APL involved in the 500 list for IT

APL has become the only global containership operator and logistics pr
ovider to be named to InformationWeek Magazine's InformationWeek 500 l
ist for I.T. (information technology) excellence.
Issued this week, the annual list recognizes the 500 most innovative u
sers of information technology. This is the third year in which APL h
as been included on the list.
"Technology is a key component of our success, and it's all about cho
ice," said Don Liedtke, chief information officer of APL's parent comp
any, Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines. "APL's strategy has been to
provide customers -- including global manufacturers and retailers --
with options and convenience in tracking their shipments and managing
their supply chains."
APL, for example, offers a comprehensive e-commerce product suite for
customers that includes tracking, scheduling, booking, remote bill-of-
lading review and delivery, and exception-management reporting -- alon
g with traditional customer-support options.
Its affiliate, APL Logistics, offers a web-based product known as NetT
rac that provides visibility to components or merchandise moving throu
gh the supply chain -- from the factory floor to final destination. In
formation is available at the purchase-order or SKU (stock-keeping uni
t) level.
"We have aimed at making our customers' e-commerce experience the best
in class across all industries -- not just the best within our own in
dustry," said Hans Hickler, APL's senior vice president for customer s
upport and information strategy.
It was APL that in 1999 introduced the first Internet portal in the in
dustry, offering all its web-based products on a single portal, and ea
rlier this year introduced the first wireless option for tracking ship
ments, noted Hickler.
Among the companies included on the list are Cisco Systems, General Mo
tors Corp., 3M Corp., IBM Corp., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Hasbro Inc., S
ears Roebuck and Co., Panasonic USA, DuPont Corp., L.L. Bean Inc., and
The Limited Inc.
APL provides customers around the world with container transportation
and logistics services through a network combining high-quality interm
odal operations with state-of-the-art information technology. APL is t
he container and logistics arm of Neptune Orient Lines Limited, a glob
al transportation and logistics company engaged in shipping and relate
d businesses.