ABF Earns Listing on InformationWeek 500 for Seventh Consecutive Year

FORT SMITH, Ark., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ABF^® has been cited as an innovator in business technology by InformationWeek magazine, which lists the company on the 2012 InformationWeek 500. The list was revealed on September 11, 2012, at a gala awards ceremony during the InformationWeek 500 Conference at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif. Among the information technology (IT) executives in attendance was Dave Cogswell, president of Data-Tronics Corp., the IT sister company of ABF.

"Today's supply chain managers require real-time access to current and accurate logistics information," said Cogswell. "As a provider of supply chain solutions, ABF is constantly evolving and expanding its suite of IT logistics tools for enhancing total supply-chain performance with real-time shipment tracking and enhanced control of logistical management procedures." 

For 2012, ABF was cited for developing a comprehensive financial forecasting tool that enables quarterly financial planning by company executives, using a series of key statistics to simplify expense projections and manage financial outcomes. "Ultimately, the system gives us the ability to better forecast the near-term future and to respond accordingly with resource allocations and capital investments, thus providing a better return answer for our shareholders and a better service answer for our customers," said Cogswell. This marks the seventh consecutive year that ABF has earned a place on the list of IT innovators.

"The InformationWeek 500 has recognized the most innovative users of business technology for 24 years, and this year's innovations were particularly impressive," said Rob Preston, InformationWeek, editor-in-chief.  Preston said the magazine sought to highlight "unconventional approaches—new technologies, new models, new ways of grabbing business opportunities and solving complex business problems with IT."

As the principal subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS), ABF operates as a global provider of customizable supply chain solutions. ABF enhances supply-chain efficiencies and achieves optimum performance by focusing on specific logistics needs and customizing innovative solutions. The carrier's resource-rich infrastructure includes an innovative Dual-System^® network for regional and national transportation. Its portfolio of logistics services extends from the manufacturer's floor to expedited and/or white-glove final delivery. In between, customers benefit from a single point of contact and total end-to-end supply chain visibility.

SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.