The global supply chain is inherently a process of many handoffs to a variety of service providers who must expertly and timely execute their functional responsibilities to i nsure the successful coordination of an international shipment. Assuming no major bottlenecks occur during the management of these handoffs, the timeline from order shipment to customer delivery of chemical products could take weeks, unlike a road or rail delivery that can be fulfilled in a matter of hours or days. The longer delivery time span for an international shipment naturally results in an increase of  inventory in transit and greater working capital exposure.

While logistic managers may not be able to accurately predict the ebbs and flow of their global trade to determine future inventory levels, specific transportation management strategies can help minimize and/or control inventory build as global supply chains get longer and more complex.

Web-based transportation management systems, for example, offer a degree of control over supply chain operations that can result in more accurately predicting restocking points and managing inventory levels.  By providing real-time visibility of supply chain activities involving customs brokers, freight forwarders, ocean carriers and logistics service providers, On-Demand Global Transportation Management Systems

(GTMS) help logistic managers to monitor unscheduled delays that inevitably occur in the long chain of events. Through optimized event management, key logistics personnel are automatically alerted to shipment delays along the extended supply chain, enabling corrective actions to occur sooner to reduce the length of delays and to keep the chain of events on schedule. Using the tools offered by an On-Demand Global TMS, international managers can proactively optimize operations to:

- Reduce cycle times

-  Eliminate excess inventory build

- Reduce supply variability and safety stock

- Minimize expedited shipments

- Reduce stock-outs

As On-Demand Global TMS capabilities expand to support international (import/export) operations, chemical companies have now begun to automate their often manual international supply chain processes to include: freight tendering, compliance, and other logistic processes.  Through better event management and online visibility into logistic operations, businesses can more consistently balance inventories, whether the world economy is trending up, contracting or remaining stable.  Find out more at www.chemlogix.com

AspectETRM for Bunkering is a development of the flagship AspectETRM offering, already the fastest-growing next-generation solution globally for downstream traders and buyers of petrochemicals and other commodities. It combines all the required core functionality required for bunkering, together with ultra-fast speed of implementation – typically weeks not months. The solution’s scalability makes it cost-effective for small operations right up to the heavyweights that dominate the world’s bunkering hubs.

AES’ any-to-many scalability results from its SaaS foundation that means bunkering operations don’t need to install and maintain special software or IT hardware. Users simply but securely access AspectETRM for Bunkering through a standard desktop or mobile browser. The architecture enables key elements of a fully end-to-end solution including fuel procurement capture, derivative-based risk hedging, and back office accounting to be in place and delivering savings within a matter of days, with additional elements going live as the progress of integration projects allows.

“Bunkering operations have a rich choice of contending ETRM solutions so we think it’s highly significant that AspectETRM for Bunkering has won three major deals even before we formally launched the product,” says AES CEO Steve Hughes. One is a relatively modest sized trader and one is a major global player where we are delivering 120 AspectETRM seats and partnering with in-house IT and other external suppliers in a complex integration project.

“These two customers are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of size, yet their reasons for going with AspectETRM for Bunkering are the same – speed of implementation and affordability. The deals are yet another demonstration of the power of the business case that results from our unique technology.”

Aspect Enterprise Solutions provides enterprise class market information, trade and decision support tools for energy, metals and commodities professionals. The company delivers near real time position keeping, risk management, market prices and intelligence to users virtually anywhere, anytime. Trusted by over 500 corporations in more than 80 countries, the company’s solutions routinely support more than $10Bn of transactions every day. They go live quicker, fit more exactly and deliver greater ROI yet cost far less to implement than first generation offerings. See http://www.aspectenterprise.com for more information.

Contact:

Evan Klein

858-578-9463

klein@fastforwardevents.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TTS LOGISTICS FOLLOWS NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH ITS OWN “TTS MADNESS” CHARITY COMPETITION

TTS Launches First-Ever “TTS Madness” Charity Competition to Give Clients the Opportunity to Win Big for Their Charity Of Choice

San Diego, CA (March 2, 2010) - TTS Logistics, Inc. (Tradeshow Transportation Specialists) announced today the launch of its first-ever NCAA Basketball themed “TTS Madness” Charity Tournament. In the spirit of one of the nation’s most closely followed basketball tournaments, TTS Logistics, Inc. is giving its clients the opportunity to follow the NCAA Basketball tournament and win a cash prize for charity, said Michael Hill, vice president of TTS Logistics, Inc..

