www.UseCAPS.com

Year founded: 1998
Number of employees: 20
Number of food customers: 80
Solution names: CAPS-315 tote rental (trip or term rental of plastic collapsible IBCs); CAPS-TRAC Suite--Container tracking and management, including: CAPS-Scan; CAPSxchang; CAPS-Trac--Individual tracking, Aggregate tracking; Lifecycle Management Solutions--Cleaning, Repair, Recycling
Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: In a tough economy, supply chain optimization and asset management is key. Companies cannot afford to lose and replace/repair costly assets. Through the use of technology, specifically asset tracking solutions such as CAPS-TRAC, customers can minimize asset loss, and determine where damages occur in the supply chain, allowing them to bill back those locations. Reducing container loss also reduces the premium freight required to rush shipments to the correct facilities.

 

Corcentric, McLean, VA
www.corcentric.com

Year founded: 1998
Number of employees: 87
Number of food customers: 115
Solution names: Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment solutions for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, which allow companies to manage their business transactions with maximum efficiency. Invoice data, disputes, approvals, payment disbursement and payment reconciliation are transformed from paper based manual processes to automated electronic processes. The result is substantial operational improvements and cost reductions in AP, AR, Procurement, and Treasury. Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Corcentric's solutions can mean significant cost reduction and increased efficiency across supply management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and corporate treasury functions. In the short term, streamlining such back office operations can help offset other business costs that, in this challenging economic environment, limit profitability. For virtually any food industry enterprise, a paperless workflow process for managing disbursement and reconciliation can result in dramatically improved efficiencies, while reducing staff support and errors and increasing profitability.

 

Daifuku Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan
www.daifukuamerica.com

Year founded: 1937
Number of employees: 5,663
Number of food customers: 5,325+
Solution names: Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS); Sorting & Picking Systems (including Sorting Transfer Vehicles); Conveyor & Vehicle Systems; Containers & Carts; Warehouse Management & Control Software
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Innovative solutions are required to meet an endless variety of unique needs. That's what Daifuku is about. Founded in 1937, our 70 years of experience in automated material handling for a variety of industries gives us the knowledge, products and capability to tailor a solution to meet your unique material handling challenge. Daifuku assists customers with each step of material handling from planning to proposal, design, manufacturing, installation, after-sales service and facility retrofits.

 

Datex Inc.Datex Inc., Clearwater, FL
www.datexcorp.com

Year founded: 1978
Number of employees: 55+
Number of food customers: 30+
Solution names: FootPrint WMS; FootPrint 3PL; FootPrint e-Portal; FootPrint Yard Management System; Professional Services.
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: In today's environment, technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Short and long term goals of retaining customers, attracting new business and providing better service can be accomplished implementing the right technology with the right processes. Companies need to demonstrate that they are able to provide accurate, reliable and real-time information as needed. With technology, a company can reduce errors, lead-time, manual operations as well as increase productivity and customer service.

Deacom Inc., Wayne, PA
www.deacom.net

Year founded: 1995
Number of employees: 17
Number of food customers: 5
Solution names: Deacom Integrated Accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software.
Markets served: Manufacturers.
Key problems solved: In today's economic environment, food manufacturers and processors can use a single, integrated ERP system to streamline business processes, such as recipe management, purchasing, inventory and lot control, sales order entry, accounting and financials, and regulatory reporting, in order to maximize productivity and profitability for the achievement of short- and long-term goals.

 

Demand SolutionsDemand Solutions, St. Louis, MO
www.demandsolutions.com

Year founded: 1985
Number of employees: 90
Number of food customers: 20 percent of clients
Solution names: Demand Solutions Supply Chain Planning Suite: DS Forecast Management; DS Sales & Operations Planning; DS Requirements Planning; DS Collaboration; DS Advanced Planning & Scheduling; DS Retail Planning.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: With signs of the economy picking up, now is the perfect time for food companies to invest in technology that will help them grow their businesses by enabling a competitive advantage. A competitive advantage can be earned in the short term through implementation of supply chain planning technology by immediately identifying an excess or shortage of inventory that could increase expenses or decrease customer satisfaction. In the long term, food companies that have demand visibility will have a competitive advantage as they will be able to anticipate declining demand because of the economy, or hopefully, increasing demand as the economy strengthens.

 

DemandTec Inc., San Carlos, CA
www.demandtec.com

Year founded: 1999
Number of employees: 315
Number of food customers: 150+
Solution names: For Retail: Lifecycle Price Optimization; End-to-End Promotion Management; Assortment and Space; Targeted Marketing. For Consumer Products: Trade Effectiveness. Software Services for Retail: Assortment Optimization; Everyday Price Management; Everyday Price Optimization; Markdown Optimization; Deal Management; Promotion Management; Promotion Planning; Integrated Merchant Planning; Promotion Optimization; Promotion Execution; Allowance Billing; Promotion Results Manager. Software Services for Consumer Products Manufacturers: Advanced Deal Management; Deal/Billing Data Export; Presentation Builder; Trade Planning & Optimization. Analytical Services: For Retailers; For Consumer Products. Consulting Services: Strategy; Delivery
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors.
Key problems solved: DemandTec's vision is for retailers and consumer products manufacturers to work together collaboratively and efficiently, blending art with science to understand consumer behavior and ultimately execute win-win promotion plans that achieve their respective financial objectives and long-term loyalty to the brand or retail banner. DemandTec's solutions help quantify consumer behavior within a scalable software-as-a-service platform by applying the industry's most advanced science and analytics to data content from multiple sources.

 

Dematic Corp.Dematic Corp., Grand Rapids, MI
www.dematic.com

Year founded: 1939
Number of employees: 1,000
Number of food customers: 50+
Solution names: Voice Order Fulfillment; Voice AGV Order Fulfillment; Pick-to-Light; ASRS; Multishuttle; Conveyor Systems; High-Speed Sortation Systems; Manual Palletizing; Automatic Palletizing; Order Assembly Systems
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Determine what are the key drivers that influence distribution center design and utilize an analytical approach to drive efficiency and productivity improvements by utilizing material handling solutions. Dematic designs, builds and supports logistics solutions that optimize material and information flow from receiving to shipping, within the four walls of the factory, warehouse, or distribution center. Dematic offers a consultative holistic engineering approach. This method drives the development of non-biased, data driven logistics solutions that optimize the user's supply chain.

 

Descartes Systems Group, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
www.descartes.com

Year founded: 1981
Number of employees: 439
Number of food customers: NA
Solution names: Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN); Descartes Delivery Management Suite
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Historically, the logistics industry has operated in a “state of things untied” with many organizations working with siloed logistics solutions. As a result, information cannot be accessed in real time for all resources in motion--including documents, mobile devices, drivers and goods. Without insight into these integrated functions, any breakdown in the supply chain will affect fulfillment schedules and drive up costs.

 

Echo Global LogisticsEcho Global Logistics, Chicago, IL
www.echo.com

Year founded: 2005
Number of employees: 590
Number of food customers: 10 percent of customers
Solution names: EchoTrak; Evolved Transportation Manager; Optimizer Analytics Engine; Marketplace Visibility--Optimal Load and Routing Guidance; Freight Rating Tools--Least Cost Mode/Carrier Selection and Management; My Invoices; On-Demand Track & Trace; Echo IQ
Markets served: Manufacturers.
Key problems solved: Investing significantly in technology can be a costly and sometimes unsuccessful venture. Echo has made this investment for our shipping partners. Our web-based technology allows your teams to focus on core business without diverting much-needed resources to a non-core function. Technological innovation has allowed Echo to provide more efficient and customized services to our shipping partners while simultaneously setting us apart from the competition. Our team of more than 50 in-house development staff are committed to ongoing updates and improvements. The customizable Echo technology has proven to result in both short-term cost reduction and long-term growth for our clients.

