Kirby Risk Streamlines Supply Chain with Datalliance Vendor Managed Inventory

• Kirby Risk's leading suppliers such as Hubbell, Ideal, Rockwell, Siemens, and Thomas & Betts use Datalliance VMI
• Enhanced visibility into customer demand supports improved product mix, inventory accuracy, and helps maintain high level of fill rates

Cincinnati, Ohio, May 26, 2009- Datalliance® today announced that Kirby Risk Electrical Supply, a leading distributor of premium electrical products to Industrial, OEM, Construction, and Commercial/Institutional markets, has streamlined their central distribution model with the implementation of Datalliance Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI).

Kirby Risk differentiates itself in the electrical supply market by exceptional customer service. Joe Hart, Director of Purchasing and Material Management, said, "Using the right technologies in combination with process improvements creates opportunities for us to improve the efficiency of our supply chain model and reduce costs. Today, many of our leading suppliers including Hubbell, Ideal, Rockwell, Siemens, and Thomas & Betts are using Datalliance VMI. We are also working with other key suppliers to bring up VMI. Eventually we plan to do VMI with 10-14 major suppliers. When we get to that point, 80% of our inventory will be managed by VMI."

"We went to a model of one central distribution center to support our 38 branches with VMI managing stock replenishment for the central distribution center with our key suppliers," described Hart. "This streamlined model ensures a high level of fill rate, while at the same time being very efficient and cost-effective. VMI keeps this process running smoothly by monitoring the daily branch demand, anticipating future demand, and issuing replenishment orders with suppliers as needed."

For Kirby Risk, the greatest benefit from VMI has been the quality of data and transactions. "Today, we don't hear issues about out-of-stocks that we used to hear on a regular basis," noted Hart. "Our fill rates are much improved, customer service is enhanced, and our inventory quality is at an all time high."

Datalliance makes it easy for Kirby Risk to do VMI with additional suppliers. "It is so simple to bring new suppliers on that we almost take it for granted," said Hart. "Not only are they willing to go the extra mile, Datalliance has the support staff, industry knowledge and infrastructure to make it happen. We can now get up and running with a new supplier on Datalliance VMI in a matter of weeks."

About Kirby Risk

Kirby Risk Electrical Supply has been providing superior products, service and innovative solutions to the marketplace since 1926. Today, the company is a market leader, providing premium electrical products to Industrial, OEM, Construction, and Commercial/Institutional markets. With 38 stocking locations and a central distribution center serving Indiana, central and southern Illinois, and northwest Ohio, they are now ranked in the "Top 20" of electrical suppliers in the United States.

About Datalliance

Datalliance is a leading provider of collaborative commerce services, and the world's largest independent VMI service provider. Delivered via the Internet using the 'Software as a Service' (SaaS) model, Datalliance solutions make it easy for suppliers and their customers to establish sales and inventory management relationships that fully align business objectives, improve collaboration, and streamline supply chain operations. Datalliance manages billions of dollars in orders, millions of SKUs, and thousands of locations for leading Fortune 1000 companies in a number of industries. For more information about Datalliance, visit www.datalliance.com

Contact: Brian Lindner, Datalliance
513-791-7272 or blindner@datalliance.com