from DSSResources.comLeading retailer in South America turns to Provia's Latin American partner for streamlined supply chain operationsGRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 6, 2005 -- Provia Software, a leading provider of order-to-delivery supply chain execution software, announced today that Tecsys Latin America (TLA), a regional provider of globally recognized integrated logistics solutions for optimizing the business supply chain and dedicated partner for Provia's Supply Chain Execution solutions in Latin America, has been selected by Almacenes Exito S.A., the largest retailer in Spanish Speaking South America, to implement Provia's ViaWare suite of Products. Almacenes Exito will implement Provia's ViaWare warehouse management software (WMS), yard management software (YMS) and ViaView visibility solution at 12 Almacenes Exito distribution centers throughout the region. Upon implementation, over 900 users will be using the Provia solutions. Almacenes Exito manages a chain of 95 retail outlets in 31 cities in Colombia, including operations in other countries. Many of these outlets are 'superstore' formats including everything from grocery products, to clothing, personal care and household products. The company manages over 100,000 SKUs and employs over 19,000 people. With over US$1.6 billion in annual revenue, Almacenes Exito has embarked on various projects in order to support the company's vision to maintain its leadership position through increased competitiveness. The logistics area is viewed as a fundamental in providing millions of consumers with the highest quality product at the best possible price. In this regard, Provia's supply chain execution suite was selected to improve Almacenes Exito's technology infrastructure and optimize its warehousing and transportation processes. Due to its growing Latin American client base of over 60 sites using Provia solutions through Tecsys Latin America, companies in the region are in a unique position of having two companies to address their supply chain needs. The innovative solutions TLA and Provia collaboratively offer are designed to improve distribution, storage, logistics and transportation. The two companies have been working together for over five years to bring best-of- breed logistics solutions to manufacturers, retailers, distributors and 3PLs in Latin America. "In the competitive retail market, companies such as Exito have to find a way to make their supply chains faster and more efficient," said Brent Forden, Alliances manager for Provia Software. "With Provia's ViaWare Supply Chain Execution solutions, Almacenes Exito will be able to successfully address the complexity of charge backs and create a competitive edge in the vertical retail market. We look forward to working with Almacenes Exito well into the future." "For Almacenes Exito, this is a key step in the modernization of our processes to attain improved efficiency in logistics and higher service levels to our stores," said Luis Alberto Gil, Logistics Manager of Almacenes Exito. "Tecsys Latin America, from a provider and solution perspective, complied with our current and future requirements. The integrated solution will cover the operations of our distribution centers, cross docking platforms, planning and optimization of transportation, and advanced productivity management of our logistics network through visibility and key performance indicators." In adding Almacenes Exito to the list of customers using the Tecsys Latin America implementation team, Provia is furthering its position as the "Solution of Choice" for South American retailers, manufacturers and distributors. "The combined cultures of TLA and Provia work well together, as we both have a strong commitment to client success," said Gregor Nassief, President of Tecsys Latin America. "Through our unique relationship as well as our strong product offering, we are able to help our customers improve inventory and order accuracy, reduce order cycle times and increase labor productivity." About Almacenes Exito S.A. - One of Latin America's largest retailers, Almacenes Exito manages a chain of 95 retail outlets in 31 cities in Colombia, including operations in other countries. Many of these outlets are 'superstore' formats including everything from grocery products, to clothing, personal care and household products. The company manages over 100,000 SKUs and employs over 19,000 people. Over 140 million persons pass through their stores each year. About Provia Software - With over 500 global installations, Provia Software delivers The Power of Delivery(TM) for such customers as Menlo Worldwide, Spencer Gifts, VersaCold, Gillette, Total Logistic Control, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, and Lanier Worldwide. Provia's supply chain execution solutions include RFID-enabled warehousing, transportation, order and yard management products seamlessly integrated together with web-based visibility tools to create a real-time, end to end supply chain execution solution that creates a competitive advantage for clients and their customers. For more information on Provia, visit http://www.provia.com or call toll-free 1-877-PROVIA1 (1-877-776-8421). |