ConsenSys Software Ships Version 5 of Product Development Management Software.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1997--ConsenSys Software Corporation today announced that it is now shipping the latest software release, Version 5, of its ConsenSys(R) RapidPDM (product development management) systems. Major new capabilities include a new product structure manager and an easy-to-use graphical browser for quick navigation.

The new product structure manager is used to create and maintain engineering bill of material (BOM) structures, and to relate associated drawings and documents to parts and assemblies. It manages versions of each element, and allows users to graphically view and browse up and down the BOM structures. Users can specify material requirements and manufacturing processes for new and existing products. Users can also change product structure information, compare different versions, and perform other product design and maintenance tasks. This product structure capability allows for even tighter integration with manufacturing resource planning (MRP) production BOMs so manufacturing is always kept up to date with the latest changes.

The document management and workflow additions include version management enhancements and additional capabilities for integration with PC applications. Usability refinements reduce training time even further, for example, the newly designed in-tray for managing e-mail notifications and engineering change tasks. A new graphical, object-oriented browser interface provides even easier navigation and quicker access to product and document information.

Version 5 may also be used in conjunction with ConsenSys WebLinc, a Web server that provides global access to the ConsenSys document/part/BOM library and works with standard Web browsers and servers. WebLinc can be used for both intranet and extranet applications, bringing the benefits of RapidPDM to remote sites such as the shop floor, remote design centers and plants, the supply chain, and customers.

Customers Rely on ConsenSys

One beta site and customer, CalMed Labs, is in the regulated medical device industry, where document control and revision control are very important. They needed a system that tracked every time they changed a design, and notified them that a document needed to be changed as well. "ConsenSys Complete Version 5 shows us the traceability of how the design has evolved over time," said Sheryl Higgins, general manager for CalMed Labs, a manufacturer of devices used in cardiovascular surgery. "We might have 20 components used in 10 different assemblies and if we change even one part, we have to know how that affects all the others. The `where used' feature in ConsenSys does that for me, since I can't mentally remember all that. I rely totally on ConsenSys for revision control."

ConsenSys Software leads the market in delivering systems that are successfully installed and have demonstrated significant return on investment. ConsenSys RapidPDM systems employ a unique "configured, not customized(TM)" set-up method that speeds implementation time and reduces project risk. Users can quickly and easily configure ConsenSys products to their unique terminology, data, and workflow requirements via a simple fill in the blank process. As a result, typical installation time is one to three months. Traditional UNIX-based PDM systems, which are custom built from tool kits, may take a year or more to install.

ConsenSys RapidPDM Systems

ConsenSys Open for Oracle is designed for larger companies that have internal system administration and database administration resources and have standardized on Oracle as their corporate database platform. It includes a SQL interface to Oracle 7, and users can integrate ConsenSys Open with other enterprise client/server applications. ConsenSys Complete is designed for companies that have minimal system administration and database administration resources, or who have not standardized on a corporate database platform. It includes an embedded SQL database.

ConsenSys Software products support most popular desktops, networks, and servers including Microsoft Windows 3.1, 95, and NT, Novell NetWare, Sun Solaris, and Hewlett-Packard HP/UX. Popular e-mail systems supported by ConsenSys include Microsoft Mail and Exchange, Lotus cc:Mail and Notes, Novell GroupWise, and SMTP mail systems. Interface utilities for MANMAN, Oracle Manufacturing, QAD, and other MRP systems are also available.

ConsenSys Version 5 is available now. Pricing for a typical ConsenSys 100 user system is less than $1,600 per user for a completely installed and configured system with one full year of support.

About ConsenSys Software

ConsenSys Software Corporation (http://www.consensoft.com), founded in 1991, is a privately-held software developer headquartered in San Jose, California. The company provides RapidPDM systems to manufacturers operating in environments of rapid product change. The ConsenSys software streamlines product life cycles by automating document control and revisions, product release and change management, and product structure management throughout the manufacturing organization. Customers realize the benefits of shorter product cycles, reduced scrap and rework costs, and easier and less costly FDA GMP and ISO 9000 compliance. ConsenSys systems are installed in over 80 manufacturing companies including Airshow, Alcatel Comptech, Ascend, Datel, Eaton, Hyundai, Ingersoll-Rand, Johnson Matthey, Komag, Medtronic, Multipoint Networks, North American Lighting, Read-Rite, Siemens Energy and Automation, Silicon Light Machines, Target Therapeutics, TV/Com, WL Gore, and others. -0-

Note to Editors: ConsenSys is a registered trademark and ConsenSys Software Corporation and "configured not customized" are trademarks of ConsenSys Software Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: ConsenSys Software Corp.

Lynn McLeod, 408/271-0420

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Martell Communications

Colleen Martell, 408/252-2913

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