 

FST LogisticsFST Logistics, Columbus, OH
www.fstlogistics.com

Year founded: 1991
Number of employees: 150
Number of food customers: 50+
Solution names: N/A
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; supermarket retailers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Use communication resources such as satellite tracking, automated reports and web-based tools to communicate with customers. Use our technology to help gap any deficiencies our customers may have in working with their customer base. Example would be an “856” program that generates proper barcodes for deliveries into a WalMart, our customer does not have this technology but we do. Automated reporting on our inventory control system gives our customers a real time, up-to-date caption of their inventory we warehouse for them. All of these strategies gives our customers more time to take care of business and less time trying to figure these things out for themselves.

 

GalleriaGalleria, Chicago, IL
www.galleria-rts.com

Year founded: 1989
Number of employees: 70
Number of food customers: 9
Solution names: Galleria's Customer-Centric Merchandising Solution; Galleria's Promotional Display Optimization Solution
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers.
Key problems solved: Galleria's Customer-Centric Merchandising solution enables food retailers to attain their short- and long-term inventory goals by always ensuring the right products are in the right place, in the right quantities, at the right time to drive profit. Whether a retailer is reducing inventory due to economic uncertainty or increasing it as the market improves, Galleria's solution simultaneously incorporates customer buying behavior, product performance and available space in each store to generate optimized merchandise plans that reflect local buying patterns on a store-by-store basis.

 

HighJump Software, Eden Prairie, MN
www.highjump.com

Year founded: 1987
Number of employees: 250
Number of food customers: 150
Solution names: HighJump Warehouse Advantage; HighJump Manufacturing Advantage; HighJump RouteCenter
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Businesses are focused on maintaining and increasing profitability in times of modest revenue. The response is to stop all process improvement and technology projects and concede that “we just can't afford it now.” This line of thinking is a trap. The best time to focus on customer satisfaction, process improvement and perfect order performance is when business conditions require strong profitability. Those who manage successful warehouses and distribution operations invest in supply chain technology in good economic times to manage growth, and in a down economy to cut costs and gain competitive advantage.

 

I.D. Systems Inc., Hackensack, NJ
www.id-systems.com

Year founded: 1993
Number of employees: 90
Number of food customers: 20+
Solution names: PowerFleet Vehicle Management System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: PowerFleet Vehicle Management System is a powerful, wireless vehicle management system for industrial vehicles. Our system helps many of the world's largest manufacturers and retailers increase safety, reduce damage and optimize vehicle use. Operator management through access control; restrict vehicle use to authorized drivers; vehicle safety through automated OSHA checklists; maintain compliance with daily electronic vehicle checklists; damage reduction through impact detection and management; detect impacts in real time--eliminate anonymous damage; optimized utilization through measurement of vehicle use; analyze simultaneous use of vehicles, evaluate peaks, reallocate vehicles as appropriate.

 

Infor, Alpharetta, GA
www.infor.com

Year founded: 2002
Number of employees: 9,000
Number of food customers: 132
Solution names: Infor SCM Advanced Scheduler; Infor SCM Demand Planning; Infor SCM Warehouse Management; Infor SCM Transportation Management; Infor Event Management
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Succeeding in today's uncertain economy requires an agile, responsive, demand-driven supply chain that can embrace complexity and variability without compromising performance. Infor Supply Chain Management (SCM) helps you meet the challenges of synchronizing cycles of demand, supply, and product--so that your supply chain can rapidly get product to customers wherever they are, and/or find new manufacturers or suppliers with the available capacity to handle pent-up demand. Whether your direction is upstream or downstream, the result is an adaptive supply chain that helps you win customers and market share while improving revenue and profitability.

 

Inmar Reverse LogisticsInmar Reverse Logistics, Winston-Salem, NC
www.inmar.com

Year founded: 1985
Number of employees: N/A
Number of food customers: 200+
Solution names: Returns Management; Asset Recovery; Recall Management; Returns Prevention; Information Intelligence.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors.
Key problems solved: The supply chain is all about ensuring that the right product is at the right place at the right time. In a struggling economy, doing so in the most efficient and cost effective manner becomes even more critical and can even determine whether or not a company will survive. Our clients have shared their reverse logistics goals as inventory management, visibility and/or actionable information, supply chain integrity, regulatory requirements compliance and environmental sustainability. Technology plays a critical role in helping companies achieve these goals.

 

INSIGHT Inc.INSIGHT Inc., Manassas, VA
www.insightoutsmart.com

Year founded: 1978
Number of employees: 30
Number of food customers: 34
Solution names: SAILS; INSIGHT Bid Analyzer; X-System (Optimization Engine); INSIGHT Enterprise Strategy (IES)
Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: INSIGHT's SAILS helps companies in this difficult economic environment by giving the best answer to strategic and tactical supply chain planning questions, such as minimal energy usage, alternative fuels and sources, and the length of the supply chain, which comes into question when considering outsourcing. INSIGHT has experience across all forms of low-cost and green transportation options from pipeline, ship, barge, rail, truck, and air. They consider all--and mixed--modes of transport. Mixed modes introduce complexity, but are just the type of problem addressed by INSIGHT customers, whether container or piggyback trailer. In addition, INSIGHT customers routinely do analyses for on-time delivery, assessing safety stock, in-transit stock, lead time, and economic order quantity (EOQ). Even though oil prices are going down, firms need to regularly evaluate their supply chain strategies. In particular, strategic sourcing (including outsourcing) decisions must be carefully re-examined, especially with respect to international supply chains. It is important to recognize that energy price increases affect every level and activity of the supply chain: procurement, manufacturing, ports, distribution centers, transportation, inventory, and so on.

 

Intelogix Corp., Kennesaw, GA
www.itlgx.com

Year founded: 2000
Number of employees: 5
Number of food customers: 5,600
Solution names: OneLink; OneSource; OneLink Mobile Edition; RestaurantOne
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The Internet generation can hardly imagine life without it. Technology is no longer an exception. Technology is an enabler to your business plan and model. It can simply improve economies of scale, market share, collaboration and globalization. Short-term goals such as cost savings, productivity, reducing error rate, knowledge-sharing and automation are often realized immediately. Long-term goals of launching new products and services in new markets with self-service applications are becoming more available. Technology fuels the competitive advantage, don't get left behind.

 

Interlink TechnologiesInterlink Technologies, Perrysburg, OH
www.thinkinterlink.com

Year founded: 1986
Number of employees: N/A
Number of food customers: N/A
Solution names: Warehouse Link (WHSe-LINK)
Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: WMS technology reduces human error and expensive labor-intensive paperwork. WMS increases productivity, product knowledge, customer service and competitiveness. To attain the short-term goals (company survival), Interlink suggests looking at the ROI. A company moving from a paper-based system to an automated WMS, will see a return in a short six to nine months. Interlink provides the same WMS functionality and support to five user systems as they do 5,000 user systems. Scalability is as simple as buying more hardware! This fits in nicely with long term goals and being prepared to meet the demands when the “bump” in the economy is over.

