Intermec Takes Mobility a Step Further

Logistics Insight Asia - Top Story, 10/10/2008

Company forms partnership to extend reach, and launches advanced mobile computer.

By Robin Lange, Managing Editor, RBI Asia

At a recent press briefing in Singapore, NYSE-listed supply chain software manufacturer Intermec underscored its commitment to answering challenges and seizing opportunities in the supply chain industry. Its two-fold announcement is likely to throw up some positive effects.

DISTRIBUTOR FOR SINGAPORE APPOINTED
The first announcement was Intermec’s appointment of ECS Computers (Asia) Pte Ltd as its Value-Added Distributor (VAD) for the company’s entire range of mobile computers, bar code printers, and media solutions. The distribution agreement, effective immediately for Singapore, will be subsequently rolled out to other Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, targeting the booming regional supply chain industry.

Established in 1985, ECS Computers is a wholly owned subsidiary of ECS Holdings Ltd, a main board listed company of the SGX with a regional presence of 32 offices in China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. As a leading Information & Communications Technology (ICT) provider, the company provides a comprehensive range of IT services and products through its three core businesses: Enterprise Systems, IT Services and Distribution.

Commenting on the partnership, Jansen Ek, Vice President & General Manager of Intermec, APAC said: “Apart from its sound business fundamentals, ECS has a strong management team, a sound selling network, a solid financial position, and a sturdy module of distribution. The company has an extensive channel partner and reseller base in both Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia and, coupled with Intermec’s strong supply chain infrastructure and service offerings in the market, we are confident that ECS will help us strengthen our channel presence in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia with a view to increase our leadership in the supply chain arena and enhance customer relationships.”

Thanking Intermec for its vote of confidence in ECS Computers, Sebastian Chong, President of ECS Computers (Asia) Pte Ltd, said he believes that the partnership adds a new dimension to ECS Computers’ current enterprise offerings. “Our complementary expertise and partnership will extend our mutual reach to key enterprise and government accounts in the long haul.”

RUGGED MOBILE COMPUTER
Also announced was Intermec’s new CK3 Rugged Mobile Computer. Boasting features never before available in one device, the CK3 delivers highly adaptable data and image capture capabilities, along with secure wireless communications, in a highly durable handheld package. Specifically designed for warehouse operations some notable features include:

· 1D and 2D barcode scanning, both up-close and far away, in any orientation and under varied lighting conditions. Offers unmatched performance on poor quality and damaged barcodes.
· 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Radio with Cisco® Compatible Extensions (CCX) certification
· VoIP communications supported
· Speech recognition capable
· Bluetooth radio communications
· Handheld or “gun” deployment formats
· RFID Reader option
· Support for a line of compatible Intermec mobile printers

The CK3 begins shipping in late October, and is the second Intermec rugged mobile computer to operate on Windows Mobile 6.1. The CK3 has a complete line of accessories including a variety of docking stations, attachable scan handle, and a snap-on IP30 handheld RFID reader.

Intermec Incorporated, www.intermec.com