| |
Caterpillar Endorses the Use of the SmartEquip Business Management Solution Within Cat® Rental Stores
September 13, 2007 – Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced the selection of SmartEquip’s SmartPortal technology as a business management solution to Cat Rental Stores. This technology will streamline aftermarket product support and electronic procurement for equipment supplied by companies participating in the Caterpillar Allied Vendor Program.
The initiative is designed to provide Cat Rental Stores with a consolidated multi-vendor electronic product support and procurement platform. Utilizing the SmartEquip Network, this technology enables Allied Vendors to provide Cat Rental Stores with superior parts identification and ordering capabilities in real time; the ability to order equipment electronically; intelligent, self-updating, interactive service support, and a standardized warranty submission process. The result is a shared platform that drives service and purchasing efficiencies for both Cat Rental Stores and their vendors.
Initially, the SmartPortal will launch with more than a dozen Caterpillar Preferred Allied Vendors currently on SmartEquip’s network, including industry leaders such as JLG, Mi-T-M, Multiquip, Sullair, Sullivan, Magnum Products, and Wacker.
“The use of the SmartEquip business management solution within Cat Rental Stores will drive efficiencies, ultimately leading to lower operating costs. It also will improve the speed at which dealers can obtain parts, warranty, and service information for the many Allied products carried within their rental outlets. We expect that an OEM’s involvement with SmartEquip will be fundamental in order for them to participate in the exciting global growth of the Cat Rental Stores,” said Dale Hill, Caterpillar Sr. Rental Consultant.
Alex Schuessler, SmartEquip’s chairman and chief executive officer, comments: “SmartEquip’s focus is to develop a network technology that brings efficiencies to all participants—fleet owners, dealers, and manufacturers alike. Caterpillar’s choice of this technology to improve the efficiency of dealers and their suppliers, as well as to reduce the cost of transactions for both, is hugely supportive of our mission.”
About The Cat Rental Stores
With nearly 450 locations in North America, more than 100 in South America, and nearly 1100 throughout the rest of the world, a combined global network of over 1600 locations make The Cat Rental Stores a convenient source for the Caterpillar, other brand name equipment, and specialized tools to meet jobsite needs. Count on The Cat Rental Stores for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals, competitive rates, on-site delivery, and the fast, knowledgeable service required to get the job completed.
More information is available at www.CatRentalStore.com
|
Copyright SmarEquip 2004