SATO Gears Up In Fight Against SARS

New traceability system strengthens company's ongoing commitment to social welfare

SINGAPORE – June 4, 2003 – SATO, a leader in barcode printing since introducing the first thermal transfer barcode printer in 1979, announced today a new traceability system that uses their HT200e printer to enable contact tracing in the fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

SATO’s HT200e is a direct thermal stand-alone printer which is designed for ease of use and maximum versatility for both retail and office applications. It has a print resolution of 203 dpi, printing speeds of up to 3 ips, and it fills the gap between basic hand labellers and large desktop labelling systems with its compact footprint (5.2” W x 9.06” D x 5.94” H).

Mr. T. Waki, Managing Director for Bar Code SATO Electronics (S) Pte Ltd said, “SARS is a phenomenon which has affected both people and businesses in one way or another, and it poses a real threat to our way of living if not properly managed and contained. At SATO, our vision is to contribute to the society’s welfare and it is with this vision that we are committed to the global efforts in preventing the spread of SARS so that everyone can go about their daily routine without worry”.

“Understanding that contact tracing is one of the key elements in preventing the spread of SARS, we have developed a new traceability system for our HT200e printers. The printer was designed to be modular for versatility so customers can use the HT200e as a standalone barcode printer first, and later as a contact tracing device should the need arise” added Mr. Waki.

Setting up the traceability system on the HT200e printer is a simple process. All the customer has to do is to connect a SATO barcode scanner to their HT200e printer. At the point of contact, the customer scans the visitor’s identity card with the barcode scanner and keys in the visitor’s temperature and other personal details. The printer will then print two hardcopy labels – one for the visitor and another for customers’ record.

An additional feature of SATO’s traceability system is that it can be connected to a host computer for data transfer and management if required.

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About SATO

SATO is a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry, and the inventor of the world’s first electronic thermal transfer barcode printer. It revolutionised the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) and Labelling concept – a total barcode and labelling solutions approach providing high quality barcode printers, scanners/hand held terminals, label design software and consumables. SATO is a public listed company in Japan and has worldwide offices in United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. SATO reported revenues of US$445 million in 2002. SATO stock is traded on first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange. More information can be found at www.sato.co.jp.