News Releases - SupplyWorks, Inc.

SupplyWorks to Provide Hussmann Corporation with SRM Solution to Enhance Supply Chain Management

World Leader in Refrigeration Systems to Use SupplyWorks MAX in Conjunction with Outsourced Procurement Service for Total Supplier Relationship Management

BEDFORD, Mass, 02/25/02 — SupplyWorks, Inc., the leader in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) software for discrete manufacturers, today announced that its web-based SRM solution, SupplyWorks MAX, has been selected for enhanced supply chain management at the Hussmann Corporation. Hussmann, an over one billion dollar business unit of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited, is the world leader in manufacturing, selling, installing and servicing merchandising equipment and refrigeration systems. SupplyWorks MAX will be deployed as part of the integrated offering provided to Hussmann by The 21st Supplier, a B2B service which streamlines discrete manufacturing procurement.

SupplyWorks MAX and The 21st Supplier service combine to form a complete Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solution that will take over a portion of Hussmann's direct material spend. The solution will integrate seamlessly with the company's existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system as well as a third-party logistics provider to support end-to-end supply management and real-time status of deliveries. In addition, SupplyWorks MAX will enable The 21st Supplier to develop more strategic relationships with Hussmann's suppliers to reduce costs, improve responsiveness and speed up cycle times.

Using SupplyWorks MAX 3.0, The 21st Supplier expects to help Hussmann achieve substantial savings in direct materials spend in 2002 due to tighter replenishment execution, significantly reduce its supply base, and increase productivity on an annual basis. By integrating a full spectrum of "push" and "pull" based replenishment approaches with collaborative planning and strategic supply management goals, the SupplyWorks system and The 21st Supplier are expected to enable Hussmann to realize ROI goals within the first year.

"We expect to save in materials costs through outsourcing the management of certain commodities and by reducing our supply base so that we can focus our resources on other key suppliers," said Glenn Miller, business leader at Hussmann's manufacturing facility in Bridgeton, MO. "Using SupplyWorks MAX, The 21st Supplier will enable Hussmann to better manage the flow of materials into the plant and ensure that all of our orders are fulfilled and delivered on time, preventing part shortages that could result in line stoppages. SupplyWorks and The 21st Supplier will enable Hussmann to continue its growth and maintain its position as the leading provider of commercial refrigeration systems."

Previously, Hussmann used a paper-based system to communicate with its suppliers, which required employees to generate, track and expedite individual orders manually. With the new SRM system, much of this effort can be refocused on higher-value-added activities associated with their core business and key suppliers, enabling Hussmann to respond more quickly to demand, optimize inbound freight and streamline the ordering and replenishment process.

"SupplyWorks is providing us the multi-tier visibility and collaboration we need to manage relationships with Hussmann and Hussmann's suppliers," said Bill Lindquist, business leader of The 21st Supplier unit. "We intend to go live this Spring, less than 6 months from project start, which is an aggressive timetable. SupplyWorks is meeting the challenge by completing the implementation in just 120 days, including integration with Hussmann's ERP system, the third party logistics provider and an initial set of 40 suppliers."

SupplyWorks is planning to announce an enhanced software offering, SupplyWorks MAX version 3.0. The upgraded solution will deliver the full spectrum of supplier relationship management capabilities, including multiple replenishment methods, the ability to measure supplier performance and track trends across different divisions and plants, and the ability to automate regular supply purchases and minimize time spent on expediting.

"To remain competitive in today's economy, it is essential that manufacturers like Hussmann continuously assess supply chain costs to maximize savings wherever possible," said Jeff Herrmann, CEO and president of SupplyWorks, Inc. "SupplyWorks MAX 3.0 will provide rapid automation of the company's P.O. process and empower its supplier relationship managers to maximize efficiency throughout supplier relationships. This will enable Hussmann to continue to use its manufacturing capabilities as a source of competitive strength."

About SupplyWorks

SupplyWorks, Inc. is the leader in direct materials supply management software that helps discrete manufacturers improve procurement execution, optimize the flow of parts and materials into their plants and lower their parts and material costs. SupplyWorks enables manufacturers to communicate and collaborate more tightly with their suppliers, increase throughput, and reduce inventories without reducing manufacturing responsiveness and flexibility. Information about SupplyWorks and its solutions is available on the Web at www.supplyworks.com or by calling 800-626-0220 x1690.

About The 21st Supplier
Based in Torrington, CT as part of IR's Industrial Solutions Sector, The 21st Supplier is an innovative business-to-business (B2B) service provider that focuses on consolidating and managing direct material purchasing for major industrial manufacturing clients (direct materials are consumed in the manufacture of products, rather than maintenance and replacement). Through its alliance with SupplyWorks and Roberson Transportation, The 21st Supplier has created a powerful new supply chain management team to serve large industrial manufacturers seeking to improve their non-strategic direct material purchasing process. For more information on The 21st Supplier call 860-626-3090.

About Ingersoll-Rand Company
Ingersoll-Rand (IR) is a leading innovation and solutions provider for the major global markets of Security and Safety, Climate Control, Industrial Productivity and Infrastructure. The company's diverse product portfolio encompasses such leading industrial and commercial brands as Schlage locks and security solutions; Thermo King transport temperature control equipment, Hussmann commercial and retail refrigeration equipment; Bobcat compact equipment; Club Car golf cars and utility vehicles; Torrington bearings and components; PowerWorks microturbines; and Ingersoll-Rand industrial and construction equipment. In addition, IR offers products and services under many more premium brands for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Further information on IR can be found on the company's Website at www.irco.com.

About Hussmann Corporation
Hussmann Corporation is a world leader in manufacturing, selling, installing and servicing its merchandising equipment and refrigeration systems to customers in over 80 countries. Hussmann serves several key markets involved in the food chain. Hussmann is an industry leading company dedicated to quality products, superior customer services, advanced technology and unmatched value for every customer. As a growth oriented company, Hussmann is continually expanding into new markets and emerging product areas as opportunities develop in the expanding global food industry. An IR (Ingersoll-Rand) company, Hussmann is part of the IR Climate Control Sector, which includes both Hussmann and Thermo King. Thermo King offers equipment for refrigerated transport. For more information on Hussmann, visit www.hussmann.com.

Media Contacts:

Caroline Pavis
Schwartz Communications
781-684-0770
cpavis@schwartz-pr.com