“TTS Logistics understands the importance of giving back to the community, and with the nation’s most exciting college basketball tournament on its way, it is the perfect opportunity to let our clients participate in a fun competition that benefits a good cause,” added Hill. “Community stewardship is an essential aspect of TTS’ philanthropic initiatives; we hope to turn the spirit of this much anticipated tournament into an outstanding avenue for supporting charities.”

The “TTS Madness” Charity Competition will work as follows:

• The first 64 TTS clients to sign up will be entered into the tournament


• Once signed up, each participant will be assigned a random number that corresponds to an individual team in the NCAA’s “March Madness” Basketball Tournament


• If a team is eliminated, then the corresponding team number will be eliminated


• Once the winner of the NCAA Tournament is announced, the corresponding company number will receive a $500 donation to their charity of choice


• In addition, all participants will receive 10 percent off freight charges for their next shipment with TTS as a way of saying thanks for participating


• Not a current TTS customer? No problem, just book a shipment with TTS prior to March 14 to take part in the “TTS Madness” promotion

The 64 basketball teams participating in the tournament will be announced on “Selection Sunday,” March 14. The tournament continues through the month of March and ends with the championship game on April 7. For updates on the tournament and the status of the participating clients, please visit www.tshow.com.

For more information about TTS Logistics, Inc. visit online at www.tshow.com or call toll free at 877-744-7887.

TRADESHOW TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS

TTS Logistics, Inc. is a shipping solutions provider based out of San Diego, California specializing in the transportation of exhibit materials to and from tradeshows worldwide.  With over 35 years experience in the tradeshow industry, TTS promises on-time delivery, exceptional service, and 24-hour accessibility to its customers.  TTS assists exhibitors and show managers with all aspects of freight transportation and delivery.  With a variety of premier services including international shipping and specialty equipment, TTS is committed to providing the best shipping solution to meet each customer’s needs.  For more information visit www.tshow.com.

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Who: Jordan Berkley, Director of MES Product Management at Apriso, will present how best-in-class manufacturers have embraced a platform-based approach to manufacturing operations and their extended product supply network to address sustainability and other green objectives. Placing a higher emphasis on sustainable operations not only reduces energy costs, scrap and the total cost of quality, but can elevate customer satisfaction and corporate stewardship, resulting in a “win-win” situation for both manufacturers and their customers.

What: “Greening Manufacturing Operations and the Supply Chain with Process Efficiency” presentation will be part of the Supply Chain Sustainability Track at the 4th annual Sustainability in Packaging Conference & Exhibition; please see: http://www.sustainability-in-packaging.com/agenda.aspx

Where: Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando Florida. To register, please go to: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Checkin.asp?EventId=746787.

When: Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 11:30 a.m. EST.

About Apriso

Apriso Corporation is a software company dedicated to providing competitive advantage for its customers. It does so by enabling manufacturing organizations to adapt quickly and easily to market changes and unexpected events. Apriso FlexNet applications provide visibility, adaptability and real-time control of manufacturing operations across the enterprise and supply chain network. Apriso leads the industry in multi-site, globally integrated Operations Execution Systems. Many of Apriso’s customers have chosen to integrate planning, execution and control to increase operational efficiency and eliminate errors in their production process. Apriso serves more than 180 customers in 41 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia. A partial listing of customers includes General Motors, Lear, Honeywell, L’Oreal, Lockheed Martin, Becton Dickinson, Rubbermaid, Saint-Gobain, Novelis and Essilor, among others. Please visit www.apriso.com for more information.

