SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Jan. 17, 2002— Technical Transportation, Inc., a provider of specialized transportation, logistics and tracking services, has created a customized resource planning and tracking tool to efficiently manage the logistic process of demonstration anesthesia equipment manufactured by its customer Datex-Ohmeda. Available through TechTrans’ secure Web site, this customized software tool tracks each serialized unit based on a variety of criteria and allows sales representatives to order specific instrument types and required transportation, pick-up, and/or delivery services.

TechTrans designed the software program specifically for Madison, Wis.-based Datex-Ohmeda, a major manufacturer of anesthesia equipment mainly used in hospitals. “Previously, an individual managed the 150 to 200 demo units that the 80 field sales reps ordered shipped to various hospitals for evaluation,” said Teri Elliott, demo inventory analyst, Anesthesia Care Division, Datex-Ohmeda. “The process, often taking up to three days, involved multiple steps and did not always use resources efficiently.”

According to Sean Horner, operations manager for TechTrans in Milwaukee, the software allows both the customer and TechTrans to track and trace the history of any machine instantly. “Users interface with a chart using numerous criteria and filters to obtain the exact data needed,” said Horner. “Sorts can be arranged based on serial number, region or sales representative. Distance and duration tracking are two particularly useful sort criteria. With distance tracking, the unit closest to the prescribed destination can be selected, reducing the shipping costs and ensuring timely pick-up or delivery. Duration tracking allows control on the turn rate by charting the amount of time each unit has been at a particular hospital or out of circulation at a warehouse.”

“This is a great management tool,” said Elliott. “Now there is no wait to get information and orders are confirmed and moves set in 24 hours. The tool allows reps in the field to have more responsibility as well.” Elliot also sees the tracking software as an important tool for managers. “It helps for me and other managers to be able to see how the reps are using the demo units and how the machines help to close sales. With a detailed history of each unit available with just a few strokes, it is simple to determine when a machine needs to be serviced or taken out of circulation and tagged for sale.”

In addition, TechTrans evaluated Datex-Ohmeda’s warehouse needs. The company had been utilizing nearly 60 warehouses through out the country to hold equipment before it was sent to an evaluation site. TechTrans was able to reduce that to 20 strategically located warehouse facilities that best serve the various regions.

“Utilizing technology to improve customer service is a priority for us,” said Len Batcha, president of TechTrans. “Because Datex-Ohmeda is an important customer, we found a way to provide better service to them and also offer them a tool that helps them more efficiently manage their demo program as well.”

Datex-Ohmeda is a global leader in anesthesia equipment and services and a significant provider of products and systems for critical and emergency care. Its wide range of products includes anesthesia machines, patient monitors, ventilators and supplies and accessories for the operating room, intensive care unit and outside-the-hospital settings. Datex-Ohmeda is the core business of Instrumentarium Corporation, a leading international medical technology company headquartered in Finland. Instrumentarium companies had sales in 2000 of $843 million and employed approximately 5,200 professionals worldwide. Instrumentarium is listed on the Helsinki Exchanges (INS1V.HE) with ADRs listed on the NASDAQ (INMRY).

Founded in 1990, Technical Transportation, Inc. provides transportation, logistics and tracking for the highly specialized electronics, telecommunications and medical industries, store concepts, as well as business-to-business and E-Commerce. Technical Transportation is based in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area and has a network of more than 1500 agents and carriers who are experts at transporting and deploying high-value, heavy-weight shipments for large organizations and fortune 1000 companies with specific needs. Additional information about the company is available online at www.techtrans.com.