Intermec, Vocollect plan integrated offerings

Earlier this month, Intermec Inc. completed is acquisition of Vocollect, a leading provider of voice-centered products for distribution centers and warehouses. Company executives at the ProMat 2011 show in Chicago spoke Tuesday about how they expect the alliance will help both companies expand globally.

Intermec, a manufacturer of scanning and other data capture tools, announced the acquisition in January. At the time, Intermec President Patrick J. Byrne said joining the companies together would strengthen Intermec's position as a provider of rugged mobile tools.

We've got the ability to create product and thought leadership, said Tim Eusterman, senior director of industry marketing for Intermec. We can really create something fantastic.

Thomas Murray, vice president of product management and marketing for Vocollect—which will operate as a business unit of Intermec but continue to be based in Pittsburgh—said the combined companies will work with customers to develop technology solutions that make the most sense for them. He added that Vocollect will also continue to work with other strategic data capture companies such as Psion Teklogix.

In addition, Eusterman said, the combined companies will focus increasing attention on the development of software and services.

Murray said in conversations with customers, the common themes he hears are requests to reduce operating costs and support growth. Eusterman added that during the downturn, customers focused on cost and productivity issues. Now they are focusing on customer satisfaction.