Apriso and FlexNet are registered trademarks of Apriso Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Gordon Benzie

Apriso Corporation

(562) 951-8054

gordon.benzie@apriso.com

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San Diego, CA (February 25, 2010) - TTS Logistics, Inc. (Tradeshow Transportation Specialists) announced today it has added a Temperature Controlled Shipping solution to its wide range of international and domestic freight services. The new service provides tradeshow exhibitors the ability to transport items that require a controlled climate to and from tradeshows throughout the nation, said Michael Hill, vice president of TTS Logistics.

“Perishable freight and cargo that require a controlled temperature environment often have complex logistics, forcing exhibitors to use multiple vendors for its transportation of tradeshow products,” added Hill. “With the integration of TTS’ new temperature controlled solution, exhibitors have the ability to use one trusted and reliable transportation company to handle all aspects of their shipping.”

By adding this new service and handling all elements of freight logistics to and from shows, TTS offers clients a more cost effective and efficient method of tradeshow shipping. TTS gives exhibitors a one-stop-shop for tradeshow shipping solutions that include air and ground freight, specialty shipping, installation and dismantle, exclusive trailers, customs documentation preparation, and more.

“TTS Logistics understands the importance of getting an exhibitor’s product to the show in a safe manner and on time,” added Hill. “With our temperature-controlled shipping, we can service those exhibitors that have special needs, while giving them the ease of booking specialty shipping through one service, rather than multiple carriers.”

For more information about TTS Logistics, Inc. visit online at www.tshow.com or call toll free at 877-744-7887.

TRADESHOW TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS

TTS Logistics, Inc. is a shipping solutions provider based out of San Diego, California specializing in the transportation of exhibit materials to and from tradeshows worldwide.  With over 35 years experience in the tradeshow industry, TTS promises on-time delivery, exceptional service, and 24-hour accessibility to its customers.  TTS assists exhibitors and show managers with all aspects of freight transportation and delivery.  With a variety of premier services including international shipping and specialty equipment, TTS is committed to providing the best shipping solution to meet each customer’s needs.  For more information visit www.tshow.com.

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For fourth quarter 2009, a significant increase in software license revenue supported total revenue growth of more than 35 percent compared to fourth quarter 2008. Full-year record revenues were achieved across the company’s European, Americas and Asia Pacific operations with new customer wins in the automotive, aerospace & defense, industrial & heavy equipment, life sciences, consumer goods, and medical device industries.

The company has consistently grown revenues over the past several years, realizing a 36 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of software revenue, and a 23 percent CAGR of total revenue since 2005.

“Despite a historically challenging year for manufacturing, our results continue to demonstrate the business value customers are realizing as they deploy Apriso solutions across their global manufacturing enterprises,” stated Jim Henderson, president and CEO of Apriso. “In 2010, we intend to continue to lead the market in multi-site global deployments that quickly deliver maximum value to our customers, helping them respond to changing conditions and new market opportunities.”

Customer Activity

During the fourth quarter 2009, four customer sites went live with new FlexNet® applications, bringing the total number of new customer sites for 2009 to 31. Two new manufacturers became Apriso customers in the fourth quarter, including a global building material supplier and a new division of an aerospace and defense manufacturer. Each of these manufacturers recognizes the value of a holistic global platform for manufacturing operations to support their strategy to reduce costs, increase performance and continuously improve manufacturing operations.

Product Updates

In October, Apriso announced an expanded focus on supporting global manufacturers in discrete and batch process industries to address the need for higher quality at a lower total cost. Apriso offers a common technology platform for global manufacturers to seamlessly integrate quality with PLM, ERP and other enterprise and shop floor applications. Several Apriso customers embraced this methodology during 2009 by taking a closed-loop, enterprise approach to quality management in order to achieve their corporate quality requirements.

About Apriso

Apriso Corporation is a software company dedicated to providing competitive advantage for its customers. It does so by enabling organizations to adapt quickly and easily to market changes and unexpected events. Apriso’s FlexNet platform provides visibility, adaptability and real-time control of manufacturing operations across the enterprise and supply chain network. This is accomplished by integrating planning, execution and control, increasing operational efficiency and eliminating errors in the production process. Apriso serves more than 175 customers in 41 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Its customers include General Motors, Lear, Honeywell, L’Oréal, Trixell, Lockheed Martin, Becton Dickinson, Saint-Gobain, Novelis and Essilor. For more information, please go to www.apriso.com.

