Datacraft Solutions Demand Driven Supply Chain in Manufacturing.net

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/30/2007 -- Datacraft Solutions (http://www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

According to manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler in the current issue of Manufacturing.net, "Software systems must still address manufacturing functionality and should contain functions such as: advanced planning, constraint management and capacity analysis; Just-in-Time manufacturing; feature-based assembly and mixed-mode manufacturing; machine downtime tracking; multi-level bill of materials and routings; engineering levels and approvals; RF-enabled production recording and putaway; and lean manufacturing, material flow and production. For those manufacturers who are not heavily outsourcing the production functions, the ability for software solutions to address lean initiatives is vital."

The article can be read in its entirety at http://www.manufacturing.net/article/CA6426268.html?text=cutler

Once implemented, the benefits of lean manufacturing quickly are quantifiable. Although many believe the benefits can be obtained via a simple Kanban system, revolutionary thinkers know a true lean environment stretches well past the plant floor and migrates through the entire enterprise.

"In addition to a strong demand-driven supply chain, including digital Kanban, a successful lean environment must also include a robust enterprise resource planning system to pull the entire corporation into the lean revolution," said Stephen Parker, Chairman of Datacraft Solutions.

And as manufacturers take on the role of distributors, software solutions must address distribution functionality as well. Some of these distribution functions include: centralized and local purchasing; complete CRM (customer relationship management) with online quoting; order release management; full WMS (warehouse management systems); license plate tracking; bar code labeling, shipment verification and label error-proofing; Just-in-Time deliveries and sequenced shipping; containerization; and EDI transactions (electronic data interface)

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Stephen Parker CEO of Datacraft Solutions Expands with Director of Business Development Steve Rao

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/29/2006 -- Steve Sandeep Rao, J.D. has joined Datacraft Solutions as a Director in Business Development and Client Executive.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

Mr. Rao, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, is a businessman and entrepreneur in North Carolina. Steve was Director, Business development for MindLever.com, an e-learning software company, acquired by Centra Software in 2001. Steve is also the founder and Chairman of TSG Academies, one of North Carolina's leading sports management firms. In addition to his duties at Datacraft, Mr. Rao serves on the State IT Board of North Carolina (appointed by the Governor and the NC State senate) is a Charter Member and Monthly Events Chair of TIE Carolinas (The Indus Entrepreneurs), a global entrepreneurship organization.

Mr. Rao has a B.A. in Political Science from Emory University and a J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law. Steve resides in Morrisville, North Carolina with his wife Dr. Komal Parekh and their children, Sonia, and Rayan.

According to CEO Stephen Parker, "We are indeed fortunate for have someone of Steve's talent as part of the Datacraft Solutions' team. His contribution is important as we are experiencing significant growth."

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Manufacturing Journalist TR Cutler Profiles Digital Kanban by Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/14/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

Thomas R. Cutler, manufacturing journalist of the feature article suggests that, "Supply chain functionality involves:
• Connecting and integrating large and small companies electronically with all trading partners;
• Managing and synchronizing product information to improve time-to-market, reducing cost and increasing revenue;
• Providing a common platform and tools for companies to view, monitor and manage any type of data transaction, or sharing entire business processes anywhere in the world;
• Providing industry processes and process management tools supporting collaborative demand planning in real time.

A lean and flexible supply chain structure saves a company from the embarrassment of a wildly inaccurate forecast and the potential for huge sales and profit losses— a problem that the electronics industry still experiences despite years of intense focus on accurate demand and supply planning.

While forecasts are still necessary for capacity planning, more intelligent, collaborative methods are being employed to increase visibility down the supply chain. Where electronics companies once relied largely on sales goals or hindsight to generate forecasts, they are now moving toward a demand-driven model that uses more immediate data from sales channels to provide a clearer picture of what customers actually want, and an agile supply chain to execute rapidly when inevitable, sometimes daily, changes in demand occur. A piece of lean manufacturing in the supply chain often includes Kanban— which, loosely translated from Japanese, means 'card' or 'sign'. It is a method that uses standard units or lot sizes with a single card attached to each during storage. Kanban is a pull system used at a stock point in which a supply batch is ordered only when a previous batch is withdrawn. Kanban manages finished goods and components where the manufacturer keeps safety stock on hand at all times for each stage in the manufacturing process. A subcontractor will have safety stock for relevant components, a vendor will have safety stock for sub-assemblies, and finally there will be safety stock for finished goods. Typically, the customer will draw from the inventory, which is then replenished within an agreed-upon time frame.

The scope of Kanban has grown to e-Kanban and now digital Kanban. Demand-driven supply chain networks, by default, incorporate the Kanban process. Enabling companies to sign up with a software as a service (SaaS) model creates immediate realized value and visibility in the supply chain.

Datacraft Solutions' Demand Driven Supply Chain Network was profiled in the recent issue of Material Management & Distribution magazine; the article may be read in its entirety at http://www.mmd.rogers.dgtlpub.com/data/issuePDF/MMD/8500000541-MMD.pdf#page=59.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Digital Kanban Selected by Hi-Stat Lexington Division of Stoneridge

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/07/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Craig Benson of Hi-Stat Lexington Division of Stoneridge, Inc. commented that, "The company has been on a lean journey for about the past two years. During that period of time inventory has been reduced significantly due to manual kanban system and the re-defining of acceptable inventory levels by management. In 2005, Hi-Stat Lexington received the Stoneridge, Inc. Presidents Award for improvements in inventory turns. As we eliminate the waste, communication issues have become prevalent causing stock-outs and expedite freight shipments. We believe that an e-kanban system is necessary for Hi-Stat Lexington to reach the next level in our journey."

