Maurices Boosts Facility Flow-Through for Complex, High-Volume Operations Following Successful Implementation of Supply Chain Execution Solutions From HighJump Software

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2005--HighJump Software, a 3M company, the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions, today announced that Maurices, a leading innovative fashion retailer for women and men, is achieving productivity improvements following its successful system implementation of HighJump's solutions at its facility in Johnson, Iowa. Maurices is leveraging HighJump's industry-leading solutions for warehouse management, wave planning and management visibility to gain operational efficiencies and increase flow-through in its high-volume, complex fulfillment and distribution facility. The company also has benefited from the system's ease-of-business process configuration - making fast, cost-effective enhancements that support its unique environment.

Maurices uses the HighJump system to manage the seasonal peaks and valleys associated with its approximately 40,000 frequently changing SKUs. These items travel through the facility on conveyors before being packaged and shipped to 450 stores nationwide. The HighJump system empowers Maurices to optimize different types of inbound scenarios for these items. While some items are quickly cross-docked through the facility, others are broken down by piece.

Maurices uses HighJump's reporting functionality to anticipate bottlenecks at various points in the facility. This allows management to reallocate staff in a way that keeps operations on schedule. HighJump's advanced wave planning capabilities generate additional improvements by allowing Maurices to group picking orders by common item size, shipping destination or other aspects.

The implementation project went smoothly and users quickly became proficient with the system's functionality in time for the company's holiday season. "We didn't miss a beat when the system was turned on," said Tim McGrath, distribution center manager, Maurices. "The HighJump consultants we worked with on the project were extremely professional and knowledgeable."

Maurices has taken full advantage of the HighJump system's flexibility to configure business processes quickly and cost-effectively in-house, something it was unable to do in the past. This ease of configuration and the resulting ability to achieve low total cost of ownership over time was a key reason for Maurices' initial selection of HighJump's solutions. "The system helps us streamline major business functions. The adaptability and flexibility are tremendous," said Mike Machones, vice president, Information Technology and Logistics, Maurices. "If someone has an idea for a productivity enhancement, we can implement it with internal resources. This helps us respond to changes in our business as they occur."

"The success of this project from both an implementation and results standpoint is a testament to the dedication of the Maurices/HighJump team," said J.D. Harris, vice president, Operations, HighJump Software. "We're pleased with how quickly Maurices embraced the system and began to see improvements in their daily operations."

About Maurices

What started in 1931 as a small women's fashion shop in Duluth, Minn., has grown into more than 400 stores across the country, catering to the fashion needs of both women and men. For seven decades, Maurices has stayed true to its high standards for fashion, value and great customer service. Most Maurices stores provide fashion to both women and men with a 20-something attitude. Maurices is owned by Dress Barn.

About HighJump Software, a 3M Company

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. As an independent subsidiary in the 3M family of companies, HighJump leads the SCE software 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

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