OSHKOSH, WIS. (September 15, 2000) – Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] announced today it has developed an e-business parts ordering and tracking system for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Under the Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) initiative, the new Oshkosh e-commerce system will seamlessly interface with the existing USMC supply and accounting system.
The system reduces lead times for parts orders, provides real-time order status via the web and provides life-cycle analysis for the Marines. As part of the same initiative, Oshkosh will also provide bumper-to-bumper parts and service support for the new Medium Tactical Replacement (MTVR) fleet of up to 8,168 vehicles.
“Our new system combines the three most valuable tools of any replacement parts ordering system Ð ease of use, widespread availability and rapid delivery. We’ve always respected the U.S. military’s objective of rapid deployment. We’re a part of it. Now we have a parts ordering system that not only meets the same goal, but will assure that the U.S. Marines are always able to meet their worldwide commitments,” said Robert G. Bohn, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh.
By integrating all steps of supply chain management, from customer order to component delivery, the CLS initiative sets up a framework that will reduce lead time for parts and service support. When the customer enters the order, it is automatically submitted via electronic data interface to the Oshkosh Truck supply system, which routes the request to the closest parts and service location, decreasing delivery time.
In addition, the customer is able to obtain real-time information on order status and delivery date from a secured web site.
The goal of the CLS program is to reduce the MTVR’s life cycle costs during its projected 22-year life span. The testing of the CLS system was conducted as a step in supporting the fielding of the MTVR fleet, scheduled to begin in May 2001. All Marine Corp facilities, including reserve units, could have access to the system.
This e-commerce parts system is available to other Oshkosh defense customers, including the U.S. Army.
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Products are marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce and McNeilus brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and has annual sales of $1.165 billion.
