HighJump clears the sustainability hurdle

The highly competitive supply chain execution (SCE) market grew more so in February when 3M acquired durable HighJump Software, increasing HighJump's long-term prospects as a major player.

Founded in 1983 as Data Collection Systems—with roots in radio-frequency data collection in manufacturing—HighJump launched its flagship SCE product, Warehouse Advantage, in 1994. It has since enlarged its product footprint with RFID-enabled solutions beyond the warehouse, for visibility and tracking of mobile assets. In the acquisition, HighJump retained its management team and corporate headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn., and will be known as HighJump Software, a 3M company—part of 3M's Industrial Services and Solutions Division.

HighJump has continued apace with new deals and product development rollouts since the acquisition. Product enhancements include functionality for container management and RFID compliance. Container Advantage is a graphical WMS module that enables companies to build cartons, pallets, trailers, and ocean containers to customer-specific requirements. HighJump also says it has enhanced its Compliance Advantage solution to support electronic product code (EPC) for manufacturing and distribution workflows. Compliance is based on type of supply chain process model used, order profile, product type, and unique customer and business requirements.

"Compliance can take many forms, and a one-size-fits-all approach cannot adequately address them all," says Steve Banker, supply chain management service director for Dedham, Mass.-based ARC Advisory Group.

3M announced in June its intent to implement Compliance Advantage to meet RFID tagging and tracking requirements for the Department of Defense, as well as Wal-Mart and other retailers.