Logistics services provider OHL has joined with software vendor MainStreet Commerce to create a new service in support of on-line retailing. The deal covers multiple, customizable electronic-commerce websites, connectivity to sales channels such as Amazon.com and eBay, inventory management, order workflow management, customer relationship management, financial management, warehouse management, fulfillment and contact center support for phone-order entry and customer service. Bob Spieth, OHL's president of contract logistics, said the service is of special value to mid-sized direct channel merchants in need of "end-to-end solutions." It can be implemented in a matter of weeks, he added, and automates processes throughout the order lifecycle. In addition, the offering links up with other systems and provides the flexibility to grow with new opportunities. OHL's services include transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding and import and export consulting. It operates three business units - Global Freight Management and Logistics, Contract Logistics and North America Transportation - drawing on more than 130 distribution centers. MainStreet Commerce is the developer of BusinessFlow, software for multi-channel order management.