 

Intermec Technologies, Everett, WA
www.intermec.com

Year founded: 1966
Number of employees: 1,900
Number of food customers: N/A
Solution names: Intermec rugged mobile computing, bar code and RFID solutions.
Markets served: Manufacturers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The demand to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency is crucial to short and long term success in today's economic environment. With the convergence of information capture and management technologies like near-far scanning, VoIP, voice/speech recognition, RFID, and signature capture being a major factor in addressing this key business need, Intermec technologies enable businesses to meet and exceed demand and be strategically positioned for success once the economy recovers.

 

Interstate Transport Inc., St.Petersburg, FL
www.interstate-transport.com/inmotionglobal.com

Year founded: 2002
Number of employees: 27
Number of food customers: 13
Solution names: InMotion Global TMS (‘IMG')
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: At $50 per month for unlimited loads and locations, users can log in through their web-browsers and have instant, real-time access, to their operation. Implementation takes minutes, meaning no down-time. Savings in transportation costs range from 11 to 17 percent, which translates to an average savings of $272 per truckload. IMG is intuitive and customizable which saves your staff time and improves accuracy, which in turn, directly affects your bottom line. Your staff will provide better service, which leads to customer satisfaction, increased sales and fewer claims.

 

JDA Software, Scottsdale, AZ
www.jda.com

Year founded: 1978
Number of employees: 1,700
Number of food customers: 1,700
Solution names: Sales & Operations Planning; Network & Inventory Optimization; Pricing & Revenue Management; Demand Management; Store Operations; Merchandising; Category Management; Replenishment & Fulfillment Management; Production Planning & Scheduling; Transportation & Logistics Management; Visibility, Collaboration & Performance Management Platform
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: JDA Software helps companies optimize operations and improve profitability with its merchandising, supply chain planning and execution, and revenue management solutions. In today's economic climate, using the supply chain to capitalize on shifting consumer spending behaviors and cost volatility can improve market responsiveness and profitability. Data-driven decision creates a better link between the supply chain and overall financial business objectives.

 

John Galt Solutions Inc., Chicago
www.johngalt.com

Year founded: 1996
Number of employees: 50+
Number of food customers: 32
Solution names: ForecastX Wizard; Atlas Planning Suite; Consumer Centric Planning.
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers.
Key problems solved: As the leading provider of affordable planning solutions for the consumer-driven supply chain, John Galt Solutions helps food companies increase forecast accuracy and optimize inventory levels. During this tough economy, companies have been under intense pressure to maximize supply chain performance. John Galt customers have achieved short term goals like increased collaboration with sales that drives improved forecast accuracy. The more innovative food companies are using John Galt's demand sensing solution to achieve a long-term goal of optimizing inventory at retail locations. Consumer Centric Planning radically simplifies the demand and inventory management process because it starts with consumer purchases via POS data, not retail orders, as the baseline. When compared with traditional forecasting methods, this more dynamic, weekly forecast can double forecast accuracy and avoid costly stockouts.

 

LANSALANSA, Downers Grove, IL
www.lansa.com

Year founded: 1987
Number of employees: 225
Number of food customers: 330
Solution names: LANSA Data Sync Direct
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: LANSA Data Sync Direct allows manufacturers, distributors and retailers to most efficiently keep the items in their supply chains in sync using GS1 standardized definitions (GTIN. GLN) and the GDSN as the medium of information exchange. The use of LANSA Data Sync Direct along with existing ERP or Master Data Solution significantly improves warehouse, logistics and transportation efficiencies as well as store/consumer setup, such as planograms.

 

LeanLogistics Inc., Holland, MI
www.leanlogistics.com

Year founded: 1999
Number of employees: 120
Number of food customers: 20
Solution names: On-Demand TMS
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Cost reduction and containment are common themes throughout every enterprise. By deploying True SaaS (single instance, multi-tenant) solutions, companies are able to implement quickly and drive rapid return-on-investment, while continually having access to updates and functionality as they are released, without requiring additional licensing and hardware upgrades. The True SaaS model allows companies to identify opportunities for cost containment and control throughout their supply chain; provides collaboration opportunities internally and throughout the industry's largest network; and allows for rapid sharing of industry best practices.

 

Locus TraxxLocus Traxx, Jupiter, FL
www.locustraxx.com

Year founded: 2005
Number of employees: 25
Number of food customers: 12
Solution names: OverSight
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The OverSight system from Locus Traxx provides real-time monitoring and reporting of temperature, location, security and other conditions while shipments are in transit. Through the use of our food safety experts (Sterling Solutions), we are able to correlate refrigerated trailer temps against the quality characteristics of products being delivered. To limit information overload, Intelligent Alerts inspect the incoming data and automatically send text or email messages if something needs attention. We have developed a phased temperature alert which can eliminate problems before they occur. Near-term shippers and food manufacturers get new, timely information to assure food safety and quality while products are being shipped. Long term, the volume of data collected can be used to better understand the relationship of time and temperature on product safety and quality, and lead to improved transportation practices.

 

Logility Inc.Logility Inc., Atlanta, GA
www.logility.com

Year founded: 1996
Number of employees: 141
Number of food customers: 30 percent of customer base
Solution names: Logility Voyager Solutions
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Technology helps companies survive economic uncertainty by better equipping them to meet manufacturing and distribution challenges and rising customer expectations. Logility Voyager Solutions enable companies to meet short- and long-term goals by synchronizing supply chains to work together to anticipate, analyze and generate the best possible plan given their specific business goals and global network, which is crucial to managing supply chain risk and gaining a competitive advantage.

 

Logistix Solutions, Herndon, VA
www.logistixsolutions.com

Year founded: 2006
Number of employees: 50
Number of food customers: 6
Solution names: Logix--Supply Chain Optimization and Distribution Network Design
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Food and beverage companies operate at lean margins requiring a constant review and improvement in their distribution network, sourcing, demand fulfillment and product distribution. Using supply chain optimization and distribution network planning technology and other on-demand logistics applications, like Logistix Solutions' Logix application, these companies are streamlining operations and discovering solutions that save money with on-demand tools that are easy to use.

 

LTM Services Inc., Manorville, NY
www.ltmservices.com

Year founded: 2004
Number of employees: 7
Number of food customers: 9
Solution names: LTM is a serviceable equipment cost management group. Our software is proprietary and used in-house by qualified analysts to control and reduce our clients costs and increase efficiencies. Our average ROI is over 90 percent. We can provide testimonials from a number of food clients.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Short goal: understand and control immediate repair costs, service provider cost control, rental oversight and need understanding, fleet profile understanding and needs. Long term: best needs fleet profile implementation, full rental control, parts usage and cost control, life cycle understanding and implementation, battery cost control, optimized lease implementation, national purchasing where applicable, comprehensive understanding of enterprise wide as well as individual facility and unit cost control. The complete control and understanding of a very misunderstood yet essential aspect of warehousing and distribution.

 

LTW Intralogistics, Wolfurt, Austria (U.S. branch in PA)LTW Intralogistics
www.ltwusa.com

Year founded: 1981
Number of employees: 170
Number of food customers: 80
Solution names: Warehouse automation; stacker cranes; picking-to-man and man-to-picking automation
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The LTW Aisle-Changing technology for stacker cranes offers a solution for reducing the initial investment cost for a warehouse or DC. Since the cranes can switch aisles automatically, there is no need to purchase a stacker crane for each aisle. By reducing the number of cranes purchased to meet the true throughput requirements, the overall budget for a building project can be decreased.