Benson chose Datacraft Solutions because, "It was unique in its effort to truly partner with Stoneridge, versus many others that were just looking to sell a system. We needed to have a partner that would join us on this journey and assist us in finding ways of eliminating waste in excess inventory, and providing our supply base with an effective tool to improve our communication."

Tony Diana with Datacraft Solutions concurred: "I think there are several areas of significant value that will be realized from our partnership. 1st I think the realtime, visual and collaborative communication link will be indispensable for Hi-Stat as they continue on their lean journey and bring their consumption based replenishment process to the next level. They will need the ability to issue replenishment signals in realtime and provide their suppliers with the ability to respond and confirm that they have received those orders and will be able to deliver the mission critical inventory items in the required time. This will potentially eliminate stockouts, line stops and expediting costs. The elimination of these costs alone can oftentimes more than pay for the system, apart from the other monetized value they will realize from optimized inventory levels, increased inventory turns, ongoing process improvement and maximizing resource utilization.

2nd – We have learned from repeated industry experience that what works effectively on a small scale manually, is very difficult to sustain on a much larger scale plant or enterprise wide. We provide the technology and services that enable organizations to scale their Kanban functionality without limit by automating the routine and managing the exceptions.

3rd – Signum provides the critical data that is indispensable for continuous improvement in regards to optimizing inventory levels, maximizing resource utilization and focusing on strategic buying relationships with suppliers. Signum provides, in one centralized repository, all of the mission critical data required to evaluate actual inventory usage, enabling users to optimize inventory levels. Signum will also provide Hi – Stat with the visibility into Supplier Performance Ratings, so they can focus on specific areas and suppliers that need additional training.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

JCIT International Enters Strategic Alliance Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/05/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions is pleased to announce that a strategic alliance has been formed with JCIT International, the leader in Demand Flow Technology. David Glennon, vice president of Business Development for JCIT was equally enthusiastic, "We think this is a good fit for both organizations because the Datacraft solution complements JCIT very well for our Supplier Integration service offering. JCIT and Datacraft now provide a complete automated supplier pull execution strategy for our clients."

According the Datacraft Solutions CEO, Stephen Parker, "JCIT is a world class organization assisting such industry giants like Jack Welch at GE, transform his company into a global leader. We look forward to teaming with JCIT to combine their industry leading consultant knowledge with our market leading software automation solution to the benefit of manufactures and distributors globally".

About JCIT:
For over 20 years, JCIT International has trained over 90,000 students worldwide in the principles of Demand Flow Technology (DFT). With state-of-the-art training facilities located throughout the United States and overseas, JCIT offers a variety of hands-on workshops and a proven track record of success.

Founded in 1984 by manufacturing expert and industry leader, John Costanza, JCIT International is committed to the development and delivery of the highest quality educational programs within the manufacturing industry. Every workshop and consultation engagement is designed with one goal in mind: providing companies the highest level of customer service and a dynamic set of DFT tools.

About Datacraft Solutions:
Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network. Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

In Tech Magazine Profiles e-Kanban and Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/30/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

Kanban is a visual cue to manufacturers to replenish, said Tom Cutler, president and chief executive of TR Cutler, Inc., a manufacturing marketing firm in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. When a relationship begins between a manufacturer and a supplier, they define a service level agreement. This includes "items such as negotiated lead times, packaged quantities, order receipt confirmations, and advanced shipment notices," which they need to spell out specifically. "An e-kanban system monitors to make sure each of these service level agreements is being met by the supplier in real time," he said. "If they're not, a series of alerts and notifications goes out to all parties. This gives everyone a chance to adjust their behavior to bring performance back in line in real time."

E-kanban also makes all this real-time information available for historical analysis, Cutler said. It's available over the internet 24 hours a day, so all parties can see trends in performance. Everyone is aware of late shipments, short shipments, and other supply chain performances, and "these visuals give everyone in the supply chain information about how to focus their energies."

The old system at Luvata required personnel to send monthly Excel forecasts to the customer service representative, who entered it into the ERP system and re-entered data into the shop floor control system. Daily telephone calls changing order requirements meant the process had to start all over again, sabotaging efficiency in the manufacturing process.

The e-kanban system helps Scott Stringer, operations manager at Luvata's Franklin, Ky., plant, link the customer's demand with production efforts. The key is "trying to produce what they really need and streamlining the whole communication effort," he said. Since it is Web-based, any computer that has access to the Internet can look at the e-kanban levels. So Stringer's daily routine is, "get my cereal and bring up the Web site to see where the card levels are on the kanban. We'll link up with customers via a third-party Web site kanban system. A large manufacturing firm will call the third-party company and say it wants the supply base delivered from kanban. Then the large manufacturer brings on one of its suppliers one by one," he said.

Datacraft Solutions' Demand Driven Supply Chain Network was profiled in the recent issue of In Tech magazine; the article may be read in its entirety at http://www.isa.org/InTechTemplate.cfm?Section=General_Information2&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=56925.

Electronic inventory management (e-kanban) does more than cut inventory.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Material Management & Distribution Profiled Digital Kanban by Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/29/2006 -- Thomas R. Cutler, manufacturing journalist of the feature article suggests that, "Supply chain functionality involves:

• Connecting and integrating large and small companies electronically with all trading partners;
• Managing and synchronizing product information to improve time-to-market, reducing cost and increasing revenue;
• Providing a common platform and tools for companies to view, monitor and manage any type of data transaction, or sharing entire business processes anywhere in the world;
• Providing industry processes and process management tools supporting collaborative demand planning in real time.

