As Part of Our Corporate Innovation Initiative, We Have Rolled out a Simple and Quick Way

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JUNE 2008 As part of our corporate Innovation initiative, we have rolled out a simple and quick way for all ABG suppliers to submit ideas electronically (described below). Innovations submitted via this tool should not be limited to product innovations - we are also looking for innovations surrounding efficiencies / cost reductions in the supply chain, and business development proposals. We recognize that not all good ideas come from inside ABG, and we look forward to hearing from all of you! To access the Innovation submission tool, just use the link labeled "Innovation Form" at your immediate right, on this screen.

MAY 2008 ABG hosted its 2008 Supplier Conference at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. This was a major event for the 62 suppliers and 250+ ABG employees and supplier reps in attendance. With the conference theme of "Transformation", we shared our company's current initiaves and recent investments. Conference sub-themes were: Consumer Focus, Innovation, Strategic Partnerships, and Cost Leadership. To access ALL conference material, please log into Supplier Analytics, and navigate to the Help/Links tab.

APRIL 2008 Our QA Department has updated 11 of the 17 documents found within the "Quality" section (link at left). We ask that our suppliers' quality professionals review these updates, and contact their ABG SQD rep with any questions.

MARCH 2008 The Transportation Department has replaced and updated all International Shipping Instruction variants with one consolidated document (found at left by clicking the Shipping link)

FEBRUARY 2008 The Transportation Department has updated its "Packaging Identification Requirements" procedure (found at left by clicking the Shipping link)

JANUARY 2008 Accounts Payable's Supplier Payment Guide has been updated (see AP link at left).

DECEMBER 2008 On 12/31/07, the metrics behind ABG's On-Time Delivery Program have been changed. For 2008 and beyond, suppliers with Collect Terms will have their On-Time Shipping performance judged by comparing commitment (PO 'material availabily date') vs. the Ship Available Date listed on their PO. Prepaid suppliers will continue to be measure as before (Promised Delivery Date compared to ABG Truck-In Date). Suppliers can evalute these changes, and their performance scorecards, via the Supplier Analytics tab at the upper-right of this Home Page.

NOVEMBER 2007 The EDI / B2B Questionnaire and EDI Implementation Guide have been updated. To locate these updated documents, navigate to the EDI link at the left-hand side of this page (under "Business Requirements").

OCTOBER 2007 Please note that ABG Transportation's Domestic Routing Guide (for Collect Shipments) has been updated, and is posted in the Shipping Section (at left).

SEPTEMBER 2007 The Pallet & Palletizing Requirements have been updated to specify that, for California ABG receiving locations only (Buena Park, Lakeview, Torrance) the only acceptable pallet size/type is 48"x40" (4-way entry). The minimum & maximum pallet dimension requirements have not changed for any other ABG receiving locations. This update can be found by clicking on the Shipping link at left (Packaging sub-section).

AUGUST 2007 a) The QUALITY section has been rewritten to allow our supplier-partners quicker and easier access to all pertinent Quality requirements. Key documents and subject matter areas are now listed as links, and most individual documents have search capabilities built in. You can find the QUALITY link at your left, under "Business Requirements". b) The " Key ABG Contact" section of the Supplier Payment Guide has been updated. Please see the Accounts Payable tab for the updated file.

JULY 2007 a) New Pallet Requirement - "Effective immediately, pallets made of ash are no longer being accepted. Do not use pallets made of ash for incoming shipments to any Alticor/Access Business Group location. This step is necessary due to concerns regarding the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer". b) The " Key ABG Contact" section of the Supplier Payment Guide has been updated. Please see the Accounts Payable tab for the updated file. c) The EDI Implementation Guide has been updated. Please see the EDI section for the updated file (page 4 contains a list of all revisions)

JUNE 2007 As we move closer to our EDI supplier usage targets, ABG has provided a training document for those suppliers who will be utilizing our Hosted EDI solution. Please click the EDI link (at left) to learn more, and to download this helpful training document.

MAY 2007 Please note that we have added a new section to our PORTAL, at the upper-left of your screen, called "Introduction to Alticor & ABG". Contained within is a presentation which a) describes how ABG fits within the Alticor Family of Companies, and b) shares with you our history, leaders, vision, values, corporate structure, sales channel, brands, products, markets served and global facilities.

APRIL 2007 ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE - As announced at the 2007 Supplier Conference, ABG has an active EDI project to increase the percent of orders and invoices transacted electronically from 30% to 90% by 12/31/07. While we continue to utilize and expand traditional integrated EDI, the majority of the change will take place via a hosted EDI application. There are some key upcoming dates and milestones to be aware of, so please click on the EDI link at your left. Additionally, you will notice that our EDI Implementation Guide has been updated (mapping specs).

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - Please check out the AP Link at left, as our Supplier Payment Guide has been updated. Key ABG contact info has been updated (phone, fax, e-mail) by Topic Area.

MARCH 2007 The second annual ABG Supplier Conference was held on March 1, 2007 at Alticor's World Headquarters in Ada, MI. 150 representatives from 71 ABG suppliers were in attendance. Alticor President Doug DeVos headlined a number of inspirational and educational presentations to our supplier-partners, under the theme ‘Collaboration’. At the Conference, the 1 st annual Supplier Awards were presented to the following suppliers:

 "Excellence in Supply Chain Performance" award winner - McIntyre Group, Ltd.  "Excellence in Technology" award winner - Albanese Confectionary, Inc.

JANUARY 2007 Alticor’s solid financial foundation was strengthened by a profitable 2006, in which worldwide sales totaled $6.3 billion. Alticor has experienced growth in 45 of its 57 markets.

SEPTEMBER 2006 New Requirements for Direct Shipping to China and other ABG Affiliates have been provided in the Shipping Section. All suppliers are expected to review the content and follow the requirements as appropriate.

MARCH 2006 Access Business Group has been honored with the 2006 Global Supply Chain Excellence Award, as presented by the Supply Chain Council. The award recognizes the company that has “made the greatest contribution to demonstrating or advancing the supply chain management body of knowledge within the last year”. ABG also took home the award for Operational Excellence at the annual Supply Chain World Conference in Dallas.

EDI News Articles

UPDATE - 11/9/07 - Both the EDI/B2B Questionnaire and Implementation Guide have been updated. Please see the document links at the bottom of this page.

UPDATE - 6/13/07 - As announced at the 2007 Supplier Conference on 3/1, ABG has an active EDI project to increase the percent of orders and invoices transacted electronically from 30% to 90% by 12/31/07. While we continue to utilize and expand traditional integrated EDI the majority of the change will take place via a hosted EDI application. For those suppliers who will be utilizing ABG's Hosted EDI Solution, an implementation guide has been posted at the bottom of this page for your use.