You are probably right about SJD mgmt knowing little or nothing of technology however, with the cash the company is sitting on they can very easily hire the expertise in the field needed to get i to i off the ground.
Many computer engineers, technologists and programmers who can build or configure products to perform B2B work are paid around $40 - $80k per yr depending on their level of expertise. Further many are available for work on as-needed basis by contract.
*** .. and I am posting the entire release below as I see the link I provided before doesn't work today. Note there is a link to the i to i website buried in here:
NOVEMBER 15, 2000 - 16:16 EST
St. Jude Resources Ltd.: Corporate Update
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--St. Jude Resources Ltd. is pleased to
announce the formation of i to i logistics inc. ('i to i'). Based
in Vancouver, Canada, i to i is an outsource logistics company
providing both Internet and traditional Supply Chain Management
('SCM') services.
SCM is a key issue for industry, and e-commerce is affecting every
aspect of SCM today. While the crucial factor remains
"right-product-to-right-customer-at-right-time", a new development
is the realignment of responsibilities within the supply chain.
Traditionally, the buyer chose a seller, selected the product,
paid for it and then arranged delivery. E-commerce requires a
more collaborative and more efficient approach within the supply
chain to meet consumer demands. The failure of many
'pure-dot.com' e-tailers at achieving these goals is well
documented. Many traditional businesses struggle as well -
founded on mass production, large shipments and economies of
scale, in order to stay competitive they now face the challenge of
implementing a more automated/computerized business model
requiring high flexibility and tailored customer response.
E-commerce and the impact of the Internet on business, however,
only continues to grow. There were over 600 B2B
(business-to-business) exchanges in April, 2000, and it is
estimated that 50 more B2B sites come on-line every month.
Industry experts forecast that by 2003 over 80% of all firms will
have adopted e-procurement (up from approximately 15% at present).
Additionally, and despite the well-publicized B2C
(business-to-consumer) shortcomings in deliveries and stocking,
large retailers are predicted to increase their investment in
Internet selling strategies to over $17 billion by 2002.
It is accepted that a professional approach to Supply Chain
Management will improve customer service, reduce inventory, enable
more efficient cost controls and allow better management. Yet,
while 90% of North American manufacturers rank SCM as critical to
their success, only 2% rank their own supply chains as world
class. This issue has not been addressed primarily due to
shortages of both in-house and independent logistic professionals,
but is also because of the real costs and perceived risks
associated with training and implementation of systems.
i to i provides the solution through experienced logistic
resources and current knowledge of 'best-of-breed' SCM
technologies on an Application Services Provider (ASP) basis.
Outsourcing to i to i circumvents the shortages of SCM
professionals, avoids extensive capital investment, minimizes
training costs and provides immediate improvement to Supply Chain
Management. i to i can design, build, outfit, customize and
install every aspect of an ultra-efficient, automated
pick-pack/distribution operation and is able to furnish and create
solutions with facilities tailored to the client's needs. Client
revenue is optimized by leveraging inventories across the SCM
system. This provides a cost effective approach for SCM to
respond to the growing market demand for lower inventories,
frequent re-ordering, smaller shipments and expanding B2B
e-commerce opportunities.
The President of i to i is Mr. Michael Docherty of Michael
Docherty & Associates. Mr. Docherty, B. Sc., is a member of the
Counsel of Logistics Management ('CLM'), Supply Chain Logistics
('SCL') and the Institute of Logistics and Transportation ('ILT').
He has over 20 years experience in distribution, management
transport, logistics, supply chain management and consultant
operations and has worked in this field, both domestically and
overseas, with companies such as Agra, Wesco (Westinghouse
Distributors), Canadian Airlines, London Drugs, and Watney's.
Specializing in advanced analytical techniques resolution to
distribution problems, Mr. Docherty has just completed a one-year
Supply Chain Initiative program for Sears Roebuck.
While i to i does perform consulting functions, the company's
emphasis is on joint ventures and participatory operations with
clients. As well, though i to i will work with the B2C industry
as demand dictates, the primary focus will be on the larger and
quickly developing B2B market. The company's website can be
viewed at www.itoilogistics.com.
Under the terms of the agreement, St. Jude currently has a 51%
share in i to i and an option to acquire up to 75% of the company.
St. Jude Resources Ltd. continues to investigate other
opportunities in the resource and non-resource sectors.
ST. JUDE RESOURCES LTD.
Michael A. Terrell, President & C.E.O.
-30-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
St. Jude Resources Ltd.
Michael A. Terrell
President & C.E.O.
(604) 940-6565
(604) 940-6566 (FAX)
The Canadian Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
the responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. |
