AIMS Manufacturing Framework 3.0 Deployed at BMW, Hatteras; Intuitive Manufacturing Execution Modules Break New Ground

Business Wire, Sept 13, 2005

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- AIMS, a leading manufacturing software solutions provider, announced general availability for its Manufacturing Lifecycle Management (MLM(TM)) framework release 3.0, with modules deployed at key customers including BMW Manufacturing and Hatteras Yachts. Comprised of three major product families - aims Tracker(TM), aims Analyst(TM), and aims Integrator(TM) - MLM provides unparalleled operational benefits to manufacturers with demanding shop floor, quality, and make-to-order requirements.

The framework can be deployed on a fully integrated basis or as single modules to achieve functions such as custom order entry, production process progress tracking, material and resource usage, supplier quality, corrective actions, defective material, in-process quality, event notification, status display, standard and custom reports.

AIMS Tracker's new Production Operations modules track an order's progress, trace supplied components and raw materials, display graphical work instructions, and control key material, personnel, and equipment resources at every step of the process - all based on specific customer order options. These capabilities enable lean manufacturing waste reductions while ensuring critical compliance, process, and quality data is collected in a form ready for real-time action.

AIMS Tracker's new Custom Order module significantly decreases time from quote to firm order for manufacturers with customized products. It ensures that order-specific features are executed automatically by integration with AIMS production and quality operations modules. When placing or changing an order, the module's awareness of production status ensures that best use is made of available inventory, therefore maximizing profit. Real-time notifications ensure minimized processing time for complex quotations.

Pat O'Neal, director of process improvement for Hatteras Yachts, a division of Brunswick Corporation, is enthusiastic about the opportunity represented by MLM. "Because of its ease-of-use and strong benefits from collaboration between among dealers, sales, production, and quality, we are driving production operations implementation across our business in record time".

Mark Harakal, chief operating officer for Hatteras Yachts, concurs, explaining, "Our customers demand strong product configuration features, easily accessed by our dealer network, with sophisticated collaboration, notification, and customization capabilities that are production-aware. AIMS is delivering the exactly right tools to satisfy them."

New AIMS Analyst modules provide active manufacturing intelligence that converts real-time data collected by Tracker into actionable information through real-time slide shows and status displays, scheduled and event-triggered report and exports, distributable by email, cell phone, and pager, all leveraging a new custom report writer. With these tools, reaction time to concerns can be reduced from weeks and days down to minutes. Users benefit from standards-based delivery of real-time information that can then be actively explored, drilling down instantly to actionable results.

Charlene Lane, manager for quality operations at BMW Manufacturing, notes of the new aims Analyst modules, "AIMS has helped BMW move beyond request-based reporting to customizable status displays and event-driven email reports that actively link operators and engineers to critical information."

"We're delighted at our customer's strong early results and the market response we are receiving with MLM 3.0," said Perry Smith, president and CEO of AIMS. "MLM 3.0 is a breakthrough development, providing improved profit, sales, productivity, and quality for our customers. MLM 3.0 sets new standards for manufacturing execution software in terms of ease of installation, deployment, and use, flexibility, and effectiveness in support of global, supply-network and customer-driven manufacturers."

About AIMS: AIMS is a leading manufacturing solutions provider whose customers include top manufacturers such as BMW, Brunswick (NYSE:BC), Lear (NYSE:LEA), Hospira (NYSE:HSP), and Thomas Built Buses (division of DaimlerChrysler AG, NYSE:DCX). Based on standard Internet technologies, MLM deployments scale from hosted ASP to single plant, division, and enterprise-wide and provide integration interfaces with enterprise software and production equipment. Databases supported include Oracle, DB2, and MS SQL. Client interfaces range from industrial PCs to tablets, PDAs, and mobile phones. AIMS MLM provides functions including custom order entry, production process progress tracking, material and resource usage, supplier quality, corrective actions, defective material, in-process quality, event notification, status display, standard and custom reports. For more information, please visit www.aimsco.com.