Sodexo Laundry Services Technology Recognized by CIO Magazine as one of the CIO 100 Award Honorees

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 19 - An innovative use of computer technology that increases operational efficiency by providing key metrics for its commercial laundry operations and has saved more than $100,000 since its implementation has earned Sodexo, Inc. IDG's CIO magazine's 2010 CIO 100 Award. The award recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

Sodexo's Laundries Dashboard is a central decision-support tool that combines information from multiple systems to monitor core processes in Laundry and Linen Services businesses. The dashboard presents Sodexo leadership and field management with key metrics in a customized, easy to use presentation. The dashboard uses Pureshare® ActiveMetrics® software to gather and display appropriate information in the form of metrics for each level of management; the metrics are used to make business decisions. Because the dashboard is web-based, it can be accessed from any computer or mobile device. It also sends real-time email alerts that enable management to resolve operational issues immediately.

"This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are not only innovating with IT but creating genuine business value as well," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & Events. "These winning companies and their IT organizations are an inspiration to businesses everywhere."

"The Laundries Dashboard provides Sodexo with the information that our operators need, when they need it, enabling them to monitor their operations, increase efficiencies and provide superior quality and service to our customers," said Tony Tocco, senior vice president and chief information officer for Sodexo.

Sodexo's Laundries Dashboard allows for the effective management of critical areas as well as providing detailed analysis and comparisons. Since February the company has improved:

• The ability to track the location of thousands of laundry carts. Thanks to the Dashboard, Sodexo has been able to ensure the return of more than a hundred carts to its plants, saving $28,800
• Compliance with customer contracts. The new technology has automatic triggers for key contract dates and changes which results in $11,000 in additional revenue from customer contracts since the dashboard technology was launched.
• Performance against Sodexo's Better Tomorrow sustainability commitments that include reducing water, energy and waste. Water use reductions at one facility from 1.7 gallons/pound to 1.3 gallons/pound reduce the environmental footprint and will save $67,000 annually. In Buffalo, N.Y., the facility projects that its water reduction efforts will produce an annual savings of $24,000. In Opa Locka, Florida the facility is saving more than $3,000 a week in energy costs.

"Sodexo's innovative use of PureShare ActiveMetrics showcases what an organization can achieve by focusing on management through metrics. The ROI that Sodexo is enjoying from this single metrics project will drive innumerable other opportunities within the organization," said Christopher Dean, President and CEO at PureShare. 
 
"By deploying this technology, we can provide greater business value to Sodexo and our clients by increasing our operational efficiencies, ensuring efficient contract compliance and targeting ways to reduce utilities consumption," said Will Hughsted, division vice president of Sodexo Laundry Services.

The 2010 CIO 100 awards will be presented at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on August 24 at the conclusion of the twelfth annual CIO 100 Symposium® and Awards Ceremony.

About the CIO 100
The recipients of this year's CIO 100 award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative IT and business initiatives. Next, a team of judges reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges' recommendations and voted on the final 100. Once the top 100 honorees were selected, several honorees were chosen to receive an additional special award. The recipients of this special award will be revealed at the CIO 100 awards ceremony in August.

Complete coverage of the 2010 CIO 100 awards will be online at www.cio.com on June 1, 2010 and in the August 1st issue of CIO magazine.

About Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), a member of Sodexo Group, is a leading provider of Comprehensive Service Solutions serving more than ten million customers daily in corporations, health care, long term care, retirement, schools, higher education, government and remote sites. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., Sodexo, Inc. operates in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with $7.7 billion (USD) in annual revenue and 120,000 employees. The Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org) is an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $12.7 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.