Sunbelt Makes Plans to Integrate SmartEquip Technology

Sunbelt Rentals, Charlotte, N.C., announced that it has entered into an agreement with Norwalk, Conn.-based SmartEquip, Inc. to implement the SE-B2B Exchange technology during the second quarter of 2007. The new technology allows for the electronic exchange of invoices, purchase orders, shipping notices, and other transaction-related documents between fleet owners and their suppliers. The technology will provide savings for both Sunbelt and its suppliers, as well as increases fleet and service efficiency at Sunbelt rental stores. Sunbelt will initially use the SE-B2B Exchange with JLG Industries, followed by Multiquip and Wacker, before implementing the software for all of its preferred suppliers.

Sunbelt also announced it will expand its use of SmartEquip's e-FleetPro technology at 50 Sunbelt rental locations across the country, starting within the next 30 days. The e-FleetPro platform provides real-time, asset-specific service and support to fleet operators. Fully integrated with a rental company's business systems, e-FleetPro automates many time-consuming and error-prone components of equipment service, inventory management, parts procurement, and other processes critical to the management and support of equipment fleets. The results are more streamlined parts and service operations, increased fleet uptime and financial utilization, and an overall decrease in the cost of fleet ownership.

“We continue to look for means to drive the efficiency in our business model, increase the accuracy within the organization, and position Sunbelt to deliver efficient superior customer service while maintaining competitive rental rates,” said Bryan Rich, executive vice president and vice chairman of Sunbelt. “We believe the best way to achieve this is through the use of a technology-driven best practice initiative. SmartEquip provides a highly interactive advanced solution that is simple to use, easy to implement, and allows us to generate savings and efficiency gains not just for ourselves, but also for our suppliers. [This is] a true win-win solution.”