For Immediate Release

AVW-TELAV selects R2 from UBS as the next generation rental and services software system

November 22, 2005: AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions, one of the largest rental, staging and audio visual companies in North America has had a spectacular record of growth built on innovation and efficiencies. Its industry leading business practices are the key to this growth and professionalism.

Several years ago, it became clear to the company’s management that in order to remain competitive and profitable, the company needed to track more than its rental inventory – it needed to track the entire business enterprise.  To be able to do that the company needed an I.T. solution that would let them keep a finger on the pulse of the entire company and be an exceptional inventory management system at the same time.  “The A/V and Staging Business is so unique that the usual, scheduling, inventory tracking and ERP systems just don’t cut it for our Industry”, says John Kennedy, Sr. Vice President Operations, AVW-TELAV U.S. division.

Not just that, the system had to be capable of meeting the demands of 10 offices, 35 locations, 600 employees dealing with over $50 million in inventory and over 2,000 transactions every month.

After a detailed and well defined search and evaluation process that lasted six months, AVW-TELAV finally selected R2 from Unique Business Systems.

According to John Kennedy “We evaluated almost every system out there, including the option to build a custom solution. Our evaluation included looking at the system design & technology deployed, the workflow, the system functionality and most important of all the company behind the system."

Added Mr. Kennedy, “We wanted a company that had the resources and the stability to last as long as we could see our future and one that we could partner with to provide us with solutions for our evolving needs. We simply could not afford to make a mistake on any count as this was to be a business critical system.”

R2 and UBS clearly met the stringent criteria. What made R2 stand out from the alternatives was the size and resources of UBS. And on the techno-functional aspects, R2 scored with its scalability, multi-site functionality, and sales quoting functionality.

AVW-TELAV is expecting a significant ROI from this implementation. The key areas where R2 is expected to deliver a major impact include improving utilization of assets through real time scheduling and interaction between locations; as well as creating efficiencies by reducing time and labor costs. Above all, the ability to focus on customers and provide them with more value and better response time is paramount.

The most important impact is going to be in the areas of making more informed and better investment decisions on equipment and asset purchases. On the sales side, the ability to 'quote to win' as well as track and analyze lost opportunities is a strategic advantage that R2 will deliver.

According to Pradeep Batra, President of Unique Business Systems, “AVW-TELAV is a visionary company in this area. They are globally acknowledged as being the best of the best. We are honored to have been selected as the partner of choice by them.” And added, “It is also a great responsibility, and we are totally committed to living up to the expectations”.

About AVW-TELAV: AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions offers a complete range of audio visual and presentation technology services throughout North America.  These services include audio visual and computer rental, event staging, simultaneous interpretation, audience response and multi-microphone discussion systems, exhibit and tradeshow solutions, webcasting, press conferences, technical coordination and presentation management for meetings, conventions, corporate events and trade shows. 

AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions is a one of the Freeman companies, a family and employee owned company providing full service support to the meeting, convention and exposition industry across North America.

About UBS: Unique Business Systems has been providing leading edge software solutions for tracking and scheduling of assets and resources. R2 is the flagship product that uses contemporary technology for rentals and services. For more information, visit www.unibiz.com/r2/r2.html .

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