Press Releases
Latest news about One Network Enterprises
April 26, 2005
New Retail Consortium Defining Standards for Logistics Processes
Retailers, suppliers and carriers collaborate on workflow, process and data standards; begin with appointment scheduling at distribution centers
Dallas, TX, USA (26 April 2005) — A new consortium of retailers, suppliers and carriers is defining standard processes to streamline the flow of goods from suppliers through distribution centers to stores. The ONE Retail™ Standards Board, announced by value network services provider One Network Enterprises (ONE), comprises industry leading retailers, including Publix and Safeway; transportation service providers Marten Transport and Werner Enterprises, and top Consumer Packaged Goods companies.
This consortium marks the first formal collaboration of retailers, suppliers and carriers in an effort to standardize key logistics activities such as appointment scheduling at distribution centers (DCs). Dispatchers currently spend 15% to 50% of each workday scheduling appointments by phone or fax, leaving messages and waiting on hold. The consortium’s Web-based appointment scheduling process allows suppliers and carriers to log on to a retailer’s network hub, request appointments, and get immediate responses.
“One Network was the obvious choice as the technology platform on which to define standards for multi-company processes because of the number of suppliers, retailers and carriers who have already adopted this network,” said Greg Brady, CEO of One Network Enterprises. A number of top retailers have created ONE Retail™ value network hubs, connecting to more than 1000 suppliers and carriers, using infrastructure and Web applications hosted by One Network Enterprises.
Suppliers and carriers use the same standardized tools and processes to work with any retailer on the network, greatly improving their efficiency. Additional retailers can create new ONE Retail hubs and gain instant access to a wealth of suppliers and carriers already trained in and using One Network tools and processes. Carriers can coordinate pick up and delivery schedules because both processes are done using the same network and tools.
Because suppliers, retailers and carriers share the new appointment scheduling process on the same network, all partners gain new visibility to vendor-controlled freight as well retailer-controlled freight. This provides 100% visibility of freight and associated orders in the pipeline, from the supplier to the yard and through the DC. Combined with Web applications for Intelligent Execution Management, this enables rapid detection and resolution of potential supply chain disruptions by procurement, customer service, distribution, transportation, and inventory management.
The process defined by the ONE Retail Standards Board includes automatic prioritization of orders and shipments based on demand, and the ability to balance that with inbound capacity. This capability, unique to One Network, allows companies to:
- improve productivity for dispatchers, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities
- cut carrier dwell time and related carrier accessorial charges
- improve carrier relations and ensure capacity, despite HOS regulations and driver shortages
- improve capacity planning and workforce scheduling
- reduce store stock-outs and improve customer fill rates through better prioritization and execution
- provide buyers, customer service reps, logistics operations, and inventory analysts a time-phased view of capacity constraints to improve buying, available-to-ship, and delivery commitments.
Because all order volume goes through the appointment scheduling process, companies can also automate and improve their vendor, carrier and internal score carding using this process. Measurements can include order target delivery date vs. appointment, on-time delivery, carrier dwell time, number of rescheduled appointments, and order quantity changes.
The technology and process lays the groundwork for future automated appointment scheduling using Web services.
About One Network Enterprises, Inc
One Network Enterprises is a technology innovator and pioneer of the Business Process Network market. The company delivers a network-centric, process-driven solution, including a powerful software architecture for managing multi-enterprise operation processes; robust replenishment, supply and service templates; and leading-edge mobile/RFID devices. The solution is delivered via an on-demand network to over 1200 customers and manages over $100 billion a year in annual retail trade. One Network is based in Dallas, Texas and has offices in the United States and Europe. For more information, please call +1 972-385-8630 or visit www.onenetwork.com.