Cloud-Based Solution Collaboratively Brings Together Retailers, Suppliers, Logistics Services Providers and Brokers to Manage the Flow of Goods Across the Retail Community
NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Retail Federation (NRF) 100th Annual Convention & EXPO Convention -- Today, Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) unveiled its breakthrough logistics flow control solution, delivered in a federated network, that addresses the challenges associated with managing the flow of goods for retailers and their supply chain partners.
For the first time, this cloud-based solution which is specifically designed to address the post-purchase order process for retailers, combines multiple logistics capabilities, including global trade compliance; inventory and purchase order visibility; transportation management; and yard and dock-door flow control of distribution center operations, all over Descartes' federated Global Logistics Network.
Logistics flow control is a complex process that involves collaboration between multiple parties, including the retailer and its suppliers; the transportation providers of the retailer and its suppliers; and the customs house brokers, consolidators and freight forwarders of the retailer and its suppliers. The retailer's internal processes also require close coordination between its merchandising operations and distribution centers worldwide. Current logistics and global trade compliance systems across these communities are often not well integrated or designed to collaborate across all of the necessary parties involved. Without a network-based approach, information ends up being neither timely nor comprehensive. As a result, retailers are forced to carry more inventory than required, are less reactive to consumer demand and pay excess importation fees or even fines.
In order for a retailer and its partners to efficiently and effectively control the logistics flow post-purchase order, they need a solution that connects, collaborates and manages the suppliers, logistics services providers and customs house brokers involved with moving and clearing the goods, regardless of whether the operations are managed by the retailer or supplier. Descartes' new logistics flow control solution uses Global Logistics Network connect and collaborate between these parties, while combining global trade compliance, transportation management, visibility, dock-door appointment scheduling and yard management capabilities to manage the flow of goods from supplier to retail dock-door, regardless of transportation mode.
"We're fortunate that our federated network membership includes leading pharmaceutical, general merchandise, apparel, accessories and home furnishings retailers. By working closely with them, we created a comprehensive solution for the benefit of all members of our network federation, which can be rapidly implemented and dramatically lowers the total cost of systems ownership," said Art Mesher CEO at Descartes. "These benefits are achievable through this breakthrough logistics flow control solution because it standardizes a complex multi-party process, leverages Descartes' existing network of retailers, suppliers, customs house brokers and logistics services providers, and is delivered through cloud-based technology. Our customers' results to-date have exceeded our expectations and we're honored that they've chosen to standardize on our platform and roll-out across their enterprises globally."
To provide this extensible and scalable service, Descartes leveraged Microsoft technologies that can allow tens of thousands of users across thousands of companies in its federated community to use cloud-based capabilities to successfully manage hundreds of thousands of purchase orders and shipments, and billions of dollars of inventory. The service is easily accessible by the GLN community from simple browser-based Microsoft-based mobile devices. The "backbone" of the service is the Descartes Global Logistics Network, built on Microsoft technology, which processes billions of transactions annually and currently connects over 35,000 global trading partners and regulatory agencies, allowing retailers to easily and electronically connect and reliably exchange information with their business partners.
For more information about Descartes Logistics Solutions for Retailers and federated logistics platform visit Descartes' representatives at the NRF 100th Annual Convention & EXPO Convention at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from January 10 to 12 at the Microsoft Booth #836.
About Descartes
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) is the premier provider of Global Trade Compliance, Supply Chain Execution and Mobile Resource Management services. Descartes' Global Logistics Network (GLN) unites global businesses and trading partners, allowing them to collaborate in a cost effective way and maximize productivity and efficiency. Trading partners that connect to the GLN join Descartes' Federated Network, the world's most extensive multi-modal business network with over 35,000 trading partners connected, including ground carriers, airlines, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, third-party providers of logistics services customs house brokers, freight payment agencies, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, mobile services providers and regulatory agencies. Descartes is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and has offices in North America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. More information and industry updates are available at http://www.descartes.com and http://blog.descartes.com.
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This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.