Sterling Commerce , an AT&T subsidiary, has announced that the company has been named a Strong Performer by Forrester Research in its March 21, 2008 report, The Forrester Wave: Warehouse Management Solutions, Q1 2008.
In the report, Sterling Warehouse Management System (WMS) was evaluated against nine other solutions across approximately 50 criteria.
Sterling WMS brings operational discipline to complex warehouse operations by giving managers robust planning, execution and measurement tools. The solution helps companies improve perfect order fulfilment by efficiently using inventory available across the extended enterprise.
Sterling WMS improves operational productivity through business process modelling capabilities that provide rapid adaptability for new and complex requirements and market changes.
Its support for value added services provides efficient management of light assembly and unique customer bundling needs.
In highlighting the strengths of Sterling WMS for several industries, the report stated, “Because of the tight integration with its order management solution, the WM is a good option for those looking for both. The vendor’s multi-enterprise support also makes it a good fit for 3PLs.” The report also stated, “Sterling is best for large to medium-size retailers that require a highly extensible solution.”
In the report, Sterling WMS was identified for having a “well-designed workflow engine and modular product design,” functionality that helps companies tailor the WMS to their unique needs.
The report states, “Sterling’s strengths include the workflow engine, VAS [value-added services] support, labor management, and a shared data model with its order management solution, product modularity, and its high R&D spend relative to the competition.”
“We’re pleased with placement in this report as a strong performer. With considerable consolidation occurring in the WMS market and all the solutions looking more and more alike, it’s important to find new ways to differentiate our offering,” said Scott Pulsipher, senior vice president of Product Management and Marketing for Sterling Commerce.
“Our high R&D spending combined with the flexible technical architecture and workflow capabilities of Sterling WMS uniquely positions Sterling Commerce to deliver a solution that helps companies manage their process complexity in a way that will enable them to leverage their WMS as a competitive advantage.”
Sterling WMS is part of the Sterling Selling and Fulfillment Suite, a unique set of applications for managing the entire process of inquiry to cash that removes the barriers to successful customer and supplier interactions by providing a single end-to-end view of multi-channel selling and fulfilment operations.
The Suite allows companies to present a unique buying experience for their prospects, customers, and partners in all the ways they sell - Web, call centre, store, and field sales.
In addition, it provides companies with control over the entire fulfilment lifecycle - from order management, to warehouse operations, to transportation and delivery, to supply management, to returns and settlement.