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PAR Technology, Cardinal Health, and ECRS Announce Integrated Retail Automation SystemNEW HARTFORD, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Aug. 30, 2006 -- PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE:PTC): -- Complete Retail Automation Solution Provides Cardinal Health Leader Pharmacies with Automated Inventory Ordering, Receiving, and Promotional Coordination. Solution Dynamically Integrates Independent Pharmacies to the Cardinal Supply Chain for Operational Cost Reductions, Increased Revenue and Greater Customer Satisfaction. ParTech, Inc. (a subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation), ECR Software Corporation (ECRS), and Cardinal Health recently announced a strategic alliance at the 2006 Cardinal Health Retail Business Conference held in Las Vegas, NV. The companies have joined forces in creating a unique solution that provides automated supply chain and marketing information for Cardinal Health and its independent retail pharmacy customers. The system allows Cardinal Health's independent pharmacies to automate the replenishment of merchandise using modern statistics-based reordering methodologies. Orders are transmitted electronically in a bi-directional manner, providing precise coordination of cost/quantities for merchandise ordered and shipped between the Cardinal Health warehouse and the independent pharmacies. All orders and deliveries are closely tracked for timely notifications of order at all points in the supply chain. On the demand side, promotional information is completely automated. Participating pharmacies receive automatic promotional pricing updates each month. Once approved at the store-level, promotions automatically start and end during the designated promotional period. PAR Technology Corporation is bundling the ECRS software with its ViGo(TM) Xi point-of-sale terminal. Supported by PAR's world-class international service organization, ViGo POS is a retail-hardened terminal that features an integrated customer billboard that serves as a dynamic multimedia system for displaying brand promotions to consumers during checkout. "We are pleased to be involved in this innovative project with ECRS and Cardinal Health," commented Greg Cortese, CEO and President of ParTech, Inc. "As a primary component in this comprehensive solution the ViGo represents a durable, stand-alone POS platform that is a perfect match for Cardinal Health's independent retailers. The unit's integrated LCD customer display provides a convenient built-in system for branding Cardinal Health's retail promotions to consumers at the front end. This is truly a win/win opportunity." According to Jeff Thomas, VP of Retail Marketing and Product Development for Cardinal Health Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Services, "The Cardinal Health team has worked closely with PAR and ECRS to create this powerful automation solution for our retail customers. The automated inventory reorder capability and its direct link to the Cardinal Health inventory system will drive profitability for our retail partners by significantly reducing labor costs and dramatically increasing accuracy." "As we continue to roll out more and more Cardinal Health retail customers with this new system," commented Pete Catoe, ECRS President, "Feedback continues to be strong, especially with regard to the automated ordering and receiving, real-time Leader brand promotion updates, and automated perpetual inventory. This technology essentially levels the supply chain playing field by empowering independent pharmacies with the tools they need to successfully compete against larger retailers." About Cardinal Health Cardinal Health, Inc. is the leading provider of products and services supporting the health care industry. Cardinal Health develops, manufactures, packages and markets products for patient care; develops drug-delivery technologies; distributes pharmaceuticals and medical, surgical and laboratory supplies; and offers consulting and other services that improve quality and efficiency in health care. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health employs more than 55,000 people on six continents and produces annual revenues of more than $75 billion. Cardinal Health is ranked No.16 on the current Fortune 500. For more information go to www.cardinal.com. About PAR Technology Corporation PAR Technology Corporation is a worldwide leader and manufacturer of POS hardware and hardware support services. With over 40,000 installations in nearly 100 countries, PAR offers systems and service integration solutions for a wide range of retail market segments. PAR is also a leader in providing computer-based design and engineering services to the Department of Defense and Federal Government Agencies. PAR Technology Corporation's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PTC. For more information, visit the company's website at www.partech.com. About ECRS Headquartered in Boone, NC, ECRS has been providing best-of-breed automation solutions to the retail industry since 1989. The ECRS retail framework includes point of sale, self-checkout, back office, inventory management, order forecasting, supply chain automation, fuel pump interface, integrated video surveillance, digital customer billboard, self-hosted gift card, signature capture, wireless hand-held terminal interface, and a range of other retail automation components. ECRS products are delivered directly and through a global partner network. For more information, go to www.ecrsoft.com. |
