Emerson Builds Personalized Internet-Based Systems To Enhance B2B Customer Relationships; Company Selects Click Commerce Enterprise Channel Management Solutions

Business Wire, August 21, 2000

Business Editors/Technology Writers

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2000

Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE: EMR) is creating a business-to-business e-commerce platform that will enable its divisions to seamlessly integrate their systems -- between divisions and with virtually thousands of channel partners located all around the world. The company has licensed its e-commerce platform and Enterprise Channel Management (ECM) solutions from Chicago-based Click Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKCM).

Using the Click Commerce Relationship Manager, Emerson divisions can provide personalized content, applications information and security for each user within their complex network. Under an enterprise license, each of Emerson's divisions can now use the Relationship Manager as a standardized e-commerce platform, and are able to license those application modules that best fit their divisional e-commerce needs.

"This strategic approach and partnership with Click Commerce gives us the opportunity to present a single face to the customer and interconnect our divisions more effectively to streamline performance and add value to relationships -- for all links in the value chain, from Emerson to dealers to end-users," said Charles A Peters, Emerson executive vice president. "We will ultimately reap top-line benefits from increased sales by reaching new customers and new markets, and we anticipate recognizing other benefits such as improved customer satisfaction and brand loyalty."

Two Emerson divisions - Emerson Power Transmission Corp. and Fisher-Rosemount - are the first to begin implementing ECM solutions. Emerson Power Transmission (EPT), which manufactures and markets an extensive family of bearings and power transmission drive products, will create a common customer interface, providing EPT distributors and customers with real-time, online access to product, price and shipping information.

Emerson's Fisher-Rosemount division, a global leader in process management products and solutions including control valves, regulators, transmitters, analyzers, process automation systems, software and services, has created a Common Customer Portal to support its many customers in the process controls industry.

A defining feature of the Click Commerce platform is the ability to model multiple layers within multiple distribution channels. Created around customer-specific extranets, the Emerson system will allow customers and partners to self-administer their accounts, user and customer groups. This means that each channel partner is able to access to their customer groups through a common Emerson software platform.

Other key features are enterprise-wide product catalogs, hosting service, customer interface, contact management, lead management, customer quote request, configuration/sizing support, and distribution partner functionality, where channel partners can transact with their customers and manage their customers through the entire value chain including aftermarket support.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to provide a key component to Emerson's e-commerce strategy," said Michael W. Ferro, Jr., CEO of Click Commerce. "By standardizing on a single e-commerce platform, we believe Emerson is validating the tremendous cost savings and increased speed to market that are possible through Click Commerce's Enterprise Channel Management solution."

Emerson is transforming how it does business, leveraging benefits across three key areas: sourcing, productivity and new business models. Emerson has invested $50 million to date, and this year will transact more than 10 percent of sales online. Today, there are 115 active projects underway across the enterprise.

eWeek magazine (formerly PC Week) has named Emerson among the companies "leading the way" into the networked world of the new economy. Emerson ranked 40th in the magazine's Fast Track 100 listing of e-business networking innovators using innovative, Web-based technologies to develop stronger customer relationships.

About Click Commerce

Click Commerce (NASDAQ: CKCM) is the leading provider of Enterprise Channel Management solutions that synchronize all commerce activities throughout sell-side partner communities. A sampling of leading companies such as American Standard, Black & Decker, Delphi, Emerson, Hyundai, Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, Motorola and Qualcomm depend on Click Commerce solutions to manage their complex distribution channels.

Since 1996, Click Commerce has been a leader in offering business-to-business "sell-side" applications that span the entire e-commerce spectrum, from marketing and promotion, through online order entry and catalog creation and maintenance, to finance, service, warranty and communications. Its suite of more than 80 application modules enable global enterprises to securely conduct business and deliver real-time information. With its integrated e-business platform and proven application portfolio, Click Commerce enables global enterprises to significantly increase brand loyalty, customer satisfaction and financial performance. Visit Click Commerce at www.clickcommerce.com.