A lean and flexible supply chain structure saves a company from the embarrassment of a wildly inaccurate forecast and the potential for huge sales and profit losses— a problem that the electronics industry still experiences despite years of intense focus on accurate demand and supply planning.

While forecasts are still necessary for capacity planning, more intelligent, collaborative methods are being employed to increase visibility down the supply chain. Where electronics companies once relied largely on sales goals or hindsight to generate forecasts, they are now moving toward a demand-driven model that uses more immediate data from sales channels to provide a clearer picture of what customers actually want, and an agile supply chain to execute rapidly when inevitable, sometimes daily, changes in demand occur. A piece of lean manufacturing in the supply chain often includes Kanban— which, loosely translated from Japanese, means 'card' or 'sign'. It is a method that uses standard units or lot sizes with a single card attached to each during storage. Kanban is a pull system used at a stock point in which a supply batch is ordered only when a previous batch is withdrawn. Kanban manages finished goods and components where the manufacturer keeps safety stock on hand at all times for each stage in the manufacturing process. A subcontractor will have safety stock for relevant components, a vendor will have safety stock for sub-assemblies, and finally there will be safety stock for finished goods. Typically, the customer will draw from the inventory, which is then replenished within an agreed-upon time frame.

The scope of Kanban has grown to e-Kanban and now digital Kanban. Demand-driven supply chain networks, by default, incorporate the Kanban process. Enabling companies to sign up with a software as a service (SaaS) model creates immediate realized value and visibility in the supply chain.

Datacraft Solutions' Demand Driven Supply Chain Network was profiled in the recent issue of Material Management & Distribution magazine; the article may be read in its entirety at http://www.mmd.rogers.dgtlpub.com/data/issuePDF/MMD/8500000541-MMD.pdf#page=59.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Accounting411 Profiles Digital Kanban by Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/28/2006 -- "The central hallmark of demand driven supply chain is a digital kanban system which achieves savings in several key areas," according to Stephen Parker, CEO of North Carolina-based Datacraft Solutions.

• It reduces the need to build inventory. All production is initiated based on the immediate needs of customers. Inventory turns for digital kanban parts are optimized (a definition of lean accounting.)
• Time spent by customer service communicating on expedited parts issues is practically been eliminated through a demand driven supply chain. Often customer service staff members spend 40% of their time expediting part orders prior to digital kanban implementation.
• Sales have increased with the benefit of the e-kanban program because the copper manufacturer no longer uses capacity to build parts without an order to buy NOW. 100% of production capacity is utilized to build parts that are already sold as soon as they hit the shipping dock.

Parker insists, "Capacity is expensive and a demand driven supply chain via digital kanban provides lean accounting efficiency and elimination of waste."

Business process efficiencies increase with digital kanban, since orders are no longer run through the scheduling department, cutting shop orders and batching them. Demand driven supply chain replaces a very long chain of events in the order entry and scheduling function. Customer needs are displayed in real time. Everyone, including the customer, can see the status of any digital kanban at all times.

This scorecard methodology along with digital kanban assists all manufacturing staff to understand the business and see the impact of their efforts manifested in better results. People want to know what they can do to make the business better, and link what they do to the financial results. Lean accounting provides a sense of ownership. Manufacturing staff now can understand what is occurring on the shop floor and make the appropriate changes.

Datacraft Solutions' Demand Driven Supply Chain Network was profiled in the recent issue of Accounting 411 magazine; the article may be read in its entirety at http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Press/PressDocView.aspx?docid=8169.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Enters Strategic Alliance with JCIT International

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/20/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions is pleased to announce that a strategic alliance has been formed with JCIT International, the leader in Demand Flow Technology. According the Datacraft Solutions CEO, Stephen Parker, "JCIT is a world class organization assisting such industry giants like Jack Welch at GE, transform his company into a global leader. We look forward to teaming with JCIT to combine their industry leading consultant knowledge with our market leading software automation solution to the benefit of manufactures and distributors globally".

David Glennon, vice president of Business Development for JCIT was equally enthusiastic, "We think this is a good fit for both organizations because the Datacraft solution complements JCIT very well for our Supplier Integration service offering. JCIT and Datacraft now provide a complete automated supplier pull execution strategy for our clients."

About JCIT:

For over 20 years, JCIT International has trained over 90,000 students worldwide in the principles of Demand Flow Technology (DFT). With state-of-the-art training facilities located throughout the United States and overseas, JCIT offers a variety of hands-on workshops and a proven track record of success.

Founded in 1984 by manufacturing expert and industry leader, John Costanza, JCIT International is committed to the development and delivery of the highest quality educational programs within the manufacturing industry. Every workshop and consultation engagement is designed with one goal in mind: providing companies the highest level of customer service and a dynamic set of DFT tools.

About Datacraft Solutions:

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network. Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hi-Stat Lexington Division of Stoneridge Selects Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/15/2006 -- Craig Benson of Hi-Stat Lexington Division of Stoneridge, Inc. commented that, "The company has been on a lean journey for about the past two years. During that period of time inventory has been reduced significantly due to manual kanban system and the re-defining of acceptable inventory levels by management. In 2005, Hi-Stat Lexington received the Stoneridge, Inc. Presidents Award for improvements in inventory turns. As we eliminate the waste, communication issues have become prevalent causing stock-outs and expedite freight shipments. We believe that an e-kanban system is necessary for Hi-Stat Lexington to reach the next level in our journey."

