FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Optical Software
Shares a Clear Vision
Celebrating 10 years with
Wal-Mart Optical Labs
Moncton, NB Canada - February 24, 2004 - Optical Software Inc.,
(OSI) a leading software provider for the optical
industry, is proud to recognize their 10th
anniversary in alliance with Wal-Mart Optical
Labs. OSI provides Wal-Mart with software and
consulting management solutions for their optical
laboratories located throughout the United States.
OSI and Wal-Mart
Optical Labs began working together in early 1994.
Wal-Mart had two optical laboratories processing around
650 jobs per day for their optical retail chain.
With aggressive plans for the future, they searched for
a software provider that could offer essential lab
management functionality with the flexibility to
customize and meet their unique software
requirements. OSI was a rising software company
with a suitable lab management package, OMICS,
and a specialty niche for developing highly flexible
solutions.
"Its
amazing to reminisce about the early days of our
relationship," comments Terry Hurd, Founder of OSI
and OMICS. "We've both developed in so many
remarkable ways. I remember when they broke the 1000
jobs per day mark sometime in '95. I was onsite
when it happened. They made me do the "Wal-Mart
Squiggly"!" recalls Hurd.
Today, 10 years
later, both companies have realized significant
growth. The Wal-Mart Lab network now consists of
four "mega" labs processing in excess of 100,000
jobs per week for more than 2300 retail stores and is
ranked among the nation's top optical companies.
OSI has secured its status in the industry as well, now
regarded as a premier software provider and technology
partner for some very distinguished optical companies
with several hundred clients worldwide.
"Our
relationship with Wal-Mart has helped strengthen our
company in many ways", says Rod McKiel, President for
OSI. "We are proud to be associated with a company
whose commitment to perfecting every process in the lab
is unwavering. Working with Wal-Mart's team has
been very influential in terms of advancing our products
and services in order to meet the needs of the ever
changing optical marketplace", adds McKiel.
The
longstanding relationship between OSI and Wal-Mart has
fostered excellence through innovation and service. "Our
collaborative efforts to improve the entire lab
operation have been very successful", explains Jeff
Grumbling, Director of Labs for Wal-Mart. With a
common objective to focus on producing premium quality
eyewear, efficiency and productivity gains, minimize
production steps, and reduce costs, the 10 year alliance
has resulted in a first-class solution for laboratory
management.
Keeping with
their corporate wide philosophy to provide consumers
with quality goods at every day low prices,
Wal-Mart relies on OSI to support their strict quality
assurance guidelines. With OMICS playing a
critical role in almost every part of the production
process, OSI continually analyzes OMICS to ensure
only the finest quality lens is produced consistently
day in and day out. OSI has also established a
first-class service program for Wal-Mart labs with a
dedicated team of experts who provide support and
consulting on a 24/7 basis. "Over the years OSI has been
very accommodating and have supported us through
tremendous growth during a time of many significant
changes in our business", says Jeff
Grumbling.
It's no
secret Wal-Mart thrives on cutting edge
technology. They understand premium quality
eyewear can't be produced with inadequate manufacturing
equipment. Many suppliers seek out available
opportunities to have Wal-Mart beta test their new lab
equipment. "Wal-Mart demands the best - the best
products, the best service, the best equipment, the best
everything!" explains John Greco, Senior Technical
Consultant, Special Accounts, for OSI. "The device
has to meet Wal-Mart's yield and production expectations
to stay in the game", adds Greco. Wal-Mart's
commitment to evaluating ultra-modern innovations
furthers OSI's efforts in keeping OMICS well
advanced in device interfacing technology.
OMICS interfaces with virtually all standard
laboratory production equipment, and several pieces of
equipment that are not specific to the optical industry
such as devices for packaging, mass-shipping, inventory
storage, and routing work. "Working with Wal-Mart
gives us an advantage when it comes to machine
technology because we are able to pre-certify many
machines before they hit the open market." says Pat
Gauvin, Senior Developer and Device Specialist for
OSI. Last summer, an Equipment Interface
Certification Program was introduced at the 2003
Wal-Mart Equipment Supplier Technology Summit where
Wal-Mart encouraged suppliers to adopt the program in
order to further relations between all parties.
Heading
into 2004, the alliance remains strong between OSI and
Wal-Mart Optical Labs. They share a clear vision
for the coming year with several new initiatives
underway.
Optical
Software Inc. is a leading software provider
for the eye care industry with comprehensive management
solutions for surfacing laboratories, finishing
laboratories, remote tracing and ordering, interfaces
with retail applications, custom designed systems,
consulting services and advanced training
programs. Our flagship product is OMICS, a
wholesale lab management solution that encompasses all
aspects of the wholesale production process. For
more information on our products and services please
contact us by Phone: 506-857-1707, e-mail:
sales@omics.com or visit www.omics.com ?
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