IBM Introduces Innovative MES Offering for Discrete Manufacturers

CHARLOTTE, July 10, 1995 -- IBM today introduced an innovative offering for
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that tracks and controls line
operations, and provides real-time reporting of vital information
regarding plant performance.

This new manufacturing floor control system, called IBM Factory Operations
Executive, is an outgrowth of IBM's own manufacturing experience and the
evolution of supporting systems.

"Our experience has shown that Factory Operations Executive reduces overall
implementation costs by offering an off-the-shelf, tailorable, package
that utilizes client-server technology and existing computer hardware and
software," said Paul Scorza, solution executive, IBM Manufacturing
Industry Unit.

"By providing real-time information and better control than existing
products, Factory Operations Executive helps manufacturing line management
reduce work-in-process inventory, shorten production lead times, respond
quickly to changes in processes, products and customer orders; and improve
overall control of production resources. This means shorter production
runs, improved quality, lower costs, more on-time deliveries and better
customer response."

In support of Factory Operations Executive, IBM also announced a services
offering to meet the quality objective of Factory Operations Executive
users.

IBM personnel and its quality software tool is available to assist
customers with quality requirements in data collection, statistical
process control, real-time event alarms, status summary indicators, data
analysis and reporting.

IBM is providing consulting, implementation and customization services for
both Factory Operations Executive and the quality services offering.
Experienced IBM personnel will assist in providing these services.

Factory Operations Executive can run on an IBM RISC System/6000 utilizing
AIX or a personal computer running OS/2. Most of the software and data
reside on the server system, simplifying data integrity and maintenance on
the network. It also supports Ethernet, Token Ring, TCP/IP, NetBIOS, APPC
and DECnet communications standards.

"Factory Operations Executive is designed for integration with other
systems, current or planned, such as those used for planning, scheduling
and data collection," Scorza said. "In addition, it provides database
independence and open Application Program Interfaces (APIs). As a result,
as a company grows, more powerful servers and additional workstations can
be easily added."

The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior
IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the
voice menu.
 
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