Operations

Urban Outfitters increases ordering efficiencies and reduces total headcount with Manhattan Associates supply chain software. In anticipation of projected company growth, the apparel retailer implemented Warehouse Management and Performance Management modules in the company's direct channel facility in Trenton, South Carolina.

New Balance, a leading athletic shoe manufacturer, complies with its customer requirements for specialized UPC price and inventory labels with the help of Paxar Corporation.

Sugar processor Imperial Sugar Co. names John C. Sheptor as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc., a specialty coffee roaster and marketer, continues its grocery expansion in New England with the availability of its fresh, deep-roasted coffee within Stop & Shop Supermarkets, a division of Royal Ahold.

Heineken USA appoints John Larkins to general manager of the organization's Central Regional Business Unit effective January 1, 2007.

Saddle Creek Transportation Inc. offers additional inbound and outbound capacity for shipments through Saddle Creek Transportation Services, a newly formed division.

SmartOps Corporation announces that its Multistage Inventory Planning and Optimization (MIPO) solution is endorsed by SAP AG. SAP-endorsed business solutions are complementary to SAP software offerings, are developed in accordance with SAP development guidelines, and provide additional choices and flexibility for businesses running SAP software.

The temptation for small to midsized businesses is to implement a quick-fix point solution as each new business process problem comes to the fore, and each functional department cries out for a remedy.