 

Lucas Systems Inc., Wexford, PA
www.lucasware.com

Year founded: 1998
Number of employees: 52
Number of food customers: 17
Solution names: Jennifer VoicePlus
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Jennifer voice systems dramatically reduce shipping errors and improve labor productivity with a short learning curve for users. The result is immediate cost savings and long-term operating efficiencies that position companies for more efficient and profitable growth in the future. Equally important in today's economy, Jennifer solutions complement and extend existing WMS, LMS and host-based inventory systems, wireless networks, and industry standard RF terminals, reducing up-front investment costs and long-term costs of ownership. This combination of rapid operational returns and modest upfront costs makes voice an ideal technology choice for food distributors today.

 

Manhattan Associates Inc., Atlanta
www.manh.com

Year founded: 1990
Number of employees: 2,000
Number of food customers: 125
Solution names: Manhattan SCOPE, a portfolio of software solutions and technology that leverages a Supply Chain Process Platform to help organizations optimize their supply chains from planning through execution; Manhattan SCOPE, a portfolio of distribution management and transportation management solutions built on Microsoft .NET technology; and Manhattan Carrier, a suite of supply chain solutions specifically addressing the needs of the motor carrier industry.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The capabilities of Manhattan SCOPE are well-suited to wisely using fuel, fully tapping capacity in trucks and warehouses, intelligently delivering different types of products with varying shelf lives to the right stores, and managing inventory to reduce waste.

 

MercuryGate InternationalMercuryGate International, Cary, NC
www.mercurygate.com

Year founded: 2000
Number of employees: 32
Number of food customers: 50
Solution names: Transportation Management System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: MercuryGate's proven TMS technology has long been adding value for customers--manufacturers, distributors, retailers, brokerages, and 3PLs. MercuryGate's wide-ranging and expanding list of functional capabilities support. Supports all modes, including: parcel, LTL, TL, rail, intermodal, air freight, ocean and multimodal. Supports small, medium and large customers, even the Fortune 500. Manage brokerage business regardless of mode for any business perspective from a small sales force to a nationwide agency model.

 

Mettler Toledo, Zurich, Switzerland
www.mt.com

Year founded: 1904
Number of employees: 9,000
Number of food customers: 1,200+
Solution names: PUA679
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The PUA679 floor scale allows quick and easy washdown in sanitary applications. Lifting the front handles tilts the entire scale up to provide complete access for cleaning the floor and underside of the scale. To meet the sanitary requirements of our customers' facilities, we offer a variety of stainless steel finishes. In the short-term the PUA679 will help save on installation costs and in the long-term the sanitary lift scale's hygienic design will allow food customers to meet the industry's rigorous cleaning specifications.

 

Motorola, Schaumburg, IL
www.motorola.com

Year founded: 1928
Number of employees: 64,000
Number of food customers: 1,150+
Solution names: Note that most of Motorola's portfolio of Enterprise Mobility Solution products fit into this category. http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services)
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: In today's challenging economic environment, companies are faced with making critical IT purchasing decisions that will help them streamline processes, increase productivity and ultimately guarantee the freshness of food as its shipped from farms and manufacturers to distribution centers and retail stores. Now more than ever, every dollar spent counts. And as food distribution and supply chain organizations grow their businesses, it will become essential that they use the right mix of technology solutions--from advanced data capture solutions to mobile computing devices and wireless networks--to help increase business efficiencies to meet stringent international standards and increase profitability on a global scale.

 

Next Generation Logistics Inc., Inverness, ILNext Generation Logistics Inc.
www.nextgeneration.com

Year founded: 1988
Number of employees: 15
Number of food customers: 100
Solution names: FreightMaster TMS Suite
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Shippers can leverage tools within our FreightMaster TMS to improve operating efficiencies through automation, in selecting the lowest cost carrier and building optimal load consolidations. Long term, our solution will enable companies to make better strategic decisions through improved analysis in reviewing logistics data and information captured by our FreightMaster TMS.

 

Optiant, Burlington, MA
www.optiant.com

Year founded: 2000
Number of employees: 25
Number of food customers: 20
Solution names: PowerChain Inventory; PowerChain Planner; PowerChain Network Design
Markets served: Manufacturers.
Key problems solved: Companies need to reduce their cost of goods sold and increase inventory turns to keep cash flowing, but market uncertainties and supply chain interdependencies make this a supremely difficult challenge for traditional “rule of thumb” techniques to solve. Optiant's PowerChain Suite models and identifies interdependencies across your entire supply chain environment, from raw materials suppliers and supplier-managed inventory through manufacturing and distribution stages to vendor-managed inventory at customer sites. PowerChain Inventory ensures customers have the right products at the right place at the right time.

 

Optricity, Research Triangle Park, NC
www.optricity.com

Year founded: 2006
Number of employees: 10
Number of food customers: 20+
Solution names: OptiSlot DC; OptiProfile; Juncture Optimization; RASSQ Technology
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Demand for optimization in logistics technology is no longer considered a future “want;” optimized solutions are part of the “now” demand. Warehouses want technology that optimizes receiving, storing and picking activity while responding to new SKUs and seasonal/promotional activity and drives competitive advantage. Current goals to achieve retail requirements and financial pressure to minimize costs require a technology shift making way for smart systems that calculate and recommend optimal answers.

 

PakSense, Boise, ID
www.paksense.com

Year founded: 2004
Number of employees: N/A
Number of food customers: N/A
Solution names: Ultra Contact Label; Ultra Wireless Label.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Companies must proactively look for technologies that help increase bottom line profits. An increase in bottom line profits can be attained by either adopting technologies that help reduce costs or help increase sales. When technology is adopted based on these principles, the expenditure can be justified because it is no longer a “cost.” It is now viewed as a way to improve company profits. Products such as the PakSense Ultra Label fall into this category of profit improvers because they help companies reduce costs by enabling them to increase efficiencies and pinpoint supply chain issues.

 

Paragon Software Systems Inc., Dallas
www.us.paragonrouting.com

Year founded: 1991
Number of employees: <50
Number of food customers: 75+
Solution names: Paragon Routing and Scheduling Optimizer; Paragon Multi Depot; Paragon Integrated Fleets; Paragon Fleet Controller; Paragon Resource Manager; Paragon Home Delivery System; Paragon Fastnet; Paragon Multi Period Planner; Paragon Territory Optimizer; Paragon Fixed Route Manager; Paragon Carbon Minimizer.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Paragon's route planning and transportation optimization software solutions have been proven to cut costs, reduce mileage and fuel use, streamline a wide range of different distribution operation types and improve efficiency across many industry sectors. In the short-term, Paragon's versatile operational planning solutions can streamline daily distribution, managing variations in order volumes and ensuring fixed route operations are running as efficiently as possible.

 

PeopleNetPeopleNet, Minnetonka, MN
www.peoplenetonline.com

Year founded: 1994
Number of employees: 185
Number of food customers: 200
Solution names: PeopleNet BLU In-Cab PC; PeopleNet PerformX; PeopleNet PACOS; PeopleNet eDriver Logs; PeopleNet Onboard Event Recording; PeopleNet Activity Standards.
Markets served: C-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Knowledge is power. Fleet managers who have access to vehicle and driver performance information when and where they need it have the power to make decisions and squeeze every ounce of profit out of their fleets. To combat economic challenges and fluctuating gas prices that thwart profitability, management needs controls over the types of information they get, how frequently and when it's delivered, the format it's in and the time period it covers. You can't manage what you can't measure and today's cutting edge technology solutions give fleet managers the tools they need to make their operation most successful.

