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Aptos Announces Major Product Updates, Innovations across Singular Retail Suite
Largest global technology vendor focused exclusively on retail accelerates retailers' transformations to agile, omnichannel enterprises
ATLANTA — Jan. 14, 2019 — Aptos, Inc., a recognized market leader in retail technology solutions, today announced significant updates, integrations and innovations across its Singular Retail suite, the industry's most comprehensive, end-to-end portfolio of software applications designed exclusively for retailers.
With its latest release, Aptos introduced major updates and functional enhancements across all solutions, including its best-in-class systems for point of sale, retail planning and order management.
According to Mike Verdeyen, Aptos' Chief Product Officer, Aptos has materially increased its research and development investment to accelerate development at scale, globalization across products and disruptive innovation.
As part of this commitment, notable updates from Aptos' latest product release include:
Aptos Merchandising and Aptos Analytics are now fully integrated with Aptos' planning and supply chain applications that were acquired from TXT Retail in late 2017. These integrations allow retailers to break down silos inherent within the merchandise, customer and order lifecycles to better anticipate demand and ensure inventory is placed in the most profitable locations.
Aptos Store for point of sale now offers out-of-the-box support for 38 countries, with an additional four countries in 2019, to support retailers' international expansion efforts. Aptos Store also introduced several enhancements focused on omnichannel associate and customer experiences and now offers standard integration with leading payment solution providers Aurus and Adyen.
Aptos Enterprise Order Management's latest release, available to customers in late January 2019, will introduce a new, modern architecture that offers superior application scalability and performance. An enhanced routing and inventory publishing engine will leverage the new architecture to help retailers maximize sales across channels and minimize shipping costs while increasing inventory turns. The new architecture provides unsurpassed reliability and scale for large-volume retailers and during peak sales periods. Also featured in the release, Aptos Enterprise Order Management will be fully integrated with Aptos Analytics, offering retailers a single enterprise view and actionable insight across omnichannel operations, from planning to orders to transactions.
In addition to major developments across its solutions, Aptos continues to advance Aptos ONE, its microservices-based SaaS platform. The platform extends across the entire Aptos suite, offering one set of universal capabilities designed to enable retailers to compete in the complex world of constant disruption.
"Aptos is entering 2019 with extreme energy, investment and momentum for its products and the Aptos ONE Platform," said Noel Goggin, Aptos CEO and culture leader. "With consumer behavior fundamentally changed, growth paths for retailers constantly shifting and technology disruption at an all-time high, retailers need technology partners that will go 'all-in' on retail and invest accordingly.
"Since day one, Aptos has been 100 percent focused on the needs of retailers and their customers; we offer the most proven and robust end-to-end omnichannel retail solutions, and with Aptos ONE, we have pioneered a path to the future, enabling retailers to create modern and flexible technology infrastructures that will allow their organizations to continuously adapt to change."
To learn more about Aptos ONE and Aptos' Singular Retail suite, stop by Aptos booth #3705 at NRF 2019: Retail's Big Show in New York City, Jan. 13-15, 2019, or visit www.aptos.com.
About Aptos "Engaging Customers Differently"
In an era of virtually limitless choice, sustained competitive advantage only comes to retailers who engage customers differently - by truly understanding who they are, what they want and why they buy. At Aptos, we too, believe that Engaging Customers Differently™ is critical to our success. We are committed to a deep understanding of each of our clients, to fulfilling their needs with the retail industry's most comprehensive omni-channel solutions, and to fostering long-term relationships built on tangible value and trust. More than 1,000 retail brands rely upon our Singular Commerce™ platform to deliver every shopper a personalized, empowered and seamless experience...no matter when, where or how they shop. Learn more: www.aptos.com
Follow Aptos on Twitter @Aptos_Retail
Aptos, the Aptos logo, "Engaging Customers Differently" and "Singular Commerce" are trademarks of Aptos, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.
