CFT Consulting makes Y2K Impact Presentation to FIA Board of Directors.

SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 1999--

-- Ken Lester helps Footwear Industry leaders prepare

for global impact --

CFT Consulting, Inc. (CFT), a retail and supply-chain management consulting firm based in Sarasota, Florida, announced today that Ken Lester, Senior Manager - Sales at CFT, made a formal presentation on the Y2K problem to the Footwear Industries of America's (FIA) Board of Directors, on January 9, 1999. The 50 member FIA board was presented with a focused picture of the perceived Y2K impact on the footwear supply chain, including an overall report on the industry's state of readiness; specific Y2K-related system problems; internal, external, and global challenges; and the potential effect of unpreparedness involving associated communication, transportation, and utilities within the infrastructure.

"The good news is that domestic footwear manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers are already addressing Y2K mainframe issues," said Ken Lester. "Unfortunately, many of these same businesses don't realize that they are likely to be adversely affected by global unpreparedness. What they need to do is broaden their perspective and produce contingency plans that will allow them to anticipate and prioritize."

Phil Suraci, Vice President of Footwear Industries of America, agrees. "The footwear industry has become such a global, technology dependent business in recent years," Suraci said. "Along with the benefits this has produced for the industry, we must now also understand and prepare for the potential impact of the Y2K problem throughout our entire supply chain."

The global problem really focuses on areas such as Mexico, Brazil, and Asia where much of the footwear originates. These areas are expected to have at least a 35 percent failure in their infrastructure systems that could affect communications, production, and/or the transportation of goods. Does this mean the footwear business will come to an end?

"Absolutely not," said Lester. "But it does mean that the handling of goods will be slowed for a while and that means backlogs on the docks and problems with customs both here and abroad. It also means that those who fail to prepare for such contingencies might find themselves with an unplanned inventory and a bottom line that is also unanticipated."

About CFT Consulting, Inc.

CFT Consulting, Inc., offers a unique source to retailers and their supply chain partners for identifying, implementing, and managing effective information technology and business processes. CFT serves national and international clients as a full-service management and technology resource. CFT is a Lotus Premium Business Partner, member of the Lotus Technical Roundtable, Microsoft Solutions Provider, and IBM Best Team partner.