 

PINC SolutionsPINC Solutions, Berkeley, CA
www.pincsolutions.com

Year founded: 2004
Number of employees: N/A
Number of food customers: 7
Solution names: Yard Hound; Yard Hound Carrier View; Yard Hound Reefer
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Yard management is a critical linkage in transportation logistics, and has a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the supply chain. Currently, many of the yards still rely on manual processes to manage the operations, creating a visibility gap such that accurate and timely data cannot be ascertained. PINC's cost-effective yard management solution leverages advanced technologies to provide automated, real-time visibility necessary for increasing the efficiency and reducing the costs of operating a facility, thus providing the quick ROI required for justifying SCM IT spending at a difficult economy time like today.

 

Profit Point, North Brookfield, MA
www.profitpt.com

Year founded: 1995
Number of employees: 14+
Number of food customers: 10+
Solution names: Profit Network; Green Network; Profit Scheduler; Profit Vehicle Planner
Markets served: Foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: In today's turbulent economy, logistics professionals are trapped between monolithic ERP data warehouses and the need to make quick, informed decisions. Trade-offs abound and, therefore, analysis tied to scenario visibility is critical. Smart decision-makers will make incremental investments in to technology that leverages these large data sets to provide actionable insights and planning for numerous possible futures across the supply chain.

 

Psion Teklogix, Mississuaga, Ontario
www.psion.com

Year founded: 1967
Number of employees: 1,000
Number of food customers: 100+
Solution names: The 7535, 7530, 8680, 8590 and 8530 are the specific products we sell in the food space.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: With the ever-increasing demands on management to “do more with less”, a growing number of businesses are adopting a technology strategy to increase productivity and efficiency, resulting in a strong Return on Investment (ROI). Implementing a mobile solution, like one from the Psion Teklogix product line, enables employees to work faster and smarter, while management saves hours in manpower and improves the bottom line. Psion Teklogix rugged mobile computers provide real-time data communication, a battery life lasting the entire day, intuitive interfaces and functionality in the most hostile of environments, resulting in added value and highly motivated workers.

 

QUALCOMM, San Diego, CA
www.qualcomm.com

Year founded: 1985
Number of employees: NA
Number of food customers: NA
Solution names: Mobile Computing Platform (MCP) 100
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The Mobile Computing Platform 100 Series is specifically engineered to optimize transportation company operations, and enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity while improving the driver's in-cab experience. Early on, the platform was lauded as revolutionary for its enhanced computing capacity; in-cab, color, touch-screen display; and text-to-speech capability. A robust mobile computing platform that features a growing suite of applications, MCP 100 helps fleets improve asset management, on-time delivery, safety, operational performance and driver satisfaction. 

 

Real Time Freight Services LLC, Chicago, IL
www.realtimefreight.com

Year founded: 2003
Number of employees: 45
Number of food customers: 3,500
Solution names: Freight Management System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Real Time Freight provides immediate ROI through their Rate Analysis feature. This provides clear visibility of what their customers are paying, and how their customer rates compare to the greater RTF community and rate engine plug-ins. RTF customers realize a centralized, secure, controlled freight management solution. Benefits include the reallocation of resources, and lower freight spend. Real Time Freight eliminates information silos to help companies centralize and share information to help them make better and more informed decisions for today and for the future. The Real Time Freight Smart Select automatically awards freight and makes the best decision every time.

 

RedPrairie Corp.RedPrairie Corp., Waukesha, WI
www.redprairie.com

Year founded: 1975
Number of employees: 1,200
Number of food customers: 100+
Solution names: Warehouse Management; Workforce Management; Financial Management; Inventory Management; Execution Management; Learning Management; Performance Management; Transportation Management; Food Processing; Error Proofing/Traceability; Sequence Delivery; Build-to-Order; Supply Chain Visibility; Dashboards
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: By investing in Value Packs-- “bite-sized” pieces from larger software suites--savvy business leaders can provide for quick return modules that enable shorter implementation times, and faster ROI. Designed for low initial investment, and accelerated time to value, these smaller solutions can provide for easily realized savings in the short-term, and a gateway to more comprehensive solutions in the long-term. These applications lend themselves particularly well to organizations that find themselves in need of immediate changes, with a low up-front cost--a situation many face in the current economic climate.

 

Retalix USA, Plano, TX
www.retalix.com

Year founded: 1982
Number of employees: 1,200
Number of food customers: 400+
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Solution names: Retalix Power Enterprise Suite; Retalix Power Warehouse; Retalix Power Net; Retalix Power Sell; Retalix Power Delivery; Retalix Demand AnalytX; Retalix Transportation Management; Retalix Dock Scheduling; Retalix Yard Management
Markets served:
Key problems solved: Retalix offers software solutions for food retailers and distributors that help them automate and optimize the entire supply chain from warehouse to checkout. The automation and intuitiveness behind these solutions help Retalix clients increase overall supply chain visibility, control and productivity, which reduces costs. Those traits are helpful in any economic environment, but can be viewed as extremely important in tough times. From warehouse management systems to transportation management systems to synchronization and demand-based replenishment, Retalix's primary goal is to provide retailers and distributors with the latest supply chain technology innovations.

 

Revionics Inc., Granite Bay, CA
www.revionics.com

Year founded: 2002
Number of employees: 75
Number of food customers: 110
Solution names: Revionics Advanced Pricing System (RAPS)
Markets served: Supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Consumer shopping behavior has changed--so companies must better price and promote their products to reflect consumer expectations. Price optimization delivers consumer-centric price recommendations, taking into account shoppers interests. Revionics price optimization can predict, in advance, how consumers will react to price changes--removing risk to deploying new price strategies, and allowing retailers to price and promote more effectively.

 

Robocom System International, Farmingdale, NY
www.robocom.com

Year founded: 1982
Number of employees: 40
Number of food customers: 22
Solution names: ROC WMS; RIMS WMS; R-Labor, Labor Management System; R-Voice, Voice Picking System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Robocom solves problems related to inventory accuracy, expense reduction and concerns over traceability in the food supply chain. Companies that need to address lot traceability; Country of Origin Label (COOL) compliance; attainment of high levels of inventory accuracy; integration of warehouse, transportation, labor and voice processes are helped by our solutions.

 

RyderRyder System Inc., Miami, FL
www.ryder.com

Year founded: 1933
Number of employees: 28,000
Number of food customers: 94
Solution names: Solutions we offer to our customers in this area are Supply Chain/Integrated, Network Design, Transportation Management, Dedicated Contract Carriage, Warehousing, Distribution and Value Added Services.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Economic conditions have caused significant changes in consumer demand. As a result, retailers and manufacturers are seeking new ways to become more “demand driven” to adjust to fluctuating consumer demands. Technology, paired with sound supply chain practices and network design, enables the visibility of products anywhere in the supply chain.

 

Saddle Creek Corp.Saddle Creek Corp., Lakeland, FL
www.saddlecrk.com

Year founded: 1996
Number of employees: 1,600+
Number of food customers: 50
Solution names: Saddle Creek Integrated Logistics Solutions
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers. Key problems solved: Never has it been more important for companies to understand the flow of their goods. Strong systems capabilities and accurate, up-to-the-minute information are essential to provide full knowledge of inventory (where it sits, when it is due to move, how often it has turned, etc.) as well as product visibility throughout the supply chain. An experienced 3PL that already has those systems in place can provide a strategic, integrated solution, combining state-of-the-art operating systems as well as the facilities, personnel and expertise to generate a convenient, lower-cost solution.

