Unilever Licenses i2 Technologies' Supply Chain Solution

Unilever has licensed i2's Rhythm Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) suite of planning and optimization solutions for its Lipton subsidiary. The system, to be implemented in Lipton's Englewood Cliffs, NJ headquarters, will coordinate 14 manufacturing facilities and 4 distribution centers. i2's Rhythm CPG Solution extends from transportation to distribution planning to factory scheduling and planning.

Rhythm CPG includes a proprietary Demand Planner, Factory Planner, Supply Chain Planner, Global Fulfillment Manager, Sales and Operations Planner, and Link. Vendor managed inventory (VMI) capabilities give Lipton the ability to execute continuous replenishment strategies across the entire supply chain while providing visibility to all customer requirements, both VMI and non-VMI.

The system allows user companies to:

• increase forecast accuracy
  
• reduce inventory
  
• utilize improved marketing intelligence
• drive production plans and the sourcing of raw materials and packaging supplies
• plan transportation and distribution functions to warehouse centers throughout the country
• track shipments and deploy finished-goods inventory
• ensure customer satisfaction by reducing stock-outs

"The i2 solution is tuned to meet Lipton's objective of transitioning from a traditional manufacturing push strategy of make-to-stock to a highly responsive make-to-order manufacturing strategy that will permit Lipton to improve customer service while simultaneously reducing cost," said Winston F. Scotland, senior vice president, supply chain executive, Lipton.

Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer products companies, producing and marketing a wide range of foods, home and personal care products.

i2 Technologies' offers planning, optimization and decision support solutions for use in consumer goods, automotive, metals, high tech and electronics industries.

For more information contact: Angela Schwecke,
i2 Technologies, Inc., 909 E. Las Colinas Blvd. 16th Floor, Irving, Texas 75039. Tel: 214-860-6000; Fax: 214-860-6060.