GE Offers Wireless Connectivity

GE Appliances recently announced that all customers using its online ordering and marketing system will hold more control over transactions in the palms of their hands. Builders, distributors and retailers will be able to access and change their GE CustomerNet orders using wireless technology.

With the change, now in the beta-testing stages, customers can log on to www.gecustomernet.com and check the price and availability of GE appliances and their current order status. Starting in August, they will be able to place orders as well as request faxes on installation instructions, spec sheets and product data and have them sent directly to the job site. GE is the first appliance manufacturer and one of the few original equipment manufacturers to offer such a service.

"This product comes right from our customers, who have been telling us they need more mobility when conducting business," says Tom Lazarro, e-business manager for sales and marketing at GE. "Every demonstration we do brings out new ideas and applications."

Lazarro adds that this type of technology will make e-commerce more probable and profitable for all builders, but particularly for single-family builders.

"It provides such great connectivity for the builder, both with their customers and suppliers. It greatly increases the speed and accuracy of orders, and gives customers the power and flexibility to change things," says Lazarro.

To begin using this new technology, customers must sign on to CustomerNet and download the necessary software. The file is only 7 kilobytes and easy to operate and install. GE customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any problems that may arise.