Robust mobile computers from Motorola's enterprise mobility business extend track and trace solutions for the German logistics provider
Motorola, Inc. has announced that Hermes Logistics Group, the major independent German logistics provider, is replacing its existing data capture system with 23,000 MC3090s mobile computers to help streamline the delivery process and improve delivery times. 8,000 of the devices from Motorola's enterprise mobility business (formerly Symbol Technologies) have already been deployed at Hermes Hamburg operations, and the remaining 15,000 devices will be rolled out over the next two years. The devices were chosen by Hermes because of their robust yet ergonomic design that allows them to be used in even the most demanding environments. Motorola is also providing special service and maintenance as part of the project. The project is being led by Motorola's Premier Solution Provider, PDS Entwicklungs- und Service GmbH, known as a specialist for mobility IT solutions. PDS has also developed and customized the system software.
"We chose to implement the Motorola solution, including its MC3000 mobile computers, because the solution met all of our needs for good design, stability, flexibility and comprehensive support," said Horst Schmeltzle, division manager of Central Services for the Hermes Logistics Group. "The unique solution has allowed us to ensure that our company motto 'Weil's gut ankommt', or 'because it arrives in good condition', will continue to ring true for many years to come."
The wide range of functionality and features that the Motorola devices offered also played a crucial part in Hermes' decision. One of the functions that it required on its new mobile computers was a 2D imager to enable drivers to read any kind of two-dimensional code, such as PDF417, Datamatrix or QR-Code, as well as barcodes. Motorola's MC3090 not only allows this advanced data capture, but can also store high-resolution pictures of digital-camera quality. The Motorola devices can therefore be used to provide evidence of damaged shipments on site. Additional functionality allows customer signatures to be captured and displayed on the colour screen, as well as displaying other relevant information about the delivery.
Hermes operates in harsh environments and its mobile computers are subjected to considerable stress. The MC3090's rugged design and IP54-rated sealing ensure continued use and uptime by protecting against dust, moisture and extreme temperatures. But even the most robust and reliable products require a maintenance plan and support strategy, given by the crucial role they play in the Hermes logistics system. To meet these needs, Hermes chose Motorola's comprehensive support agreement, which helps to minimise down time through a next-day promise to exchange damaged devices with new ones.
"The success of the Hermes Logistics Group deployment demonstrates the quality of our products, the flexibility of our solutions, and our years of experience in the market, proving we can meet the complex requirements of any customer's business," said Frank Mild, enterprise mobility sales director Central Europe, Motorola Networks & Enterprise.
A portion of the revenue associated with this deal was recognised in 2006.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of seamless mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you connect simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $42.9 billion in 2006.
About PDS
PDS GmbH is a system integrator, independent from any major manufacturer. Thus PDS is enabled to offer the best solution on the market for the individual requirements of their clients at all times.
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