CipherLab’s Intelligent Order Entry Software Solves Retail and Grocery Shipping Problems

2008 National Association of Convenience Stores Show
Booth 7160

PLANO, Texas -- CipherLab, a leading innovator in Automated Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) for the retail, warehouse and distribution markets, today announced the availability of automatic container space calculation software for use on its industrial mobile computers. CipherLab’s Intelligent Order Entry (IOE), designed specifically for use by grocery and C-stores, ensures that shipping container space is maximized to resolve packing problems and reduce overall freight costs. When used in conjunction with CipherLab’s handheld scanners, Intelligent Order Entry enables users to calculate the cubic footage and weight of bulk goods, thereby reducing wasted space in shipping containers. The IOE program also alerts users to discontinued items, the availability of substitute items, converts UPC codes to warehouse codes and displays backroom inventory during the order process.

CipherLab’s Intelligent Order Entry is currently being used by Associated Grocers of Florida, a cooperative of independent retailers in the southeastern U.S. that is rapidly expanding throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. AG Florida recently opened the first phase of a 1.5 million square foot shipping facility in Freeport, Grand Bahamas to service its growing membership.

“It’s imperative that we have a streamlined and efficient logistics system that takes into account the unique needs of maritime transportation,” noted Noel Bostick, IT operations manager, Associated Grocers of Florida. “In this business, weight is not necessarily the biggest cost factor – it’s space. By working with CipherLab, AG Florida put ordering control into its customers’ hands. Now, customers know exactly how much container space will be required for each order. This enables us to proactively suggest adding or removing items to properly and completely fill a container, helping our members minimize their shipping costs.”

According to Al Crawford, vice president of technology at CipherLab, the new Intelligent Order Entry can also assist grocers and retailers to more efficiently deliver goods by air, sea and rail. “Although we initially developed Intelligent Order Entry for use in port facilities, the concept of ‘cubing,’ or automatically calculating the cubic feet of container space, is the same for other forms of transportation. The bottom line is that Intelligent Order Entry, when coupled with CipherLab handheld mobile computers, creates one of the most efficient systems of its type – and one that gives an almost immediate return on investment to our customers,” he said.

Visitors to the 2008 National Association of Convenience Stores Show, being held October 4-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago, can see the full range of CipherLab products in Booth 7160.

About CipherLab

CipherLab is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture/Collection) products and systems. The company's award-winning mobile computers and scanners are integrated into the networks of some of the world's best known government and logistics, grocery, manufacturing, retail, distribution, agricultural and healthcare companies, helping them run more efficiently and effectively via "anywhere mobility," onsite and on the road. CipherLab Solutions Certified value-added resellers and integrators further extend the company's expertise, particularly within the small- to medium-size business market. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan with North American offices in Plano, TX and operations in EMEA, the Americas, Asia Pacific and China, CipherLab is publicly traded on the Taiwan stock exchange (TWO:6160). More can be found on the web at http://www.cipherlab.com.