Neopost Logistics Systems to Demonstrate iLS.X, a New Modular Suite of Web-Enabled Logistics Applications, at the Parcel Logistics Expo

Business Wire, Oct 3, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2000

Neopost Logistics Systems

Places Virtual Shipping Room on the Desktop

Neopost Logistics Systems, a division of the Neopost Group, a worldwide leading provider of mailing, addressing, document handling and logistics systems, will demonstrate its new iLS.X(TM) family of web-enabled Internet and Intranet-based logistics solutions at booth 652 at the Parcel Logistics Expo, October 3-5 at the Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.

The iLS.X applications are designed to help businesses gain control of their shipping and mailing operations. They are the result of more than one year of development, and incorporate in a new medium over 20 years of Neopost multi-carrier rating, manifesting, labeling, and integration technologies. iLS.X(TM) consists of a suite of products, which offer enterprise-wide shipping management, outbound logistics, tracking, and departmental budgeting solutions operating from a central server. Companies are now able to combine various functionalities to create their own customized Virtual Shipping Room at each employee's, customer's, or business partner's desk.

"The Internet's ability to provide online access to daily transactions is rapidly changing today's business landscape," explains Jean Weber, vice president of Neopost Logistics Systems Division. "The web-based iLS.X(TM) technology is a strategic addition to our shipping management and logistics solutions offering, contributing to Neopost's position as an industry leader in technology innovation to meet shippers' growing needs."

The iLS.X(TM) family starts with five key functional modules, each with a suite of application-specific capabilities accessible via a browser on individual desktop computers:

iLS.FORM(TM): This allows users to access an electronic form document on their own desktop computer screen, enter a ship-to address and pick from a limited range of time-specific shipping options. Using a Neopost manifesting system, the mailroom operator can automatically access the information from the form file and process the parcel per the instructions.

iLS.RATE(TM): By having high speed access to multiple commercial carrier services, users will be able to identify the best rate versus service option (rate shop), to provide the most cost-effective shipping solution. Carriers can include USPS, UPS(R), FedEx(R) Air, FedEx(R) Ground (formerly RPS), Airborne, Emery, and DHL with the ability to add regional carriers and local couriers.

iLS.TRACK(TM): Users have real-time or batch file access to multi-carrier parcel tracking information and USPS Delivery Confirmation data to monitor the delivery status of each of their shipped parcels.

iLS.PRE-SHIP(TM): Users may pre-process a parcel (or letter) at their desktop computer by entering the parcel weight, ship-from zip code, ship-to zip code, ship-to address, and desired service time. They may rate shop for the preferred shipping option and add any shipping instructions. A special pre-ship label is printed at the users desk, then attached to the parcel. Upon arrival at the mailroom or shipping station the package is processed via a Neopost manifest shipping system. Shipping instructions are applied automatically and the user's file is updated electronically with detailed parcel information. iLS.PRE-SHIP(TM) can include department validation and account budget validation databases.

iLS.MANIFEST(TM): To meet carrier electronic manifesting and compliant labeling guidelines, parcels must be processed via a carrier-certified manifesting system. iLS.MANIFEST(TM) is a multi-carrier rating and manifesting system that prints carrier-compliant shipping labels, airbills, or waybills, and satisfies electronic upload (EDI) specifications. iLS.MANIFEST(TM) is UPS(R) OnLine Compatible, MAC Certified by the USPS for mail manifesting, USPS Certified for electronic Delivery Confirmation, and supports FedEx(R) Ground (formerly RPS) EDI, FedEx(R) PowerShip(R) NT Server, plus Airborne QuickLink(R). iLS.MANIFEST(TM) can also provide access to USPS metered postage either online or directly interfaced with a Neopost mailing machine.

iLS.X(TM) add-on packages include:

-- U.S. Postal Service CASS certified address database confirmation

-- International package shipments "landed-cost" rating

-- Credit card validation for personal or business transactions

Neopost has long-term relationships with the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, Airborne Express, Emery Worldwide, and DHL Worldwide Express. As on-line retailers, e-commerce B2B companies, and traditional brick & mortar businesses focus on new Internet business strategies, the shipping department and mailroom are becoming critical factors in maintaining customer satisfaction, increasing market share, and contributing to profitability. Having the ability to use and manage multiple carrier services is becoming a necessity for successful business models. iLS.X(TM) solutions enable companies to empower employees to directly contribute to the bottom line profit.