 

SAF USA Inc.SAF USA Inc., Grapevine, TX
www.saf-usa.com

Year founded: 1996
Number of employees: 150+
Number of food customers: 20+
Solution names: SAF SuperStore; SAF SuperWarehouse; SAP SuperForecast
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors.
Key problems solved: SAF's core products--SAF SuperStore, SAF SuperWarehouse and SAF SuperForecast--automate and optimize the ordering process from customer to manufacturer to ensure that the right products are always in the right place. This enables retailers and manufacturers to meet short- and long-term forecasting and ordering goals and maximize profit during any economic climate. Unlike conventional supply chain concepts, SAF deploys the demand chain management approach, which controls replenishment planning based on consumer demand patterns.

 

Salient Corp., Horseheads, NY
www.salient.com

Year founded: 1986
Number of employees: 100+
Number of food customers: NA
Solution names: SIM (Margin Minder)
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Using Salient's technology, short and long-term goals can be met by your organization with a solution that breaks the four barriers that traditional BI solutions face. With speed, simplicity, specificity, and self-sufficiency, our solution dissolves the dependency on IT for creating reports and brings actionable data closer to the point of execution. Using a Windows-based interface, anyone that needs to know can access their data and drill down to their answers, reported in instantaneous response times.

 

SAP America, (a unit of SAP AG), Newtown Square, PA
www.sap.com

Year founded: 1972
Number of employees: 38,000+
Number of food customers: <100
Solution names: ERP; SCM; CRM
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Technology offers food distribution companies the opportunity to achieve greater control of their business, so that they will know which products, customers and even which orders are profitable, and which are not. This system-wide visibility allows the food distributor to make adjustments during difficult times so that they will emerge from the recession stronger and better able to compete and to take advantage of the opportunities that will undoubtedly present themselves.

 

SSI SchaeferSchaefer Systems International Inc., Charlotte, NC
www.ssi-schaefer.us

Year founded: 1937
Number of employees: 9,000+
Number of food customers: 39
Solution names: Schaefer Case Picking System; Schaefer Carousel System (single unit pick); Schaefer AKL (miniload AS/RS)
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: SSI Schaefer's technology allows our customers to lower unit price per shipped when margins are at the tightest. This allows a company to be more profitable in the short term and more competitive over the long term.

 

Silvon Software Inc., Westmont, IL
www.silvon.com

Year founded: 1987
Number of employees: 50
Number of food customers: 150
Solution names: Stratum
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: In today's economy, food businesses must react quicker in getting smaller orders out the door more frequently to their grocery retailers, drive down operational costs even further to meet retailer pricing demands, and maintain both high service levels and good margins while doing so. The supply chain visibility offered by today's technology like the Silvon Stratum application suite supports these market-driven requirements by providing functionality for continuous business planning, real-time performance analysis that leverages demand signals coming from POS and other data, guidance on what should be done when performance variances occur, and continuous response to changing business conditions.

 

SmartTurn, San Francisco, CA
www.smartturn.com

Year founded: 2004
Number of employees: 35
Number of food customers: 15
Solution names: SmartTurn Inventory and Warehouse Management System
Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: In today's economy, supply chain risk assessment should play a significant role in driving the adoption of technology. Combined with a renewed focus on the supply chain and maximizing cash from within, companies are turning to warehouse management technology as the foundation to quickly augment and in some cases, replace existing systems. Because of the Internet, on-demand WMS provides affordability not previously possible. In the short term, WMS technology can help with visibility and assessing any uncertainty surrounding trading partners heightened by operational reductions over the past 12 months. The increased visibility provides the mission-critical information for making informed decisions.

 

Software Logistechs Inc.Software Logistechs Inc., Toledo, OH
www.softlog.us

Year founded: 1997
Number of employees: 6
Number of food customers: 4
Solution names: DC-Xpress WMS
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Solves key issues like inventory accuracy, labor efficiencies, quality customer service and elimination of physical inventories.

 

Sterling Commerce, Columbus, OH
www.sterlingcommerce.com

Year founded: 1974
Number of employees: 2,483
Number of food customers: 1,438
Solution names: Sterling Selling and Fulfillment Suite; Sterling Business Integration Suite
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: By optimizing and transforming their business collaboration network--the ecosystem of their customers, suppliers and other partners--food companies can turn what used to be called the “supply chain” into a differentiating “value chain” to increase productivity, speed up time to market, and reduce risk and costs associated with compliance. Steps toward this optimized environment will help them obtain both short- and long-term goals.

 

Summary Systems, Plano, TX
www.summarysystems.com

Year founded: 1987
Number of employees: 6
Number of food customers: 3
Solution names: Foodservice Distribution System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The Food Service Distribution System is the ideal mobile solution for companies in the food service industry. The system interfaces with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, giving
you the ability to upload into the handheld delivery, invoice and route data. As the driver makes deliveries, the product being delivered is scanned or recorded, providing the driver with instant feedback on the accuracy of the delivery. The driver enters exceptions and prints a clean delivery receipt, invoice or credit. Upon departure from the customer site, exceptions can be instantly sent to headquarters for proper handling. The Food Service Distribution System combines a rugged handheld with wireless communication and has optional GPS, a printer and an engine interface, providing the full range of benefits of the Fleet Commander System.

 

Supply Chain Consultants, Wilmington, DE
www.supplychain.com

Year founded: 1993
Number of employees: 45
Number of food customers: 6
Solution names: Zemeter software suite including: Demand Planner; Supply Planner; Inventory Planner; Finite Scheduling; Performance Management; Business Analyst; Zemeter S&OP; Zemeter S&OP Azimuth.
Markets served: Manufacturers.
Key problems solved: Supply Chain Consultants provides collaborative, best-of-breed, fully integrated supply chain solutions that can help manufacturers realize substantial bottom-line results. SCC's Zemeter provides reporting and analysis of supply chain performance. Users can cut and slice demand and inventory data, measure forecast accuracy, track S&OP performance, and monitor metrics critical to the organization. Zemeter serves as an early warning system when metrics are out of line with corporate expectations.

 

Supply Chain IntelligenceSupply Chain Intelligence, Cary, NC
www.scintelligence.com

Year founded: 2001
Number of employees: 14
Number of food customers: 8
Solution names: Outbound Shipment Intelligence; Inbound Shipment Intelligence; Fleet Utilization Intelligence; Demand Distribution Intelligence; Transportation Capacity Planning
Markets served: Supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Supply Chain Intelligence principals have extensive backgrounds in the grocery/foodservice industry which allows for focused solutions to their business models. Supply Chain Intelligence has developed an innovative system to solve customers' real transportation problems having proven its value in more than 20 engagements with a strong focus on food retail delivery, replacing other transportation systems. Supply Chain Intelligence has accelerated sales in the grocery industry which is the primary focus of the company. Clients are able to establish valid real-world transportation plans in a fraction of the time of current/previous transportation solutions.

