Alliance Manufacturing Software Ships Alliance/MFG Release 5.0; MRP Solution for Emerging Manufacturers Offers Improved User Interface, Customization and Stability.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

GOLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2000

Alliance Manufacturing Software International Inc., the leading provider of MRP-II software exclusively for emerging manufacturers, today introduced Alliance/MFG(R) Release 5.0, a new generation of manufacturing software that combines affordability, ease of use and flexibility -- offering a lasting solution that can grow with small manufacturers.

The next generation of the software firm's Alliance/MFG product series, Version 5.0 affords emerging manufacturers improved usability in viewing, editing and executing transactions. The manufacturing software solution makes a quantum leap in customizability and expandability, without sacrificing the ease of use and intuitive accessibility Alliance products are known for.

A 32-bit application, Alliance/MFG Release 5.0 offers a superior level of speed, stability and reliability.

"With a manufacturing system, success is not based on the number of features, but how well it adapts to a company's needs," said Robert Kimball, Alliance president and chief executive officer.

"In developing Alliance/MFG Release 5.0, we responded to customer feedback by developing a software solution with a full range of functions based on a new foundation supporting flexibility and customizability, while maintaining the affordability and ease of use that Alliance products are known for."

"The Alliance/MFG program is the best solution available in its price range, fulfilling all our manufacturing management needs. There is no need for us to step up to the $35,000 level for little, if any, additional results," said Victor Husek of Parker Marine, an Alliance/MFG Version 5.0 beta-tester.

"Alliance keeps getting better with each new release. Version 5.0 is a quantum leap forward, offering simplified steps, improved viewing capabilities and an even more user friendly interface. It's the best investment a mid-range company can make."

Alliance/MFG Release 5.0 offers an accessible graphical user interface that simplifies system administration and can be configured for each user's need down to the field level. The system provides unparalleled access to information, allowing the user to sort or find on any column, use one of more than 130 predefined queries or produce a custom query on the spot.

Version 5.0 allows quick retrieval of information related to an item from anywhere within the system, and the ability to work on multiple pending transactions -- such as work orders -- at the same time.

"Alliance has added many noticeable enhancements to the speed and functionality of the grids, so I'm able to access the information I need at a glance," said John Carson, Bateman Manufacturing, an Alliance customer and beta-tester. "The graphical interface is easier to navigate and the controls are consistent. These improvements are a big plus to our operation because they will decrease the time it takes us to re-train users."

Additional Enhancements

With the understanding that manufacturing software is typically used by a wider range of personnel than other applications, Alliance/MFG Release 5.0 was designed to enable user-by-user security down to the individual field level, streamlining operation and reducing potential errors while keeping information on a need-to-know basis.

Alliance/MRP Version 5.0 also offers improved drag-and-drop interfaces, data entry screens which indicate changed data and validation errors, links to graphic files and display and MRP/CRP calculations on the fly.

"With the new system you can make a copy of a part number with just a click of the mouse," said beta-tester Mark Sorg, Torque Engineering. "We manufacture many similar parts with only small variations on descriptions and part numbers. This new feature makes data entry much more efficient."

Alliance/MFG Version 5.0 offers a new level of flexibility in reporting and data analysis. The application supports Crystal Reports, the worldwide de facto data analysis and reporting solutions, and comes with more than 80 predefined reports. It also offers links to popular accounting solutions, including QuickBooks, PeachTree, BusinessWorks and Great Plains.

The system was designed with an open architecture, Microsoft COM-based and ODCB-compliant for easier data analysis and integration with other applications -- a strong foundation for additional and customized modules.

Alliance/MFG Release 5.0 offers a full array of functions that growing manufacturers can easily implement to serve their individual needs.

Available system functions include: Part Master and Bills of Material, Engineering Change Control, Part Cross Reference; Customer Maintenance, Sales Orders, Forecasting and Job Tracking; Supplier Maintenance and Purchase Orders; Work Orders, Sub-contracting; Inventory Control, Cost Maintenance, Cycle Counting and Physical Inventory: Materials Requirement Planning (MRP); Capacity Requirements Planning (CRP); and WIP Visibility and Labor Distribution and an Online Help function.

Alliance is currently developing several add-ons for Alliance/MFG Release 5.0 such as a custom view builder, a developer's toolkit, an MS-SQL server-based edition and a remote data collection barcode system.

Alliance/MFG Release 5.0 supports the Windows 95B, 98, 98SE, NT 4.0 sp6 and 2000 operating systems and network support for Microsoft Windows and Novell Netware v5.0 and up. The system's report writing capabilities are compatible with Seagate Crystal Reports v7.0 or higher.

For databases, the program is compatible with Microsoft Access97. System requirements recommend a CPU clock speed of 400MHz or higher, 128MB of RAM and at least 100MB of storage space. New systems will be priced from under $10,000. Special upgrade pricing is available to current Alliance customers.

About Alliance Manufacturing Software International

Alliance Manufacturing Software International is a leading provider of complete manufacturing information solutions for emerging, growing manufacturers. Since 1996, Alliance has developed, marketed and distributed MRP-based software exclusively for small manufacturers, offering a professional, yet affordable solution that allows manufacturers to automate operations and gain a competitive edge.

Alliance software is known for its ease of implementation and user-friendly interface, while still offering a powerful and flexible solution that individual manufacturing firms can configure and expand to suit their needs, without requiring technology personnel. The software tracks and manages material purchases, product sales, inventory, production scheduling, workload capacity and factory floor workflow.

Alliance's headquarters are in Goleta and its international operations are based in Leicester, The United Kingdom. Alliance is a privately held company. For further information, visit www.alliancemfg.com.

Note to editors: Screen shot available upon request.