FACT Unveils EnSync Solution; Industry's first enterprise synchronization software for manufacturers.

NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 1996--FACT, Inc. today introduced FACT EnSync(TM), the first manufacturing management solution to dynamically synchronize planning, scheduling and execution across the enterprise.

The software is designed to enable manufacturers to achieve dramatic results quickly -- typically a 50 percent reduction in manufacturing cycle time and inventory, plus increases in shop floor throughput and on-time delivery.

EnSync provides dynamic finite capacity scheduling and tracking of all resources and activities, including machines, material, people, tooling and support tasks, to manage the real-time flow of work through the entire manufacturing process. The solution enables a manufacturer to graphically model its entire business process and integrates shop floor execution with continuous feedback to support agility in manufacturing operations.

"Our goal is to change the rules of the game and help manufacturers surge ahead by synchronizing enterprise planning, scheduling and execution, and achieve time-based competitive advantage," said Bob Gumaer, vice president of marketing at FACT. "With the EnSync solution, companies can produce dramatic, rapid results that minimize cycle time and maximize customer satisfaction."

EnSync is targeted to discrete, make-to-order manufacturers with complex processes and high work coordination requirements. Applicable industries include industrial equipment, metal fabrication, automotive supply, printing, furniture and textiles.

The backbone of the EnSync solution is its Bill of Process (BOP) database, a FACT-developed manufacturing management tool that handles all the information and interdependencies necessary to complete customer orders quickly and efficiently. It features a graphical tool that enables manufacturers to define shop floor operations, such as routings, resource needs, materials requirements and other support activities. The BOP also supports communication to support centers regarding procurement, engineering and transportation activities.

Other key EnSync capabilities include:

o Parallel routings that provide the ability to support complex

manufacturing processes and a multi-level bill of material;

o Document viewing capabilities that enable users to attach files

to any system object, eliminating wasteful, out-of-date paper

on the shop floor;

o Microsoft Windows client interface, making EnSync easy to use,

customize and link with other applications; and

o Easy look-up of order status to enhance service on customer

inquiries.

An intuitive system, EnSync end-user training takes only a few hours, and initial implementation can be as short as eight weeks. Full plant implementation typically takes less than six months. Rapid payback supports subsequent enterprise-wide implementation, leveraging the return on the original investment.

EnSync is complementary to FACT's MANDIS solution, a manufacturing and distribution system that manages the supply chain from input and control of raw materials through manufacturing and distribution of finished product to the customer. By integrating MANDIS with EnSync, FACT will enable manufacturers to manage every aspect of the order fulfillment cycle -- combining the best of planning capabilities provided by manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) with the precision of dynamic finite scheduling and the real-time feedback of a manufacturing execution system (MES).

The EnSync announcement coincides with the release of a FACT white paper, Enterprise Synchronization for Competitive Advantage. The paper traces the evolution from traditional MRPII and enterprise resource planning (ERP) to the new manufacturing management paradigm -- enterprise synchronization.

Availability/Pricing

EnSync is available now. It operates in a UNIX, client-server environment of networked PC systems that provide distributed processing power to support real-time manufacturing management. Pricing for EnSync requires a base server system, priced at $99,000, along with a server access license for each client, which ranges between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on the configuration.

About FACT

FACT, Inc., headquartered in Norcross, Ga., markets the EnSync suite of manufacturing management solutions that synchronize planning, scheduling and execution across the enterprise. Combined with a proven implementation methodology, professional services and best-of-breed alliances, EnSync helps manufacturers slash total cycle time quickly and at minimum risk.

For more information, call (800) 844-FACT, ext. 118. -0-

Editors: Please use (800) 844-FACT (844-3228), ext. 123 for

reader inquiries.

EnSync is a trademark of FACT, Inc., Norcross, Ga.

CONTACT: Jamie Muir, FACT, Inc. Albie Jarvis/Ken Day

770/447-8667, Ext. 118 Copithorne & Bellows

617/252-0606