Corcentric to Introduce Web-Based Customer Service Product for Automotive and Heavy Duty Aftermarket

    MCLEAN, Va.--Oct. 10, 2001--Corcentric, leading developer and provider of private online trading communities for the automotive and heavy duty truck industry, announced today that they will introduce a new web self-service customer service tool that can be integrated into a manufacturer's Customer Relationship Management System (CRM).
    To be called Corcentric Mp, this web self-service tool is designed to improve customer service response by moving customer service closer to the customer as well as help reduce customer service-related costs.
    Corcentric Mp is a web-based portal by which aftermarket distributors will be able to access multiple manufacturers' real-time customer service information through a single web site location. Corcentric Mp will provide the distributor with the ability to perform routine inquiries and transactions such as order placement; inventory availability; track and trace current order status; product updates and promotional information.
    Corcentric Mp will contain a module interface for manufacturers who do not currently have a CRM tool installed as part of their ERP system. This module interface will allow the supplier to process customer service requirements via the Internet using real-time XML, virtual real-time EDI, or database replication, depending on the capabilities of their system. For manufacturers who have a CRM tool installed as part of their ERP system, Corcentric Mp will host a link directly into their system to make web-based business easier for their customers. Corcentric Mp is projected to be available to the market in the first quarter of 2002.
    Charles Floto, President of Corcentric, stated: "Corcentric Mp has been designed to further empower the customer by enabling them to control and manage their customer service needs on a demand basis. It will also enable the supplier to better serve their customers by being more responsive and efficiently allocating the demands placed on the call centers for rapid response." Floto went on to explain, "In addition to increasing the level of service to the customer, Corcentric Mp will also reduce the escalating labor costs of hiring additional customer service representatives associated with maintaining customer service as the customer demands increase."
    Corcentric provides proprietary eCommerce solutions, enabling supply chain communities to conduct business electronically. Serving the heavy duty truck and automotive supply industries, more than 650 client sites utilize Corcentric's services. Corcentric currently processes approximately 55,000 transactions per month valued at more than $500 million per year. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Corcentric was founded in 1998 and is a privately held company.
    Additional information about Corcentric can be found by visiting the Company's web site at www.corcentric.com.