Minneapolis January 22, 2003 Pitney Bowes Distribution Solutions (PBDS), a division of Pitney Bowes Inc., has announced an alliance with Supplier Systems Corporation of McHenry, Ill., to help manufacturers and distributors of consumer package goods (CPG) comply with retailers' bar code labeling and notification requirements.
According to the companies, the alliance will connect users of Pitney Bowes' PB TMS Enterprise Web-based transportation management system with Supplier Systems' family of retail compliance and pack verification solutions, known as 856Express.
The companies cited major retailers that are requiring their suppliers to apply bar coded identification labels to cartons or pallets and transmit, via electronic data interchange (EDI) an advance shipment notice (ASN) data file for each shipment. Failure to comply can result in rejected shipments, stiff fines for noncompliance and, possibly, the end of the suppliers' relationship with the retailer.
"By joining forces with Pitney Bowes, we're creating the most cost-effective and easy way for commercial shippers to pack, verify, label and ship their products without making costly errors," said Mike Devlin, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Supplier Systems. "The alliance lets each of us focus on what we do best, while delivering a comprehensive solution to customers."
Fifteen to 20 percent of all retailers, including Wal-Mart and Target, now have specific labeling, bar coding and notification requirements. The Pitney Bowes-Supplier Systems alliance was launched with a joint installation at Minnesota-based InSTEP, LLC, which sells strollers, joggers and bike trailers through retail outlets around the country. InSTEP, a long-time Pitney Bowes customer, uses PB TMS to manage its retail shipments.
"This first joint installation proved the compatibility of our products, processes, and a shared commitment to deliver exceptional value to our customers," Koopmans said. "We are delighted with this alliance."
