Intermec and Microsoft Business Solutions deliver new solution for wholesale and distribution businesses

Intermec Technologies has announced an agreement with Microsoft Business Solutions to jointly offer small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wholesale and distribution industries new value through the combination of Microsoft Business Solutions-Navision and Intermec data capture systems. Microsoft Navision is a comprehensive solution that brings together critical financial, operations, customer, distribution, and e-commerce data. This agreement will expand Intermecs reach into SME businesses and Microsoft Business Solutions ability to service customers in the wholesale and distribution sector.

Under the agreement, Intermec partners have the opportunity to become Microsoft Business Solutions partners, bringing with them deep experience and expertise in supply chain applications. New and existing Intermec and Microsoft Business Solutions wholesale and distribution customers will receive a ready-made connection between Intermec data capture technology and a Microsoft Navision Warehouse Management System. This new connection will make it even easier for small to medium sized enterprises to introduce data capture technology and the latest warehouse management systems without the need to bring systems together themselves.

While the largest wholesale and distribution businesses have for the most part implemented the latest bar code printing and scanning systems into their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, smaller to medium sized businesses have historically baulked at the investment required. With Intermec and Microsoft Navision, smaller businesses can now more easily and affordably implement an advanced warehouse management and data capture solution that will help streamline their operations and improve efficiency with fast order handling, and transparent and accurate inventory information.

Smaller enterprises in the distribution industry need the efficiency and customer service benefits of warehouse management and data capture automation in order to compete effectively and aggressively against larger companies in the sector, says Peter Howes, EMEA channel director for Intermec. Together Intermec and Microsoft Navision can offer an affordable solution that brings together Intermecs data capture experience and Microsoft Navisions Warehouse Management System expertise.

"Together with our Microsoft Business Solutions partners, we are able to provide customers with the tools they need to drive business success and realise even greater value from their ERP solution," says Kati Hvidtfeldt, group product manager for Navision at Microsoft Business Solutions. "This agreement will make warehouse routines more efficient for Microsoft Navision customers a benefit that they will, in turn, be able to pass on to their own customers.