Intermec implement leading enterprise mobile computing solution for Aramex

700 series ruggedised mobile computers being used in Aramex depots across 30 countries

Worldwide implementation throughout Global Distribution Alliance

Dubai, UAE, 18th October, 2004 - Intermec Technologies, announced that they have been selected as the supplier of mobile computer systems for Aramex International. Aramex, the leading transportation solutions company, has selected the Intermec 700 Series as its mobile computer platform.

Intermec and Aramex started working together almost 12 months ago on a pilot project. That project has culminated in the implementation of almost 200 Intermec units across a range of application areas and depots throughout more than 30 countries spanning 4 continents. The number of units will increase 5 to 10 fold, as Aramex continues to ramp up the implementation of their Freight Tracking solution across many more countries. This is a partnership of truly global proportions.

Aramex have made significant investments in Mobile Computing technology, helping them gain operational savings and providing them with an important competitive edge in what is an intensely competitive industry.  Even more importantly, the mobile technology is deployed at the heart of their business critical operations, such as handling customers' products in their depots and at their customer premises. Therefore Aramex have to have 100% confidence in the equipment. Samer Awajan, Chief Technology Architect at Aramex explained: "Our Global Tracking System boasts a centralised database, internet tracking and instant electronic data exchange between all Aramex stations and partners. This enables them to perform daily tasks easily and rapidly, such as printing master air waybills, house air waybills, labels, manifests and proof-of-delivery (POD) reports, in addition to sending updates to the customer via email or fax. The tracking system also offers an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solution that can provide seamless integration with partners' systems to eliminate duplicate data entry and minimise data entry errors". He added "The Intermec 700 mobile computers are used to collect and communicate all of this important data rapidly and securely throughout our network. We've chosen the 700 Colour computer, with high speed Vista scanners, deploying them in a Wi-Fi environment within our organisations. We can also easily scale the scope of the communications and incorporate GSM and GPRS".

Colin Summers, Regional Manager for Intermec Technologies Middle East explained the background to the selection by Aramex. "Aramex's selection criteria were extremely high and their research incredibly thorough. Aramex needed a mobile computer which could survive the rigours of heavy utilisation in the field; 60 degree temperatures, high humidity, and sealed against water, sand and dust. In addition they needed an extremely long battery life; the shifts of the Aramex workers can go way beyond a 9.00am to 5.00pm day. Plus of course the devices are being used by drivers, couriers and warehouse operators, not by qualified IT staff so they needed to be easy to use. They also needed to have high speed scanners, as the number of parcels and documents being moved in and out of Aramex's depots is colossal". Summers continued "Due to Aramex's extensive geographical reach and the large number of units involved, the Mobile Hardware Platform had to move large volumes of data quickly and efficiently between the handheld PC and their ERP system; this was particularly critical during the pilot implementation. Intermec was able to show that the 700 device had the fastest communication transfer in the market, using true Ethernet speeds, it proved capable of solving significant bottleneck issues for Aramex in data transmission, which competitive products could not overcome". Summers concluded "The other key aspect was being able to offer truly global support as Aramex is a global company. We were able to provide a Global Maintenance Contract, which provided in-country repair and servicing across >100 countries, which was another key factor in our favour".

The solution is set to extend beyond the Aramex network in the Middle East and Asian Subcontinent to encompass members of the Global Distribution Alliance (GDA). GDA is a world distribution network, and was formed with Aramex playing an active role in its formation and leadership. The GDA network consists of more than 40 independent Express operators who together serve over 240 countries worldwide, leading the world as the largest courier operator. This partnership of leading world wide transportation providers will bring comprehensive global coverage and strong local market expertise. Aramex currently assumes a leadership role in the GDA, with Fadi Ghandour, Aramex's President and CEO, as chairman of the GDA Board. Aramex is the largest producer of outbound shipments, covering more countries than any other partner in the network. Adrian Horsley, Aramex Vice President for Express Services commented" We have been so pleased with the work that we have been doing with Intermec that the GDA will also be utilising the Intermec solution combined with our state of the art tracking system. The alliance will extend the global reach of Aramex's services at the best quality standards and the best prices".

Colin Summers added another important point about the relationship " Intermec has tremendous experience within the Transport & Logistics market, including a vertical market team and many of the world's courier and parcel companies have already selected Intermec. This meant that we understood and had already overcome many of the challenges which Aramex face in their implementation. We were the only company who could deliver a complete enterprise solution and were able to add real value from day one". We had great local support from our Business Partner in Jordan, Itac. They've been providing an invaluable service to Aramex through consultancy, on site technical support and testing. Itac have played a key role in ensuring that the 700 computer really did meet Aramex's stringent requirements. The complete Intermec solution enables Aramex to manage and utilise its existing resources more effectively, increasing the number of transactions, reducing the number of internal processes and reducing error which all add to the bottom line. In addition it will really help Aramex increase customer service, giving faster and easier access to all deliveries anywhere in the world. Intermec really is very proud to be associated with such a respected leading company and we are eager to be able to take our technology and translate the benefit it is providing to Aramex, across the whole GDA network".

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.

-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.

About Aramex
ARAMEX International (http//www.aramex.com) is the leading provider of total transportation solutions in the MENA region and South Asia offering express delivery, freight forwarding and logistics solutions. Founded 22 years ago, Aramex employs over 3,000 people in 134 offices spanning five continents and has a strong global alliance network offering worldwide presence.

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

© Press Release 2004