Apriso and FlexNet are registered trademarks of Apriso Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Gordon Benzie

Apriso Corporation

(562) 951-8054

gordon.benzie@apriso.com

About ChemLogix LLC

ChemLogix, LLC is the leading provider of comprehensive chemical industry logistics management and technology services that together with its supply chain consulting resources enable its clients to improve performance and drive economic value.  ChemLogix is dedicated to solving its customers’ most vital logistics challenges by leveraging chemical industry expertise, best-of-breed technology and a personalized, high-touch approach to deliver measurable, sustainable value.  For more information, visit www.chemlogix.com or email information@chemlogix.com.  

(LONG BEACH, CA – February 3, 2010) – Apriso®, a leading provider of manufacturing software solutions for sustained operational excellence, today announced Isuzu has selected and implemented Apriso’s FlexNet to manage production of their KD (knock-down) parts at overseas factories. The implementation is now live, after being put into operation in four months.

“We needed to improve both business processes and IT systems to adapt faster to increased distribution challenges. Apriso now plays a critical role in helping Isuzu to reduce time before shipping, decrease inventory and improve profits,” says Kenichiro Yabuki, Group Leader, Overseas Information System Group, System and Business Restructure Promotion Department at Isuzu.

Isuzu is using Apriso’s FlexNet, a manufacturing and logistics operations management system, to automatically obtain distribution status information of KD parts from existing systems. Differences between planned and actual results are analyzed and acted upon immediately, helping to improve operational efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.

Isuzu has improved visibility to planned and actual KD parts distribution at each of their plants with Apriso – from the shop floor to distribution. Through this expanded visibility, Isuzu’s processes have been enhanced, resulting in greater overseas production efficiency and profits.

NSSOL, an Apriso partner, implemented the solution at Isuzu in just under four months. Now the new system is fully operational, it is possible to check the distribution status of KD parts from a single terminal, instead of three terminals with the old system. By getting actual information in almost real-time, users see delivery delays immediately – and can take immediate action to remedy a situation.

“We can improve the accuracy of vessel stow plans with detailed distribution information on when and where KD parts are arriving. We can also develop more effective plans to bring standardization and efficiency to our business processes by analyzing the differences between planned and actual results,” says Yasuyoshi Nishigaki, System and Business Restructure Promotion Department at Isuzu.

Isuzu is now considering additional Apriso applications to manage arrival information at overseas factories. Apriso’s Business Process Management (BPM) based systems can help improve efficiency and accuracy of Isuzu’s existing shipping systems.

“We are very pleased with the success Isuzu has already achieved with Apriso and NSSOL, having successfully completed the first phase of their operational excellence plan,” commented Gerry Fosnick, General Manager APAC Region, Apriso. “The success of this deployment is expected to enable continued process improvements across Isuzu’s operations, helping them to expand industry best-practices throughout their manufacturing operations.”

About Apriso

Apriso Corporation is a software company dedicated to providing competitive advantage for its customers. It does so by enabling organizations to adapt quickly and easily to market changes and unexpected events. Apriso’s FlexNet platform provides visibility, adaptability and real-time control of manufacturing operations across the enterprise and supply chain network. This is accomplished by integrating planning, execution and control, increasing operational efficiency and eliminating errors in the production process. Apriso serves more than 170 customers in 41 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Its customers include General Motors, Lear, Honeywell, L’Oreal, Trixell, Lockheed Martin, Becton Dickinson, Saint-Gobain, Novelis and Essilor. For more information, please go to http://www.apriso.com.

Apriso and FlexNet are registered trademarks of Apriso Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Gordon Benzie

Apriso Corporation

(562) 951-8054

gordon.benzie@apriso.com

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Heading up the workshop is Danielle Austin of the Export Trade Associates, a Letter of Credit (LC) specialist, who says that LC courses taught by banks do not have the day-to-day experience of an exporter. “The key advantage is after exporters take this course, they are no longer at the mercy of their customer, their freight forwarder or their issuing bank,” said Austin. “Letters of Credit are what most companies struggle with when trying to secure sales and ship internationally. These documents can be a very frustrating process, as well as financially painful if the exporter loses 100% security with a single discrepancy.”

