MIAMI, Jan. 28, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's a perfect storm of new regulatory requirements for the retail and apparel industry: the 10+2 Importer Security Filing (ISF) requirements took effect this week, followed by the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations on Feb. 10, 2009. Apparel and footwear brands and retailers, who have already slashed jobs in response to the weak economy, must now meet these burdensome, labor-intensive regulations with far fewer people. For an industry that is struggling to respond, however, NGC(r) (New Generation Computing(r)) has an answer: enterprise-wide, web-based strategic solutions that can help companies collect, maintain and share the information that is needed for 10+2 and CPSIA.
The 10+2 requirements, formally known as the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements, mandates that companies transmit an Importer Security Filing that contains 10 data elements with extensive information, 24 hours before goods are loaded on a U.S. bound vessel. The CPSIA regulations establish new product safety and testing guidelines for children's products, along with footwear and apparel. Manufacturers must have certified test results to prove that their goods comply with CPSIA -- or the products must be pulled from retailer shelves and destroyed -- "a nightmare scenario," according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
NGC's e-PLM for Product Lifecycle Management and e-SPS for Global Sourcing and Visibility are an ideal tool for retail, apparel, footwear and fashion companies that must now collect and maintain data to support these stringent requirements. NGC's web-based, enterprise systems connect global trading partners throughout the global supply chain, allowing companies to:
* Collect, maintain and manage information needed for 10+2 ISF filings * Share the 10+2 information with those transmitting the ISF * Issue alerts throughout the supply chain regarding 10+2 records and CPSIA test results * Notify import managers with the 10+2 details of each shipment * Share information throughout the supply chain on CPSIA testing
e-PLM and e-SPS cover every step of the complex design/production process - from design concept through sourcing and product quality, to receipt at the DC -- with a web-based solution that centralizes information, enhances collaboration, and streamlines workflows. The information for both 10+2 and CPSIA certification is collected in e-PLM and e-SPS, helping companies to more easily meet the new regulations without adding lengthy delays to the product lifecycle or hiring additional staff.
"NGC is proud to take a leadership role in helping our customers manage the complex information that is required for 10+2 and CPSIA regulations," said Mark Burstein, vice president, NGC. "Our software solutions can help ease the burden of meeting these regulations while also helping companies improve gross margins, lower their costs and streamline operations - the keys to not only surviving but gaining market share in today's turbulent economy."
About New Generation Computing
NGC delivers fast, proven ROI. Every day, the industry's best brands and retailers increase gross margins, reduce the cost of goods sold, and improve speed to market and product quality with NGC software.
NGC's SQL Series is a comprehensive suite of integrated, end-to-end solutions for PLM (e-PLM(r)), Global Sourcing (e-SPS(r)) and ERP (RedHorse(r)). NGC received the highest possible ranking in a leading analyst firm's 2008 report on PLM for apparel and footwear and was recognized as a top 100 supply chain and logistics company in 2008 by both Inbound Logistics and Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies. It's no wonder that VF Corporation(r), AX Armani Exchange(r), Carter's(r), Casual Male Retail Group(r), Maggy London, R.G. Barry, Hugo Boss(r), Dick's Sporting Goods, Isda & Co., Tristan & America(r), Parigi Group and many other leading companies rely on NGC.
NGC has offices in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, China, India, Mexico and El Salvador and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Software Inc. (Nasdaq:AMSWA). For more information, visit www.ngcsoftware.com.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by statements made herein. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, technology and the market for the Company's products and services, including economic conditions within the e-commerce markets; the timely availability and market acceptance of these products and services; the Company's ability to satisfy in a timely manner all SEC required filings and the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations adopted under that Section; the challenges and risks associated with integration of acquired product lines and companies; the effect of competitive products and pricing; the uncertainty of the viability and effectiveness of strategic alliances; and the irregular pattern of the Company's revenues. For further information about risks the Company could experience as well as other information, please refer to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2008 and other reports and documents subsequently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, contact: Vincent C. Klinges, Chief Financial Officer, American Software, Inc., (404) 264-5477 or fax: (404) 237-8868.