CROSSMARK(R) Chooses Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC for SFA Platform
CROSSMARK plans to double its iPAQ deployment
HOUSTON, Apr 22, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Compaq Computer Corporation (CPQ) today announced that CROSSMARK has selected the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC as the newest platform for its sales force automation tool, SalesTrak NG. The iPAQ Pocket PC is expected to save CROSSMARK about 50 percent in maintenance and support while making the deployment process about 50 percent faster.
"Originally our SalesTrak management tool ran as a DOS client on a laptop," said Charlie Orndorff, chief information officer, CROSSMARK. "This beat the paper report over the phone, but was still difficult from a support perspective. And setup and testing were cumbersome.
"Moving to the XML-based version allows us more rapid application development, and the iPAQ platform is cutting our deployment, maintenance, and support costs about in half," Orndorff said.
The Microsoft .NET, browser-based application was originally deployed on laptops. However, the form factor was cumbersome to use in the field, Orndorff said. Sales associates had a "suitcase" containing a laptop and the extra batteries needed to get through an eight-hour shift. The suitcase was bolted on a shopping cart to make it easy to move about the store. Because the pocket-sized iPAQ doesn't require extra batteries, sales associates can now move about the store freely, carrying everything they need -- including their iPAQ -- in a custom-made 9x12 inch leather portfolio. And, there's no functional difference between the laptop version and the iPAQ version, Orndorff said.
SalesTrak NG is a field force management tool that helps CROSSMARK managers set priorities for its large and geographically diverse field-based staff. SalesTrak NG enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire CROSSMARK sales force.
The client/server application uses a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database. Field representatives use the iPAQ Pocket PC, powered by Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002 operating system, to input and retrieve data. SalesTrak NG directs CROSSMARK associates to ensure its clients' merchandising objectives are implemented. Such objectives include shelf positioning, pricing, reorder tags, point-of-sale materials, and data collection.
Once the representatives have completed their route for the day, they use an XML-based tool to synchronize their data with a Web-based Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database, running on an industry-standard Compaq ProLiant server using Microsoft .NET.
"The iPAQ Pocket PC provides the ultimate blend of performance, accessibility, and flexibility," said Jerry Earle, Compaq vice president, Central Region. "We're very pleased with the relationship we have with CROSSMARK and being able to help it develop business solutions that provide it with access to business critical information anytime, anywhere."
CROSSMARK has deployed iPAQ Pocket PCs in the United States, Canada, and Australia. CROSSMARK expects to double the number of iPAQ Pocket PCs deployed this quarter, and may reach 2,000 units by the end of the year.
About CROSSMARK
CROSSMARK Holdings, Inc. is a professional business services company providing integrated, performance-based solutions in sales, marketing, technology, and consulting services. With headquarters in Plano, TX, CROSSMARK employs about 10,000 associates in 61 offices in the United States, Canada, and Australia. For more information, visit crossmark.com . |
