Manuvis Enhances the First SOA-Enabled Plant Performance Monitoring (PPM) Solution.

FactoryMRI([R] )Expands its Powerful, Simple to Configure, Event Notification Tool for Proactively Managing Plant Operations, Supporting Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma 

CLEVELAND -- Manuvis, a leading supplier of Plant Performance Monitoring systems, today announced the availability of powerful enhancements to the event notification feature of its FactoryMRI([R]) product, expanding its capabilities as an Enterprise Resource Monitoring solution. This feature enables managers to be more proactive, resolving problems before they can impact the customer. Because FactoryMRI([R]) is built on a SOA platform, it allows disparate data such as inventory or customer data to be included in event notification logic, transforming this data into qualified business intelligence, and helps customers leverage investments in existing ERP systems.

The new enhancements extend the potential usage of FactoryMRI([R]) to help reduce downtime and machine setup costs, increase throughput, and increase production capacity and labor efficiency. The Event Manager Module creates competitive advantage by permitting companies to quickly establish near real-time alerts for user-defined exception conditions. Alerts are delivered via most communication tools, including email and cellular text messages. Exception condition definitions are almost limitless but typical examples are out-of-control process conditions or personal notification when the next time a certain item is being produced.

Unlike traditional PPM systems that transfer data collection processes from the front office to the machine operators, FactoryMRI([R]) pulls data directly from production machines via operator control stations (OCS). Not only does FactoryMRI([R]) provide real-time visibility and analyses for each machine, it gives managers insight into labor utilization, immediately displaying the results in graphical or report formats, or data export. FactoryMRI([R]) is completely Web-based, allowing any device that has a Web browser to securely access the information via the company's network.

FactoryMRI([R]) combines the strength of the award-winning Progress OpenEdge business application platform, with the Progress Sonic ESB product, the industry-leading approach to standards-based application integration. The Progress OpenEdge platform provides the most flexible, reliable, and integrated business application platform available, helping companies to differentiate their businesses and sustain competitive advantage. Combining XML, enterprise-grade communication services, and an SOA based on Web services standards, the Sonic ESB technology provides a cost-effective way to integrate applications and manage services distributed across an extended enterprise. Through an SOA environment, OpenEdge and Sonic technologies deliver unparalleled flexibility allowing companies to leverage existing technology, quickly adapt to new technology, easily connect with customers, partners, and suppliers, and rapidly adapt to changing business requirements.

About Manuvis

Manuvis is a leading supplier of Plant Performance Monitoring systems that provide unprecedented visibility into manufacturing operations. The company was founded by owner/operators of successful manufacturing companies, who understand Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, the need for accurate data, and challenges faced by manufacturers today.

Our cornerstone product, FactoryMRI([R]), is a SOA-enabled system that fully integrates the shop floor with the enterprise, pulling data directly from production machines in real-time. This gives plant decision-makers greater visibility into production operations and access to the information they need to make relevant business decisions. For more information on how to increase your bottom line please visit www.manuvis.com or phone [phone].

About Progress Software Corporation

Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq:PRGS) is a global industry leader providing application infrastructure software for all aspects of the development, deployment, integration and management of business applications. Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., Progress can be reached at www.progress.com or [phone].