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Shipper Commonwealth Integrated Transportation Automation Powers Bon-Ton’s Expanded Logistics Network
October 31, 2006 - Richmond VA: The Shippers Commonwealth integrated transportation automation program was successfully launched on schedule in October 2006 for Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. logistics network to facilitate Bon-Ton’s major expansion due to the acquisition this year of Northern Department Store Group (“NDSG”) from Saks Incorporated. The program represents an industry milestone in wide-scale logistics system integration conducted in record time to meet the rapid expansion needs of the Bon-Ton enterprise.
Bon-Ton selected Shippers Commonwealth (“ShipComm”) as its provider for comprehensive Transportation Management Systems (TMS) in March 2006 and the system went live on schedule in June 2006.
With the acquisition by Bon-Ton of NDSG in the first quarter of 2006, Bon-Ton more than doubled its sales and store count, going from two distribution centers in Pennsylvania and Ohio to over eight facilities throughout the East and Midwest U.S. To rapidly integrate the new diverse operations, and realize economies of scale, Bon-Ton engaged ShipComm to design, develop and deploy an integrated logistics network to power the supply chain as its “nerve center.”
“We needed a robust and fully integrated supply chain solution to power our growth, and we needed it in less than 4 months,” says Robert Hook, Divisional Vice President for Bon-Ton. “We went to Shippers Commonwealth as a trusted, proven and responsive resource of logistics experts for the solution.” Hook added, “They delivered in record time, exceeding our expectations.”
ShipComm had rapidly responded to the challenge in developing its new Web Gateway solution to seamlessly link the ShipComm TMS with existing and new warehouse management systems of the combined Bon-Ton companies (using a legacy Catalyst WMS), enabling comprehensive E-Commerce and EDI program with trading partners, and providing complete integration to the Bon-Ton vendor compliance system (Compliance Networks) and to the new purchasing software, as well as the company’s back office accounting systems (Walker).
At the same time, ShipComm rolled outs its automated Freight Payment System solution for Bon-Ton to further advance the ShipComm TMS powering the expanding Bon-Ton Central Load Control Center for the enterprise in Whitehall, PA. Additionally, ShipComm designed a new web-based, state-of-the-art Cost Allocation Post-Processor (CAPP) to handle the sophisticated freight costing needs of the expanded Bon-Ton retail chain.
“We are pleased to report that the new program for Bon-Ton successfully went live on schedule in October 2006 with a record design, development, and deployment cycle of only three months, aided by the seamless multi-vendor collaborative effort of the Bon-Ton logistics and IT management teams,” said Robert Shagawat, President & CEO of ShipComm
ShipComm is now working with Bon-Ton on the next generation of logistics automation expansion programs, including enhanced version of the Shipment Intelligence Center from ShipComm, dock door scheduling and a new Web-based yard management and visibility program being planned.
Further information about the Shippers Commonwealth logistics network program for Bon-Ton Stores and on the latest product introductions now available from this initiative, (such as Web Gateway, Cost Allocation Post-Processor, etc.) can be obtained by writing the Company via email at info@shipperscommonwealth.com
About Shippers Commonwealth: Shippers Commonwealth is the marquee provider of TMS solutions to both the Fortune 1000 and mid-market shippers and receivers, for both inbound and outbound applications. The company prides itself on bringing the most complete TMS solutions on the most affordable basis to shippers of any size, via its expert help team and value-added solutions programs, tailored to client needs. The Company is proud of the company it keeps, in serving key clients such as Alcoa, Stage Stores, Sonoco Products, UPS/Overnite, Bon-Ton Stores, Boscov’s Department Stores, North American Salt, Four Seasons, Eveready, Safelite, Johns Manville, O.C. Tanner, Jeld-Wen, Metro Canada, and many others. Further information on Shippers Commonwealth is available on the Web at www.shipperscommonwealth.com or by information request via email to info@shipperscommonwealth.com
About The Bon-Ton Stores: Headquartered in York PA, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 282 department stores in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, one store in each of Indianapolis, Indiana and Dayton, Ohio and two stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. Bon-Ton’s recent acquisition of the Northern Department Store Group from Saks Incorporated creates the one of the largest department store retailers in the United States, with estimated annual net sales of $3.4 billion. Bon-Ton recently expanded further with acquisition of five store locations from Belk, Inc. The Bon-Ton stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.bonton.com
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