STERIS Depends on Toughbook Computers to Streamline Global Service in Medical and Research Environments; Infection Prevention Leader Points to Panasonic Technology, Solutions and Service as Key to Deployment

Tuesday October 18, 7:34 AM EDT

SECAUCUS, N.J., Oct 18, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company has deployed 1,000 Panasonic(R) Toughbook(R) CF-18 convertible tablet computers for STERIS, an industry leader in infection prevention, as a critical part of STERIS` company-wide initiative to streamline and automate service requests, which average 400,000 per year.

STERIS products are used around the world to prevent the infection and contamination of devices used in hospitals, outpatient clinics, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, research labs and other industrial environments. In addition to being able to stand up to these often challenging environments, the integrated wireless capabilities of the Toughbook CF-18 tablets provide STERIS field technicians in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, Finland and Sweden real-time online access to service manuals and other key customer information residing in STERIS` CRM application from Siebel Systems.

According to STERIS, the automation of previously paper-driven processes has led to significant improvements in workflow, resulting in reduced time-to-repair, improved customer satisfaction and the added benefit of increased job satisfaction among its field technicians.

``The decision to use Panasonic Toughbook computers was based on a variety of key factors. The ruggedness of the Toughbooks was an obvious concern because our techs are working around water and steam. They also use computers just like they use other tools--they`re thrown in their toolbox or sliding around in the van,`` said Charles Forsyth, Vice President of North American Operations for STERIS. ``In addition, we found in Panasonic a partner who understood how field service organizations work and who was committed, through ongoing service and support, to ensuring that we always stay up and running. Just as our customers depend on us to help them in their critical mission, we rely on Toughbooks.``

``Service organizations in all industries are faced with the challenge of doing more with less and downtime is not an option,`` said B. Thell Gillis, market development manager, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. ``STERIS is among the leaders in understanding that mobility is nowhere without durability and we are honored that they have made Panasonic a key partner in their mission to prevent infection and contamination in critical environments.``

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company is the leading provider of ruggedized notebook PCs for mobile professionals in the USA. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. of Japan (MC), which recorded annual sales of $81.44 billion in the most recently reported fiscal year. Matsushita Electric is one of the only manufacturers today that directly controls the process of design, manufacture and quality assurance of its notebook PCs. Many key components, including LCD panels, Lithium-Ion batteries, DVD and CD-ROM drives, and board-level electronics are the products of its divisions. The products, people and business of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company are entirely dedicated to the needs of the professional user, including Fortune 1000 business and government professionals. Panasonic also supplies mobile computing solutions to over 4,000 police departments in the United States.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic`s full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://panasonic.com/toughbook.

SOURCE: Panasonic Computer Solutions Company