Wheeling, Ill. – BÖWE BELL + HOWELL (BBH) today announced that it has been awarded a patent for using electronic means for delivering billing and statement information in the event that a disaster affects a mailer's traditional mail delivery capabilities. The patent also includes notifying customers via one or many options including phone, e-mail and company websites of the availability of secure electronic information.

"Our company continues to innovate and extend the many ways that a business can communicate with their customers and satisfy their commitment to timely and accurate information delivery," said Mark Van Gorp, BBH vice president of business development. "This is further evidence of our using innovation to help customers through a difficult time."

The patented approach satisfies numerous government and industry requirements for time-sensitive account holder notification of transactions, billing due dates or service terminations. In addition, the system enables businesses to receive timely payments by enabling alternative delivery and payment options.

"Our patented solution provides companies with a less expensive and easier-to-manage disaster recovery option than having a second production facility," said Mike Maselli, BBH vice president of marketing and product management. "We are finding many new and cost-effective opportunities to bring together print and electronic communications in ways that previously were too difficult because of technology or workflow issues."