HighJump Software Empowers Customers to Bring Manufacturing Operations Into the Scope of Extended Supply Chain Optimization

Release of New Manufacturing Execution Solution Closes Traditional Visibility and Control Gap Between Shop Floor and Related Supply Chain Functions

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2005-- HighJump Software, a 3M company, the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, today announced that it has entered the manufacturing execution solution (MES) market with the release of its Manufacturing Advantage solution. This new offering differentiates HighJump from other SCE and MES solution vendors by helping customers combine optimization efforts for manufacturing and related supply chain operations in a single suite. This helps create a truly seamless flow of accurate, real-time demand and supply information throughout the supply chain from source to consumption. This product represents a natural extension of HighJump's roots in automated data collection, an area in which the company has continually developed its expertise for more than 21 years. Manufacturing Advantage can be implemented on either a stand-alone basis or alongside other HighJump solutions to increase levels of on-time and complete shipments, helping to ensure rapid return on investment.

Manufacturing Advantage empowers customers to leverage existing enterprise resource planning investments through ease of system integration and robust functionality. The flow of easily accessible, real-time data helps strengthen managerial decision-making, while enhancing product quality by putting up-to-date work instructions in the hands of those producing goods. Additionally, the event management functionality of Manufacturing Advantage alerts employees and managers when exceptions occur that could affect scheduled production or customer shipments. The combination of event-based management, real-time information flow and HighJump's intuitive user interface, allow Manufacturing Advantage to systematically carry out shop-floor activities based on a lean execution philosophy.

Like other HighJump solutions, Manufacturing Advantage supports continuous improvement initiatives by allowing customers to configure business information processes quickly and cost-effectively to meet their requirements as needs change. This capability is in keeping with lean manufacturing and inventory management initiatives critical to the ongoing success of many businesses today.

"It's clear that to be successful, companies must integrate manufacturing operations with overall supply chain flows and provide visibility to shop-floor activities and inventories," said Greg Gorbach, vice president of collaborative manufacturing, ARC Advisory Group. "Companies also are demanding increased flexibility and real-time control in manufacturing processes. These benefits are precisely what HighJump's new MES solution is targeting."

"Visibility and control during the manufacturing process are just as critical as they are in all other areas of supply chain execution. What happens on the shop floor directly affects ship dates and customer satisfaction down the line," said Chris Heim, president, HighJump Software. "Most SCE software providers overlook this piece of the continuum and fail to give their customers any method of bringing manufacturing into the fold. Likewise, MES providers concentrate on the shop floor without offering integrated supply chain functionality. HighJump provides a truly end-to-end offering in which the benefits derived from the whole can be greater than the sum of benefits gained from individual, silo-like components."

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

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 Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. 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.

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