United Hardware Selects HighJump Software to Manage Rapid Growth With Functionally Rich, Adaptable Supply Chain Execution Solutions

Hardware Distributor Will Utilize HighJump's Comprehensive Supply Chain Advantage Suite to Improve Overall Operational Efficiencies

Eden Prairie , MN (June 30, 2004)— HighJump Software, a 3M company, the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, today announced that United Hardware Distributing Co. has selected its Supply Chain Advantage suite to help effectively manage its fulfillment and distribution operations. The SCE suite will be installed in the company's 400,000-square-foot distribution center located in Milbank, S.D. United Hardware evaluated the industry's leading solutions providers and selected HighJump's SCE suite because of its unmatched flexibility in meeting changing business requirements and its proven track record in generating immediate, measurable improvements in space utilization, throughput and accuracy.

In addition to HighJump's robust warehouse management system, United Hardware will implement advanced warehousing functionality for slotting, wave planning and containerization. Additional solutions for customer and management visibility, as well as supply chain-wide event management, will improve the communication of order status, employee productivity and exception notification, respectively. All HighJump solutions are built on one platform and, therefore, will integrate seamlessly to help ensure the real-time exchange of critical information.

United Hardware will leverage HighJump's directed, optimized processes for all inbound and outbound activities, such as receiving, put-away, picking and shipping. In addition, the Supply Chain Advantage system will integrate with voice-directed picking software to increase productivity in areas such as order picking and replenishment. The company will utilize its HighJump solutions to push current levels of accuracy for picking and truck loading even higher. With the high-volume operations United Hardware manages, reducing errors even a fraction of a percent will have a dramatic impact on the time spent processing returns from incorrect shipments.

"It gives us great comfort to know that as part of 3M, HighJump's long-term viability is assured, which means that they'll be able to support our solutions well into the future. What's more, HighJump's solution set will help ensure the efficiency and accuracy we need to support our growth and improve service levels to our customers," said Dave Heider, president of United Hardware. "We were also impressed with the thorough, best practices-based implementation methodology HighJump will utilize to complete this project."

"We are pleased United Hardware has selected Supply Chain Advantage to form the backbone of its fast-growing fulfillment and distribution operations," said Chris Heim, president of HighJump Software. "With the ability to leverage the system's rich functionality and ease of configuration, United Hardware will be empowered to better serve their dealer base and achieve the lowest possible total cost of ownership."

About United Hardware Distributing Co.

United Hardware Distributing Co. is a member-owned hardlines distributor serving over 1,300 customers in the Upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Based in Minneapolis, the company is owned by approximately 525 dealers who utilize the Hardware Hank trade name. Other customers served include Trustworthy Hardware stores; Golden Rule Lumber Centers; unaffiliated hardware stores and lumberyards; and specialized retailers, such as farm and ranch stores, garden stores and nurseries. The company distributes approximately 55,000 products to its customers from a 400,000 square foot warehouse located in Milbank, South Dakota.

About HighJump Software

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump’s tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality, a best practices-based implementation methodology, and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: the industry’s lowest total cost of ownership for more than 700 satisfied customers worldwide. HighJump leads the industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers. For more information about HighJump, visit www.highjump.com.

About 3M—A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command, Vikuiti, HighJump Software and Supply Chain Advantage are trademarks of 3M.

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