Blain Supply Implements CatalystConnect(TM) Demand Management to Reduce Inventory Costs and Improve Forecasting Capabilities

MILWAUKEE, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Blain Supply Inc., the company responsible for providing a variety of logistics services, such as receiving, management, merchandising and distribution services for Blain's Farm & Fleet stores, has recently partnered with Catalyst International, a leading global provider of supply chain execution (SCE) and management (SCM) solutions, to implement a comprehensive demand management solution.

Blain Supply was looking for a way to improve their inventory forecast accuracy, especially on promotional items. Prior to implementing CatalystConnect(TM) Demand Management, Blain's experienced low forecast accuracy, high user intervention rates in replenishment quantities and insufficient maintenance of inventory target levels. The specialty retailer needed to find a way to carry the right inventory and quantity at the right time and location. Blain's learned of the Catalyst solution at the 2005 Catalyst Supply Chain Forum and ultimately made their selection due to Catalyst's expertise, the solution's extensive capabilities, the speed of implementation and competitive pricing.

The implementation, completed in the beginning of 2006, went smoothly and Blain's has now found themselves well on their way to seeing higher inventory turns, automated replenishment and more accurate on-hand product levels. Although it is too early to confirm their results, Blain's is confident that their original project goals will be met. The results so far indicate that Blain's will quickly realize the reduced inventory costs and better forecasting capabilities they were looking for.

"CatalystConnect Demand Management was the obvious choice as it met all of our requirements for a fast, reliable, cost-effective solution," said Brian Ziegler, Vice President of Management Information Systems, Blain Supply Inc. "Although the solution was only recently implemented, we've already seen improvements and have every reason to believe that our expectations will be exceeded."

"Catalyst's strategy to build a full componentized supply chain execution suite remains on track," said Michael Eleftheriou, President and CEO of Catalyst. "We are proud to have extended our customers original warehouse management application with an incremental supply chain efficiency solution."

About Blain Supply

Founded in 1955, Blain's Farm & Fleet is a specialty discount retailer with 33 locations throughout Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Throughout the years, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to offering individuals and businesses high quality products, competitive prices and reliable service.

About Catalyst International

Catalyst International, Inc. is a software and services company specializing in building and implementing business solutions for the enterprises' needs in supply chain execution, planning, and management. These solutions are based on its comprehensive, open architecture, integrated suite of software, which offers Warehouse, Yard, Labor, and Transportation Management, as well as Slotting, RFID, and Inventory Optimization; on its Best-Of-Breed, and SAP services practice. Catalyst's solutions cater to the enterprises' complex distribution networks in the retail, manufacturing, life sciences, process, and consumer packaged good sectors; and parts distribution for the automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Catalyst has its EMEA headquarters in London, and is represented in Italy, Mexico, Latin America, Canada, China, and India, and implements programs for clients around the world. For more information, call toll-free 800-236-4600 or visit http://www.catalystinternational.com/ .