Ford Selects SynQuest e-Business Software for Major Supply Chain Logistics Initiative

Business Wire, July 14, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2000

SynQuest, Inc. today announced Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has awarded the company a multi-million dollar software contract for e-business software to help shorten order-to-delivery times and improve supply chain performance.

Ford will leverage SynQuest decision-support software to help control Ford's automotive transportation, distribution and inventory costs. SynQuest e-business solutions will allow Ford to dynamically plan and simulate its logistics processes to help achieve precision and reliability in supply chain and distribution operations. The SynQuest initiative assists with logistics integration into Ford strategic initiatives and complements Ford alliances with its logistics providers.

"We plan to use the SynQuest software to tie our manufacturing and logistics together more effectively," said Jerry Joyce, director of Global Logistics at Ford. "Our goal is fulfill orders to customers faster."

According to Joe Trino, chief executive officer at SynQuest, "This agreement demonstrates Ford's industry leadership in driving ground-breaking e-commerce and supply chain management strategies."

This agreement is the third pact between Ford and SynQuest. The last contract involved a jointly developed inbound logistics planning application to help Ford reach its goal to achieve the lowest cost, on-time, inbound shipment of parts used to manufacture vehicles.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is the world's second largest automaker, with more than 300,000 employees in 200 markets on six continents.

About SynQuest

SynQuest, Inc. provides advanced e-business solutions designed to optimize the performance of traditional and web-based supply chains. SynQuest One2One Solutions enable companies to fulfill orders profitably while meeting customer service requirements. The solutions use optimization and real-time management capabilities to analyze the relevant variables that impact supply chain performance, including materials supply, transportation, manufacturing, distribution and customer service.

SynQuest(R)is a registered trademark of SynQuest, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.