Dimension Data Holdings, plc, a leading technology company providing network and multi-channel solutions to global corporations, and Aether Systems, Inc, a leading provider of wireless data products and services, today announced the deployment of a mobile data gathering solution for Black & Decker Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of quality power tools.
Dimension Data and Aether have jointly developed a pilot program to test a mobile data capture system for the collection and aggregation of consumer information for Black & Decker`s professional power tool division, DEWALT.
In order to anticipate and respond to customer needs and provide more proactive, efficient service, DEWALT`s marketing team is using Dimension Data and Aether`s solution to wirelessly collect information on the buying habits of power tool commercial customers. Equipped with Compaq iPAQ 3650 handheld devices, marketing representatives interact with professional tool users on construction jobsites and use Aether ScoutSync,* Aether`s synchronization server technology, to input data into DEWALT`s corporate database.
Dimension Data and Aether developed the wireless solution to replace Black & Decker`s paper-based system. The solution provides a consistent presentation across multiple channels (PDA and web) which standardises data collection, reduces lost data and enables more efficient aggregation of information, resulting in the collection of more relevant sales and market data. Aether also provides wireless network connectivity to enable DEWALT`s field marketing staff to access Black & Decker`s constantly changing tool catalogue via a wireless Web interface.
Commenting on the SwarmSync application, Mike Allen, Vice President, eCommerce expanded: "Black & Decker and DEWALT enjoy a strong heritage of innovation and quality. We`ve built a reputation for working closely with our end users to understand their needs and deliver products that meet those needs better than our competition`s tools. Our wireless test program is a great opportunity to use emerging technologies to enhance our communications with the DEWALT power tool end-user."
"DEWALT has a great program for interacting with customers and collecting valuable information in the field; we wanted to help them capitalize on it by making that information more accessible," said Justin Hart, Dimension Data`s director of multi-channel computing in the US. "Our wireless field service solution, utilizing Aether`s wireless technologies, really allows DEWALT staff to do their work in a much more efficient, reliable and easy way."
"The powerful combination of sales, data gathering and customer profiling functions will enable DEWALT`s field sales force to collect critical end-user information in real-time," said Gregg Smith, vice president, Aether`s Enterprise Solution division. "The daily insight into key markets, products and customers that this wireless solution provides makes it an ideal data gathering application for any large enterprise."
A demonstration of this solution can be arranged by contacting Scott Macfee of Dimension Data at 646-458-3000.
Share
Black & Decker is a global manufacturer and marketer of quality power tools, hardware, and home improvement products used in and around the home and for commercial applications. Black & Decker sells its products and services in more than 100 countries, and has manufacturing operations in 14 countries.
Black & Decker`s strong brand names and new product development capabilities enjoy worldwide recognition, and its global distribution is unsurpassed in the power tool industry. For more information, please visit www.dewalt.com or www.blackanddecker.com.
Aether Systems
Aether Systems helps enterprise customers improve efficiency and profitability by providing the services, software and support necessary to extend existing and future business applications from the desktop to any wireless device. Through Aether Fusion, Aether`s wireless enabling technology foundation, Aether develops, deploys and manages wireless solutions built on industry standard technology and backed by Aether`s expertise in wireless hosting, software and services.
Aether provides businesses and other organizations with a single-source for reliable, scalable and cost-effective wireless solutions. For more information, please visit www.aethersystems.com.
Dimension Data
Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT), is a leading global technology company that represents a new category of systems integrator providing network and multi-channel e-business solutions to deliver the complex integration and connectivity requirements of global corporations. Founded in 1983 as a specialist supplier of technology and services, Dimension Data`s strategy has evolved with the emergence of the intelligent network as the most important enabler in business today.
Dimension Data`s global presence combined with its expertise and extensive skills base in network infrastructure and e-business solutions environments enables its customers to ascend into the global marketplace through 100% connectivity and integration. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Dimension Data is a member of the FTSE 250 index, employs over 12 000 people and operates in over 30 countries on six continents. Dimension Data has achieved a three-year compound annual growth rate in US dollars of 73% in revenue and 36% in basic earnings per share. For more information, please go to www.didata.com
Proxicom was acquired by Dimension Data in June 2001. Founded in 1991, Proxicom is a leading e-business consulting and development company that delivers innovative Internet and multi-channel solutions to Fortune 500 companies and other global businesses. For more information, call 1-866-DIDATA US.
Editorial contacts