All-In-One Solutions Attracting Apparel Cos.

It appears demand is rising for end-to-end software systems that can manage business from concept to delivery. Among the latest to develop such a system is Chadds Ford, Pa.–based Frogfish Solutions Inc., which recently released its Apparel IT series.

The system is Web-based, industryspecific and integrated—three characteristics that are becoming increasingly important in today’s market, said company Chief Executive Officer Michael C. Juliano.

“We are finding [an integrated system] to be of serious help for our customers because of the ability to integrate it immediately. You cut out a lot of the third-party costs and the struggles of interfacing with all the different packages out there. I believe the industry is ready to embrace such systems as long as they see the benefits. It allows our customers to run operations, whether domestic or overseas, the same way as if the office and the factory were on-site. They have to have control over these goods.”

Juliano said using an integrated system does not mean companies may not be receiving the best PLM or best warehousemanagement system, “but when you put it all together, it’s a workable system that can move. The [Web] browser offers lots of freedom.

“Our strength is our technology. That’s what you need to be successful. We’re trying to set a new standard,” he said.

With the advent of PLM (product lifecycle management), there has been a crop of vendors touting “Best of Breed” systems, but one system that does it all has its merits, as well, and more companies are going that route for a more uniform approach to business.

Frogfish’s Apparel IT system includes PLM and general ERP functions as well as customer-relationship management, warehouse- management and business-intelligence applications to cover the gamut of operations.

The key differentiator of the system is its flexibility, Juliano said. While most solutions require companies to run their businesses according to the design of their software, Apparel IT is designed to be configured to a company’s specific needs.

The system’s workflow-design module is the key facilitator for customization. It enables companies to apply their rules, processes and business logic so that they can automate according to their own business model without additional custom programming, Juliano said. Other features allow users to create new data elements without limitation on composition, type or length within major tables; design custom reports and documents; and run the software on an internal server or hosted over the Internet. For more information, visit www.frogfishsolutions.com.

Technology Helps Fight Bogus Returns

Fraudulent returns and exchanges cost retailers $15.5 billion in 2007, according to a survey conducted by The Loss Prevention Research Council and Irvine, Calif.–based technology company The Retail Equation.

The survey found that nearly 70 percent of retailers considered return abuse a major issue, and 64 percent of those said they have placed the issue on their list of high priorities.

A majority of retailers’ current processes and systems for reducing return fraud appear to focus more on non-receipted return situations, but the survey highlights a warning, with well over half finding forged receipts used to commit return fraud. This points out a growing trend and should result in closer attention being paid to retailers’ increasing vulnerability to fraud on receipted returns.

The survey also indicated that there is a growing movement toward use of automated return-authorization systems. These technological solutions save retailers an estimated $200 million or more annually.

“A retailer’s approach to managing returns is largely keyed on tracking customers and some high-risk products, while acting on consumers’ purchase and return histories. Implementing the right technology, combined with employee training that encourages diligent attention to the issue at the store level, will result in decreased return fraud and abuse, as well as increased net sales, higher profits and improved customer satisfaction,” said Dr. Read Hayes, director of The Loss Prevention Research Council.

Lectra’s U.S. President Exits

David Rode, president of the U.S. arm of Paris-based technology provider Lectra, has left the company to pursue other interests, said a company spokesperson.

Rode had held the post since May 2006.

“We are actively seeking a replacement. That’s all we can say,” said Jerry Inman, vice president of marketing.

Rode was responsible for leading all North American operations for Lectra, which supplies design software and machinery for manufacturers and designers. Rode was based in New York.

For the past several years, the top management position in the United States has been filled by several executives. Lectra maintains offices in Atlanta; New York; and Cypress, Calif.

Tukatech Loss

Rajive Puri, president of Los Angeles– based Tukatech’s TukaForms division, died April 10 at the age of 60. Puri had been battling cancer for the past 5frac12; years.

He was a childhood friend of company founder Ram Sareen. Puri grew up in Delhi, India, and immigrated to Canada and then the United States, where he joined Tukatech in 2006.

“Besides being a brother-in-law, he was a great friend, and we will miss him very much,” Sareen said.

Puri is survived by his wife, Dr. Isabel Puri, and his two children, son Rohit and daughter Nisha.