ABB Grain awards supply chain network optimisation contract to SolveIT Software.

SolveIT Software Pty Ltd, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for supply & demand optimisation and predictive modelling, announced today it had signed a contract with ABB Grain for delivery of a software system for optimising transportation logistics of its grain shipments.

Adelaide, Australia (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- SolveIT Software Pty Ltd, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for supply & demand optimisation and predictive modelling, announced today it had signed a contract with ABB Grain for delivery of a software system for optimising transportation logistics of its grain shipments.

Under the terms of the agreement, SolveIT Software will use its proprietary optimisation platform to develop a Grain Transportation Logistics Optimiser as a sub-component of an overall Supply Chain Network Optimiser.

In addition to recommending the optimal grain to be used for blending and transporting, the Supply Chain Network Optimiser will also provide a 21-day plan for fulfilling demand according to shipping notices. This involves making decisions regarding the sourcing of grain for each shipping notice, the blending of grain to obtain required quality, the ports to use for loading ships and the transportation logistics to the port of shipment.

"With ever-increasing demands to make the right decisions about our storage and handling logistics, ABB Grain has been looking at ways to optimise transportation costs and provide the best supply chain solution for both ABB and its clients," ABB's executive manager of group operations, John Warda said. "Deregulation of grain exports has resulted in the need for a sophisticated tool to assist us in working through the numerous options that must be considered and we see the SolveIT solution as providing the means to achieve that."

Besides optimising operational aspects of grain logistics, the Supply Chain Network Optimiser allows ABB Grain to test its policies, business rules, constraints, assumptions, and processes by conducting advanced 'what-if' analysis and simulations.

ABB Grain Limited (ASX: ABB) is a vertically integrated agricultural commodities company which provides storage and handling, processing, logistic, marketing and trading services. It is also Australia's largest malt producer.

With annual turnover in excess of $1.5 billion, ABB Grain accumulates grain from all grain growing regions across Australia, and trades in all grain commodities.

ABB's supply chain strength comprises operations in storage, handling and logistics, as well as providing a number of value adding services. This includes a significant network of silos and export shipping terminals in South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales, incorporating joint ownership of Australian Bulk Alliance (ABA) with Japanese trading company Sumitomo.

For more information about ABB Grain, visit www.abb.com.au

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