ClearOrbit Unveils Enhancements to Enterprise Returns Management Solution to Reduce Manufacturers' Operating Costs & Uncover New Profit Sources.

- Features Improved Configurability and Visibility to Extend SAP & Oracle Through Reverse Logistics Process Automation -

AUSTIN, Texas -- ClearOrbit (www.clearorbit.com), the leading provider of real-time supply chain execution and reverse logistics solutions, today announced the release of version 4.1 of the company's web-based, end-to-end Enterprise Returns Management[TM] (ERM[TM]) solution. ClearOrbit ERM 4.1, which automates returns processes for medical device, high-tech and industrial manufacturers, features improved functionality, unprecedented configurability and a new Returns Dashboard[TM] for real-time visibility. With these capabilities, ERM 4.1 manages the entire returns lifecycle, from return merchandise authorization (RMA) creation to final product disposition, enabling the recovery of inventory and dollars lost to inefficient returns management operations. With ERM 4.1, companies can improve bottom-line performance by capitalizing on revenue-generating, cost-reducing opportunities never before realized within their returns operations.

"Best-in-class companies are increasingly seeing returns management automation as a means to improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs and uncover new profit sources," said Warren Sumner, ClearOrbit's vice president of marketing and products. "These companies are re-engineering reverse logistics for cost efficiencies and capturing a higher percentage of initial value from returned products and parts."

A recent Aberdeen Group report entitled "Revisiting Reverse Logistics in the Customer-Centric Service Chain" identifies reverse logistics as a rapidly emerging core driver of competitive advantage and financial performance among leading manufacturers. The report, which estimates overall reverse logistics costs at $100 billion annually in the U.S., further states that optimizing reverse logistics operations can yield increases in customer loyalty and retention, boost revenue, and improve product uptime and quality. "ERM offers an expansive breadth of returns management functionality," said Jeff O'Neill, Supply Chain Research Analyst, Aberdeen Group. "ClearOrbit's end-to-end approach - from initial point of return, through warehouse activities, and back out to market - differentiates it from many of the other market alternatives, which tend to be more facility centric."

ClearOrbit's ERM 4.1 leverages the value companies have invested in their existing SAP or Oracle enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, customer relationship management, and warehouse management systems, extending those capabilities for end-to-end management of reverse product flows and disposition. Improved and added features in ClearOrbit ERM 4.1 include:

* Route Module - ensures items are routed directly to the proper destination, such as a local repair depot, original manufacturer, or parts warehouse, reducing transportation and inventory costs;

* Smart Receiving[TM] - automates scanning of returned items, ensuring linkage to the original RMA; supports dynamic barcode/radio-frequency identification (RFID) label generation and integration to existing trading partner systems;

* DynaFields[TM] - captures information based on fully configurable rules that direct the disposition of return units; and

* Returns Dashboard[TM] -provides all users with real-time visibility into the entire returns management process; features ad hoc reporting and key performance indicator tracking.

ClearOrbit ERM 4.1 is available immediately; for more information, visit www.clearorbit.com/ReturnsMgmt.php, email [e-mail] or call 800.324.5143.

About ClearOrbit

ClearOrbit's real-time supply chain execution and returns management solutions improve the speed, visibility, and control of extended manufacturing and distribution supply chains. Since 1994, Austin, TX-based ClearOrbit has assisted more than 275 clients in automating and controlling process execution within their extended supply networks. ClearOrbit delivers on the promise of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as those provided by SAP and Oracle with fully integrated bar code label management & printing, mobile applications, collaboration and returns management solutions that address "last mile functionality" issues while complementing the existing infrastructure. ClearOrbit customers include market leaders such as Alcoa, Canon, Cisco, GE and Motorola. For more information, visit www.clearorbit.com.