Benson chose Datacraft Solutions because, "It was unique in its effort to truly partner with Stoneridge, versus many others that were just looking to sell a system. We needed to have a partner that would join us on this journey and assist us in finding ways of eliminating waste in excess inventory, and providing our supply base with an effective tool to improve our communication."

Tony Diana with Datacraft Solutions concurred: "I think there are several areas of significant value that will be realized from our partnership. 1st I think the realtime, visual and collaborative communication link will be indispensable for Hi-Stat as they continue on their lean journey and bring their consumption based replenishment process to the next level. They will need the ability to issue replenishment signals in realtime and provide their suppliers with the ability to respond and confirm that they have received those orders and will be able to deliver the mission critical inventory items in the required time. This will potentially eliminate stockouts, line stops and expediting costs. The elimination of these costs alone can oftentimes more than pay for the system, apart from the other monetized value they will realize from optimized inventory levels, increased inventory turns, ongoing process improvement and maximizing resource utilization.

2nd – We have learned from repeated industry experience that what works effectively on a small scale manually, is very difficult to sustain on a much larger scale plant or enterprise wide. We provide the technology and services that enable organizations to scale their Kanban functionality without limit by automating the routine and managing the exceptions.

3rd – Signum provides the critical data that is indispensable for continuous improvement in regards to optimizing inventory levels, maximizing resource utilization and focusing on strategic buying relationships with suppliers. Signum provides, in one centralized repository, all of the mission critical data required to evaluate actual inventory usage, enabling users to optimize inventory levels. Signum will also provide Hi – Stat with the visibility into Supplier Performance Ratings, so they can focus on specific areas and suppliers that need additional training.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

In Tech Magazine Profiles e-Kanban

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/13/2006 -- Kanban is a visual cue to manufacturers to replenish, said Tom Cutler, president and chief executive of TR Cutler, Inc., a manufacturing marketing firm in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. When a relationship begins between a manufacturer and a supplier, they define a service level agreement. This includes "items such as negotiated lead times, packaged quantities, order receipt confirmations, and advanced shipment notices," which they need to spell out specifically. "An e-kanban system monitors to make sure each of these service level agreements is being met by the supplier in real time," he said. "If they're not, a series of alerts and notifications goes out to all parties. This gives everyone a chance to adjust their behavior to bring performance back in line in real time."

E-kanban also makes all this real-time information available for historical analysis, Cutler said. It's available over the internet 24 hours a day, so all parties can see trends in performance. Everyone is aware of late shipments, short shipments, and other supply chain performances, and "these visuals give everyone in the supply chain information about how to focus their energies."

The old system at Luvata required personnel to send monthly Excel forecasts to the customer service representative, who entered it into the ERP system and re-entered data into the shop floor control system. Daily telephone calls changing order requirements meant the process had to start all over again, sabotaging efficiency in the manufacturing process.

The e-kanban system helps Scott Stringer, operations manager at Luvata's Franklin, Ky., plant, link the customer's demand with production efforts. The key is "trying to produce what they really need and streamlining the whole communication effort," he said. Since it is Web-based, any computer that has access to the Internet can look at the e-kanban levels. So Stringer's daily routine is, "get my cereal and bring up the Web site to see where the card levels are on the kanban. We'll link up with customers via a third-party Web site kanban system. A large manufacturing firm will call the third-party company and say it wants the supply base delivered from kanban. Then the large manufacturer brings on one of its suppliers one by one," he said.

Datacraft Solutions' Demand Driven Supply Chain Network was profiled in the recent issue of In Tech magazine; the article may be read in its entirety at http://www.isa.org/InTechTemplate.cfm?Section=General_Information2&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=56925.

Electronic inventory management (e-kanban) does more than cut inventory.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Material Management & Distribution Magazine Profiles Stephen Parker from Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/24/2006 -- According to Stephen Parker, CEO with Datacraft Solutions, and manufacturer of Signum, one of the few digital Kanban technology solutions, "Demand Driven Supply Chain networks provide the most optimum platform. The demand / pull which starts from the customer, drives the whole supply chain for the organization."

A demand driven supply chain:

• Has the ability to dynamically respond to changes and conditions faster than traditional supply chains to truly achieve competitive marketplace positioning
• Is supported by applications and an open architecture that can enable instant or real-time, accurate information visibility inside the company, as well as outside its four walls
• Uses real-time information to sense shifts in the marketplace and dynamically redirects resources to address these shifts

Align Inventory Levels with Actual Consumption

Electronics companies must align inventory levels with actual consumption often with a closed-loop replenishment process that sends a signal to the supplier to produce and deliver a new shipment whenever a kanban card or "lot" of material is consumed. Every card must be tracked throughout the replenishment cycle bringing unprecedented visibility to both buyers and suppliers.

Parker also noted, "New Kanban users are often very concerned about how and when they will increase or decrease Kanban loop sizes." There are several tools to assist electronics manufacturers in this area:

• The system will automatically send a recommendation to consider resizing whenever daily usage is above or below normal. Material managers can then review recent trends in item usage to decide whether they need to resize or not.
• Whenever noted, material managers are alerted and they can instantly see whether an increased daily usage or delays from suppliers are causing the risk of stock-out. If increased consumption is causing the stock-out, then they can instantly resize that item, all items consumed by a work-center, or all items within a product line.
• Kanban loops can be automatically resized by importing production schedules or forecasts. The digital kanban technology will then increase or decrease loop sizes in advance of the forecasted demand to ensure that suppliers have the time to deliver the needed material.

Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks in the current issue of Material Management & Distribution Magazine.

According to Cutler, "The scope of Kanban has grown to e-Kanban and now digital Kanban. Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default incorporate the kanban process. Enabling companies to sign up with software as a service (SaaS) model creates immediate realized value and visibility to the supply chain."

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Profiled by Thomas R. Cutler Manufacturing Journalist in MetalForming Magazine

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/23/2006 -- Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled Luvata and Datacraft Solutions in the current issue of MetalForming Magazine.

According to Jeffrey Ball, Value Engineering and Information Services Manager with Luvata, "This presented a unique challenge for both plants. The two plants had separate planning, inventory, and scheduling systems and in order to ensure that the weld lines at Franklin never ran out of raw material, there was always a large amount of inventory "in the pipeline". In order to prevent stock outs of a specific part number, a great deal of time was required by both the Buffalo and Franklin Scheduling Teams to avert disaster. It seemed as though, whichever parts were made, they were not the parts that were needed today at Franklin. Expediting of individual part numbers was the norm."

What Luvata needed was a system that could integrate with both the Buffalo and Franklin Shop Floor Control Systems and provide a visual, easy to understand, and real time representation of the Total Supply Chain.

The Buffalo and Franklin Scheduling Groups went ahead and formed a team to address the need to reduce the amount of working capital tied up in the supply chain and improve delivery reliability. Jeffrey Ball noted, "There was plenty of candid conversation within the team that moved the two plants from a WIN/LOSE mentality, to group focused on developing a WIN/WIN result!"

During a visit to the Franklin plant, it was revealed that Franklin was using a new tool called digital kanban (also known as eKanban) from called Datacraft Solutions, a leading demand driven supply chain technology firm based in Durham, North Carolina. The Luvata team quickly decided that based upon the initial success of the digital kanban system at Franklin, that the Buffalo facility should take advantage of Franklin's experience with digital kanban. In addition, both plants would now have a common Supply Chain Management Software that could be implemented easily, quickly, and affordably in Buffalo.

Over the next month, the Buffalo/Franklin Team worked closely with the Datacraft Solutions experts, to define the project costs, benefits and time schedule. The primary of objectives of reduced working capital (25% inventory reduction), improved delivery reliability (avoid stock outs), easy to use scheduling modules, and quick implementation time appear to be well within our budget and timeframes. Jeffrey Ball was pleased to report, "The Team is also highly confident that the large amount of time currently devoted to expediting material will be virtually eliminated from their daily routines."

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Profiled by Thomas R. Cutler Manufacturing Journalist in Material Management & Distribution Magazine

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/25/2006 -- Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks in the current issue of Material Management & Distribution Magazine.

According to Cutler, "The scope of Kanban has grown to e-Kanban and now digital Kanban. Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default incorporate the kanban process. Enabling companies to sign up with software as a service (SaaS) model creates immediate realized value and visibility to the supply chain."

According to Stephen Parker, CEO with Datacraft Solutions, and manufacturer of Signum, one of the few digital Kanban technology solutions, "Demand Driven Supply Chain networks provide the most optimum platform. The demand / pull which starts from the customer, drives the whole supply chain for the organization."

A demand driven supply chain:

• Has the ability to dynamically respond to changes and conditions faster than traditional supply chains to truly achieve competitive marketplace positioning
• Is supported by applications and an open architecture that can enable instant or real-time, accurate information visibility inside the company, as well as outside its four walls
• Uses real-time information to sense shifts in the marketplace and dynamically redirects resources to address these shifts

Align Inventory Levels with Actual Consumption

Electronics companies must align inventory levels with actual consumption often with a closed-loop replenishment process that sends a signal to the supplier to produce and deliver a new shipment whenever a kanban card or "lot" of material is consumed. Every card must be tracked throughout the replenishment cycle bringing unprecedented visibility to both buyers and suppliers.

Parker also noted, "New Kanban users are often very concerned about how and when they will increase or decrease Kanban loop sizes." There are several tools to assist electronics manufacturers in this area:

• The system will automatically send a recommendation to consider resizing whenever daily usage is above or below normal. Material managers can then review recent trends in item usage to decide whether they need to resize or not.
• Whenever noted, material managers are alerted and they can instantly see whether an increased daily usage or delays from suppliers are causing the risk of stock-out. If increased consumption is causing the stock-out, then they can instantly resize that item, all items consumed by a work-center, or all items within a product line.
• Kanban loops can be automatically resized by importing production schedules or forecasts. The digital kanban technology will then increase or decrease loop sizes in advance of the forecasted demand to ensure that suppliers have the time to deliver the needed material.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Profiled in Software Magazine

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/08/2006 -- Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled Digital Kanban in the summer issue of Software Magazine.

Kanban, in its most simplifying role, is a visual signal (or cue) that something needs to be replenished. More specifically, lean manufacturers today use digital kanban by Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) to drive a process to make, move, or buy the appropriate parts. Thus, digital kanban becomes one of the fundamental building blocks of a pull (or consumption based) replenishment system.

One supplier of replenishment-based supply-chain digital kanban stressed the importance of measuring ROI. Stephen Parker, CEO of Datacraft Solutions, makers of Signum, "The ROI is most often achieved within the first few days because of the unique approach to rapid integration to existing systems. Unlike major software installations that can take months or even years to achieve ROI, Signum can integrate in just days or weeks."

Parker adds, "True replenishment-based supply chain is so much more than kanban functionality. ERP systems professing kanban features do not begin to capture the real-time benefits achieved with automatic flow-through supply chain."

