Symbol Enterprise Mobility Solution Helps Fraenkel Company Improve Inventory Accuracy by More Than 85 Percent

Fraenkel Optimizes Operations With Symbol Mobile Computers, Wireless Infrastructure and VAI Warehouse Management Software 


HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 16  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), and Vormittag Associates Inc. (VAI), a Symbol authorized reseller and leading enterprise solution provider for the manufacturing industry, today announced that Fraenkel Company, a manufacturer and distributor of household furniture, has deployed an enterprise mobility solution that increased inventory accuracy by 85 percent and streamlined warehouse operations.

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Fraenkel Company is using Symbol rugged MC9000 series mobile computers, Symbol AP-4131 access points and VAI's S2K Enterprise Edition for Manufacturing Warehouse Management Software (WMS) to improve its business operations. Fraenkel's new automated warehouse allows employees in its facilities in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi to locate specific merchandise immediately, without making customers wait for information.

"We were wasting too much time with manual inventory processes," said Donna Holten, director of information technology for Fraenkel Company. "Symbol's enterprise mobility solution replaced these manual processes, and allowed for greater employee productivity, improved inventory visibility and enhanced customer service. These improvements directly and positively impact our customers' experience as they now have immediate access to details on product availability."

The Symbol mobile computers are used to scan inventory from manufacturing through shipment -- inventory information and automated updates are provided via the wireless network to the VAI WMS system, allowing for real-time information on product availability and location. With the solution, Fraenkel has also been able to streamline picking and loading processes through pinpoint location of merchandise.

"Symbol is dedicated to helping customers like Fraenkel Company grow and increase efficiencies to remain competitive in the global marketplace," said Kevin Prouty, senior director of Symbol's manufacturing solutions. "This solution helps Fraenkel manage their inventory and also helps to provide a noticeable improvement in customer service."

Fraenkel Company required mobile computers that were rugged enough for their warehouse environment, but also easy to deploy and operate.  With the Symbol MC9000 series rugged mobile computer, Fraenkel is able to deploy its mobile computers in 10 minutes or less, further contributing to warehouse productivity.

"VAI's warehouse management solution helps manufacturers such as Fraenkel achieve best-in-class business operations and efficiency," said Luke Heaton, project director, VAI. "The gains in productivity for Fraenkel are significant, and the solution allows them to grow prudently and profitably while fulfilling market needs."

About Symbol Technologies

Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at http://www.symbol.com/.

About VAI

VAI provides end-to-end, integrated enterprise solutions for the Wholesale Distribution, Manufacturing, Retail and Service industries. As a leader in the small and mid-sized market, VAI offers world class applications, IBM leading technology, and expert service and experience to maximize information technology investments. VAI offers a full suite of integrated applications that can be tailored to meet specific business requirements. VAI has helped more than 750 companies of all types and sizes change the way they do business, enhance organizational performance and lower costs. For additional information, visit http://www.vai.net/.

  For Symbol Technologies:
  For media information:
  Christine Kearney                  Alyson Howard
  Symbol Technologies, Inc.          Edelman for Symbol Technologies
  631.738.4722                       312.297.7430
         

  For financial information:         For industry analyst information:
  Lori Chaitman/ Nancy Coco          Shirley Schroedl
  Symbol Technologies, Inc.          Symbol Technologies, Inc.
  631.738.5050                       631.738.4823
             

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041029/SYMBOLOGO

DATASOURCE: Symbol Technologies, Inc.



CONTACT:  Media: Christine Kearney of Symbol Technologies, Inc.,

[phone], ; or Alyson Howard of Edelman,

[phone], , for Symbol Technologies; Financial

information: Lori Chaitman, , or Nancy Coco,

[phone]; Industry analyst information: Shirley Schroedl,

[phone], , all of Symbol Technologies,

Inc.



Web site:  http://www.symbol.com/

http://www.vai.net/ 

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