rollouts
Track and trace: Weber Marking Systems, in partnership with Matrix Systems & Solutions, has
introduced an option that will enable users to
record and manage internal track-and-trace data
in conjunction with the operation of Weber’s
Model 5300 Series label printer-applicators.
Called the Packaging Execution System (PES),
the option will make it possible to configure the
Weber print-apply system, confirm the status of
the unit, forward that information to opera-tors/management, and create a user-date-time
database of all label printing operations.
The PES, which can be integrated with existing ERP and/or WMS systems, is
designed for use with one or more Weber Model 5300 print-apply units. The PES
also provides data collection solutions for other packaging-related operations, including product marking, RFID, and inventory control. (Weber Marking Systems,
www.webermarking.com)
Ship shape: Kewill, a provider of global trade and logistics solutions, has added new
features that support several UPS services to its Kewill Clippership and Kewill
Flagship multi-carrier shipping solutions.
Kewill customers that ship with UPS will now have access to a number of expanded shipping capabilities, including UPS Paperless Invoice, which allows shipments to
clear customs using electronic data; UPS World Ease, which simplifies customs clearance by grouping multiple shipments destined for one country or group of countries
(i.e., the European Union) into a single shipment; and Close by Trailer ID, which
gives large-volume shippers that require multiple UPS trailers visibility into the contents of each trailer. (Kewill, www.kewill.com)
Forecasts on demand: Smart Software Inc., a
developer of demand forecasting, planning, and
inventory optimization solutions, has released
SmartForecasts Version 8. 2. This latest version
offers a number of new features and enhancements designed to meet the needs of demand
and inventory planners in an increasingly complex planning environment. They include new
ways to filter and manage data, deliver accurate
forecasts and inventory stocking estimates, and
aggregate and classify results for improved financial and inventory planning.
SmartForecasts is a cross-industry solution for
demand forecasting, demand planning, and
inventory optimization. It integrates easily with
host databases like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server,
and IBM DB2, as well as virtually any ERP system, according to the company. (Smart Software,
www.smartcorp.com)
Freight portal for 3PLs: Transite Technology, a
provider of transportation management products
and services, has introduced My Freight Portal-3PL.
This new software portal is designed to give third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) a simple
method of managing costs and profits for each
transaction, while providing the 3PL’s customers
with full transportation process functionality.
The product is designed to integrate with 3PL
customers’ systems, including ERP and
eCommerce Web sites, creating the ability to
manage and automate all aspects of the logistics
life cycle. Customers can rate shop for the low-est-cost carrier, receive real-time tracking and
shipment visibility information, and obtain proactive notification upon delivery or change in status. (Transite Technology, www.transite.com)
Standing at attention: Odin Technologies has
introduced the Odin self-inventorying Smart
Container, which provides item-level visibility of
assets from anywhere in the world. The Smart
Container provides detailed visibility of the items
packed inside it using passive UHF RFID to transmit item-level data to any ERP system over various communication networks, including satellite,
cellular, and active RFID.
Designed for Department of Defense applications and military suppliers, the Odin Smart
Container allows users to locate, track, and
assess the status of materials critical to the military supply chain. The device automatically reads
the tagged items from suppliers as they are
loaded or unloaded from shipping containers of
various sizes and configurations.
The containers feature a blend of technologies, including active and passive RFID, WiFi,
satellite, and GPS, providing an “always on” connection regardless of their location. (Odin
Technologies, www.odintechnologies.com)
