Solution for C & H's SAP WM Includes Catalyst Library Transactions for SAP
Data Collection, Wireless Infrastructure and Intermec RF Data Collection
Equipment
Catalyst International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CLYS), a global supplier of
supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, recently provided a comprehensive
wireless data collection solution for C & H Sugar Company, Inc., which makes
more than 250 types, grades and package configurations of sugar for consumer,
foodservice, and industrial consumption. The solution included Catalyst's
library of native R/3 data collection transactions, custom data collection
transactions developed by Catalyst to meet C & H's unique requirements and
custom label printing.
The native SAP data collection system was installed to improve inventory
control and accuracy in the warehouse portion of C & H's 1,400, 000
square-foot refinery and distribution center in Crockett, CA. This facility was
built in the early 20th century and accounts for roughly 10% of the country's
annual production of refined sugar.
By utilizing SAPConsole (SAP's native character based radio frequency { RF}
solution designed to translate SAP graphical screens into character- based
screens), the company provided C & H Sugar a comprehensive solution that
included:
-- 20 RF enabled transactions to support C & H's unique business
processes (most were from Catalyst's own library while others were
custom developed).
-- A secure wireless infrastructure with 38 access points throughout the
multi-floor warehouse. Some of the access points required dual
802.11b radio technology for the indoor and outdoor coverage areas.
-- 40 model 2435 RF data collection devices from Intermec.
-- Integration with SAP WM to manage 400 different types of finished
goods.
"Our deadlines were extremely tight and our building's age and unusual
configuration presented unique challenges," said Gary Walden, Project Manager
for C & H Sugar. "An SAP representative recommended Catalyst because of
their extensive experience with SAPConsole and wireless data collection in the
warehouse environment. The consultants from Catalyst were knowledgeable
professionals who met all our deadlines and delivered a solution that enabled us
to gain control of the open warehouse portion of our facility."
The C & H Sugar open warehouse comprises roughly 30% of the building's
space. It is used primarily as an overflow area and for items (e.g., 2000- pound
bags) that aren't handled by C & H's Automated Storage and Retrieval System
(ASRS). Before Catalyst implemented the wireless data collection system,
inventory accuracy in this area was not quantifiable, but probably was in the
range of 30 - 35%. C & H Sugar made the decision to convert its ERP legacy
system to SAP in early 2003 and began extending its functionality to include SAP
WM later that same year.
About C & H Sugar
Located in Crockett, CA near San Francisco, C & H Sugar processes about
700,000 tons of cane sugar each year. Its products for the U.S. market include
packaged consumer sugars as well as packaged, liquid and bulk granulated
industrial-use cane sugars. The company, which originally was named the
California and Hawaiian Sugar Refining Company, will be celebrating its 100th
anniversary in 2006. For further information, visit the company website at www.chsugar.com .
About Catalyst
Catalyst International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CLYS) delivers software and
solutions that enable companies to optimize the performance of their enterprise
supply chains. Catalyst is the only resource that combines 25 years of industry
leadership in warehouse and logistics software development with an in-depth
understanding of ERP systems. Catalyst has provided successful SCE solutions for
customers around the world, including Boeing, Brown Forman, Office Max, Osram
Sylvania, Panasonic, Rayovac, Reebok, Subaru, and The Home Depot. It is
headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and has offices or representatives in the UK,
Italy, Mexico and South America. For more information, call toll- free
800-236-4600 or visit www.catalystinternational