Gillette Co. Invests in Pen-Based Computers; Purchases GRiDPADs from GRiD Systems
FREMONT, Calif. — August 12, 1991 — The Gillette Co., a $4 billion international consumer products corporation has announced it is planning to make a major commitment to pen-based computing with the purchase of some 300 GRiDPAD pen-based computers from GRiD Systems Corp.
Gillette field representatives around the country will use the four-pound, handheld computers, which use a pen rather than a keyboard for data and graphics input, to spot sales and market trends quickly and boost sales of shaving and personal care products.
''In our business, it is vital that we have our fingers on the pulse of our customers. We need to know almost immediately what they need, what they want and what they're doing. These GRiDPADs will afford us quicker access to the data gathered by our field representatives, which in turn, will allow us to be more responsive to our customers' needs,'' said Ted Standish, director of information systems for Gillette's North Atlantic Group.
Under the former pen-and-paper process, it took several weeks for vital field sales data to reach Gillette decision makers because the paper forms had to be keypunched into the office computers before the data could be sent to headquarters.
''Gillette has long been a leader in using new information technologies,'' Standish said. ''With these pen-based computers, the entire data collection process will be faster and more accurate. And we'll reduce the expenses associated with our paper survey forms.''
GRiD president D. Bruce Walter, said: ''We are pleased that Gillette is moving ahead with its pen-based computing program. I believe that the success experienced by companies such as Gillette with pen-based computing is proof that this technology is one of the most important innovations in the computer and retail sales worlds in the last five years.
''As a market leader, Gillette has a reputation of staying ahead of the competition on the technology curve in an extremely tough marketplace, a marketplace where current information on inventories, product placement and customer service is vital to success.''
With 20MB of storage, the GRiDPAD meets the storage requirements of field representatives who handle as many as 300 accounts and must be able to keep track of large volumes of information about company products, promotions and programs.
The Gillette Co. is the market leader of blades and razors in North America, Western Europe and most other areas of the world. In 1990, Gillette introduced its revolutionary Gillette Sensor shaving system which offers the world's first personalized shave. Gillette also is a major manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of personal care products such as Right Guard deodorants; Dri Idea and Soft & Dry antiperspirants and White Rain hair care products.
GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, pen-based and desktop computers, pen-based software development tools, electronic mail and networking systems. GRiD, which has a worldwide direct sales and support organization, demonstrates products at 50 GRiD Systems Centers and sells products through value-added resellers. GRiD is located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, Calif. 94538. GRiD also has offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark.
GRiD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tandy Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Tandy is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers. A New York Stock Exchange company, Tandy has sales in excess of $4.5 billion annually.
Note to Editor: GRiDPAD is a registered trademark of GRiD Systems Corp.
CONTACT:
GRiD Systems, Fremont
Mike McGuire or Bob Goligoski, 415/656-4700