Andersen Windows Selects EdgeNet as Partner for New Custom Quote and Order Tool; m2o Software Provides Complex Configuration Technology.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2000

Andersen Windows, Inc., the industry's leading window and patio door manufacturer, has signed an agreement with EdgeNet Inc. to help develop a new full-featured quote and order tool to be launched at the end of the year. EdgeNet, based in Nashville, Tenn., develops complex configuration and ordering software for highly customized products and services.

"EdgeNet and their m2o(TM) (Made2Order) software will become the foundation for quoting and ordering Andersen(R) products for years to come," said Jay Lund, director of residential and commercial sales for Andersen Windows. "With m2o, Andersen will have direct control over changes to the program, allowing us the flexibility to add features and functions that our customers ask for as well as providing timely updates. This new tool will support our product offering and serve the future business needs of our customers faster and more efficiently than ever before," Lund added.

The new custom tool will go beyond traditional quote and order tools by utilizing artificial intelligence. This, combined with a user-friendly interface, reduces errors and order configuration time resulting in improved service to Andersen customers.

"The quoting and ordering process for window and door products presents complex challenges," said Richard Pinson, EdgeNet's president and chief operating officer. "We are very pleased to be working with Andersen using our m2o software to help bring solutions to the marketplace."

With its intuitive, user-friendly interface, m2o guides users through the order configuration process using clickable icons and ensuring that they provide all the necessary information to accurately price and manufacture the desired product. Quoting and ordering in some instances may take minutes compared to conventional methods which can take an hour or more. Sales people and customers can expect to increase the speed and ease of ordering.

Unlike other complex configuration technology, m2o enables users to begin creating their window or patio door order at any point in the specification process. Users can start the product selection process with critical limiting factors such as rough opening size or color. The m2o technology also allows regional specification preferences to be built into the tool which also saves user time.

Andersen expects to introduce its proprietary system of the technology in the fourth quarter of this year and expects to release a web-based version early in 2001.

The Andersen(R) brand is the most recognized brand in the window and patio door industry. The company markets products throughout North America and in South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For a copy of the Andersen 20/10 limited warranty and more information about Andersen products, contact your local Andersen dealer listed under "windows" in the Yellow Pages, or call 800/426-4261, ext. 1232, for the dealer near you.

EdgeNet Inc., which is based in Nashville, Tenn., develops software that ensures error-free configuration and ordering for highly customized products and services. The company's m2o software system, which combines an intuitive, user-friendly interface with sophisticated artificial intelligence, can be integrated with many computer-aided design and enterprise resource planning systems used by large manufacturing companies.

                      m2o Configuration Software
                              Fact Sheet

    The Basics:

    --  m2o is computer software used to design and configure complex
        products and services.

    --  The software prompts users to answer questions about the
        desired configuration details. As questions are answered, m2o
        automatically eliminates irrelevant questions and asks the
        user other appropriate questions based on the design that is
        unfolding. Through its artificial intelligence, m2o also
        infers answers to questions based on the user's input.

    Benefits:

    --  Guarantees complete, accurate orders for standard and
        custom-made products and services

    --  Allows suppliers to generate more sales by reducing quoting
        and ordering time

    --  Makes the ordering process simple and consistent

    --  Reduces waste by guaranteeing accurate, complete orders


    Features:

    Preferences

    --  Users may set "Preferences" for repeatedly used choices. m2o
        then uses these "Preferences" throughout the entire
        configuration process to save users time.

    --  Libraries of "Preferences" may be saved for use with repeat
        customers or recurring configuration requests.

    Graphic Selection

    --  The intuitive design allows users to configure products by
        clicking graphic icons of product/service options, thus making
        configuration decisions quicker and simpler.

    --  m2o can display images in an animated format in a variety of
        file types (metafiles, bitmaps, etc.) to clarify detailed
        product attributes.

    Standardized Drawing (for product configuration)

    --  The software generates standardized drawings based on the
        dimensions of the existing products, ensuring compatibility
        with the manufacturer's specifications.

    --  m2o also contains a module that allows users to print and
        export AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings if used for
        manufactured products. The module is compatible with a variety
        of other CAD systems.

    Composite Unit Designs (for product configuration)

    --  Multiple designs can be joined together to create a single
        unit for manufacture. The software notifies users of
        incompatible designs and asks the appropriate questions that
        enable users to create a design configuration that will work
        every time.

    Order Forms

    --  m2o creates order forms that comply with a company's standards
        including all necessary codes, pricing, and
        dealership/distributor information. Forms can be printed or
        sent electronically.

    Quotes

    --  m2o comprehensive quotes include scaled drawings, options
        chosen, base price, add-on prices, total price for each
        product designed and a grand total for all products.

    --  For product configuration, m2o will show pricing for composite
        units as a whole and by individual component.