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For Immediate Release

Supply Chain Management Leadership Is Focus of Executive Edge Sessions at 2004 APICS International Conference and Exposition

Alexandria, VA (July 9, 2004 The value of effective leadership in the management of supply chains is the focus of the Executive Edge sessions at the 2004 APICS International Conference and Exposition, October 10-13, in San Diego, California. APICS—The Educational Society for Resource Management brings together top industry leaders who have demonstrated effective leadership in this rapidly changing global economy.

“It is vital today for decision makers in the supply chain and material handling communities to hear first-hand about the true value of leadership from industry experts who have proven track records,” said Karen Alber, CFPIM, chair of the 2004 APICS International Conference and Exposition Committee. “The ability to make well-timed and effective decisions is critical and may mean the success or failure of an organization.”

The Executive Edge sessions are “Building RFID-Enabled Adaptive Supply Chain Networks” by Amar Singh, vice president, Application Solutions Management, Global RFID, for SAP; “Overcoming the Challenge of Innovation: Synchronizing Your Supply Chain and Improving Product Lifecycle Management” by Douglas A. Engel, national manufacturing practice leader for Deloitte; and “Globalization and the Supply Chain” by Robert Rice, CFPIM, director of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Singh will discuss how organizations’ use of RFID technology will assist them to gain business value. “By leveraging the technology, companies will gain competitive advantage by building RFID-enabled adaptive supply chain networks,” said Singh.

“Manufacturers face challenges when they must deal with the disparity between product innovation and lifecycle management. Supply chains are at risk today of being overrun by innovation because continuing breakthroughs force manufacturers to replace old product with new faster than ever,” said Engel.

Rice says that awareness of global trends helps companies focus resources and mitigate risk. “Companies must achieve operational innovation, greater technological utilization, and collaboration when dealing with information proliferation, consumer demands, and other challenges in the global marketplace.”

APICS will also present more than 100 educational sessions on tools and essentials for supply chain management, enterprise quality management, lead strategies, project management, small business issues, emerging trends, and personal and professional development. The exposition will premier the APICS Applied Technology and Simulation Center, where exhibitors will demonstrate the value of their products and services through hands-on interactive simulations.

The leaders in software, systems, services, and information technology for e-commerce solutions, supply chain management, MRP/ERP, automated electronic data collection, planning and scheduling, training, CRM, systems integration, RFID/wireless, logistics/distribution, and business consulting will be showcased.

For more information regarding the 2004 APICS International Conference and Exposition, visit www.apics.org.

APICS—The Educational Society for Resource Management is the recognized global leader in professional certifications, educational programs, and publications for manufacturing and service industry professionals across the entire supply chain. Founded in 1957, the society supports nearly 60,000 members in 20,000 companies worldwide. To learn more, visit the APICS community at www.apics.org.

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Members of the press receive complimentary registration to the 2004 APICS International Conference and Exposition, October 10-13, in San Diego, California. Please contact Michael Nuckols, at APICS at (800) 444-2742 or (703) 354-8851, ext. 2279, for information regarding press registration.