Lacks Enterprises Purchases Product Development System From PDS Technology

Business Wire, August 23, 2001

Business Editors, High Tech and Automotive Writers

ROYAL OAK, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 23, 2001

Lacks Enterprises, Inc. has signed a purchase order for PDS Technology, LLC's Product Development System.

Lacks Enterprises is a supplier of wheel covers, grilles, and other exterior decorative trim components for the automotive industry. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, the company has 14 manufacturing facilities and employs 1,850 workers in the Grand Rapids area.

"Our system -- the first comprehensive, universal solution to the problem of managing the product development process -- will enable Lacks Enterprises to reduce waste and time to market while improving quality and profitability throughout its manufacturing operations," according to Michael F. Juras, president and chief executive officer of PDS Technology (PDS).

The PDS system is a World Wide Web-based system that includes a unique "process architecture" for managing and standardizing the product development process. The software (for which patents are pending) consists of four distinct sections that let users enter and retrieve structured information with just a Web browser. A dynamic Web page format displays primary content using a Java(TM)-based navigation menu and project status is summarized in real-time.

At Lacks Enterprises, the PDS system will be hosted on a Windows(R) 2000 server with Silverstream(R) Enterprise software and a Microsoft SQL Server(TM) database, and will be deployed over the company's intranet using Microsoft Internet Explorer(R). The PDS system can also be hosted on NT(R) or Unix servers and employ Oracle(TM) or other standard databases. Its functions at Lacks Enterprises will include estimating and quoting of new business, program management, APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) tracking, process gating, program status, and lessons learned.

Under its contract with Lacks, PDS will install the server hardware and related software, integrate the system with their intranet, and provide all field training required for implementation. Lacks will serve as a beta test site for the PDS system, with an opportunity to assist in software development.