Container Advantage From HighJump Software Empowers Companies to Intelligently Build Cartons, Pallets, Trailers and Ocean Containers.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2004

- Graphical WMS Add-On Module Reduces Distribution and Transportation Costs; Enables Users to Build Customer-Specific Cartons

and Pallets -

HighJump Software, a 3M company, the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, has solved one of the logistics industry's most challenging problems with its Container Advantage solution. This Web-based application enables companies to optimally build cartons, pallets, trailers and ocean containers as part of distribution processes, thereby reducing operating and transportation costs, significantly decreasing product damage, and simplifying the process of building customer-specific cartons and pallets. Container Advantage is available as a component of HighJump's industry-leading warehouse management system, Warehouse Advantage.

The need to intelligently build containers has never been greater for most companies. Order profile changes have created more split-case and full-case shipments, requiring greater precision in carton and pallet builds. Increased emphasis on "the perfect order" is driving many companies to focus on reduction of product damage in shipping, which often occurs from poorly built pallets and trailers. More and more companies, especially retailers, are requiring vendors to follow specific rules for building cartons and pallets, and in some cases, ship store-ready or even aisle-ready pallets.

HighJump's Container Advantage, the first comprehensive container optimization solution in the SCE industry, provides a complete set of capabilities that empower companies to meet these and other operating challenges involved in container planning. Key features of the solution include:

-- Powerful, rules-based engine enables users to easily define

specific processing rules by type of container, SKU, customer,

etc.

-- 3-D, graphical views of optimal container builds make it easy

for operators to execute recommended container plans.

-- Fully Web-enabled architecture helps ensure fast, easy

deployment.

-- Full support within HighJump's warehouse management solution

helps ensure optimal container builds are fully integrated

into order picking and trailer loading processes.

-- Multiple open integration points enable easy integration with

other distribution systems as required (e.g., parcel

manifesting).

The solution will meet the needs of many different types of companies, including those with the following challenges:

-- Heavy split-case picking requirements

-- Automation/sortation systems that impose pallet-building

constraints 

-- Consumer goods companies that must meet retailer requirements

for cartonization or store/aisle-ready pallets

-- Cartons that differ significantly in weight, which can cause

damage if not stacked intelligently on the pallet

-- Challenging trailer-building requirements

"Optimization of container builds in distribution across cartons, pallets and trailers is becoming increasingly important given growing complexity in shipping requirements and the need to reduce fulfillment and transportation costs," said Dwight Klappich, vice president, META Group. "Vendors adding container planning capabilities as an extension of their warehouse management systems will become even more critical over the next few years as customer mandates and shipping efficiency demands increase."

"Companies are increasingly looking for tools that will help them optimize distribution performance," said Chris Heim, president, HighJump Software. "We are the first supply chain execution company to deliver a fully graphical optimization tool integrated with WMS to intelligently build containers at all levels."

Container Advantage is currently being used by HighJump customers such as Fingerhut, Verizon, and GSA.

About HighJump Software, a 3M Company

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality, a best practices-based implementation methodology, and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: the industry's lowest total cost of ownership for more than 700 satisfied customers worldwide. As part of the 3M family, HighJump leads the industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers. For more information about HighJump, visit www.highjump.com.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command, Dyneon, HighJump Software, Container Advantage and Warehouse Advantage are trademarks of 3M.