Harley-Davidson Revs Up Just-In-Time Manufacturing Performance with

Edibar Systems, Inc., Webprint and Sterling Commerce Web Forms

 

Troy, Michigan  December 8, 2003 –

Edibar Systems, Inc., announced today that the use of a hybrid application employing Sterling Commerce Web Forms and Edibar Systems, Inc., Webprint is helping Harley-Davidson in its just-in-time parts supply and manufacturing performance.

 

Harley-Davidson chose Sterling Web Forms to reach its non-EDI parts suppliers and now has approximately 200 partners on board, according to Harley-Davidson officials. In order to keep pace with its supply chain initiatives, Harley-Davidson went a step further and created a real-time system with bar coding for all parts.

 

“We went to our longtime partner, Edibar Systems, Inc., and together we enhanced Sterling Web Forms to meet the challenge of ‘bar code-enabling’ smaller suppliers that were using Web Forms but previously incapable of generating codes,” said Sam Starr, president and CEO, Sterling Commerce.

 

A custom solution was designed that leveraged Harley Davidson’s existing Web Forms system and provided the ability to deal with even the smallest suppliers using barcode technology.  Through Edibar Systems, Inc., Webprint system, suppliers are given the ability to automatically generate barcode labels from the daily shipping requirements.

 

Harley-Davidson’s supply chain improvement initiatives created off-site “Material Velocity Centers” that replaced in-factory receiving areas. The move simultaneously centralizes parts supplies, improves logistics, frees up valuable factory floor space and creates a more efficient, integrated supply chain and manufacturing operation.

 

All of Harley-Davidson’s Web Forms-capable suppliers can now print bar codes off the Sterling Web Forms system and all factory-destined inventory now displays a bar code as part of the advanced shipping notice process. “We’re pleased to partner with Sterling Commerce and Harley-Davidson to achieve this milestone,” said Wayne Metcalfe, president of Edibar Systems.

 

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson at www.harley-davidson.com

 

Edibar Systems Webprint

Edibar Systems, Inc., Webprint assists users in automating the barcode printing process via the Internet.  By automatically generating barcode labels from the shipping requirements common errors caused by manual entry are eliminated.  Part Information, quantities, RAN and KANBAN numbers are inserted according to the label specification being printed.

 

About Edibar Systems, Inc.,

Edibar Systems, Inc., is a software development company specializing in the integration of EDI and bar code label applications. The company’s specialty is automotive industry advanced shipping notices shipping solutions and integrated inventory tracking systems. Edibar Systems, Inc., has developed interfaces with leading EDI companies such as Sterling Commerce as well as with leading MRP/ERP software manufacturers.  Edibar Systems, Inc., customers include more than 600 manufacturing, distribution and automotive suppliers. Edibar Systems, Inc., has also assisted many original equipment manufacturers, first tier suppliers and major retailers in establishing bar code standards for internal bar-coding needs.

 

Sterling Web Forms

Sterling Web Forms™ enables virtually any user to send and receive purchase orders and invoices electronically via the Internet. Exchanging documents is simple and secure and requires minimal investment from your partners with no full scale e-business programs required. All that’s needed is Internet access and a Web browser.

 

About Sterling Commerce

Sterling Commerce, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) is one of the world’s largest providers of business integration solutions. For Global 5000 companies and their customers, suppliers and partners, Sterling Commerce software and services help maximize business performance and improve business metrics through integration of applications, external partner systems and people. With more than 25 years of experience serving more than 30,000 customers in a vast range of industries, Sterling Commerce is a recognized pioneer in electronic commerce through its longstanding expertise in EDI. Today, as customers explore new ways to improve business performance via the Internet, Sterling Commerce continues to innovate its software and services to further the global adoption of e-commerce while offering its customers strategic solutions that leverage existing technology. For more information, visit www.sterlingcommerce.com