Fujitsu’s Pen Computers Automate Best Foods’ Sales Force
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — December 6, 1993 — Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. (FPSI) Monday announced that its 325Point pen-based mobile computers are being deployed by the Specialty Division of Best Foods Canada to automate its retail sales operations.
Using field sales automation software developed by Filbitron, a Toronto-based VAR, and a dial-up modem, the 325Point systems are designed to increase worker productivity and improve data quality throughout the enterprise.
Before automating with the 325Point, the Specialty Division sales representatives used paper-based diaries, route cards and customer sales histories to manage their sales process. This critical information now resides in the Fujitsu 325Point, allowing real-time access to relevant sales information, including client accounts, product listings, sales histories and competitive product information. The mobile solution not only enhances sales effectiveness, but also increases available selling time by eliminating paperwork.
The Fujitsu system allows sales representatives to quickly and efficiently transmit customer orders. Previously, the sales force telephoned all orders in at the end of the day, a process that could take each sales rep half an hour. Using the 325Point solution, sales representatives dial into the order desk and down-load all orders into the corporate mainframe.
The order information is then automatically routed to the regional office where bill-of-lading, customer invoices and warehouse pick-up orders are generated. Since modems transmit information quickly, telephone and administrative costs have been reduced and sales representatives spend more time selling.
"The Fujitsu mobile computing solution offers Best Foods Canada immediate benefits, such as decreased labor costs and greater selling opportunities," said Dwayne McKay, trade marketing manager, Best Foods' Specialty Division. "The implementation of this technology has gone so well that Best Foods Canada plans to integrate additional programs and information into the 325Point pen-based computers that will allow even more sophisticated sales analyses."
"The Fujitsu 325Point was designed as a decision support tool that efficiently links the mobile workforce into the corporate information structure," said Lou Panetta, FPSI's executive vice president. "The continued adoption of the 325Point by corporations such as Best Foods underscores the power of our mobile computing solutions."
Fujitsu's 325Point is a three pound tablet-sized pen-based system designed for mobile workers who are involved in decision support activities. It operates with a rechargeable NiCad of NiMH battery under an advanced power management system. The 325Point is powered by a 25-MHz AMD 386SXLV CPU. The system RAM is expandable to 12 MB and the product includes two Type I/II/III PCMCIA version 2.0 slots.
The computer has a 9.4 inch (diagonal) transflective LCD display with VGA support at 640×480 resolution. It is designed to be easily adapted for use with various peripherals such as printers, wireless communication devices and docking cradles for a complete mobile computing solution.
Best Foods Specialty Division product line includes Knorr soups, sauces and bouillons, Bovril bouillons and sauces, Old London Melba Products, Brownberry croutons and stuffings, and Marmite. Best Foods Canada Inc. is a wholly owned-subsidiary of CPC International Inc. and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Filbitron Marketing Corp. of Markham, Ontario, is one of North America's leading pen-based computer software developers, focused on the development, supply and support of "single vendor" computing solutions. Since 1982, Filbitron has been responsible for the development of specific software solutions for over 300 businesses. Experienced with both integrated networking and multi-user based platforms, Filbitron has the technical expertise required to integrate new technologies as they become real and useful.
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, is a leader in providing solutions for data collection and decision support applications through the development of super portable palmtop, pen-based and communicating computers. Its solutions are designed to meet the needs of applications where light weight, small form factor and long battery life are essential.
The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd. Fujitsu Personal Systems has North America offices in Santa Clara; Irvine, Calif.; Chicago; Atlanta; Houston; Dallas; Philadelphia; New Jersey; Rhode Island; Toronto and international offices in England; France; Spain; Germany; Italy and Sweden. Product information can be obtained by calling 800/831-3183. Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. corporate headquarters can be reached at 408/982-9500.
CONTACT:
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., Santa Clara
Bill Wittmann, 408/764-9484
Best Foods Canada
Dwayne McKay, 416/620-3481 Filbitron
Jim Clark, 905/477-0450 Walt & Sommerhauser Communications
Craig Sutphin or Erin Curtis, 408/496-0900