Some of those benefits include:

• Suppliers are no longer a part of the problem; instead, they become contributors to the solution. A centralized, interactive repository allows both ends of the chain to interact with (and ultimately improve) the parameters of replenishment.
• Performance is now measured bidirectionally, and the responsibility (and subsequent accountability) is distributed across the chain. Suppliers are no longer the only resource required to perform according to terms; the manufacturers' compliance is visible now as well.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions’ Practices Continued Process Improvement for Clients

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/01/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions is applying the lessons of continuous improvement to their platform, making the replenishment supply chain digital kanban implementation more efficient and effective as time goes on. This optimization occurs on an ongoing basis. There is no need to reload software and retool hardware; new capabilities are added, ready for manufacturers and suppliers to use the next log in.

Datacraft Solutions, Inc. hosts all the data at their data center. They have a server farm with 100% redundancy and three OC3 lines. The data is 99.999% secure, and clients have never experienced down time, thanks to a Multiple UPS Power backup system and 900 kW Diesel Caterpillar generator. They also have Biometric scanners for Data Center Security for the physical access security to the server farm.

According to Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "Datacraft Solutions' Internet-based on-demand delivery platform offers key benefits from the very beginning of an implementation – namely, the elimination of lengthy, complicated and expensive infrastructure upgrades before you can even begin to see positive ROI. There is simply no faster or easier way to begin exploiting the power of Digital Kanban in your operations."

Datacraft Solutions' unique solution involves three key differences in Digital Kanban:

• All aspects solutions are hosted on Datacraft Solutions' servers, and backed by Datacraft Solutions infrastructure.

• Datacraft Solutions supports their replenishment supply chain digital kanban solutions. There is no need to pay administrators to maintain the software and/or hardware.

• Datacraft Solutions provides the solutions at low, fixed monthly costs. Companies pay only for what is needed and used, without any hidden costs – and the cost of ownership is easy to calculate and contain.

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default it incorporates the kanban process. Datacraft Solutions enables companies to sign up using a "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. Clients are provided the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks." This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks Leader Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/29/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions enables companies of any size to gain full and unbiased visibility within their supply chain. Companies utilizing a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network are able to realized immediate value no matter the direction within the value chain from which they start. This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks (DDSCN), by default it incorporates the kanban process. Kanban is but a small piece of the process which is essential to a successful supply chain.

The key pieces to success in DDSCN:

1. The data is captured as to the consumption from the customer based upon the pulling of the raw materials from the kanbans.
2. Actual demand Information is captured and generated via reports.
a. The reports need to be focused on what are the key indicators as to the impacts on the customers lead time.
b. Who and what are the causing the impacts.
c. What are the areas that are creating waste within the value chain.
3. Based on this data you are now able to better optimize the overall process.

According to Datacraft Solutions' Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "We enable companies to sign up using our "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. We provide them with the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks."

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kanban: Small Piece of Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/18/2006 -- According to Datacraft Solutions' Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "We enable companies to sign up using our "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. We provide them with the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks." Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default it incorporates the kanban process. Kanban is but a small piece of the process which is essential to a successful supply chain. Datacraft Solutions enables companies of any size to gain full and unbiased visibility within their supply chain. Companies utilizing a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network are able to realized immediate value no matter the direction within the value chain from which they start. This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions is applying the lessons of continuous improvement to their platform, making the replenishment supply chain digital kanban implementation more efficient and effective as time goes on. This optimization occurs on an ongoing basis.

According to Parker, "Datacraft Solutions' Internet-based on-demand delivery platform offers key benefits from the very beginning of an implementation – namely, the elimination of lengthy, complicated and expensive infrastructure upgrades before you can even begin to see positive ROI. There is simply no faster or easier way to begin exploiting the power of Digital Kanban in your operations."

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Replenishment Supply Chain Security Maximized at Datacraft Solutions

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/18/2006 -- Datacraft Solutions, Inc. hosts all the data at their data center. They have a server farm with 100% redundancy and three OC3 lines. The data is 99.999% secure, and clients have never experienced down time, thanks to a Multiple UPS Power backup system and 900 kW Diesel Caterpillar generator. They also have Biometric scanners for Data Center Security for the physical access security to the server farm.

According to Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "Datacraft Solutions' Internet-based on-demand delivery platform offers key benefits from the very beginning of an implementation – namely, the elimination of lengthy, complicated and expensive infrastructure upgrades before you can even begin to see positive ROI. There is simply no faster or easier way to begin exploiting the power of Digital Kanban in your operations."

Datacraft Solutions is applying the lessons of continuous improvement to their platform, making the replenishment supply chain digital kanban implementation more efficient and effective as time goes on. This optimization occurs on an ongoing basis. There is no need to reload software and retool hardware; new capabilities are added, ready for manufacturers and suppliers to use the next log in.

Datacraft Solutions' unique solution involves three key differences in Digital Kanban:

• All aspects solutions are hosted on Datacraft Solutions' servers, and backed by Datacraft Solutions infrastructure.
• Datacraft Solutions supports their replenishment supply chain digital kanban solutions. There is no need to pay administrators to maintain the software and/or hardware.
• Datacraft Solutions provides the solutions at low, fixed monthly costs. Companies pay only for what is needed and used, without any hidden costs – and the cost of ownership is easy to calculate and contain.

