Logistics Provider Recognized for Scalable, Efficient Processes

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Sept. 2, 2011) — Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI), a premier provider of highly efficient, engineered logistics services for complex supply chains, has been selected once again by Inbound Logistics magazine as a Top 100 3PL Provider.

“One key driver in our selection process was how a logistics solutions provider enables scalability for its customers,” says Felecia Stratton, editor of Inbound Logistics.

To create a custom program for each client, CLI creates unique variants of the fundamental processes of warehousing—receive, store, pick, add value, package and ship—to suit the parameters of a specific application. At CLI, these core processes have been refined over years through the company’s formal Continuous Improvement program. By continually testing, measuring and improving these fundamental processes, CLI can ensure new and existing clients receive only the most efficient and most capable processes that will support their cost-reduction goals and drive world-class performance.

Scalable service programs are engineered specifically to meet and exceed each client’s key performance indicators (KPIs). As an extra step to protect the customer, CLI deploys technology-driven process controls, such as process error proofing and multiple barcode verification points, to monitor KPI compliance, ensure accuracy and manage and report exceptions.

Relying on a world-class logistics partner like CLI better positions logistics managers to overcome the challenges of demand volatility, complex customer requirements, capacity issues and economic uncertainty by providing the lean operational processes so fundamental to their success, Stratton says.

She also points to CLI’s successful track record in helping its customers meet more stringent supply chain performance requirements.

“Our processes and systems have evolved in the most stringent environments,” says Brian Hume, senior vice president and general manager. “For example, a tremendous level of control is required to handle Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (MVSS) parts because the welfare of consumers is at stake.”

In consequence of its automotive pedigree, CLI can measure, retain and act on data at the item level. In the event of a recall, for example, CLI can tell a manufacturer the exact torque that was applied to a single bolt and what sequence or products received it.

And, because its processes are lean and flexible, CLI can easily dial operational complexity up or down to manage the requirements of any material, product or volume in any industry.

“CLI’s flexibility and reponsiveness is impressive,” Stratton says. “CLI has the ability to anticipate clients’ evolving needs and quickly offer strategic solutions that drive business process improvement.”

Inbound Logistics' Top 100 3PL Providers list serves as a qualitative assessment of service providers best equipped to meet and surpass companies’ evolving outsourcing needs. Each year, the magazine’s editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research and comparing that data to their readers’ burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges. This year, the editors selected the top 3PLs from a pool of more than 300 companies. The service providers selected are companies that offer the diverse operational capabilities and experience required to meet rapidly changing supply chain and logistics needs.

About Inbound Logistics
Inbound Logistics is the leading trade magazine targeted toward business logistics and supply chain managers. The magazine’s editorial mission is to help companies of all sizes better manage corporate resources by speeding and reducing inventory and supporting infrastructure and better matching demand signals to supply lines. More information is available at www.inboundlogistics.com.

About Comprehensive Logistics Inc.
Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI) provides custom-engineered supply chain management, transportation management and value-added services. Founded in 1995, CLI manages more than 2 million square feet of facility operating space in the United States and Canada and is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949. CLI is a recent recipient of General Motors’ Global Supplier of the Year award, an honor reserved for an elite group of suppliers with an uncompromising commitment to world-class quality, service, technology and price. For more information, call 800.734.0372, ext. 288, e-mail info@complog.com, or visit www.complog.com.
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Logistics Provider to Highlight Technology for Real-Time, Item-Level Visibility

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Sept. 1, 2011) — Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI), a provider of custom-engineered supply chain management, sequencing and value-added assembly capabilities, will serve as a Silver Sponsor of the Automotive Logistics Global Conference 2011 in Dearborn, Mich., Sept. 27-29.

Each year, the Automotive Logistics Global Conference attracts hundreds of senior executives from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tier-one suppliers and logistics service providers (LSPs) from around the world. Presented by Automotive Logistics magazine, the event features workshops, networking opportunities, supplier exhibits and high-level presentations exploring the latest trends in global logistics. CLI also sponsored the 2010 conference.

This year, the event will focus on the need for greater visibility throughout the supply chain. Industry thought leaders will present technologies and strategies that reduce risk and provide more control over operations.

At its booth, CLI will demonstrate its sophisticated, Internet-based supply chain technology. The proprietary software provides manufacturers with real-time information at the item level. Using any web-connected device, such as a computer, smartphone or tablet PC, CLI’s clients can access detailed views of location, status and processing of material as well as monitor inventory and production levels and view pending shipments. There is no software to install or maintain, and the system is accessible anytime from any location.

Conference attendees will also learn about CLI’s complex sequencing and value-added assembly capabilities. The company sequences hundreds of part numbers for just-in-time delivery to production lines and, in the past year, has processed more than 1,000 changes with zero errors. CLI’s company-wide defective parts per million (DPPM) rate is less than five. At the same time, the company offers a 99.97% inventory accuracy rate and a 99.4% on-time delivery rate.

In its value-added assembly processes, CLI collects data by both part and process to protect manufacturers from liability and assist with future warranty claims or recall issues, even years after an initial assembly was first produced. CLI can provide the precise amount of torque delivered to an individual bolt, along with the identification number for the product that received the bolt.

