News | August 6, 2008

Apriso Extends Leadership In Global Manufacturing Operations Execution With Release Of FlexNet Version 9.4 Service Pack 1

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apriso, a leading provider of adaptive software solutions for global Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), today announced general availability of FlexNet® Version 9.4 Service Pack 1. The Apriso FlexNet Operations Execution System (OES) now supports improved governance of global manufacturing systems, complex sequencing and expanded containment management spanning production, warehouse, supply chain and quality processes.

"FlexNet 9.4 SP1 lets our customers better manage the governance of their global manufacturing processes with new administration capabilities, advanced process deployment controls and enhanced electronic signature features," explains Tom Comstock, senior vice president, product management and marketing for Apriso. "These updates allow our manufacturing customers to better lock down their global best practices, yet still modify local processes as needed, at each site. Electronic signatures help ensure only authorized personnel perform or change processes, while maintaining full traceability across multiple sites."

"Business transformation and high-impact initiatives require an integrative approach to manufacturing operations with typical business processes," states Gartner in its "Hype Cycle for Discrete Manufacturing, 2008," by Dan Miklovic et al, July 1, 2008. "Benefits will be realized by taking a multidisciplinary view of system requirements, and not by implementing software according to traditional categories and solely for traditional department owners."

These benefits are demonstrated in new modules available with FlexNet 9.4 SP1. FlexNet Containment Manager's expanded capabilities help manufacturers to immediately identify, hold, locate and inspect potential non-compliance materials, which may then be quarantined, returned or disposed. What makes this product unique is the wide scope of FlexNet's operations execution footprint; with FlexNet, corrective action can be taken against all elements of manufacturing, including equipment, materials, tooling, labor and suppliers. FlexNet Just-In-Sequence (JIS) enables manufacturers to sequence material flows and manufacturing activities for a complex mix of products. FlexNet's integrated approach to manufacturing is also leveraged in its sequencing capabilities. Unlike narrowly focused competitors, FlexNet JIS sequences material flows across production, quality and warehousing activities.

Detailed Updates

Delivering much more than just a traditional Manufacturing Execution System (MES), enhancements to FlexNet's Operations Execution System provide even greater agility, a lower cost of quality and improved operations performance. Specific application updates include:

  • FlexNet Quality, offering new processes for sampling and quality inspection, in addition to complete integration with containment management processes
  • FlexNet Machine Integrator, including enhanced support for demanding, high-volume data collection applications typical within machine automation systems
  • FlexNet Process Builder expanding support for more complex governance and digital signature requirements, such as those dictated by the US FDA in its 21 CFR-Part 11 regulations
  • FlexNet Global Performance Manager, benefiting from an updated administration dashboard and a more intuitive user interface
  • FlexNet Dispatching Board, supporting improved drag-and-drop updates and dependencies between activities and new user configuration screens
  • FlexNet SPC, detailing expanded functionality to calculate, view and analyze metrics

To learn more about the expanded capabilities of the FlexNet platform, please see the following press releases:

  • Apriso Expands FlexNet for Life Sciences Solution with Containment Management
  • Apriso Announces FlexNet Just-In-Sequence

Availability & Pricing

FlexNet 9.4 SP1 is now available for immediate shipment. Pricing is based on the number of sites, the quantity of resources at each site and the modules deployed.

About Apriso

Apriso Corporation is a software company dedicated to providing competitive advantage for its customers. It does so by enabling organizations to adapt quickly and easily to market changes and unexpected events. Apriso's FlexNet platform provides visibility, adaptability and real-time control of manufacturing operations across the enterprise and supply chain network. This is accomplished by integrating planning, execution and control, increasing operational efficiency and eliminating errors in the production process. Apriso serves more than 170 customers in 41 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia, powering more than 650 installations worldwide. Its customers include General Motors, Lear, Honeywell, L'Oreal, Trixell, Lockheed Martin, Becton Dickinson, Saint-Gobain, Novelis and Essilor. For more information, please go to www.apriso.com.

Apriso and FlexNet are registered trademarks of Apriso Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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