Reading, Pa. – Nov. 18, 2024 - Penske Truck Leasing is lighting up a new solar-powered initiative seeking to boost efficiency, minimize energy costs, and reduce emissions initially at select truck leasing,truck rental, and truck maintenance locations in the U.S. with the installation and activation of its first-ever rooftop solar-powered systems.
The company’s new state-of-the-art facility in Channahon, Illinois, is now fully operational, and is predominantly powered by an onsite photovoltaic (PV) solar system, expected to generate roughly 80% of the building’s energy needs at 200 KW capacity. Any remaining required energy will be supplied by the local utility provider.
A Grand Rapids, Michigan, location will be active in the coming months and Penske’s Linden, New Jersey, location is expected to go online in 2025. These facilities are also new state-of-the-art locations.
The new facilities incorporating solar systems in Channahon, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Linden, New Jersey, are part of the company’s LEED building program.
Under a power purchase agreement with Sunrock Distributed Generation, seven additional Penske facilities in California are expected to be retrofitted with new PV solar systems in the next year, which are expected to yield roughly 600 KW of renewable energy across all locations. These facilities are located in Fresno, Hayward, La Mirada, National City, Riverside, San Diego and San Leandro.
Penske is collaborating with San Francisco-based ForeFront Power as its lead project consultant on this solar initiative.
“Our solar program is an important piece of our renewable energy strategy and ForeFront Power continues to be an outstanding partner in helping us bring these projects to fruition,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services at Penske. “These investments will allow us to directly generate our own renewable energy to power our locations and continue to support our customers with sustainable solutions.”
On average, four solar panel-powered Penske Truck Leasing facilities will generate an estimated 1-million-kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually and will result in an emissions avoidance of 442 metric tons (MT) CO2e, which is equal to powering nearly 90 homes for one year.
“The initiative to install solar systems at our locations is a part of our company’s LEED-certified facilities process,” explained Ivet Taneva, Penske vice president of environmental affairs. “Investing in solar has considerable economic impacts for our operations as well as the environmental benefits of further reducing emissions related to electricity use.”
Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 437,000 vehicles and serves its customers from nearly 1,000 maintenance facilities and more than 2,500 truck rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit pensketruckleasing.com for more information.
WIXOM, MI, October 14, 2024 - Integrated Systems Design (ISD), a leading provider of innovative material handling solutions, announced today that it has joined MHI's Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) product section group. This strategic move reinforces ISD's commitment to advancing automation technologies to its manufacturing and warehouse customers improving their warehouse, logistics, and supply chain systems.
MHI, the nation's largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain association, welcomes ISD to its AS/RS group, which focuses on promoting the development and implementation of automated storage and retrieval systems across various industries.
By joining this prestigious group, ISD gains access to a collaborative network of industry leaders, enhancing its ability to contribute to and benefit from the latest advancements in AS/RS technologies. This partnership will enable ISD to further refine its product offerings, including its flagship UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system, and provide cutting-edge solutions to its customers. ISD has been an integral part in years past leading efforts to create and implement the ANSI standard MH24.1 with the AS/RS product section group.
Ed Romaine, VP Marketing at ISD and former Vice Chair and Chairman of the AS/RS product section, expressed enthusiasm about the new membership: "Rejoining MHI's AS/RS group marks a significant milestone for Integrated Systems Design. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver state-of-the-art automation solutions that drive efficiency and productivity in material handling operations. Our UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system, ideal for goods-to-person storage and retrieval of pallet, case, and uniquely sized material, exemplifies the innovation we bring to the industry. We look forward to engaging with fellow industry leaders and contributing our expertise to shape the future of AS/RS technologies."
ISD's membership in the AS/RS group underscores the company's dedication to innovation and its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends. As a member, ISD will participate in various initiatives, including educational programs, research projects, and industry events that promote the adoption and advancement of automated storage and retrieval systems.
The UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system showcases ISD's commitment to developing versatile and efficient solutions. This system is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-density storage options in various industries, offering optimal performance for goods-to-person operations handling diverse load types.
