The Gillette Company Employs Fujitsu Personal Systems’ Tablet Computers to Automate U.S. Sales Force
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — October 21, 1996 — Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. today announced that it has equipped The Gillette Company's 250-person U.S. retail sales force with tablet-based computers.
These Windows 95-compatible handheld systems will be used by field personnel to analyze data to improve sales. They also will enable managers to receive and track inventory-related information — such as out-of-stock data — more quickly.
The Gillette-Fujitsu relationship began in 1993. Gillette has expanded the use of Fujitsu handheld computers to national implementation in June 1996. Recently, Gillette recognized a greater need for internal sales force automation, product stock status and completion of merchandiser-generated surveys. To meet these needs, the company has empowered its entire U.S. retail sales force with an upgraded handheld PC product, the Fujitsu Stylistic 500.
"Our field employees required a fast, light-weight product that was easy to use and that could run for up to eight hours a day while performing a variety of tasks," stated Phil Druker, systems manager, North American Division, The Gillette Company. "Fujitsu not only offered the perfect system, but also guaranteed and delivered on its promise of superior technical and logistical support."
As one of the world's best-known brands, Gillette boasts more than $ 6 billion in annual sales, employs 33,000 people worldwide and sells products in more than 200 countries. Due to the highly competitive nature of the retail industry, Gillette U.S.A. management relies on immediate daily access to accurate information to maximize product sales and maintain its significant market share.
The data collected by the sales force is necessary to: — Track and respond to out-of-stock reporting by merchandisers;
— Allow for increasingly efficient and accurate communication between Gillette merchandisers and store managers; and
— Allow account managers to follow-up on product distribution, and track individual store product promotions, such as display set-ups in designated stores.
"Gillette's success with our system in both Europe and the US is a perfect illustration of the way mobile decision support can help companies maintain a competitive edge," said Geoff Walker, vice president of marketing for Fujitsu Personal Systems. "Tablet computers prove to be powerful tools for businesses, whether in the hands of the merchandiser or the client."
About Gillette Headquartered in Boston, The Gillette Company, the world leader in blades and razors, holds a major position in sales of toiletries and is the world's top seller of writing instruments with its Paper Mate, Parker and Waterman lines.
Among the company's subsidiaries, Braun is the leading marketer of electric shavers and small appliances; Oral-B is a leading seller of toothbrushes and oral care products; and Jafra is a highly successful international skin care and cosmetic products direct-selling company.
About Fujitsu Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. is a leading supplier of highly integrated mobile computers for demanding vertical market applications. The company's industry-standard tablet PCs feature powerful CPUs, extensive connectivity options, and long battery life. These handheld, full-screen tablets are compact, light-weight and small.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd., Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. (408/982-9500) has headquarters in Santa Clara, and offices throughout North America and Europe. Product information is available at 800/831-3183 or http://www.fpsi.fujitsu.com
Note To Editors: Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Photos available upon request.
CONTACT:
Fujitsu Personal Systems, Santa Clara
Mark Deneen or Wendy Olver, 408/982-9500
[email protected]
[email protected]
or
The Gillette Company, Boston
Eric Kraus, 617/421-7194
[email protected]
or
Walt & Company, Santa Clara
Jenn Knudsen or Dean Rodgers, 408/496-0900
[email protected]
[email protected]