Press Release

Date:          April 23, 2001

Contact:      Elaine Cooper  415.441.0650

Application tracks B2B and B2C distribution

Tracking application supports e-business logistics

Quantum Associates announced today that it is offering a new enterprise-wide box, shipment, and order tracking application called X-Dock₂ (XD) designed for distribution logistics control at e-tailers and e-suppliers.  It is simple to deploy, scaleable, and can interface with existing order processing applications.

XD is designed for firms that need to improve control of component parts moving through their distribution chain.  XD was also inspired by a need to provide real-time transit information over the Web to CRM (customer-relationship management) service modules.

This application is unique for an off-the-shelf product.  It can record and report movements of boxes or pieces down to the SKU level throughout the entire supply chain.  It is very economical to install because it uses PC servers and architecture that enables the user to select the least-cost barcode scanning hardware and wireless LANs from any number of manufacturers.

Les Goldner, President of Quantum, in announcing the new application, stated:

“XD is a breakthrough in flexibility, applicability, and user simplicity.  It is designed for use where expanding delivery requirements necessitate improved controls.  It can provide information about and prevent misroutes of orders, shipments, boxes, and in some instances, specific SKUs.

 

“XD can use central, regional or local databases and Scanner-servers.  A user can scan a box at Podunk, that will eventually become part of a shipment elsewhere, to find its routing.  The database used to verify the scan can be at a second location, and the program that controls the mobile scanning terminal at a third location.  These locations can be thousands of miles apart, and yet almost instantly, everyone with a need to know can access information that the box had been scanned.  This entire process can be centrally controlled regardless of where scanners, databases, and servers are located.

 

"We designed XD for very high scan rates and for scalability.  The application allows for adding scanners, servers, and local wireless LAN access points to support a wide range of scanning volumes at any location connected to a firm’s WAN.

 

“A big advantage of XD is that it is capable of using a large variety of key-based scanners.  The initial deployment used Symbol’s “wearable” and belt-carried units.  The bulk of the costs of deploying XD is associated with this scanning hardware, and these costs are kept low because we use thin client technology. The only application that actually runs on the scanners is a simple VT100 telnet session. All of the data processing is done on the more efficient PC servers.”

XD uses a SQL-Server database engine and has “hooks” to communicate with legacy applications in several ways, including through MQ-series for IBM hardware.  SQL also simplifies adding client-specific business rules and triggers to customize functionality.  For example, it can trigger a message that provides a manifest at another location when a truck is scanned closed, and can alert a supervisor if a warehouse worker overrides a misroute notice.

XD can be interfaced with other Quantum Associates’ applications for delivery control and for communicating P&D data to drivers’ mobile terminals.

Quantum Associates, Inc. has been dedicated to providing logistics applications since it’s inception in 1981.  Among Quantum’s integrated products are:

Visit Quantum Associates’ web site at http://www.quantum-associates.com to learn about Quantum’s computer applications, or call Quantum Associates at 415.441.0650, or e-mail info@quantum-associates.com .

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Copyright © 2001 Quantum Associates, Inc.