OPTUM Software signs agreement to automate Anixter warehouse facilities; MOVE WMS to help reduce costs and improve customer service

Business Wire, April 2, 1997

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 1997--OPTUM Software, the leading Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) software company, Wednesday announced that it has signed a contract to install MOVE(tm), its fully user-configurable WMS solution, to automate warehouse operations of Anixter Inc.

Anixter is an international distributor of wire, cable communications, and networking products and services for voice, video, and power applications. The company also offers system integration, vendor/customer programs, and a host of cable services to 60,000 customers worldwide.

MOVE will be installed in Anixter's two regional facilities beginning with the first in Reno, Nev., and the second in Memphis, Tenn. The MOVE installation will support assemble-to-order, configure-to-order, and cable cutting functionality that are critical to the successful performance of a manufacturing/distribution operation such as Anixter's.

As a part of its postponed assembly strategy, Anixter stores components and cable products within the same facility, giving the company the ability to assemble bulk components from various vendors per client specific requirements.

A configure-to-order shipment might include the assembly of several racks containing networking gear such as LAN hubs and connectors. With MOVE, Anixter gains the ability to configure this type of order on a case by case basis. In addition, MOVE's cable cutting feature will assist in Anixter's reeling function which tailors exact measurements of cable for customers.

Said Mike Chanenchuk, vice president of Worldwide Best Practices at Anixter, "The objectives for installing a system such as MOVE are clear. Our company's goal is to increase inventory accuracy to above 99%, to raise shipping accuracy to 99.9%, and to improve productivity by 25%."

"OPTUM Software's MOVE was our number one choice because it is user-configurable and flexible. OPTUM's strong electronics customer base also affected our decision," said Chanenchuk. "Competitively speaking MOVE will help us reduce distribution costs and enhance our ability to respond to customer specific requirements."

Said Boris Reznik, chief executive officer at OPTUM, "OPTUM Software prides itself on being the leader among warehouse management providers in the electronics industry. Being selected by an electronics leader such as Anixter is a clear indicator of our solution's fit for this industry where change is the only constant."

About MOVE

MOVE is a client/server Warehouse Management System that allows business rules to be configured for each distribution center's unique operations. Based upon a "best practice" approach, MOVE operates the warehouse efficiently, analyzes the results, and continuously optimizes operations by allowing managers to reconfigure the rules and processes directing the operational flows.

MOVE supports material handling equipment interfaces, cross-docking, task planning, productivity management, real-time labor forecasting, and scheduling among other features. Designed to operate in open systems environments, MOVE utilizes client/server object-oriented architecture in addition to using bar-coding and radio frequency (RF) equipment.

MOVE also supports OPTUM/Image(tm), the industry's only integrated imaging/WMS solution. OPTUM/Image is a full-featured document image solution providing the ability to manage (scan, index, retrieve) documents in the warehouse and throughout the supply chain.

About Anixter

Through its 40 warehouses located around the globe, Anixter distributes over 50,000 part numbers and does business with several major supplier vendors including: IBM, AT&T, Belden, 3COM, Northern Telecom, Lucent, Bay Networks, and AMP. Anixter Inc. has headquarters at 4711 Golf Rd., Skokie, Ill. 60076. For more information, call 847/677-2600 or fax 847/715-7624. Also visit Anixter's homepage at www.anixter.com .

About OPTUM Software

OPTUM Software develops products to optimize the logistics execution functions throughout the supply chain. OPTUM's advanced software products provide real-time control of material and information flows throughout warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution. OPTUM partners with clients to implement solutions that continuously adapt to the ever-changing needs of a dynamic business environment.

OPTUM Software is located at 3330 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626. For more information, call 714/557-9050/fax 714/557-9056. Visit OPTUM's home page at http://optum.com .

CONTACT: OPTUM Software, Costa Mesa

John Davies or Angela Burrell

714/557-9050

or

Anixter Inc.

Mike Chanenchuk

847/715-2041