Fujitsu Speeds Delivery for G.O.D.; Wireless Mobile Computers Guarantee Overnight Delivery for Large Packages
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — March 21, 1994 — Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. and Roadshow International Inc., a McLean, Va.-based routing software provider, Monday announced a strategic partnership to provide Fujitsu's PoqetPad Plus mobile computers to Guaranteed Overnight Delivery Inc. (G.O.D.).
Under the terms of the agreement, G.O.D. is using Fujitsu's PoqetPad Plus mobile computers and the RAM wireless network with Roadshow's vehicle routing and scheduling application software to fully automate its pick-up and delivery operations. G.O.D. initially implemented the Roadshow system to automate delivery operations.
Fujitsu's PoqetPad Plus mobile computers utilize Roadshow software to automate pick-up operations and the partnership creates a fully integrated communications system for G.O.D. Roadshow's routing and scheduling system uses actual site addresses to determine cost-effective routes that reflect real distribution costs and constraints including shipping and receiving times, number of vehicles available for deliveries, load volume and delays due to rush hour traffic or road construction.
Prior to automating pick-up operations with Fujitsu's mobile computers, G.O.D.'s drivers relied on a paper-based system of collecting information about pick-ups for transmission from the dispatchers.
Using the Fujitsu system, this information is now easily tracked and pick-ups can be easily confirmed. Serving 15 states, G.O.D. uses a system in which freight is picked up at one of 35 service centers and brought to a central hub each night. The freight is handled once and then sent back to the satellites for delivery the next working day. Each morning, G.O.D.'s dispatchers use Roadshow to automatically transmit delivery routes to their drivers through the RAM wireless network.
Throughout the day, G.O.D.'s drivers will use the Fujitsu devices to receive up-to-date pick-up information from the central dispatchers. The Roadshow system allows the dispatchers to determine which drivers are closest to a pick-up, whether or not there is room on the truck for the size of the load, and whether or not the driver can make it on time before an assignment is made.
"Transportation is key to our business. Our alliance with G.O.D. reinforces our position as a leading provider of highly integrated mobile systems for the distribution and transportation industries," said Lou Panetta, Fujitsu's executive vice president. "Using the PoqetPad Plus to automate its pick-up operations, G.O.D. increases productivity, ensures customer satisfaction and remains highly competitive."
Fujitsu's systems have become the mandate for carriers because of the need for corporations to ship just-in-time. G.O.D. can guarantee overnight delivery of larger packages because all of their deliveries are dispatched and routed from one central hub.
"We are recognized as the innovative leader in the industry utilizing the Fujitsu PoqetPad Plus and Roadshow," said Mike Irwin, chief of information for Guaranteed Overnight Delivery. "The ability to capture signatures along with pick-up data will create an ease of use with handwriting as opposed to a computer-based system."
Each of G.O.D.'s 125 drivers is equipped with a PoqetPad Plus, a full-screen, pen-based, PC-compatible computer designed for use in forms-based data collection applications. The computer weighs 1.6 pounds, and measures 10" x 4.59" x 1.5". The computer is optimized with a backlit LCD screen for greater readability and use in dimly lit vehicle cabs.
The mobile computer uses small, lightweight rechargeable NiCad batteries that can be charged while the device and its applications are in use.
Guaranteed Overnight Delivery, headquartered in Kearny, N.J., is the leading overnight less-than-load freight carrier in the Northeast and one of the faster growing companies in the United States. It is the only trucking company to have delivery information readily available to all its customers through an automated routing and delivery system. G.O.D. provides overnight delivery of freight with an unconditional money back guarantee.
Roadshow International Inc., a leader in routing technology for hundreds of distribution fleets around the world, has proven its ability to integrate wireless network and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology into its Roadshow products. This extends the capabilities of cost-effective routing and scheduling into real-time where you can track vehicle location and status as the work day progresses.
The Roadshow system, used by more than 350 customers worldwide, is recognized for its flexibility, accuracy, ease-of-use and quick return on investment. Roadshow offices, distributors and users can be found in 22 countries around the world.
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 American offices in Santa Clara and Irvine, Calif.; Chicago; Atlanta; Houston; Dallas; Philadelphia; New Jersey; Rhode Island; Toronto and international offices in England, France, Spain, Germany and Italy.
Note to Editors: Pictures of the G.O.D. application are available upon request.
CONTACT:
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc.
Bill Wittmann, 800/342-5463
Roadshow International Inc.
Lynn Mazur, 703/790-8300, x4104 G.O.D. Inc.
Mike Irwin, 800/342-5463
Walt & Sommerhauser Communications
Erin Curtis/Cynthia Lempert, 408/496-0900