 

Swisslog Logistics Inc., Newport News, VA
www.swisslog.com

Year founded: 1898
Number of employees: 2,200
Number of food customers: 100
Solution names: Vectura, CaddyPick, ProMove, Tornado, CasePick, MultiPick, Monorail System, AutoStore
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Swisslog delivers the best return on investment for those looking to upgrade or expand their warehousing, distribution or order fulfillment operations. We analyze our clients business then deliver the appropriate level of automation to minimize costs and maximize throughput and performance. Warehouse automation benefits include minimizing labor and all handling costs, and providing very dense storage through the use of high-bay facilities, which can minimize energy costs especially in refrigerated/frozen environments. Tangential benefits include, maximizing inventory accuracy, improved shipping and delivery performance, minimal material damage vs. manual handling, and lower overhead requirements = less support costs.

 

TAKE Supply Chain, Austin, TX
www.takesupplychain.com

Year founded: 1994
Number of employees: 450
Number of food customers: 10+
Solution names: Gemini Simplified Interface (G.SI) for Oracle Process Manufacturing (OPM); Compliance Label Manager (CLM)
Markets served: Manufacturers; c-store distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: TAKE Gemini and CLM solutions enable food manufacturers to improve operational control, inventory accuracy, visibility and order fulfillment by automating processes across production warehousing facilities. These improvements help companies improve business processes, while reducing costs -- of great importance in today's tough economic times--by increasing speed and visibility and eliminating costly data delays and errors in warehouses. With minimal implementation and training costs, Gemini and CLM provides far greater lot control and visibility across supply chain processes, enabling food manufacturers to respond immediately and with great precision to potentially costly, brand-tarnishing product recalls.

 

Technology Group International, Toledo, OH
www.tgiltd.com

Year founded: 1990
Number of employees: 25+
Number of food customers: 40+
Solution names: Enterprise 21ERP
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Despite the current global economic climate, Food Logistics readers, short-term, can leverage technology to improve access to information, improve customer service through faster order processing, decrease on-hand inventory levels while simultaneously increasing order and line item fill rates, and achieve both time and cost savings by migrating to an integrated software platform. Long-term, companies can leverage technology, software in particular, in such a way to allow the organization to grow in sales revenue without a proportional increase in overhead expenses due to faster, more efficient internal business processes, thus leading to greater bottom-line profitability and more sustainable long-term business viability.

 

Terra TechnologyTerra Technology, Norwalk, CT
www.terratechnology.com

Year founded: 2001
Number of employees: 50
Number of food customers: 7
Solution names: Demand Sensing; Multi-Enterprise Demand Sensing; Inventory Optimization; Multi-Enterprise Inventory Optimization; Transportation Demand Sensing
Markets served: Manufacturers
Key problems solved: Consumer spending patterns have changed as cost-conscious consumers react to the unprecedented economic upheaval. Consumers have traded down to store brands, reduced spending on non-essential items and increased reliance on coupons and discounts. Now more than ever historic demand is not a good predictor of future demand. Terra's solutions apply pattern recognition mathematics to daily downstream data, including channel inventory, POS data and shipment history, to more accurately predict future consumer spending. Forecast accuracy increases by 40 percent or more for all food companies. More accurate forecasting decreases inventory requirements while increasing service levels and profits.

 

TGW-Ermanco Inc., Spring Lake, MI
www.tgw-ermanco.com

Year founded: 1964
Number of employees: 200 (U.S) 2,000 worldwide
Number of food customers: 15+
Solution names: BOOSTER; COMMANDER; COMMISSIONER; CRUZ; CRUZCONTROL; GAPMASTER; INTELLIROL; MUSTANG; NBA; NBC; NBS; NBT; RLC; SPECTRA; STRATUS; TGW ERMANCO; TURBO; ULC; XCELSORT; XENOPRESSURE; XENOROL; XenoTRACTION
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Short term goals such as energy management (run on demand and lighting) and modernization retrofits offer immediate efficiency and payback improvements, with ROI of less than one year. For the longer term, companies should look at automation solutions such as AS/RS that traditionally had paybacks of five or more years, but now offer a one to two year ROI. The shorter ROI comes from taking into effect not just the cost of a solution, but the many factors it will affect and the total overall cost of ownership that an integrated logistics solution provides.

 

TopVox Corp., Barrington, IL
www.top-vox.com

Year founded: 2006
Number of employees: 50+
Number of food customers: 75+
Solution names: topSPEECH-Lydia; VOXter; Voxter-S; Voxter-RFID
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs
Key problems solved: Using voice recognition in logistics processes creates a “hands-free, eyes-free” environment for the operators which results in the perfect solution to optimize the workflow and increase productivity (by an average of more than 20 percent) at an affordable cost of entry. The most cost-effective way to introduce voice in the warehouse is to implement the system in the picking operations due to the proven fast payback. Then, continue to expand the use of voice to other functions, such as receiving, put-away, cycle-counting and returns. The TopVOX voice recognition system is easily integrated and extremely flexible.

 

TLC--Total Logistic Control, Holland, MI
www.totallogistic.com and www.tlctmone.com

Year founded: 1902
Number of employees: 2,550
Number of food customers: 185
Solution names: TMOne for transportation and we offer LMS and WMS as well
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers.
Key problems solved: The supply chain is transaction and information intense. Those without contemporary technology risk competitive disadvantage. This is especially true in difficult economic times where such technology can provide better controls, more fluid coordination, and smarter business practices. In addition, technology has never been more affordable--3PL's can spread costs across multiple customers; SaaS; and web-based applications. While technology is vital, many companies are finding that outsourcing can be a huge assist in these economic times. By combining and placing operations and technology in the hands of focused supply chain professionals, new levels of performance can often be realized.

 

Transplace, Dallas, TX
www.transplace.com

Year founded: 2000
Number of employees: 550
Number of food customers: 100+
Solution names: Transplace Transportation Management System; Transplace Order Management System; Scenario Pro Shipment Planning; Trailer Management
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Increased automation of business operations allows companies to gain better visibility throughout the supply chain. By utilizing logistics technology to optimize and manage supply chain operations, companies can improve accuracy, timeliness, reliability and efficiency, resulting in improved service levels, better truck utilization, closer relationships with carriers and reduced transportation-related expenses. This helps manufacturers, retailers and CPG companies to not only remain competitive during the difficult economic environment but to position themselves to succeed when the economy rebounds.

 

TranSystems, Kansas City, MO
www.transystems.com

Year founded: 1967
Number of employees: 1,100
Number of food customers: 65
Solution names: Supply Chain and Transportation Consulting
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Technology is not the only answer to meeting short- and longer-term goals, particularly during tough times when, for many companies, cost containment without sacrificing customer service is so critical to maintaining competitive position. TranSystems works with clients to evaluate and benchmark current performance, fine-tune work flows and processes; and then, as appropriate, identify and prioritize the equipment, technology and systems investments that can enhance performance while delivering measurable contributions to inventory management, throughput, margins and return on assets.

 

TZA--Tom Zosel Associates, Chicago, IL
www.tzaconsulting.com

Year founded: 1984
Number of employees: 40
Number of food customers: 55
Solution names: ProTrack Warehouse Labor Management System; ProTrack Drivers; ProTrack Mobile; Slot3D
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs
Key problems solved: Productivity can be improved through technology or engineering, but results are maximized when both are used in combination. Developing improved procedures and methods and implementing labor reporting software can drive improved distribution productivity. Companies can often gain five to 10 percent simply by re-engineering existing tasks with the correct methods. However, combining the right procedures with labor reporting software that can dynamically calculate performance expectations based on those engineered standards, clearly offers the largest opportunity for productivity improvement.