Clients can also access any or all data collected by CLI’s integrated line-control software. Torque monitoring systems capture, store and communicate live torque, angle and yield values for every fastener installation, while process control software provides an extra layer of data analysis, enabling detailed views into process capability for specific installations. When armed with this level of detail, manufacturers are better able to monitor, control, identify and respond to process and equipment variation.

Since all of CLI’s physical processes, business transactions and engineered solutions are transparent, clients maintain control over outsourced operations while still reducing costs, increasing efficiency, decreasing risk and improving overall supply chain performance.

For more information, visit CLI at the Automotive Logistics Global Conference.

About Comprehensive Logistics Inc.
Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI) provides custom-engineered supply chain management, transportation management and value-added services. Founded in 1995, CLI manages more than 2 million square feet of facility operating space in the United States and Canada and is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949. CLI is a recent recipient of General Motors’ Global Supplier of the Year award, an honor reserved for an elite group of suppliers with an uncompromising commitment to world-class quality, service, technology and price. For more information, call 800.734.0372, ext. 288, e-mail info@complog.com, or visit www.complog.com.
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Challenge
When an electric vehicle manufacturer was planning to launch a major startup operation, its materials and logistics team began rethinking the existing transportation plan. The company had been relying on manual methods to source parts for its current production base, but the new venture was no ordinary expansion. The company was creating an all-new business unit in a newly acquired facility dedicated to producing a new product.

Since the business relied on tactical activities to plan inbound shipments, it lacked a universal supplier database and didn’t have visibility into inbound material flows. The logistics staff realized the startup would benefit from a more automated way of planning and executing shipments. It needed a more strategic approach to transportation that would allow it to expand manufacturing capacity while driving costs down.

Solution
The manufacturer approached the experienced transportation management team at Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI), a provider of custom logistics programs and managed transportation services. CLI uses a diagnostic approach that focuses on working collaboratively with customers to define their current state and map out the best way for them to reach their goals. CLI’s transportation analysts work on a company’s behalf, as an extension of the existing transportation department. This approach enables CLI to engineer programs that effectively address each customer’s unique needs.

This impartial, shipper-oriented methodology was attractive to the vehicle manufacturer because it was venturing into new territory and needed a more efficient way to manage its complex, global supply chain.

CLI began by analyzing current operations and uncovering opportunities for efficiency improvements. Since the company lacked a supplier database, CLI began working with buyers to identify suppliers and met with the engineering staff to identify part numbers from bills of material.

Next, CLI developed a common database to house this information and even implemented new processes that would allow the manufacturer to conduct similar data-collection efforts on its own in the future.

CLI also modeled a new inbound logistics plan for the global supply base and helped plan and manage all maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) shipments from international suppliers.

CLI went a step further by posting inbound, prepaid shipments into ProFr8, a configurable, web-based application that powers transportation management processes at CLI.

Results
With a more strategic transportation plan, the manufacturer was ready to launch its new business venture.

Access to CLI’s Internet-based system provides full visibility into the inventory pipeline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any location. By simply logging into ProFr8 through a secure web interface, materials and logistics executives responsible for the startup operation can view in-transit material and access detailed delivery records for shipments that arrive at the plant.

Armed with newfound visibility and streamlined processes, the company can now make more proactive business decisions instead of reacting to unplanned logistics events. This improves efficiency and eliminates unnecessary cost and waste from the global supply chain.

As a result, the manufacturer was better equipped to grow its manufacturing capacity while remaining profitable and securing new opportunities for future growth.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (March 30, 2011) — Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI), a premier provider of engineered logistics services for complex supply chains, will highlight its proven ability to exceed the quality, accuracy and delivery needs of the aerospace and defense industries at the AeroDef Manufacturing Expo, April 5-7, in Anaheim, Calif.

As an experienced supplier of contract manufacturing capabilities, including complex subassembly, sequencing and value-added services, CLI is well accustomed to the stringent requirements of high-performance, fast-paced supply chains with zero room for error.

“For years, CLI has excelled in managing inbound material flows from hundreds of global suppliers, sequencing tens of thousands of parts per day and producing complete subassembly modules for just-in-time (JIT) delivery to the production lines of major OEMs,” says Brian Hume, senior vice president and general manager. “Some of the assemblies we produce have 50 variations each and error tolerances of 40 microns. We also sequence, stage and ship materials to arrive at manufacturing lines just minutes after receiving EDI-based pull signals.”

Currently, CLI’s DPPM (defective parts per million) rate exceeds world-class standards. The company also offers a 99.97% inventory accuracy rate and a 99.4% on-time delivery performance record.

CLI combines statistical process controls with sophisticated vision systems and robotics, light-directed picking, on-demand labeling equipment, RF controls and multiple barcode confirmation points to minimize waste, variation and the potential for nonconformance. Processes requiring manual material handling are scientifically engineered to reduce the potential for human error and enhance productivity.

