Komatsu Forklift USA, Inc. Selects Bell & Howell's Web-Based Product Support Solutions
WOOSTER, Ohio--April 30, 2001--Bell and Howell Media Solutions announced today Komatsu Forklift U.S.A., Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer of forklifts, has chosen Bell and Howell's Net-Compass Parts & Service web-based solutions to automate its product support operations.
Komatsu Forklift USA will implement the Net-Compass Parts & Service applications, so its more than 182 dealer locations throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean will have access to the most up-to-date product support information. These applications, which will be hosted by Bell & Howell, will provide Komatsu distributors with instant access to real-time data and support for business functions such as online operators, parts and service manual searching, and bulletin notification.
The Net-Compass application suite will allow Komatsu to reduce product support costs in the maintenance and distribution of product information, while also improving service levels and collaboration with its distributors. The Net-Compass applications replace Komatsu's paper-based system that included parts and service manuals for more than 265 past and present models.
Bell & Howell's Parts application includes a powerful, intelligent search engine that eliminates wading through thousands of pages of texts and enables dealers to find parts by full or partial number, description, remarks, serial or figure numbers, or graphics - all in a matter of seconds. Service Management also makes it easy for distributors to search quickly for the appropriate service manuals and other related documents to aid in servicing customers' equipment.
"Bell & Howell's Internet applications can help us significantly reduce costs, enhance communication with our dealer network, and improve productivity in both the dealer network and our product support operations," said Jeff Winner, National Service Manager of Komatsu Forklift USA, Inc. "We chose Bell & Howell because they have the most in-depth knowledge of our industry, as well as solutions offering the most comprehensive functionality in product support for the Internet. With Net-Compass and our electronic forklift order entry system, we are well-positioned as one of industry leaders in using the most advanced Internet applications!"
"We are excited to have one of the world's largest forklift manufacturers implementing our web-based solutions," said Roy W. Olivier, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Bell and Howell. "We look forward to helping Komatsu migrate their product support operations to the robust and cost-effective technology of the Internet."
About Komatsu.
Komatsu Forklift U.S.A., Inc., is a division of Komatsu, Ltd., a world leader in construction and mining equipment (KFI). Komatsu Forklift offers a wide range of electric, gasoline, LPG, and diesel forklifts from 3,000 pounds to more than 77,000 pounds. Komatsu also offers Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, better known as AS/RS. These products are distributed through more than 182 authorized dealers and distributors throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. The manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters are located in Covington, Ga. For more information about the products of Komatsu Forklift USA. Inc., visit their website at www.kfiusa.com.
About Bell & Howell
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Bell & Howell Company is a leading information solutions and services provider to industries worldwide. In each of its businesses, the company transforms information through software and services, helping its customers operate more effectively and efficiently. The Media Solutions Division is a world leader in understanding the problems of manufacturers from industries such as construction, mining equipment, and material handling, and provides the product support solutions to meet the unique product support needs of those markets. Media Solutions delivers a suite of integrated e-commerce product support solutions that are designed to make a manufacturer's parts and aftermarket business run more efficiently and profitably. These solutions include: Parts, Service, Warranty, Sales Configurator, and CODE. For more information about the products of Bell & Howell Media Solutions, visit their website at www.msi-usa.com.