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default it incorporates the kanban process. Datacraft Solutions enables companies to sign up using a "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. Clients are provided the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks." This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Highlights Replenishment Supply Chain

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/15/2006 -- Curator is the companion supplier interface tool, provided free of charge to Datacraft Solutions' client's suppliers. It enables suppliers to view and confirm orders as well as anticipate and prepare for upcoming demand spikes. Screenshots of Curator's functionality can be viewed at http://datacraftsolutions.com/curator_screens.shtml. From the Curator Dashboard, to confirming and shipping orders; from customer inventory status to kanban events history, from orders not yet issues to open signatures, Curator allows 100% visibility.

According to CEO and Chairman Stephen Parker, "Datacraft Solutions' Internet-based on-demand delivery platform offers key benefits from the very beginning of an implementation – namely, the elimination of lengthy, complicated and expensive infrastructure upgrades before a company can even begin to see positive ROI. There is simply no faster or easier way to begin exploiting the power of Digital Kanban in a lean manufacturing operation."

Datacraft Solutions, Inc. (www.datacraftsolutions.com) based in Durham, North Carolina is experiencing huge growth with their Lean Manufacturing Digital Kanban solution. In addition to doubling staff in past few months, the firm has coordinated a supplier interface tool, Curator. The new version of Curator (version 4.6) includes several new features including a Table Layout Configuration Tool.

This tool allows Curator users to configure the following tables according to their preferences: The Release Table, Item Health Table, Queued Kanban Table, Release Events Table and Performance Table. These tables can now be configured as to which fields are displayed, the order in which they are displayed and the manner in which they are sorted.

A supplier logs in through a secure web portal – there is no need to install or run any complex software application. Curator completes the path to a more truly integrated, streamlined, responsive supply chain by providing increased visibility of process information. Whenever a supplier confirms, denies or ships an order, Datacraft Solutions' Digital Kanban product automatically updates inventory and order status. Operational needs are always visible and always up-to-date.

Datacraft Solutions delivers a revolutionary supply chain replenishment digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced 1000% growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default it incorporates the kanban process. Datacraft Solutions enables companies to sign up using a "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. Clients are provided the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks." This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions’ Intelligent Replenishment Supply Chain Receives Praise from Pacific Scientific

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/14/2006 -- The Datacraft Solutions' digital kanban product, Signum, received raves from Jim Malch, Director of Operations, Pacific Scientific, EKD: "Pacific Scientific Electro-Kinetics is excited over the short-term results achieved with Signum in just 4 months. PS/EKD has forecasted a minimum of 20% increase in inventory turns by year-end, and we've seen a reduction in the transactional processes that were necessary in the FAX Release system Signum replaced."

Ken McGuire from MEAC noted, ""Why would any true LEAN Manufacturer invest big money in software for managing Kanbans when what they really need is an effective Kanban communications service? The evidence is mounting against the 'elusive' systems with ERP integration many IT people are promising and hoping for. When they are finally achieved, if ever, they are found to be largely unnecessary and wasteful administrative boondoggles. Forrester Research found that only 41% of business executives at large manufacturing and distribution companies have realized any perceptible ROI from implementing Supply Chain Systems."

A Materials Manager from a Tier 1 automotive supplier noted the impact of Digital Kanban technology from Durham, NC based Datacraft Solutions: "We scan over 5000 cards a day, have just added 1500 parts from out tool crib, and have had zero part shortages since going live 3 months ago. Our inventory has reduced by approximately $2,000,000."

Signum is the Digital Kanban tool from Datacraft Solutions, Inc. (www.datacraftsolutions.com). According to Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "Datacraft Solutions' Internet-based on-demand delivery platform offers key benefits from the very beginning of an implementation – namely, the elimination of lengthy, complicated and expensive infrastructure upgrades before a company can even begin to see positive ROI. There is simply no faster or easier way to begin exploiting the power of Digital Kanban in a lean manufacturing operation."

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary replenishment supply chain digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default it incorporates the kanban process. Datacraft Solutions enables companies to sign up using a "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. Clients are provided the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks." This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Thomas R. Cutler Manufacturing Journalist Profiles Datacraft Solutions in Manufacturing.net

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/11/2006 -- Kanban, in its most simplifying role, is a visual signal (or cue) that something needs to be replenished. More specifically, lean manufacturers today use digital kanban by Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) to drive a process to make, move, or buy the appropriate parts. Thus, digital kanban becomes one of the fundamental building blocks of a pull (or consumption based) replenishment system.

Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profile Digital Kanban in Manufacturing.net at http://manufacturing.net/article/CA6359641.html.

Luvata Buffalo Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., a brass and copper sheet mill operation, has a wide customer base that services varied market segments including the appliance industry, telecommunications, ordinance, connectors, and rolled products.

Their sister plant in Kentucky, called Luvata Franklin, uses copper strip from the Buffalo facility to make copper tubing for the air conditioning industry. In late 2005, the Luvata Corporate Group issued a directive for all production facilities to collaborate and reduce total working capital across all facilities. The objective for Luvata Franklin and Buffalo was to reduce the total inventory held by both plants.

According to Jeffrey Ball, Luvata's value engineering and information services manager, "This presented a unique challenge for both plants. The two plants had separate planning, inventory and scheduling systems, and in order to ensure that the weld lines at Franklin never ran out of raw material, there was always a large amount of inventory 'in the pipeline.'

"In order to prevent stock outs of a specific part number, a great deal of time was required by both the Buffalo and Franklin scheduling teams to avert disaster. It seemed as though, whichever parts were made, they were not the parts that were needed today at Franklin. Expediting of individual part numbers was the norm."

