Whirlpool Selects ServiceBench for Claims Processing System
BENTON HARBOR, Mich ... Nov. 1, 2001 – Whirlpool Corporation today announced that it has selected ServiceBench, Inc., to provide online warranty and service claims transactions between Whirlpool North America and its independent service contractors. The online system is expected to be available by the end of the year.
According to Mike Shirley, Whirlpool's national director of field operations, the new system is expected to improve the efficiency and timeliness of service claims transactions. "Whirlpool's new online system will simplify claims processing for everyone and reduce the amount of administrative time that our service contractors currently devote to warranty and service claims," said Shirley.
The flexibility and functionality of the ServiceBench system will allow us to pay service claims quicker and more accurately, and give our Whirlpool Independent Service Contractors the ability to view status updates on submitted claims whenever they want," said Bill Allen, warranty administration manager for Whirlpool Corporation. "In addition, the system's Electronic Parts Purchase Verification feature is expected to reduce the involvement of Whirlpool independent parts distributors in the claims process."
ServiceBench was chosen from a field of industry leaders based on the company's level of service experience, proven web technology and the system's ease of use. "We are pleased to play a key role in helping Whirlpool Corporation enhance business operations through the online automation of their warranty and service claims processes," said John Estrada, ServiceBench president.
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About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, the company manufactures in 13 countries and markets products under 11 major brand names in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.WhirlpoolCorp.com.
About ServiceBench
ServiceBench is the leader in providing a complete Internet-based dealer/service channel management system. Headquartered in Fairfax, VA, ServiceBench automates warranty claims, product registration, and parts ordering processes for manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. ServiceBench has more than twenty customers including such leading companies as Electrolux, Mitsubishi, Shindaiwa and Whirlpool. Additional information about ServiceBench can be found on the Internet at www.ServiceBench.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition to the expected appliance industry results for 2001 noted in this news release, there are certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made. These factors are listed in the company's most recently filed Form 10-Q and/or Form 10-K.
Media Contact
Ruth Ludlow
Whirlpool Corporation
(616) 923-7184
