CALGARY, Alberta, Canada, March 4, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Carmina Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:CARL) has launched PestAssur(tm), a performance monitoring solution for the pest management industry. PestAssur(tm) is the first in a family of monitoring solutions that brings an easy-to-use, established technology to industries and processes that still rely largely on manual data collection and management.
According to Barrie Richardson, President of the Carmina Subsidiary, Assured Performance Monitoring Inc., and one of the primary architects of PestAssur(tm), "The pest management industry, in particular, can take advantage of the efficiencies that our mobile, field force technology has to offer. Because many pest management firms have used almost no information technology solutions in their operations, they can achieve dramatic productivity gains and cost reductions."
The PestAssur(tm) solution consists of readily available hand-held mobile computers and a multi-level bar-code system connected to centralized servers via a variety of wired and wireless technologies. By placing bar-codes on traps and in inspection areas, the hand held unit identifies the services and protocols to be carried out at each location on the contracted premises. The hand held units are able to monitor a variety of variables regarding each inspection item including time of inspection, duration of inspection and time between inspection points. In addition, the hand held units halt inspections until specified services have been carried out or the reasons for incompletion have been documented.
Moving Information Closer to the Bounds of Commerce
Richardson said that rapid uploading of the data into centralized servers provides pest management companies, building owners and property managers with real time access to information about pest control. "The applications are virtually limitless. Service companies can monitor employees. Building owners can check compliance with contracts. Property managers can document service levels and provide greater assurances to building owners." He added, "Historically, the field service technician was a repository of a great deal of site and practice specific information. With the PestAssur(tm) system, we can now efficiently distribute this intelligence to a wider range of audiences who can make better, more informed decisions."
Commenting on the development of the product, Richardson said, "PestAssur(tm) was developed with an understanding of the pest management business and has an 'in the trenches' perspective on managing a field force and servicing several hundred to perhaps several thousand contracts." He added that PestAssur(tm) was perfected during beta tests with Adalia Services Preventifs, a mid-sized pest management company based in Quebec. Richardson has more than 40 years experience in the pest management business and is a noted author and consultant in the field.
As part of the roll-out of the product, Carmina offers a Pilot Program at no initial cost, subject to achieving agreed performance targets. "We encourage our prospects to try the product, test its limits and get a feel for how readily available, real-time information can positively influence their business. If at the end of a trial, there's a failure to meet the performance target, there's certainly no obligation, but we feel comfortable that the promise and the power of PestAssur(tm) will speak for itself." To see an interactive demonstration of the product go to http://apm-services.com/pestassurdemo.asp.
The Big Picture
According to John Alston, President and CEO of Carmina Technologies, "The PestAssur(tm) solution is the epitome of the Carmina model. Pest management is about the toughest service package to systemize and accommodate all its inherent variables. We look to partner with industry players to develop standards and protocols to embed into our solutions. But we also look to target industries and processes that typically have not utilized technology intensively and are ripe for technology adoption. We estimate there are some 3,000 significantly sized pest management companies in North America that can utilize PestAssur(tm)."
Alston said that Carmina will target the field of Municipal Health Inspection with Assur-H&S(tm) and Food Quality Protection with AssurFQP(tm), which are scheduled for launch later this year. "These are large markets in their own right. However, with increasing concern over bio-terrorism and homeland security, as well as a groundswell of demand for managed Safety and Quality systems, we believe the monitoring of inspections that influence public health and safety will assume a higher priority, and that the market for these services may experience exponential growth."
About Carmina Technologies
Carmina Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:CARL) has developed and markets the Assur Family of products. These easy-to-use tools assure consistent, standards-driven monitoring of and reporting by mobile work forces. Currently, Carmina Technologies services the Pest Control and Food Safety & Health industries. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the Company has offices in Toronto and Vancouver.
For media and press inquiries, please contact Barrie Richardson (brichardson@apm-services.com) at 416-410-6114, ext. 412, or Jim Maloney (jim@gregoryfca.com) at 610-642-8253.
For analyst and investor inquiries, please contact John Alston (john@carminatech.com) at 800-793-8370, ext. 1, or Mary Borneman (mary@gregoryfca.com) at 610-642-8253.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
This announcement contains "forward-looking statements." Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and other similar expressions as they relate to the Company and its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although the Company and its management believe that the statements contained in this announcement are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such statements will prove correct. Factors that could affect the occurrence of events or results discussed herein are included with those mentioned in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.