UPS pairs with Bridgeline for e-commerce

   Software developer Bridgeline Digital has announced a multi-year deal with UPS to offer business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce Web stores.
   The combined offering will give customers the ability to manage the entire e-commerce and supply chain fulfillment process, and Bridgeline and UPS said it was designed to support mid-market and larger digital commerce companies.
   Building the service required Bridgeline to integrate UPS’ warehouse management system framework into its iAPPS e-commerce engine, expanding its modules to cover brand control and messaging, customer acquisition and conversion, and global logistics, with the end goal of guaranteeing order fulfillment.
   “Fulfillment and delivery are critical to the customer experience in e-commerce,” said Alan Amling, marketing director for UPS Global Logistics and Distribution.
   The platform is built on three levels:

1. An e-commerce platform – iAPPS is a .NET platform that features e-marketing options and provides goal-driven analytics. It can be deployed in a cloud or on-site environment, and is now integrated with UPS’ warehouse management system.
2. E-commerce storefront development – The Total eCommerce platform helps companies plan around customer fulfillment demands, mobile operations, and help with upgrading infrastructure to meet demand.
3. Logistics and fulfillment from UPS – UPS’ end of the service comes with an integrated management of supply chains from warehousing to delivery. It’s the traditional offering from UPS, but on an integrated level.

   The pairing is the latest move for UPS to support e-commerce activities. The company has continued to invest in and partner with related services as the e-commerce market grows in the United States and still heavily relies on individual, small parcel shipments. – Geoff Whiting