What Luvata needed was a system that could integrate both the Buffalo and Franklin shop floor control systems and provide a visual, easy-to-understand, and real-time representation of the total supply chain.

The Buffalo and Franklin scheduling groups formed a team to address the need to reduce the amount of working capital tied up in the supply chain and improve the reliability of deliveries.

"There was plenty of candid conversation within the team that moved the two plants from a win/lose mentality, to a group focused on developing a win/win result," Ball said.

The Franklin plant found a solution in a new tool called digital kanban (also known as eKanban) from Datacraft Solutions, Durham, N.C., a demand-driven supply chain technology provider. Based upon the initial success of the digital kanban system at Franklin, the Buffalo facility installed the same system in their plant. Now both plants have a common supply chain management system that was easily, quickly, and affordably implemented.

The Buffalo/Franklin team worked closely with Datacraft to define the project costs, benefits and time schedules. The primary objectives of reduced working capital (25 percent inventory reduction), improved delivery reliability (avoid stockouts), easy-to-use scheduling modules, and quick implementation time fell well within Luvata's budget and timeframe.

Datacraft Solutions specializes in providing their clients with the tools they need to rapidly replace outdated manual systems with technology that speeds process flow and improves accuracy. Datacraft's premier product, Signum has been developed around the Kanban concept of replenishment, and provides an invaluable tool for manufacturing companies to monitor process flow, lower administrative transaction costs, and improve decision-making ability.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks Success Elements Defined

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/01/2006 -- Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks (DDSCN), by default it incorporates the kanban process. Kanban is but a small piece of the process which is essential to a successful supply chain.

The key pieces to success in DDSCN:
1. The data is captured as to the consumption from the customer based upon the pulling of the raw materials from the kanbans.
2. Actual demand Information is captured and generated via reports.
a. The reports need to be focused on what are the key indicators as to the impacts on the customers lead time.
b. Who and what are the causing the impacts.
c. What are the areas that are creating waste within the value chain.
3. Based on this data you are now able to better optimize the overall process.

According to Datacraft Solutions' Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "We enable companies to sign up using our "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. We provide them with the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks."

Datacraft Solutions enables companies of any size to gain full and unbiased visibility within their supply chain. Companies utilizing a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network are able to realized immediate value no matter the direction within the value chain from which they start. This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Datacraft Solutions Demand Driven Supply Chain Network Works for CNH

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/01/2006 -- The Benson, Minnesota plant of Case New Holland is utilizing the Demand Driven Supply Chain Network developed by Datacraft Solutions. According to Allan O'Shea of CNH, "We were experiencing excess inventory of low usage purchased parts in conjunction with shortages of high usage purchased parts. With the expansion of our product line, warehouse and line space was at a premium. We found that our MRP system was a good tool for planning but too complex and cumbersome for daily execution."

According to Stephen Parker, Chairman at Datacraft Solutions, "This Demand Driven Supply Chain Network enables companies of any size to gain full and unbiased visibility within their supply chain. Companies utilizing a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network are able to realized immediate value no matter the direction within the value chain from which they start. This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization."

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design a Demand Driven Supply Chain Network.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Continued Process Improvement for Replenishment Supply Chain

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/31/2006 -- According to Chairman and CEO Stephen Parker, "Datacraft Solutions' Internet-based on-demand delivery platform offers key benefits from the very beginning of an implementation – namely, the elimination of lengthy, complicated and expensive infrastructure upgrades before you can even begin to see positive ROI. There is simply no faster or easier way to begin exploiting the power of Digital Kanban in your operations."

Datacraft Solutions is applying the lessons of continuous improvement to their platform, making the replenishment supply chain digital kanban implementation more efficient and effective as time goes on. This optimization occurs on an ongoing basis. There is no need to reload software and retool hardware; new capabilities are added, ready for manufacturers and suppliers to use the next log in.

Datacraft Solutions, Inc. hosts all the data at their data center. They have a server farm with 100% redundancy and three OC3 lines. The data is 99.999% secure, and clients have never experienced down time, thanks to a Multiple UPS Power backup system and 900 kW Diesel Caterpillar generator. They also have Biometric scanners for Data Center Security for the physical access security to the server farm.

Datacraft Solutions' unique solution involves three key differences in Digital Kanban:

• All aspects solutions are hosted on Datacraft Solutions' servers, and backed by Datacraft Solutions infrastructure.
• Datacraft Solutions supports their replenishment supply chain digital kanban solutions. There is no need to pay administrators to maintain the software and/or hardware.
• Datacraft Solutions provides the solutions at low, fixed monthly costs. Companies pay only for what is needed and used, without any hidden costs – and the cost of ownership is easy to calculate and contain.

Datacraft Solutions uses the on-demand delivery model because many of the kanban solutions used by Fortune 100 and 500 companies are well outside the budget of small to mid-sized companies. Datacraft Solutions provides solutions that allow even the smallest companies to remain competitive, without having to incur costly IT expenses.

Sharing knowledge is also a key new distinction in the replenishment supply chain digital kanban world; as the solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry, Datacraft Solutions draws upon the insights and experiences of their client base to enhance the functionality of their product offerings.

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.

Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks, by default it incorporates the kanban process. Datacraft Solutions enables companies to sign up using a "software as a service" (SaaS) model and gain immediate realized value and visibility to their supply chain. Clients are provided the most optimum platform to create and maintain their Demand Driven Supply Chain Networks." This critical lean technology is all about the demand/pull which starts from the customer and drives the whole supply chain for the organization.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Matthew Marotta
mmarotta@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm