Fujitsu Personal Systems and ICS Partnership Brings Wireless Mobile Computing to LTL Trucking Industry
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — August 23, 1993 — Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., a leading provider of highly integrated systems for mobile computing applications, and Industrial Computer Systems (ICS), a leading software developer and systems integrator for the LTL (less-than-load) trucking industry, Monday announced they have entered into a strategic partnership to provide integrated hardware/software wireless mobile data communications systems for the LTL and distribution markets.
Under the terms of the agreement, ICS will integrate Fujitsu's PoqetPad Plus pen-based mobile computers with its Dynamic Dispatch III fleet dispatching and logistical support application software. This integrated system has been designed to communicate over any RF network including ARDIS, Motorola, Racotek or RAM and other specialized mobile radios (SMRs).
The Fujitsu/ICS approach will provide LTL operators with mobile computing solutions designed to reduce operating costs by increasing the performance and productivity of drivers, dispatchers and workers providing fleet logistical support functions.
Fujitsu's alliance with ICS represents our continuing efforts to develop partnerships that reinforce our market leading position within the transportation and distribution industries," said Lou Panetta, Fujitsu's executive vice president. "ICS' innovative approach to systems integration on the LTL market fits well with our commitment to provide highly mobile computing solutions that can become a part of an enterprise-wide computing architecture."
"Providing integrated mobile systems has enabled us to increase the productivity and enhance the competitiveness of our customers. We streamline delivery procedures, giving the ability to meet customer deadlines like delivery and pick-up appointments. Our software provides real-time stop information for work order completeness and improves the timeliness of information for pick-up/back hauls including immediate invoicing capability and signature capture. Dynamic III ultimately enhances the ability to accurately route and dispatch fleets," said Bill Downes, president of ICS. "Our alliance with Fujitsu signifies ICS' continued efforts to provide our customers with systems that improve their competitiveness and profitability."
The Fujitsu PoqetPad Plus running ICS's Dynamic Dispatch III is easy-to-use, with touch screen and pen-based capabilities that can easily be operated using only one hand.
It will also support custom in-vehicle "cradle" mounting so that the mobile devices can be safely affixed during travel yet easily removed during deliveries and pick-ups. Also, available will be an integrated laser scanner for barcode reading and an Advanced Composite Shield to provide additional system protection in this rugged environment.
The ICS/Fujitsu mobile systems are designed to make fleet routing, delivery verification, dispatch communications, freight consolidation and pick-ups easier and more efficient by providing drivers with real-time access to dispatch information and pick-up and delivery specifications communicated through ICS' advanced modular software. The ICS software interfaces and integrates with host systems for consistent information utilization without redundancy.
Industrial Computing Systems Inc. (ICS) is headquartered in Evergreen, Colo. and is a leader in providing advanced modular software solutions to the LTL Transportation and Distribution industries. ICS has extensive experience with customized software interfaces and integration and offers full 24-hour technical support for all of its mobile dispatch, delivery routing, dock automation and other software applications.
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, is a leader in providing solutions for data collection and decision support applications through the development of super portable palmtop, pen-based and communicating computers. Its solutions are designed to meet the needs of applications where light weight, small form factor and long battery life are essential.
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd. Fujitsu Personal Systems has North American offices in Santa Clara, Irvine, Calif., Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Toronto and international offices in England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
Note to Editors: Products and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT: Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., Santa Clara
Bill Wittmann, 408/764-9484
Industrial Computer Systems Inc.,
Bill Downes, 303/674-0700
Walt & Sommerhauser Communications Inc.,
Erin Curtis, 408/496-0900