Sigma to Strengthen Port of Gothenburg with Voice-Enabled Manning System


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 4, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Sigma (Stockholm:SIGMb) has been selected to replace the manning system for the Port of Gothenburg. In the future, the current tone-dial-based system will be operated with the help of voice-enabled technology.

"Sigma has both the technological competence and the development strategy that we require. Another argument in favor of Sigma is the positive experience gained from earlier cooperation with the company. In our opinion, Sigma submitted a good value-for-money solution. We also view local presence as an important factor when selecting a supplier," said Stefan Samuelsson, IT Manager at the Port of Gothenburg.

Currently, the Port of Gothenburg has approximately 700 employees, who work with the loading and unloading of goods. Of them, about one fourth are employed on a supernumerary, as needed, basis. In the past, supernumerary workers have been able to call to advise about their work availability via a tone-dial system. They were subsequently informed if work was available and where it was to be carried out via the same system. Sigma is now replacing the original technology with a new platform that will provide better performance and create opportunities for various voice-enables solutions, both in terms of manning and other port functions. The contract also includes a ten-year support and maintenance agreement.

"We have noted a sharp increase in demand for voice-enabled solutions recently. It is pleasing that the Port of Gothenburg has selected Sigma to deliver such a solution. We are now extending our cooperation with this development-intensive customer," said Torbjorn Sundstrom, Consulting Manager at Sigma nBiT.

The Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic region, with a constantly increasing annual goods turnover, which currently totals 34,000,000 tons. This includes more than one million single cargo units (containers, trailers, etc.). The Port specializes in input materials and value-added goods - industrial products or consumer goods in both directions - with the Scandinavian countries as the catchment area and market. The Port also handles crude and refined oil and has a unique position in the Nordic region with its direct transoceanic liner traffic to the Far East, North and South America and Australia. European traffic, which dominates operations in terms of tons and units, is characterized by its traffic frequency and the Port's systems approach to transport planning.

Sigma supplies solutions and consultancy services within the IT field that safeguard customers' competitiveness. Operations are based on entrepreneurial, niche subsidiaries that develop services and products in close cooperation with customers. Services are offered within the business areas: Business Solutions, IT Solutions, and Network & Wireless Solutions. The Group has slightly more than 1,000 employees within some 30 subsidiaries in Sweden and three other countries. Sigma is listed on the O-List of the Stockholm Exchange. www.sigma.se.

For additional information, contact:


Torbjorn Sundstrom, Consulting Manager
Sigma nBiT
+46 70 379 11 51

Inga-Lill Hallberg, Project Manager
Skandiahamnen
+46 70 512 27 31

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