100th customer marks success of Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management Solution for Microsoft platform

Leading supply chain solutions provider, Manhattan Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH), celebrates 100 Warehouse Management solution for Windows customers. This solution uses the Microsoft .NET and Windows environment. First introduced in the U.S. in 2000, the solutions customer base has grown 25% since last year and has increased in the number of go-lives by 45%, with a total of more than 150 active sites across 14 countries. True to its original intent, this flexible Windows-based solution helps answer small- to medium-size businesses need for a warehouse management solution that can provide ease of use and rapid deployment within a limited budget.

BCA, Britains biggest mail order bookseller, is using Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management Solution for Windows at its 190,000 sq ft distribution center in Swindon, UK. The solution is being used to automate warehouse throughput, staff productivity, inventory control and replenishment. It also links directly into the companys SAP system to provide a more effective end-to-end supply chain. Manhattan Associates solution enables us to efficiently manage our distribution requirements which can in peak times exceed 40,000 orders or 300,000 items per day, said Christoph Luechow, chief information officer at BCA. In addition, our IT costs have been significantly reduced since implementing the new warehouse management solution.

The first customer to deploy Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management solution for Windows was Sportif USA, a leading manufacturer of apparel designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Distributing to retailers and directly to consumers, the company has used the solution for more than four years. The solution has been an asset to our operations, remarked Mike Youngblood, vice president of IT at Sportif. Its integration with our ERP system significantly reduced our manual processes so that our business could grow without the need for additional staff. Increased inventory accuracy and EDI compliance were other main benefits.

Home textiles distributor Revman Industries implemented Manhattan Associates solution in December 2004. Through August of 2005, we have realised a reduction in labor of approximately 22%, while sales have increased approximately 8% during that same time frame, said Brad Lyon, director of logistics at Revman. The Windows solution has provided us with greater flexibility in how we set up and operate our distribution center. Efficiency gains have not been restricted to the warehouse floor, however. We have also realised improvements in our administration office through improved access of detailed information and reporting capabilities."

From the beginning, I felt like we were in good hands with Manhattan Associates, added Paula Lareau, vice president of administration at Revman. The plan for implementation was thorough and detailed. We were able to follow it all the way to go-live and had a nearly flawless implementation. Manhattan Associates has a great solution and terrific implementation support.

Logistics service provider, Marketing Services by Vectra, Inc., adds value to businesses marketing efforts by significantly increasing efficiencies in management, production and distribution of marketing and operational support materials. The company experienced increased savings and performance after implementing Manhattan Associates solution. With the help of Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management solution, Vectra achieved increased efficiencies in order entry, receiving, inventory control and pick/pack operations, noted Randy Moziejko, distribution manager at Vectra. We also realised significant improvements in the areas of inventory accuracy and replenishment.

Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management solutionalso sold by Microsofts channel partners through its brand name Microsoft Business SolutionsAxapta offers industry-specific warehouse management capabilities with integrated transportation, radio frequency and RFID functionality for all aspects of distribution center operations. Its automated installation tools, flexible system setup, scalability, upgradeability and ability to be rapidly deployed provide companies with an easy-to-use solution that will grow with their businesses, offering a lower total cost of ownership. Continued enhancements have brought richer functionality in serial number tracking, expanded Web Services, labor tracking, performance management and reporting. Its Microsoft Windows look and feel provides users with instant familiarity.

Manhattan Associates continues to aggressively leverage and invest in long-term solution and technology strategies for the Microsoft .NET platform, said Eddie Capel, Manhattan Associates senior vice president, product management. The Warehouse Management solution for Windows is specifically designed with the end user in mind to help small- to mid-size companies meet their unique challenges. More and more, companies are looking for the scope of an enterprise warehouse management solution at a price they can afford. With self-installing upgrades, the Warehouse Management solution for Windows can help reduce long-term costs as well.