Aspen Technology Inc www.aspentech.com and Optimum Logistics www.optimumlogistics.com have formed a joint marketing and technology alliance to develop Internet-based supply-chain logistics solutions for manufacturers in the process industries. Under terms of the agreement, AspenTech has acquired a minority equity interest in Optimum Logistics from Optimum's parent company Stolt-Nielsen SA.
Optimum Logistics was launched in March 2000, and its TransLink Solution enables manufacturers to arrange, monitor, track and trace, and expedite bulk shipments and associated documentation to reduce administrative, operating, and inventory costs. The TransLink system is now being used by 10 chemical companies to manage cargo movements worldwide using more than 100 logistics service providers.
Under the alliance, AspenTech's supply chain optimization solutions will be integrated with Optimum Logistics' e-logistics technology. The joint offering will let process manufacturers optimize purchasing, manufacturing, sales, and transportation decisions based on accurate real-time information about their logistics network that was previously difficult to obtain. This integrated supply chain solution thus will enable companies to:
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Reduce the total cost of their entire supply chain and, consequently, lower operating costs.
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Collaborate more efficiently with their suppliers.
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Respond more quickly to market opportunities.