 

UPS Logistics TechnologiesUPS Logistics Technologies, Baltimore MD;
www.upslogisticstech.com

Year founded: 1983
Number of employees: 152
Number of food customers: 786
Solution names: Roadnet Transportation Suite including Roadnet, Territory Planner, MobileCast, Roadnet Performance Dashboard; Roadnet Info Center; NetScheduler
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Today, we are at an interesting spot--fuel isn't expensive enough to add a fuel surcharge but is just expensive enough to be painful. Our solutions can assist reducing or eliminating this pain by creating optimized routes and monitoring the execution of the routes to ensure that drivers are running them to plan and not running up out-of-route miles. UPS-LT products also allow distributors to become more efficient by finding routes and vehicles that are under capacity--if distributors can add just one more stop to the route, they are far more efficient.

 

Vocollect Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
www.vocollect.com

Year founded: 1987
Number of employees: 400
Number of food customers: 700
Solution names: Vocollect Voice--Vocollect's portfolio of software, hardware and services that support the use of voice in the DC/warehouse and beyond.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Companies should look for ways to further leverage their existing voice investment by going beyond selection and using voice for receiving, put-away, replenishment, cycle-counting, and other common DC tasks. Within the picking function, they can utilize voice to help enable process improvements like batch-picking and/or interleaving of tasks.

 

Voxware Inc.Voxware Inc., Hamilton, NJ www.voxware.com
Year founded: 1996
Number of employees: 70
Number of food customers: 40
Solution names: Voxware 3; Voxware DirectConnect
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Voxware voice technology reduces labor cost, improves accuracy and streamlines operations, leading directly to better margins. Our customers achieve short-term goals in two ways. First, unlike traditional voice solutions, our Voxware 3 software product is easy and quick to deploy because an expensive custom programming project is not needed. Second, the financial payback from Voxware voice is realized in months, not years.

 

Weber Distribution, Santa Fe Springs, CA
www.weberdistribution.com

Year founded: 1924
Number of employees: 500
Number of food customers: 90
Solution names: As a 3PL we have either purchased or written in-house solution applications. They are: Synapse WMS by Zethcon; TransLINKS TMS written in-house by Weber; Labor Management written in-house by Weber; Salesforce CRM; WAM written in-house by Weber, is our client account management program; Retail Compliance program written in-house by Weber Management System; Translinks Transportation Management System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs
Key problems solved: Data analytics through visibility and system integration and efficient planning and forecasting, leading to increased inventory turn-over and higher order fulfillment potential.

 

Werner Enterprises Inc.Werner Enterprises Inc., Omaha, NE
www.werner.com

Year founded: 1956
Number of employees: 12,200
Number of food customers: 150+
Solution names: SMART (Shipment Management and Resource Tracking) System
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Drive cost out of your network by utilizing multiple shipper collaboration; customizable TMS that creates visibility for consolidation and mode conversion; partner with an organization whose philosophy is founded on designing and utilizing our proprietary systems to deliver the lowest cost solutions; supplier freight management giving the flexibility based on business needs; mode optimization allowing flexible to select cost savings based off demand.

 

Westfalia Technologies Inc., York, PA
www.westfaliausa.com

Year founded: 1992
Number of employees: 90
Number of food customers: 60+
Solution names: Savanna.NET Warehouse Management Software; Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems with Satellite technology, conveying, pallet flow systems, plus capabilities in case packing/handling systems.
Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: Highly flexible, and designed to expand as your company grows, Savanna is a modular software enabling companies of all sizes to select only the modules they need to handle their warehousing processes. Savanna offers a broad spectrum of interfaces to various ERP systems, web interfaces and PLC systems. For companies considering automating their warehouses in the future, Westfalia's key advantage is being the one provider knowing how to implement and service automation and software, in steps or all at once.

 

Witron Integrated Logistics Corp., Arlington Heights, IL
www.witron.com

Year founded: 1971
Number of employees: 1,100
Number of food customers: 26
Solution names: OPM automated case picking and palletizing system
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Using the OPM automated case picking/palletizing system from Witron will allow retailers to reduce labor and worker compensation claims by removing the lifting of heavy cases by order selectors.
Building a taller order pallet with no holes will allow companies to save transportation costs of up to 8 percent. Providing an aisle ready pallet or roll container to store clerks will mean faster replenishment of shelves, less impediment to shoppers, less walking and less handling of product resulting in dramatically reduced costs to the customer. Increased productivity and real time control will yield a competitive advantage.

 

WOW Logistics, Appleton, WI
www.wowlogistics.com

Year founded: 1977
Number of employees: 175
Number of food customers: 150+
Solution names: N/A
Markets served: Manufacturers; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: It is times like these when each company needs to evaluate its internal business procedures. By doing this WOW was able to streamline the process flow while increasing our efficiencies and reducing operational expenses. An example of this was the electronic signature process (similar to any retail store) on our BOLs. Our drivers now sign electronically when the load is picked up. This eliminates the need for paper copies while allowing the flexibility to send the BOLs real time to the customer. Companies need to embrace technology and welcome change to compete in this environment.

 

XATA Corp.XATA Corp., Minneapolis, MN
www.xata.com

Year founded: 1985
Number of employees: 171
Number of food customers: N/A
Solution names: N/A
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: XATA's technology provides on-demand business insight to its customers' fleets via a software-as-a-service delivery model. This business insight gives fleet operations personnel the tools and data needed to analyze their fleet operations, which results in improvements to their standard operating procedures through reporting, benchmarking and process automation. This is crucial for lowering overall fleet expenses, maintaining regulatory compliance, creating a higher level of safety, and improving customer satisfaction. In today's tough economy, fleets are under increasing pressure to run as lean as possible, without sacrificing service and getting to their destinations safely and on-time. Fleet management solutions help them do this and improve customer service as fleets are able to provide delivery information at a moments notice.

 

YottaMark, Redwood City, CA
www.harvestmark.com

Year founded: 2005
Number of employees: 40+
Number of food customers: 70+
Solution names: HarvestMark Fresh Food Traceability Solution
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; foodservice distributors.
Key problems solved: Consumers today want more information about the food they buy. They want to know if it's fresh and safe and where it comes from. HarvestMark makes it possible for each and every food item to tell its story anytime, anywhere--helping growers and shippers of produce differentiate their brands, promote their products and learn more about customer preferences. Whether it's a single watermelon or a clamshell of strawberries, a product with a HarvestMark code can be linked to specific harvest and packing information. Instant access to traceability information speeds response to food safety events and narrows the impact of future recalls.

 

Zebra Technologies, Vernon Hills, IL
www.zebra.com

Year founded: 1969
Number of employees: 3,000
Number of food customers: Less than 50
Solution names: Zebra mobile and desktop thermal printing solutions, including the P4T, RW 420, QL 420 Plus and the Xi series.
Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.
Key problems solved: The food industry's shift to electronic PTI compliance will render traditional paper-based record keeping through the food supply chain. This is especially important for manufacturers who are harvesting 60,000 cases of grapes or up to 150,000 cases of red lettuce per day for example. The volume alone is driving the need for electronic record-keeping, which begins with barcode labels. Technology adoption and the importance of electronic record keeping tie back to Zebra's experience in building barcode solutions. Zebra Technologies and its food traceability partners are building solutions that offer traceability through the entire supply chain--from the time the food is grown on the field to harvest, packing, processing, distribution and retail.

 

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