ABOUT INTEGRATED SYSTEMS DESIGN - ISD
Integrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and wholesale applications improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value for a broad range of industries tailoring systems to clients' specific requirements.
ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, A-Frames, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES, and ERP).
About MHI
MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third-party logistics providers. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX, to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.
For more information about this release, please contact: Ed Romaine, VP Marketing & Bus. Dev., 215-512-2613, eromaine@isddd.com
LAFAYETTE, Ind., Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, announced today it was selected to receive a $1.6 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to support a research and development project aimed at decarbonizing the commercial transportation industry.
The three-year project, set to begin next year in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials, focuses on integrating high-efficiency solar energy into refrigerated trailers and truck bodies. This innovation will play a pivotal role in making zero-emission mid-mile transportation a commercially viable option.
“This project has the potential to revolutionize refrigerated transport by reducing reliance on the electrical grid and minimizing overall emissions,” said Michael Bodey, director of technology discovery and innovation at Wabash. “While many of today’s zero-emission products focus on tailpipe emissions, they still draw power from energy grids, which often rely on non-renewable sources. Our goal is to offer a truly green solution—a well-to-wheel approach—that accounts for the full life cycle of energy consumption, from production to usage.”
Wabash will use its proprietary EcoNex™ Technology, a composite material designed to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy consumption, while the University of Delaware will contribute its proprietary TuFF technology, which utilizes recycled aerospace-grade carbon fiber, to strengthen and lighten the trailers and truck bodies.
“By incorporating lightweight solar panels and utilizing EcoNex Technology in refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, we are addressing two of the most significant barriers to electrification: weight and energy consumption,” Bodey explained. “EcoNex not only improves the insulation and performance of the trailers but also contributes to overall weight reduction, making the solution even more efficient.”
Batteries powering heavy trucks can weigh between 5,000 to 10,000 pounds, often limiting the payload capacity and drawing significant energy from the electrical grid when charging. The goal of this project is to develop enabling technologies that reduce the weight and energy needs of these vehicles while offering fleet customers greener, more efficient transportation options.
“TuFF is the world’s strongest short fiber composite that is reciprocal with sustainable solutions to the mobility industry. It’s great to collaborate with Wabash on building the most sustainable solar panel integrated refrigerated trailer for the trucking industry,” said Srikanth Pilla, UD PI and director of the Center for Composites Materials at the University of Delaware.
Wabash is the only trailer and truck body original equipment manufacturer (OEM) selected for this government grant, highlighting its unique leadership position in sustainability and innovation. By focusing on mid-mile transportation, the project seeks to create a flexible solar energy system that can be CARB-compliant across different vehicle types, without requiring fully electric platforms to meet compliance.
This initiative is part of the DOE’s Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-use Photovoltaics Incubator Funding Program, which supports advancements in PV technology across the supply chain and fosters new markets for American products. The outcomes of this project will help Wabash continue to evolve its technology ecosystem and green its supply chain to better serve its customers’ sustainability goals.
Wabash: Changing How the World Reaches You® Wabash (NYSE: WNC) is the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries that is Changing How the World Reaches You®. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, the company enables customers to thrive by providing insight into tomorrow and delivering pragmatic solutions today to move everything from first to final mile. Wabash designs, manufactures, and services a diverse range of products, including: dry freight and refrigerated trailers, flatbed trailers, tank trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, structural composite panels and products, trailer aerodynamic solutions, and specialty food grade processing equipment. Learn more at onewabash.com.
University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials The University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM) was established in 1974. It has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Composites Materials and Structures six times by the DOD, NSF, and FAA. Technology transition occurs through the Industrial Consortium, with over 350 industrial companies participating since 1978. UD-CCM has a 50-year history of interdisciplinary research covering raw materials (fibers, fiber sizings), intermediate forms (fabrics, prepregs), manufacturing (forming, infusion, winding, pultrusion), joining technologies, modeling and simulation tools, and inspection methods. Learn more at https://www.ccm.udel.edu/.
