September 22, 2000 -- UPS has launched an e-logistics service aimed at companies looking to deploy an all-in-one supply chain management programme for e- business.
The new division aims to cover all activities from the point an order is placed on a website, including warehousing and inventory managment, order fulfilment, inbound and outbound transportation, returns management, call centre functions and management reporting.
It has been designed with three key partners: Oracle, PwC and EXE Technologies. As a partnership of this type, it is the first company to be launched by UPS's e-Ventures incubator division.
Oracle is providing enterprise resource planning, order management, and advanced planning and scheduling technologies.
PwC (formerly Pricewaterhouse Coopers) is handling overall systems integration and project management. EXE is delivering the warehouse and fulfilment software based around its EXceed e-fulfilment system, as well as some third party logistics.
Don Klaiss, Oracle's senior vice-president of manufacturing applications development, said: "Many e-businesses focus on the front- end - the business plan, website and products - but as recent dot.com failures have demonstrated, there exists a fundamental need for a strong back-end logistics provider."
The UPS e-Logistics operation is targeting the business-to- business market, including taking over logistics from existing online operations as well as start-ups.
Harvey Rickles, general manager of the venture, said: "This project allows clients to focus on their core competencies, so they can quickly launch and then grow with confidence, knowing the technology and services are ready now and in the future as e-business needs change.
"If a company has a product and website, we'll handle the rest."
Source: Electronic Times
