AJ Logistics Launches Mobile BI System With WebFOCUS

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Jun 1, 2011) - Information Builders, an independent leader in business intelligence (BI) solutions, today announced that AJ Logistics, a premier provider of custom warehousing and logistics services, created a WebFOCUS application that lets clients track multiple projects, obtain status updates, issue commands, and update inventory data using their iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices. Based on WebFOCUS Maintain, an application development environment for building transactional web-based applications, the closed-loop BI application lets customers manage information about orders, deliveries, and inventory in the warehouse, giving AJ Logistics an edge in a highly competitive market. A closed-loop BI system permits both reads and writes to the underlying database, providing business users with the information they need to make decisions while also updating the associated operational data.

"We like WebFOCUS because it lets mobile users both query and update a database via native browser apps," said Greg Johnston, chief information officer at AJ Logistics. "It also gives us real-time access to our inventory data with a complete security architecture that permits us to isolate each customer's proprietary information."

AJ Logistics is known as a "last-mile service provider" because it offers warehouse services for clients in close proximity to their move-in locations. For example, if a retail chain is opening a new store in a mall, AJ Logistics will manage the receipt, storage, and delivery of all necessary furniture, fixtures, and equipment in a nearby warehouse, maintain a running inventory of each item, and coordinate deliveries to on-site contractors and installation crews. As a midsize company, AJ Logistics processes 1,000 to 2,000 such projects every year. To manage this level of activity and streamline the execution of many simultaneous projects, AJ Logistics used WebFOCUS Maintain to create a closed-loop BI system that lets clients keep track of all of their projects through one cohesive web-based interface. One click is all it takes to run an activity report, generate an invoice, and perform other common functions. Customers can view their inventory by part number, description, vendor, PO number, quantity, weight, and shipping information, and schedule items for delivery at the date and time of their choosing. In many cases, their queries trigger multi-step workflow processes that update inventory tables, schedule deliveries, notify project managers, and direct activities at third-party warehouses.

The BI system also helps internal staff as they locate suitable warehouses, negotiate rates, and coordinate the receipt and delivery of freight, fixtures, and equipment. Other internal personnel use WebFOCUS to manage the order-to-cash cycle, including invoicing customers, managing collections, and paying warehouses. Taking on many of the functions of an ERP system, the closed-loop BI environment automates many aspects of bids, billing, collections, invoicing, payments, and shipments.

"As the pace of business accelerates, more and more companies are turning to service providers for help with warehousing, logistics, transportation, and project management issues," said Gerald Cohen, president and CEO of Information Builders. "AJ Logistics depends on its closed-loop BI system to improve coordination, collaboration, and visibility into many types of logistics scenarios. By placing actionable information at the center of its business model, this industry leader is making its logistics offerings more competitive."

About AJ Logistics
AJ Logistics (www.ajlog.com) is a premier provider of custom warehousing and logistics services nationwide. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company provides project management and inventory control for FF&E installations, fixture and equipment rollouts, kiosk programs, containerization services, overseas shipping, order fulfillment & distribution, and reverse logistics.

About Information Builders
Information Builders provides software and services that bring smarter decision-making and streamlined processes to leading organizations in business, government, and education worldwide. The company's software is installed in tens of thousands of locations, servicing millions of users. Its WebFOCUS business intelligence (BI) platform delivers massively scalable information applications, analytics, and customer-facing portals to the new generation of information users to deliver game-changing business results. Its iWay Software integration platform allows enterprises to leverage all of their information resources to streamline internal and business-to-business processes while escalating the overall accessibility and integrity of information regardless of environmental complexity. Headquartered in New York City with 60 offices worldwide, the company employs 1,350 people and has established significant industry partnerships. Visit Information Builders at informationbuilders.com. For ongoing news, go to informationbuilders.com/new or follow Information Builders at @infobldrs.