* Intermec delivering mobile computing technology solution to Switz

* Solution used across 300 trucks delivering to 1000's retail outlets

* Utilising fully Arabised software

Dubai, UAE, 7 July, 2004, Intermec Technologies, a leading global supply chain solutions company today announced that it is currently implementing its mobile computing technology solution for one of the largest bakery groups in the Middle East, The Switz Group.  The solution is to be rolled out to the Switz delivery fleet, which is constantly on the road and trying to meet market demand.

The Switz operational Group of companies, a multinational company, operates through out the Middle East, India and the Far East with a total group turnover in excess of USD 60 Million. Switz is acknowledged as a market leader brand (Switz, Nahool, Garameesh, Monginis)  in some bakery products in the Middle East, having production centres in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, India;  and trading operations in bakery and confectionary ingredients in the above countries as well as in Singapore and the Philippines.

Intermec were brought in to deliver a mobile computing technology solution that would cater for the Switz group distribution network in the GCC, which extends to over 300 trucks, delivering to thousands of retail outlets throughout the Middle East. The implementation of the Intermec solution is presently being rolled out in Saudi Arabia at Saudi Master Baker Ltd.

Colin Summers, Regional Manager of Intermec in the Middle East explained, "Intermec understands the business issues of managing large distribution fleets and mobile sales; we've successfully deployed systems for many of the world's leading fast moving consumer brands such as Coca Cola, Frito-lay, Nestle and Pepsi Cola; as well as many of the leading brands in the Middle East". Summers added, "This industry knowledge and experience applied with our mobile computer and printer hardware combined with the RoutePro32 software provides a powerful solution for Switz which will empower their sales and marketing departments with real time information".

Summers explained, "We are undoubtedly recognised as the industry's leading mobile computer company and have thousands of these products installed in distribution companies throughout KSA and the rest of the Middle East.  The products are proven to not just withstand, but excel, in the harsh Middle East environment. Our devices are working in high humidity conditions, in temperatures often in excess of 60 degrees and in open areas of severe dust and sand. In addition it's common for the devices to be accidentally dropped on concrete floors and roads. We have customer testimonials which prove time and again how automation of sale vans helps distribution businesses within the region improve their bottom line". 

Mirnah Technology Systems of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who are an Intermec Premier Solutions Partner for the Middle East will supply, train and support Switz personnel throughout the contract.  Mirnah have extensive experience in deploying Intermec solutions for numerous food & beverage and general consumer goods distribution companies. Mirnah are providing their RoutePro32 software, which is the region's leading route accounting and sales van delivery application software package and now has an installed base of thousands of users. RoutePro32 will be utilised by Switz  in a fully Arabised version, a key requirement for the Saudi Arabian and Gulf markets.

Noshir M. Chinwalla, the CFO & CIO of the Switz Group said, "In order to market ambient, fresh, good quality products and meet peak market demands, the group needs more timely market information about our sales, products (sales, returns and stales) and customers. This information has to be reliable, accurate and up to date. With the Intermec solution we will be better able to manage throughput, which in turn will increase our route productivity and  reduce stales".

After a detailed selection process, which included the assessment of a number of potential suppliers, the Switz Group chose Intermec's 700 computer based on its competitive price, product performance and proven track record with a large Middle East installed base. This combined with their fully Arabised route distribution software made Intermec their first choice. The products will be supplied and supported by Mirnah Technology Systems with OEM support from Intermec who has a regional operation in Dubai, all of which Switz  believes will ensure the successful implementation of the solution".

Many of the region's leading FMCG distribution companies are investing heavily in sale vans automation with Intermec and Mirnah's RoutePro32. The Return on Investment (ROI) for companies such as the Switz Group are significant:

 better visibility and control on their sales forces,

 tighter control on cash collections and on receivables,

 faster reaction to competitive pricing and promotions,

 ability to target and execute specific customer and product marketing programmes.

These benefits really do mean a rapid ROI for any FMCG distributor or manufacturer, sometimes within 12-18 months. Equally the Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) of the distribution business can now be effectively managed:

 the number of sales calls per day,

 amount of revenue per customer,

 products sold by customer by route, etc,

 collections per sales man per day.

These KPI's are worth their weight in gold to any professional business in the FMCG environment and Intermec are delivering these benefits to many of the leading organisations within the region.  

The technology 

700 series colour mobile computer
Intermec's 700 series colour mobile computer with Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC combines the processing power of Intel XScale with application software to reduce labour costs and increase drivers efficiency by connecting them to the rest of the enterprise. Its configurable design allows the integration of up to 3 radios in a single device, provides a broad range of scanning options, two keypad options, and backs this up with market leading battery capacity to ensure long life. Designed ergonomically for use in harsh environments the 700 series is built to withstand multiple drops to concrete and is sealed against rain, dust and local humidity which makes it ideal to withstand the demanding environment of the Gulf.

6820 printer
The Intermec 6820 printer produces high-quality customer invoices, receipts, load reports, transfers and other documents for route accounting applications. Data input is provided by the Intermec 6000 series mobile computers via holders and vehicle docks but also has options for the 600 and 700 Series mobile computers. The printer is available in multiple configurations; fully portable, fixed and wall mounted. Its 512 k flash memory can store DBCS fonts such as Korean and Chinese.

"RoutePro32" software
Part of an extensive range of Intermec route distribution software. The application operates on the 700 series mobile computer and provides inventory management, product pricing, customer and sales history, route management and  communications, whilst presenting information to the user in an easy-to-understand format. "RoutePro" 32 manages route inventory from the time the trucks are loaded through to the end of the day, allowing sales representatives and drivers to spend more time in front of customers. The software is fully arabised and customised by Mirnah Technologies Systems especially for the Middle East Market.

-Ends-

About Intermec
Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, a recent Microsoft OEM Embedded Partner of the Year, is a leader in global supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection and mobile computing systems. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries to improve productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations, from supply chain management and enterprise resource planning to field sales and service.

To learn more about how companies can benefit from Intermec's 700 series mobile computers, or related hand-held, networking and printer products, contact Intermec Technologies Middle East, Office 313, Building 1, Dubai Internet City, PO Box 500273, Dubai, U.A.E.; tel:+971.4.3911940, fax: +971.4.3918751. Or visit Intermec's web site at www.intermec.com. To learn more about UNOVA, visit www.unova.com.

EDITORIAL CONTACT:
Jo Gay
NettResults Media Relations
+971 4 331 1593
jo@NettResults.com

© Press Release 2004