Ocean Spray News for March/April, 1999 Ocean Spray Enters Smoothie Market in
U.K.
New easy to carry Ocean Spray
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Ocean Spray has been in
the forefront of implementing new computer technology "We really wanted to be able to go from the shop-floor level and send the information to the operations people on the shop floor that they can then use in real time...we then collect information about inventory and that sort of thing and send it back up to the business system." Mike Smith, National manufacturing systems manager at Ocean Spray's Henderson, NV. cutting edge automated plant. Innovative applications of computer systems have already reduced programming time by up to 50%. Plans are under way to link the Henderson system with the Lakeville office. Implementation is planned for September. For a detailed description of the Ocean Spray modularized manufacturing execution system, networking infrastructures, as well as the ERP system, click here to read The Sweet Business of Cranberry Sales: Ocean Spray Implements Microsoft Technology with aid of VAR partner in 4/19/99 Computer Reseller News.
In a letter, also obtained by Stressline, dated April 16, 1999 from Nancy McDermott, Senior Vice President in charge of Ocean Spray's In-Home Strategic Market Unit, distributors are informed that "Ocean Spray continues to face problems filling your orders and must now reduce promotional volume to restore the level of service you need. Effective immediately we are canceling all promotions scheduled for May and June to help replenish our inventory".
According to the letter, all previously planned promotions with shipment dates prior to June 21, 1999 are being cancelled. Plants, it is pointed out, are producing at capacity and have yet to reach manageable inventory levels.
The In-Home Division of Ocean Spray is an $800 million unit which is responsible for marketing all Ocean Spray cranberry and grapefruit products. McDermott was recently promoted to the head of the division from her prior position as senior vice president of Operations-Value Chain. Her responsibilities included managing the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning system. |