2004 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100

GE Corporate Payment Services (Salt Lake City, UT, 1992, public). Custs.: 300+ (+15%); impl.: 12 wks; train.: 4 wks; payback: 12 wks; svcs.: 90%. Key custs.: N/R.
Key Problems Solved: Improved efficiency of settlement through automation, MasterCard acceptance, reporting technology, and consultative services. Corporate card and vPayment programs increase accuracy, reduce paper, and streamline processes.
Key Differentiators: GE quality-based consultative services, patented technology supports vPayment settlement tool, comprehensive Web-based reporting and self-service tools, customized payment solutions.

Global eProcure (Short Hills, NJ, 1999). Empl.: 100 (+30%); custs.: 60 (+30%); impl.: 3 wks; train.: 2 wks; payback: 1 wk; svcs.: 30%. Key custs.: Amtrak, First Data, UNICOR (Department of Justice).
Key Problems Solved: Helped companies get a better handle on their line-item spend, prioritize opportunities, help them negotiate better terms with supplier and assist on implementation of contracts and compliance.
Key Differentiators: Full Service commodity experts, management prior experience from companies such as AT Kearney and Accenture, reasonable price, focus on savings and services

Global eXchange Services (Gaithersburg, MD, 1965). Empl.: 1,561 (+7%); custs.: 34,000 (-7%); impl.: 12 wks; train.: 1 wk; payback: 3-6 mnths; svcs.: 15%. Key custs.: Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, ChinaECNet.
Key Problems Solved: Optimizes the rapid, reliable exchange of business-critical information among global supply chain partners to maximize profitability, reduce costs and expedite product time-to-market.
Key Differentiators: With 35 years experience, GXS operates one of the world's largest B2B e-commerce networks and offers a comprehensive services/software portfolio that enables transactions, integration and collaboration.

GT Nexus (Alameda, CA, 1998). Empl.: 85 (+10%); custs.: >60 (+25%); impl.: 12-26 wks; train.: 1-2 wks; payback: 6-18 mnths; svcs.: N/R. Key custs.: Xerox, The Home Depot, APL Logistics.
Key Problems Solved: A single control and visibility system, delivered over the Web, for global order and inventory management, control of transportation spend, shipment planning and optimization, supply chain execution, and performance analytics.
Key Differentiators: Functional software applications for global logistics combined with a pre-wired integration infrastructure and consolidated data store for total control of global supply chain operations delivered over the Web in a low-risk, low-cost software-as-a-service model.

HighJump Software (Eden Prairie, MN, 1983, public). Empl.: 186 (+15%); revs: N/R (+31%); custs.: 700+ (+65); impl.: 12 wks; train.: 4 wks; payback: 12 mnths; svcs.: 1:1. Key custs.: Verizon, Circuit City, Starbucks.
Key Problems Solved: Reduce manufacturing and distribution costs, optimize inventory flow, provide supply chain-wide visibility, strengthen collaboration with trading partners, meet compliance mandates, adapt to changing environment.
Key Differentiators: Offers the industry's lowest total cost of ownership through robust, standard functionality; unmatched adaptability; fast, measurable ROI; and complete integration of solutions.

Hitachi Consulting (Dallas, TX, 2000). Empl.: 790 (+0%); custs.: 119; impl.: 20-24 wks; train.: 4-8 wks; payback: 12-36 wks; svcs.: 1.5-2.0x. Key custs.: Avocent, Aviall, Viking Range.
Key Problems Solved: Partners with clients to implement practical technology solutions and key business strategies that align their business processes and requirements with IT capabilities.
Key Differentiators: Manufacturing and distribution is company's core competency. Consultants, averaging 10+ years experience, are committed to delivering measurable results and transferring knowledge.

Iasta (Carmel, IN, 2000). Custs.: 54 (+63%); impl.: Key Problems Solved: Provides cost effective e-sourcing solutions with more robust functionality and extremely rapid deployment. Primary functions include: auctions, RFx, decision analysis.
Key Differentiators: The most common differentiators from feedback of customers, prospects and analysts is that ease of use and pricing are far superior to anything else available.