Rayovac's $14 Million Computer System Goes Live

MADISON, Wis., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Rayovac Corp. (NYSE: ROV) today announced that its $14 million fully integrated computer system is up and running. The new system allows Rayovac personnel "real-time" access to the company's important business processes involving order taking, shipping, invoicing, purchasing and production planning. The company has been working on this integrated system for nearly 14 months. The key component to the system is the R3 software developed by SAP AG, a leading German software company, that was configured to meet the particular business process needs of Rayovac.

"This is truly a historic moment for Rayovac and our industry," said Dave Jones, Rayovac chairman and CEO. "I know of no other company our size that has 'gone live' with SAP incorporating as many integrated business processes as we have and in the short time-frame we set. Our new system will standardize our processes resulting in world class service for our customers."

All of Rayovac's U.S. plants, distribution centers and world headquarters, as well as Canadian facilities, are linked into the computer system. The system was first piloted in Rayovac's Canadian operations on March 1, 1999 and implemented on May 3 at Rayovac's U.S. facilities.

The system allows employees in different functional areas to instantly share the same information. Instead of multiple computer tracking software programs, Rayovac now has one single fully integrated business tracking system. The company's manpower and material resources will be maximized, and cost effective and efficient business decisions will result. The new system is also Y2K compliant.

"This project was only possible because we had a team of dedicated employees from all our functional areas working an incredible number of hours to configure the system that would meet the business needs of our company," said Kent Hussey, Rayovac president and COO. "I couldn't be more proud. These people made the impossible, possible."

According to John Ridlehoover, Rayovac vice president and chief information officer, nearly 1000 employees have gone through intense SAP training. "They understand the process and have implemented the new information-sharing system into their functional areas," said Ridlehoover.

Ridlehoover went on to say that because Rayovac personnel have been intricately involved from the beginning of the process, the "go live" phase has been virtually seamless.

Rayovac is the third largest U.S. manufacturer of batteries. According to data provided by A.C. Nielsen, Rayovac is the fastest growing U.S. battery company. The company also markets the number one selling rechargeable brand, and is the world leader in hearing aid batteries. Rayovac is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ROV symbol.
SOURCE Rayovac Corporation
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CONTACT: John Daggett of Rayovac, 608-275-4912