WESTFORD, MA -- December 4, 2000 -- GenRad, Inc. [NYSE: GEN], a leading producer of advanced performance-assurance products for electronics manufacturers, today released Shop Floor Data Manager™ (SFDM) 4.7, the most powerful and feature rich version of the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that is the industry leader for electronic OEMs and contract manufacturers.

GenRad's SFDM helps electronics OEMs and contract manufacturers improve their time-to-market, time-to-volume and quality challenges by enabling them to monitor and control their manufacturing processes.

New Web-based reports and many engineering- and customer-driven enhancements lead the list of significant new features. Others include improvements in usability by consolidating many separate functions into simpler screens and new automatic messaging support for non-operator based manufacturing.

"Our new SFDM is the most feature rich Manufacturing Execution System available today," said Ron Lindell, Vice President of GenRad's Process Solutions unit. "High technology manufacturers now have an improved solution that they can utilize to improve Time-to-Quality, Time-to-Volume and Time-to-Profit that are so essential in today's fast moving technology businesses."

GenRad's new SFDM features help high technology manufacturers maximize their production investment through increased efficiencies. These efficiencies are realized in enhanced flexibility, improved process knowledge and superior product quality. Significant new benefits of SFDM 4.7 are:

• Random sampling routing control
• Improved alternative component capabilities
• Enhanced Build-to-Order support
• Simplified failure tracking
• Extended work instruction delivery
• Superior data collection capabilities
• Detailed genealogy recording
• Web based reporting

Real-time manufacturing information for the plant floor is provided by SFDM across all aspects of high technology manufacturing.

Simplified information collection and the new web-based reporting allow information to be available to the virtual manufacturing enterprise both upwards and down the extended supply chain. Management and control of production has been simplified with enhanced build-to-order support and the extension of the work instruction delivery capabilities.

GenRad Process Solution Software Family

GenRad provides printed circuit assembly (PCA) manufacturers with an entire integrated solution to optimize the manufacturing process.

In the design phase, GenRad software allows for, among other things, the translation of CAD data and the set-up and balancing of machines along the entire manufacturing line. During the assembly process, GenRad systems and software solutions provide support for inspection of the boards and real-time data collection.

GenRad also offers multiple tester platforms, including fixtureless flying prober, manufacturing defect analyzer, in-circuit and x-ray test for the complex printed circuit boards.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] is a global leader of electronics manufacturing productivity solutions for contract and original equipment manufacturers [OEM] of handheld and wireless devices, PCs and business servers, DSL and other broadband switching and routing technologies, and other devices integral to emerging Internet e-commerce markets. GenRad also applies its technologies to development of diagnostic solutions for the automotive and general transportation industry.

GenRad is comprised of four lines of business bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and un-interruptable business applications:

• Process Solutions focuses on in-circuit test, x-ray test, and re-work solutions as well as plant and line management solutions for electronic product manufacturers.
• Functional Solutions focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.
• Diagnostic Solutions focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.
• Support and Services focuses on maintenance programs, on-site and remote support, programming services, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs approximately 1,400 people and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.