Consumer goods manufacturer Kimberly-Clark is to install a supply chain messaging system to improve communications with transportation suppliers that deliver its products to shops.

The manufacturer of hygiene products, including brands such as Kleenex and Huggies, says the system, which is being managed by IT supplier OmPrompt, will simplify interactions with its 100 logistics partners, allowing staff to concentrate on improving supply chain and buying processes.

The Intelligent Message Mapping technology will allow Kimberley-Clark to transform communications - received as faxes, emails and spreadsheets - from dozens of suppliers, and adapt them into a single format, which simplifies correspondence across Europe and Russia.

'We deal with 100 small carriers across Europe and the critical thing for us is clean, timely information,' said Peter Surtees, director of consumer supply chain at Kimberley-Clark Europe.

Kimberly-Clark and its supply chain partners will make significant savings from not having to invest in further data integration.

'We will be able to integrate all collections and deliveries communications, and all the data will automatically be populated into our transportation management system,' said Surtees.

'It will make the transport planning group much more efficient, as there will be less data inputting. Staff will be able to spend more time doing intellectual activities with data, such as using it to drive down costs or improve purchasing.'

Communication from logistics firms will be channelled through OmPrompt, which will manage the service and clean up the data.

The project is part of Kimberly-Clark's wider programme to streamline supply chain and customer service processes across Europe by moving all operations to a single centre in Brighton.

Enterprise resource planning software from SAP has also been introduced to improve planning and distribution processes.

The OmPrompt service, which uses IBM and InterSystems technology, will integrate with Kimberly-Clark's SAP software.

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