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Intermec News
| Corporate Express Canada Increases Productivity and Improves Accuracy with Technologies from Intermec |
EVERETT, Wash., May 4, 2005 - In the competitive world of business-to-business office and computer supplies, providing customers what they need when they need it is more than a mantra, it's a critical requirement. To provide an ever-increasing level of customer service, Corporate Express Canada, one of the world's largest business-to-business suppliers of office and computer products and services, selected Intermec Technologies Corp. to provide the technology to automate its delivery processes. The company has implemented a wireless data capture system in its eight distribution centers across Canada using Intermec's CK30 rugged mobile computer and wireless access points. Previously, Corporate Express used a manual system, which used labels to indicate the truck for each carton. Loading the trucks with the manual system was labor intensive, since every carton had to be shuffled to maintain the proper delivery sequence. There also was no way to validate that every box was on the truck, so shipments might not be complete when the driver reached the customer's door. For a company that prides itself on continually improving a customer's experience, the system had outlived its usefulness. Corporate Express' operations and IT groups teamed to develop a "rolling warehouse." They reengineered the loading and delivery process, using the Intermec CK30 to positively locate every package on the vehicle. The system alerts the loader if a wrong box is being loaded onto a truck, ensuring an accurate manifest for every driver. "With the rolling warehouse system, our drivers are confident that their manifests are correct and that every piece of a customer's order can be positively located on the truck," said Corporate Express Vice President Steve Edmonds. "The Intermec CK30 was an immediate success with the drivers and loaders, so there was no resistance to the new system." The CK30 mobile Windows CE .NET computer incorporates advanced communications features that include an 802.11b/g radio for data rates of up to 54 Mbps, integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless printing, and imaging and color display options. It provides 802.1x security, Wi-Fi® Protected Access and is 802.11i ready, all ensuring consistent performance by providing the best available wireless network throughput and reliability. "The end result has been better accuracy, higher order fulfillment rates, and increased productivity," Edmonds said. "Most importantly, it has allowed us to deliver an even higher level of customer service and satisfaction." About Intermec Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include mobile computing systems, bar code printers, label media and Intellitag® RFID. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations. For more information, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636. To learn more about UNOVA, visit www.unova.com. About Corporate Express Canada Corporate Express Canada, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Corporate Express, Inc., a Buhrmann company (NYSE:BUH and AEX: BUH), is one of the world's largest business-to-business suppliers of office and computer products and services. Corporate Express Canada's product offering includes office and computer supplies, imaging and computer graphics supplies, office furniture, document and print management, desktop software, promotional products, and other similar products. Corporate Express Canada has operations in 19 facilities, including nine distribution centers located in Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Boucherville, Quebec; Saint John, New Brunswick; St. John's, Newfoundland; Vancouver, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba and Mississauga, Ontario. Corporate Express Canada employs more than 1,000 people, approximately 350 sales and customer service representatives, and owns approximately 70 delivery vehicles. The company's Web site address is www.CorporateExpress.ca. |