Snap-on Recognized as a Top Technology Innovator by InformationWeek
13 October 1999
Snap-on Recognized as a Top Technology Innovator by InformationWeek
KENOSHA, Wis.--Oct. 12, 1999--InformationWeek recognized Snap-on Incorporated , a global leader in tools and equipment, as the number one technology innovator in the manufacturing industry and number nine overall in its September 27 issue.The ranking is part of InformationWeek's annual listing of the nation's 500 largest and most innovative IT users. According to the magazine, its rankings were determined, not by how much technology companies purchase, but by what they do with it. Companies were awarded "medals" for their programs in application development, E-business, customer management and business processes/enterprise resource planning. Snap-on was awarded the highest rankings (gold citations) in all four categories.
Recognizing the impact information technology is having on business today, InformationWeek stated, "In a year marked by the explosive growth of E-transformation and the technological challenges of Y2K, 500 companies from a diverse range of industries have been singled out as the most innovative users of technology in the 11th annual Information Week 500."
"Being named to the InformationWeek 500 is an honor for Snap-on," said Al Biland, Snap-on vice president-chief information officer. "The award validates our commitment to technology, innovation and the willingness of all of Snap-on's employees to use new technologies. It also recognizes our use of technology to enhance the value we bring to the marketplace."
According to Biland, the ranking illustrates that Snap-on has integrated technology throughout its value chain. Among the resources that led to Snap-on being recognized was its use of a mix of internal and external applications. Snap-on was also recognized in the area of E-business for its DSS online application which allows its franchised dealers to communicate electronically with the company. In the customer management area, Snap-on's combination of face-to-face communication with electronic technology to serve its customers led to its high rankings. In addition, the successful implementation of the integrated Baan software allows Snap-on to improve its business processes.
Snap-on ranked 23rd among manufacturing companies and 155th overall in the 1998 InformationWeek 500.
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional technicians, motor service shop owners, specialty repair centers, original equipment manufacturers and dealerships, and industrial tool users worldwide. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software, and other solutions for the transportation service and industrial industries.