In addition, CLI’s disciplined Continuous Improvement methodology drives constant refinements that contribute to the organization’s pursuit of flawless execution. As a result, CLI’s customers benefit from exponential increases in efficiency, reliability and financial savings throughout the life of the contract.

CLI also captures and stores item-level details—down to the specific torque value of an individual bolt—and makes the information available to customers in real time through its Internet-based supply chain intelligence technology.

To learn more about CLI’s proven track record in “mission critical” applications, visit Booth #1048 at AeroDef.

About Comprehensive Logistics Inc.
Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI) is a premier provider of engineered logistics services for complex supply chains. Founded in 1995, CLI manages more than 4 million square feet of facility operating space in the United States and Canada and is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 standards. A non-asset-based, end-to-end supply chain services company with roots in the transportation industry dating back to 1903, CLI’s core capabilities include supply chain management and distribution; transportation management; and synchronous manufacturing and value-added services, such as subassembly, sequencing, kitting, inspection, repacking and just-in-time logistics. CLI’s refined process- and technology-based culture cultivates collaborative business relationships based on real-time transparency and unrestricted access to part-level control. For more information, call 800-734-0372, ext. 288, e-mail info@complog.com, or visit www.complog.com.
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Material Handling & Logistics
How Hybrid Sourcing Can Lower Costs
This new approach to sourcing emphasizes visibility and control while reducing total landed costs.

Inbound Logistics
Protect Your Supply Chain From Merger Mania
Research conducted in recent years has shown that lean, mid-size 3PLs have an edge over mega-3PLs when it comes to customer relations. A lean 3PL like Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI) allows companies to maintain control over logistics processes while still receiving the benefits of outsourcing.
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Inbound Logistics
Sorting Through Materials Handling Decisions — Innovation in Action: Cruze Control
CLI’s optimized materials handling operations and tight inbound control keep Chevy Cruze production lines moving, despite GM’s stringent quality standards that demand error tolerances smaller than the diameter of a human hair.

Kansas City Business Journal
Steering for success: Comprehensive Logistics uses GM contract to drive growth
With a large contract with the General Motors Assembly Plant in Fairfax serving as a strong beachhead, Comprehensive Logistics Inc. now wants to expand its service offerings to other manufacturers in the Kansas City area.
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The Business Journal
Comprehensive Logistics Gets Cruze Contract
About an hour after the first Chevrolet Cruzes for sale rolled off the production line in Lordstown, Comprehensive Logistics Inc. announced it has been selected by General Motors Co. to manage global inbound logistics and value-added subassembly processes for the vehicle.

Journal of Commerce
Comprehensive Logistics Wins GM Contract
General Motors selected Comprehensive Logistics to manage global inbound logistics and value-added subassembly processes for its newest compact car, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

The Vindicator
Delivery Is Name of Game for Area Company
A local logistical services provider has been selected by General Motors to manage logistics and sub-assembly processes for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, adding more than 500 jobs to the area.

Supply Chain Digital
Comprehensive Logistics Sponsors Global Conference
The provider of efficient, engineered logistics services for complex supply chains is sponsoring the Conference, which will be held in Dearborn, Michigan, on 4-6 October this year.

Supply Chain Digital
Company Report - Comprehensive Logistics Inc: Reaching Customers in Real Time
Based in Youngstown, OH, Comprehensive Logistics offers the latest tools and fine-tuned processes to ensure a smooth supply chain operation.
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The Vindicator
Supplier in Demand: Comprehensive Logistics Builds Future with GM
An award-winning local company that does the bulk of its work with General Motors Corp. expects to continue growing despite the automaker’s bankruptcy.
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Armstrong & Associates Inc. 
Comprehensive Logistics – Great Skills, Tough Year
Comprehensive Logistics Inc. (CLI) is a top-notch automotive logistics third-party logistics provider (3PL). It is one of the four lead logistics providers (LLPs) for General Motors and a major provider for Ford and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It just launched a new operation at Ford’s Avon Lake, OH assembly plant.
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The Vindicator
Local Trucking Companies on Road to Continuing Growth, Success
Falcon Transport has been putting the pedal to the metal, and people have noticed. The Meridian Road company has grown so fast that a trade publication just ranked it as the 97th-largest trucking company in the nation. Falcon and its sister company, Comprehensive Logistics, posted revenues of $205.5 million last year, a 15 percent increase.
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The Vindicator
100 Years of Hauling: Four Local Companies with a National Reach Share a Common History
In 1906, J.V. McNicholas pulled his horse drawn wagon up to the railroad tracks along the banks of the Mahoning River for the first time. He must have wondered what the future would bring.
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Company Vitals
• Certified to ISO 9001 & ISO/TS 16949
• 99.97% inventory accuracy rate
• 99.4% on-time delivery rate
• More than 2 million square feet of facility operating space in North America
• World-class quality performance: Less than five defects per million (DPPM)
• Specialized expertise in synchronous manufacturing support & just-in-time logistics

Company Profile
Inbound Logistics January 2011

Specialty Overviews
Subassembly
Sequencing
Value-Added Services
Supply Chain Management
Transportation Management
Supply Chain Intelligence

Data Sheets
ProFr8