“I teach this course from more than 15 years of experience and with a benchmark of how to get paid in 6-10 days from ship-day,” said Austin. “I can show exporters how to take control of this process – the learning curve for letters of credit is long and the bank fees are high. When exporters walk away from this course, they know how to: read and understand a Letter of Credit; get paid in days by reducing their days sales outstanding (DSO); reduce or eliminate discrepancies; decrease documentation preparation fees; communicate better with their banks and customers; extend terms with their customers; and get paid “at sight” and limit bank fees.”

According to Steve Pniewski, president of The Artemus Group, the banks subject many Exporters to unnecessary fees for errors and incompleteness and it takes much longer to prepare a Letter of Credit without previous knowledge. “We are the only training company providing this type of Master the Art of the Letter of Credit workshop. Most exporters have been relying on the banks until this point. Letters of Credit are becoming more popular to use and they ensure everyone gets paid, including the bank and the customer shipping the product.”

All participants will receive a certificate of completion, an international commercial terms (INCOTerms) chart, resource links, and reference materials and will walk away with the ability to create their own LC Instructions. One participant who attended Danielle Austin’s past course said, “This seminar was direct, applicable materials & instructions provided ‘immediate’ methods that can (and should) be used to alleviate risks & minimize cost.” Jean Hendrix, Credit Manager, ASC Volvo. Another person said, “This training has taken me to the ‘next level’ needed to use LCs to reduce risk and DSO for our company,” Cyndi Wilson, Credit Analyst, Gilbarco.

For more information, please contact: 1-866-744-7101 or http://www.artemus.us/classroom-training/letter.php.

About The Artemus Group

The Artemus Group is a privately-held company that offers transportation software applications, Internet applications, basic shipping training known as Shipping 101, hazardous cargo handling training, and business consulting for shipping start-ups and staffing services for all aspects of the international transportation industry.

The company is headquartered in Virginia Beach VA. The Artemus Group Customs reporting software (AMS/ISF/ACI) is a web-based application designed specifically to meet the needs of the US Customs 24-hour rule, US Customs 10+2 Import Security Filing Rule and the Canadian Customs 24-hour rule, including global access with security management, customer and vessel profiles, customized reporting, direct access to responses from US and Canadian Customs, as well as manifest print, PTT and IT capability with the proper bonds.

The ALPINE MINER ATM 105-IC is a boom-type roadheader of the 100-ton class. The piece of equipment is used for mechanized tunneling in hard and abrasive rock formations. The cargo was loaded onto a MAFI trailer, secured by 15 chain lashings, in Baltimore, Maryland and carried via roll-on/roll-off vessel to Derince, Turkey and then transshipped to Novorossiysk, Russia.

To determine the location of the equipment at any time, FESCO Logistics is using a SaviTrak™ GPS sensor unit. Savi Networks provides automated wireless monitoring to improve shipment visibility and security across multiple transportation modes including ocean vessels, truck and rail.

The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXII Olympic Winter Games, is an international winter multiple sports event that will be held from February 7 to February 23, 2014. The host city, Sochi, Russia, was elected on July 4, 2007, during the 119th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Guatemala City, Guatemala. This will be the first time that the Russian Federation will host the Winter Olympics; the Soviet Union hosted the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow.

About FESCO Logistics:

FESCO Logistics is a division of FESCO, a multimodal transport holding company and one of the largest marine carriers and container providers in Russia. FESCO operates 64 vessels, 4 icebreakers and 4 supply vessels.

FESCO Logistics carries containerized, breakbulk, project, RO/RO and flatrack cargoes for shipment worldwide. FESCO Logistics manages all shipping and logistical needs for its clients between North America and The Far East, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Korea, China, Australia, The Baltic regions, The Black Sea and West Africa. Some of the cargo FESCO Logistics moves includes machinery, wind turbines, construction equipment, rolling stock, rock crushing machinery and refrigerated cargoes such as apples and frozen beef.