Thomas Nelson Inc. Will Achieve Supply Chain Excellence Using RedPrairie's Solution Suite

Business Wire, May 26, 2005

WAUKESHA, Wis. -- One of the World's Largest Christian Content Providers and Top 10 Publishers Will Automate Operations to Improve DC Efficiency Using RedPrairie's Supply Chain Solutions

RedPrairie Corporation, a global leader in supply chain technology solutions that enable business process transformation, announced today that Thomas Nelson Inc., one of the world's largest Christian content providers, will upgrade its operations with a suite of solutions from RedPrairie. The 207-year-old publishing company will replace its legacy system and automate its complex, high-volume operations using RedPrairie's warehouse management solution, labor productivity and transportation management systems, supplier management and visibility applications.

"We require a flexible, proven solution that can handle a high volume of orders from multiple channels and a complex returns process," says Vance Lawson, Senior Vice President of Operations and Finance at Thomas Nelson. "RedPrairie has a successful track record for complicated projects and we found their solutions second to none."

Thomas Nelson will replace its legacy system and roll out RedPrairie's warehouse management solution (WMS) to its Nashville, TN site by January 2006. The automated system will enable the publisher to more efficiently manage inventory and returns.

In the second phase of the implementation, Thomas Nelson will implement RedPrairie's Workforce Performance Management solution to optimize labor productivity. Based on 40 years of experience, RedPrairie's solution is comprised of functionally rich software, professionally engineered standards and change management consulting for a powerful, comprehensive solution. Thomas Nelson will be able to measure individuals against goal times specific to the nature of the work they perform and then improve employee performance based on accurate information and fair labor standards.

Managing carriers and transportation processes is another key objective for Thomas Nelson. Using RedPrairie's transportation management solution, the company will be able to leverage RedPrairie's transportation management suite to achieve operational efficiencies, including: improved freight consolidation; optimized carrier assignments and load planning; and enhanced internal and external collaborative planning.

In an effort to improve customer service, Thomas Nelson will track online orders using RedPrairie's visibility application. The solution, in tandem with RedPrairie's supplier management application, will provide enhanced visibility between Thomas Nelson and its suppliers. As a result, the company will be able to better determine inbound and outbound shipment status.

According to Joel Beasley, Thomas Nelson's Vice President of Distribution, "Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest publishers and largest Christian content providers in the world. Since 1798 our history of success has been built upon a philosophy of using teamwork to improve the lives of our customers. We recognize the same cultural philosophy at RedPrairie and we look forward to a long-term partnership of success."

Comments RedPrairie Company Leader John Jazwiec, "The publishing industry requires innovation and automation as its distribution network expands globally. RedPrairie's supply chain solutions and expertise enable companies like Thomas Nelson to take advantage of supply chain efficiencies that produce rapid return on investment and business transformation."

RedPrairie's comprehensive, integrated solutions suite includes: warehouse management; transportation management; advanced labor management; event management; slotting; visibility; performance measurement; and RFID.

About Thomas Nelson Inc.

From humble beginnings in a village in Scotland over 200 years ago to its modern-day publishing enterprise employing almost 600 people, Thomas Nelson's goal has been to Honor God and Serve People.

Company founder Thomas Nelson proved to be anything but a typical bookseller. While he built his business in Edinburgh selling second-hand books, he also wanted to publish his own materials. And--unlike other publishers who catered to the wealthy--he dreamed of providing affordable Christian works and classic literature for the "common folk." Within a few years, Thomas began to publish important works such as John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Robinson Crusoe, and The Vicar of Wakefield in inexpensive editions. Nelson also published the Bible in thirty-two-page installments, enabling people of all classes to access the Word of God much more easily. And he pioneered new distribution methods, selling books at fairs and auctions in town squares across Scotland. Today, Thomas Nelson is a diverse team of editors, marketers, sales associates, accountants, designers, and countless other employees, working together to improve the lives of customers. Fulfilling with passion a mission "to honor God and serve people." After more than two centuries of service, Nelson remains faithfully and fearlessly dedicated to following in the footsteps of the young bookseller and publisher whose name it proudly bears. www.thomasnelson.com