3M announced today it will implement HighJump Software's manufacturing execution system (MES), Manufacturing Advantage, as part of its ongoing global initiative to standardize manufacturing systems. 3M will use the Manufacturing Advantage software at 70 locations worldwide to improve management of shop floor activities, thereby enabling more efficient production.

3M is continuously striving toward a demand-driven, lean supply chain where its industry-leading products are manufactured based on customer demand. To this aim, the HighJump MES system will help 3M build its products just in time, in the right quantities, and according to the highest standards for quality and turnaround.

Since Manufacturing Advantage is part of HighJump's adaptable Advantage suite, 3M will be able to configure its applications quickly and cost-effectively. This will allow the company to carry out its goal of supporting a diverse set of plant-specific requirements without supporting a diverse set of systems.

HighJump has already provided supply chain solutions for 3M in the areas of RFID compliance and data collection. The success of these projects influenced the MES selection.

"Agility and performance are critical in our demand-driven supply chain," said Paul Husby, staff vice president, 3M Manufacturing and Supply Chain Operations. "HighJump's Manufacturing Advantage will allow us to roll out a common technology for all of our operations, yet continue to run a variety of operations the way they need to be run."

"3M has an incredibly broad range of technologies, products and manufacturing operations, serving dozens of major market segments," said H.C. Shin, executive vice president, 3M Industrial Business. "HighJump's Manufacturing Advantage has the adaptability and power to make a strong contribution to our manufacturing improvement goals."

"We're thrilled that 3M has validated our product direction by selecting Manufacturing Advantage," said Chris Heim, president, HighJump Software. "As we implement this technology throughout 3M, we're confident our solution will continue to prove its value to the company's diverse manufacturing organization."

About HighJump Software, a 3M Company

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is a global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality; a best practices-based implementation methodology; and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: a low total cost of ownership for more than 700 customers worldwide. As an independent subsidiary in the 3M family of companies, HighJump leads the SCE software industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers. For more information about HighJump, visit www.highjump.com.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command, Vikuiti, HighJump, and Supply Chain Advantage are trademarks of 3M.

HighJump Software, Eden PrairieMike Devine, 952-563-5122