Des Plaines , Illinois – NOBLELIFT North America, a global leader in Lithium-iron technology and a manufacturer of a comprehensive range of high-performance, low-maintenance manual, electric, and internal combustion material handling equipment, hosted its 2024 Dealer Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, just miles from their Illinois headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Over ninety participated in this year’s bi-annual dealer meeting which lasted two days. Day one of the program included presentations and training on various subjects such as NOBLELIFT new products, NOBLELIFT lithium-iron technology, future plans, leasing/financing, marketing, aftersales tech support, parts, extended warranties, quoting software, and more. The dealers welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the company, share their feedback and ideas, and network with other dealers.
Day two was an opportunity for dealers to tour the NOBLELIFT North America headquarters and warehouse. They were able to demo equipment, see the newest models, including the new lithium-iron scissor lifts, meet team members and ask questions. The Des Plaines headquarters is strategically located less than 4 miles from Chicago O’Hare airport.
ATLANTA (Oct. 8, 2024) – Randa Apparel & Accessories (RAA), one of the world's leading fashion apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, today announced a strategic partnership with FORTNA, the leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, to modernize their recently acquired Dallas-Fort Worth 625,000 square foot warehouse. This collaboration aims to modernize the facility to meet contemporary demands, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
RAA, known for its portfolio of over 40 licensed brands and the recent acquisition of the Haggar brand, acquired the Dallas-Fort Worth facility as part of the deal. Faced with the decision to either move out of or upgrade the facility, RAA engaged with FORTNA to develop a comprehensive solution to keep operations local while addressing real estate constraints.
"Providing configurability is paramount in today's environment," said Ron Egan, FORTNA Vice President, North America. "Whether it’s a brownfield or greenfield project, FORTNA is equipped to support customers at any stage of their warehousing journey. In RAA's case, we optimized the design of their current facility and delivered a customized brownfield solution—demonstrating FORTNA’s flexibility and commitment to meeting customer needs."
FORTNA's retrofitted brownfield design includes automated material flows and sortation systems for both inbound and outbound processes. The project will update nearly all material handling equipment in the facility and will implement the FORTNA warehouse control system solution (FORTNA WCS™) over the next two years.
FORTNA WCS™ will aid RAA in their distribution process by providing a single point of control and visibility within the warehouse. This centralized access point allows the RAA team to efficiently monitor and troubleshoot material handling equipment, ensuring smooth operations across their facilities. The system's ability to manage facility flow and maintain uptime further reduces the risks typically associated with integration and implementation, granting empowerment to operations and maintenance teams.
"Automation is the key to unlocking the most out of the human workforce," Egan added. "By automating routine warehouse tasks, we're able to level up efficiency and labor effectiveness for RAA."
The reliable and scalable architecture of FORTNA WCS™, which is hardware agnostic, offers RAA realtime control over their material handling equipment (MHE) systems. This flexibility ensures that RAA can adapt and scale their operations as needed without encountering compatibility issues.
The user-friendly warehouse control system interface enables RAA's team to handle system management from a centralized touch screen effortlessly, streamlining their workflow and enhancing operational efficiency. Through these key features, FORTNA WCS™ positions RAA to implement their systems with greater confidence and effectiveness, ultimately optimizing their operational performance.
FORTNA projects that RAA will realize a 25% labor savings and increased operational productivity through this partnership, allowing the facility to remain viable as business grows for the foreseeable future.
FORTNA Inc. 1349 W Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1300, Atlanta, GA 30309
About FORTNA
FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. Visit https://www.fortna.com/.
About Randa Apparel & Accessories
Randa Apparel & Accessories (RAA) is a global powerhouse with over 100 years of expertise. One of the world’s leading apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, RAA operates a portfolio of 30+ brands across all distribution channels. More information is available at https://randa.net.