Intermec and Field Performance Group streamline retail data collection for greeting card retailer
U.S. retail service merchandisers for Hallmark Cards Inc. will be equipped with handheld computers from Intermec Technologies Corp. and application software from Field Performance Group Inc. The new system, named INFOLink, provides electronic reordering, real-time inventory information and store display charts that allow field service personnel to maintain merchandise displays.
The system combines Field Performance Group's FieldWeb software, built using Microsoft CE.Net Compact Framework, with Intermec's new CN1 handheld computer. FieldWeb was customized specifically for Hallmark to maintain its ease of use. The CN1 is a rugged personal digital assistant (PDA) that uses the Microsoft Windows CE operating system and provides bar code scanning capability using Intermec's high-performance linear CMOS scanning engine.
According to Steve Paoletti, Hallmark’s senior vice president, this represents the largest investment Hallmark has ever made in field technology. "We expect INFOLink to greatly enhance the daily work of merchandisers, while saving the company substantially through increased productivity,” he says.
"Hallmark's data requirements were extensive," explains Tom Bradshaw, vice president, technology, Field Performance Group. "Thousands of records have to be replicated nightly for each account."
"The INFOLink system allows Hallmark merchandisers to have all the information they need at their fingertips," says Intermec’s president, Tom Miller. In addition to having developed the software, Field Performance Group is also hosting the application and providing help desk support to Hallmark's many field users. Intermec's Logistics Control Center pre-configured the CN1s, loading the application software and market-specific database prior to shipment.
