Making Business Better! Getting 3PLs Out of the Box

Many 3PLs have invested heavily in technology to drive efficiencies for their clients by providing client access and visibility of services through the Internet. Most of these investments have focused on either the traditional 3PL services (such as warehousing and freight) or on extending the reach of current systems to allow Clients to access information and/or track goods in transit.

Clients continue to demand greater agility, suppleness as well as a broader range of value added services from their outsourced 3PL providers. Software vendors supporting 3PL’s have to keep pace with these demands by offering integrated solutions that include additional capabilities that meet the needs of client-centric business processes (order processing, price management, etc.).

Maves International Software, a global third party logistics software provider, has announced a strategic partnership with ThoughtSpeed eCommerce Ltd., a global leader in distributed order processing (B2B2C) solutions. The strategic partnership integrates ThoughtSpeed’s online order processing and customer transaction channel management capabilities with Maves' industry leading multi-client third party logistics software. Companies in the multi-client third party logistics industry among others will benefit from this alliance.

The partnership comes at a time when many 3PLs and their clients are faced with changing dynamics in their supply chain. "As a leading provider of supply chain solutions, Maves has long recognized that 3PLs often have added value by supporting client-side processes such as complex order processing.” said Aaron Laird, President, Maves International Software. "Working with ThoughtSpeed’s TSLink, empowers our solution to extend the capability of the 3PL to help their clients gain efficiencies across the entire value chain.”

This partnership will benefit companies experiencing:
• Significant demand or churn on the order or customer service desk
• Order errors or stock outs
• Disproportionate inventory to order levels
• Increasing order costs
• Long fulfillment cycle times

The companies will announce the partnership at the DC Expo 2006 in Chicago May 24-25, 2006. Maves will host their new business partner in booth 1244.

About Maves International Software and ThoughtSpeed eCommerce Ltd.

Maves International Software is a leading provider of multi-client third party logistics software solutions. Maves' warehouse and transportation management solutions enable clients to increase effectiveness in the execution of their supply chain roles. The result is increased scope and quality of services provided in a more cost effective and timely manner. For details about application tools, training, and support services available worldwide, visit www.maves.com.

ThoughtSpeed eCommerce Ltd. is a software development company dedicated to providing distributed order management solutions that integrate transactions across the value chain; utilizing the Internet to reduce the cost of conducting business and improve productivity. ThoughtSpeed eCommerce is a subsidiary of ThoughtSpeed Corporation, an incubator for the development of innovative software solutions for niche markets. For details of solutions, assessment criteria, and services visit www.thoughtspeed.biz