Electronic Ordering System Saves Time and Money by Converting Handprinted Forms into Electronic Orders.

WILMINTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 1997--OBOS Inc. has begun shipping the One Button Ordering System(tm), an inexpensive, easy-to-use, electronic order entry system that saves time and money by converting handprinted orders from customers or salespeople into electronic format.

About the size of an answering machine, leased for under $10 a month, the OBOS(tm) unit is estimated by the company to save distributors and direct sales companies millions of dollars annually on routine orders. The savings are realized, according to OBOS, by eliminating time-consuming data entry by customer service representatives who now must key in information from phoned-in orders.

"With OBOS units in our best customers' offices, 38% of all routine orders are now handled electronically, customers order more frequently and their average orders are bigger," says Randy Reeder, vice president of operations for Nashville Dental, a Nashville, TN-based dental supply distributor. "Our customer service representatives, who used to spend 75% of their time keying in phone orders, now boost sales by informing customers of promotions and clarifying details about products," Reeder adds.

"OBOS recognized that most people prefer pen and paper, and simplified electronic ordering to make it more powerful," says Jordan Ayan, CEO of Create-It! Inc., a Chicago-based consulting firm that helps leading companies apply technology in creative and profitable ways. "This seemingly simple tool connects low-tech businesses and their customers in an 'electronic hug' that makes it hard for them NOT to do business together."

OBOS users simply fill out their custom order form with a pen, insert the form face-down into the scanner (the unit rejects forms inserted backwards), and press the big red button. The system then dials the order center, transmits the scanned image, and stamps the form once transmission is complete. OBOS' forms processing workstations convert the images to electronic data files via a suite of handprint recognition and data verification protocols. In under a minute, the electronic order is complete and ready to be fed into the enterprise order management system.

"It's the best of both worlds," says Robert Boyer, Director of Marketing. "For companies that want to increase loyalty and sales with non-computerized customers, it's a direct order system that's faster than mail, more accurate than fax, and cheaper than telesales. For users, it's the fastest and easiest way to place an order."

OBOS offers two 90-day pilot programs. The $3000 Distributor's Package includes 25 One Button Remote Scanners bearing the distributor's logo, order entry forms, weekly customer service telephone calls from OBOS, a toll-free customer service number (and free replacement in the unlikely event of a non-working scanner) and a report on customer scanner use. The High-Volume Direct Seller's Package, $5000, adds a forms processing workstation.

OBOS Inc., founded in 1993, has its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. OBOS (One Button Ordering System) manufactures and markets automated data collection and order entry systems for direct selling companies, industrial wholesalers and distributors and medical data collection companies. Customers include the American Dental Cooperative, Medication Plus, and Pep Boys. OBOS sells directly and through value-added resellers.

For sales information, please contact OBOS at [phone] or visit the OBOS Web site at www.obosinc.com

For slides or electronic images, call 617/224-1100 x212, or see the press section of the OBOS Web site: www.obosinc.com

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OBOS and One Button Ordering System are trademarks of OBOS, Inc.

CONTACT: Rogers Communications 

Jacki Katzman, [phone]

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OBOS Inc.

Robert Boyer, [phone]

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