FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - April 29, 2003 – Demonstrations showing how InfoChain Express^®™, Version 2.0, supports all processes within a retail supply chain by expediting accurate, accessible and reliable information sharing among trading partners, will be presented at Retail Systems 2003 by InfoChain Express^®™ (www.infochain.averydennison.com), a business unit of Avery Dennison Retail Information Services. The Retail Systems 2003 exposition will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, June 9 - 12, 2003.

“Designed for retailers, wholesalers and suppliers, Retail Systems 2003 is the appropriate venue for the first inclusive demonstration of InfoChain Express^®, Version 2.0, for the North American market,” says Chris J. Pfister, marketing and alliance manager. “In particular, we will show how InfoChain Express^® provides for the seamless flow of information among buyers, vendors, factories, freight forwarders and consolidators.”

Editors are invited to attend a demonstration of InfoChain Express^®, Version 2.0, Retail Systems 2003 at Booth #1827. To schedule an appointment, editors may contact Chris J. Pfister before the show at 508.383.4038.

About InfoChain Express^® Version 2.0

Available from InfoChain Express^®, a business unit of Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, this new supply-chain solution provides a reliable flow of information among buyers, vendors, factories, freight forwarders and consolidators. The results include streamlined yet flexible ordering procedures, transactions in accordance with buyers’ requirements and error-free ticket and label printing. The system also generates packing plans that meet specific shipping requirements and accurate electronic ASNs (advanced shipment notices).

This latest version of InfoChain Express^® includes a more intuitive user interface and a task-oriented workflow system that minimizes the amount of end-user training required. The flexible new upgrade also allows the use of many different transmission methods to and from InfoChain Express^® (e.g., VAN, FTP and E-mail, in any combination).

Buyer-friendly features include the ability, based on a buyer’s individual requirements, to make specific rules (e.g., “full cartons only” or “allow mixed cartons”) either mandatory or optional within a specific supply chain. In other words, the buyer defines the rules. Buyers will also like the new architecture that enables faster processing of purchase orders (POs). In fact, InfoChain Express^® automates the generation, acceptance, change and replacement (if necessary) of POs while also allowing manual PO entry at the factory/manufacturer. As with other transactions, electronic PO acceptance may use EDI, XML, flat file or even proprietary file formats.

The system supports the printing of UPC tickets and UCC 128 carton labels in multiple formats. Users have the option of performing the required ticket and label printing on site or having it done automatically by an Avery Dennison Ticketing Service Bureau. (There are more than 30 such bureaus worldwide.) The support of integrated, service-bureau printing, an arrangement that eliminates manual ticket errors and delays, sets InfoChain Express^® apart in today’s market.

The enhanced capabilities of Version 2.0 provide packing accuracy and shipping flexibility. For example, the system will accept and carry out electronic packing instructions transmitted by the brand owner or packing instructions defined by the vendor or factory. Also, if required, the system can execute a packing plan for cross-docking or direct-ship orders. A scan-print mode for the real-time printing of carton labels based on actual carton contents supports high-volume packing, and a scan-pack feature ensures packing accuracy. The system also supports split shipments and multiple-PO shipments. A shipment-scan feature ensures ASN accuracy, and electronic ASNs in a wide choice of formats easily integrate with the systems of brand owners, consolidators and retailers.

“This latest version of InfoChain Express^® goes beyond our earlier Web-based offering,” says Product Manager Andy Leung. “By employing ‘thick client’ technology, we are making InfoChain Express^® available to users located where continuous Internet connections are difficult to maintain. This enhancement will surely accelerate the already widespread acceptance of InfoChain Express^®.”

The InfoChain Express^® supply chain solution seamlessly connects trading partners, including manufacturers, retailers, vendors and freight consolidators, and enables them to exchange and access data in real time. It expedites information flow among supply chain trading partners, eliminating the need for EDI systems. Users can transmit and receive purchase orders electronically, scan merchandise to facilitate error-free packing, print price tickets and carton labels on site or at service bureaus, and generate and transmit advance shipping notices (ASNs). Visit: www.infochain.averydennison.com.

About Avery Dennison InfoChain Express^®

Avery Dennison InfoChain Express^®, which offers unmatched capability in global supply chain management and rapid rollout to worldwide factories, has been named a certified e-commerce solutions provider by JCPenney, and was recently named a Best of Breed company by Consumer Goods Technology, a leading trade publication. Customers include additional leading retailers, brand owners and suppliers worldwide. The organization is a business unit of Avery Dennison Retail Information Services division, which has offices in 39 countries.

The InfoChain Express^® supply chain solution seamlessly connects trading partners, including manufacturers, retailers, vendors and freight consolidators, and enables them to exchange and access data in real time. It expedites information flow among supply chain trading partners, eliminating the need for EDI systems. Users can transmit and receive purchase orders electronically, scan merchandise to facilitate error-free packing, print price tickets and carton labels on site or off site at Avery Dennison worldwide service bureaus, and generate and transmit Advanced Shipment Notice (ASNs). Visit: www.infochain.averydennison.com

Avery Dennison Retail Information Services offers worldwide solutions to industry for product identification. Products and services include Web-based supply chain management solutions, service bureaus, in-house imprinting systems and software, fully and partially preprinted tags, labels and label forms, sequential bar code tags and labels, electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags and labels, fastener products and consulting services. Major markets include retail, apparel, softlines and hardgoods.