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4R Systems to Help Rodale Inc. Profit Optimize
Book Print Run Decisions
Wayne, PA, December 1, 2003—4R Systems, Inc., a leading provider of software tools, analytical models and information services that enable retailers and their suppliers to profitably manage their SKU's throughout the retail lifecycle, announced today that it has been selected by Rodale Inc., the world's leading publisher of information on healthy, active lifestyles, to help profit optimize printing decisions for book titles that are marketed direct to consumer.
"Rodale has been outperforming the book and magazine industries growth percentages for the past two years. We attribute this positive growth to delivering the best editorial products possible to our customers," said Mike Sudik, Rodale's Vice President of Operations. "As a forward-thinking company open to looking at better, more cost effective ways of doing business, we sought out 4R for their knowledge of analytics and inventory management which will help us more profitably match supply with demand."
4R will work with Rodale to analyze book test mailing response data to help drive more intelligent print production decisions (vehicle, size of print run, etc.). Data will be analyzed through 4R's algorithms in order to estimate lost sales and improve forecast accuracy.
"In an effort for companies to increase profitability, many have recognized the need for sophisticated supply-chain optimization technology that enables them to deliver a superior experience to their customers," said Jiri Nechleba, President and CEO of 4R. "We are enormously pleased to be working with Rodale to drive customer satisfaction and sales, thereby improving gross margins and enhancing inventory productivity."
About Rodale
For more than 60 years, Rodale has been a leading publisher of information on healthy, active lifestyles. With a mission to inspire and enable people to improve their lives and the world around them, Rodale reaches more than 30 million people every month through its magazines, books, Web sites and other media. Rodale properties include such well-known magazines as Prevention, Men's Health, Organic Style, Organic Gardening, Runner's World, Backpacker, Bicycling, Mountain Bike and Rodale's Scuba Diving. The largest independent bookseller in America, Rodale publishes nearly 100 new book titles each year in the categories of health, fitness, environmental issues, sports, narrative non-fiction, biography, memoir, parenting, inspiration, home arts and more and maintains a strong backlist of more than 500 book titles. Recent Rodale New York Times Bestsellers include, Dr. Shapiro's Picture Perfect Weight Loss, 8 Minutes in the Morning, The Wrinkle Cure and the No. 1 bestseller The South Beach Diet.
About 4R Systems
4R Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of software tools, analytical models and information services that helps retailers and manufacturers significantly increase profits by optimizing their inventory and related supply chain decisions. Founded by supply chain experts from The Wharton School and Harvard Business School, 4R provides capabilities that profit optimize the matching of supply with demand. From initial launch, through replenishment and to end-of-life and for products ranging from short-lived fashion items to long-term staples, 4R provides retailers with solutions that fit their business. Clients using 4R solutions have seen increases in profitability of 1-2% of sales as a result of higher sales levels on lowered inventory. Representative clients include Linens 'n Things, American Pacific, Rodale, Nokia and Stride Rite. For more information, visit www.4rsystems.com or call 1-866-4RSYSTEMS. .