The new features of SFLM™ allow manufacturers to build product right, first time and every time by verifying the PCA equipment setup. New information can then be published securely via the web to customers and/or suppliers by the new virtual factory reports. This feature is essential for today's contract manufacturing markets to compete on a global basis.

SFLM now gives PCA manufacturers the provision of on-line and real-time Statistical Process Control (SPC). This allows variability caused by process conditions or product attributes to be monitored, analyzed and controlled. This significant industry first allows integrated SPC with line monitoring and control solutions in a mixed machine vendor environment.

GenRad has also enhanced the machine support in this new release by offering SMEMA compatible interfaces and bar-code reader support. This new feature provides equipment control and monitoring for machines without any interfaces.

SFLM's distinguishing new features include:

• Statistical Process Control (SPC) -Now real-time SPC displays anywhere on a user's Intranet. The new SPC module allows users to access anywhere within a company's Intranet the viewing control charts for any attribute or variable data point gathered from any machine or process on the factory floor. In addition, multiple chart displays are viewable on a single client, and all chart clients viewing the same display are automatically and simultaneously updated using SFLM's publish-and-subscribe XML messaging architecture. These new features utilize Statware's new flagship real-time, web enabled SPC engine, Statit e-Server™.
  The real-time SPC system is also fully integrated with the SFLM Alarming module, which sends control limit violations to any number of destinations, including email, pagers, Web pages, or individual computers on the network.
• Virtual Factory -Customers of contract manufacturers can now also view production figures for their own products in a secure environment over the Internet. Using a Web browser, up-to-the-minute production results can be retrieved anytime. This secure environment is provided by Netegrity's SiteMinder™ state-of-the-art security technology embedded within Allaire's ColdFusion™ web-reporting tool included with SFLM.
• Feeder Verification -In-time configuration verification in a heterogeneous environment ensures the product is correctly made the first time to avoid having to correct flaws found by an inspection after the assembly process. The Feeder Verification module is a total solution containing both hardware and software: The hardware consists of a Palm OS™ device by Symbol Technologies that has a built-in barcode scanner. The software consists of custom programming to ensure the correct part is in the feeder, and the feeder is in the correct machine slot.
  Supporting Feeder Verification is a Material Receiving module, which correlates quantities of parts, part numbers, and other relevant information with the specific reel. Material Receiving can print the barcode for the reel as well.
• Assembly-level Genealogy - Both serialized and non-serialized components can be represented in n-level hierarchies.
• Schematic Viewer for the Repair Loop - Schematic views have long been used by expert technicians for troubleshooting complex electronic assemblies. Now both physical (layout) and logical (schematic) PCA views can be tightly coupled with the debug and repair processes inside the repair loop for even faster repair times. This rework application is the fully TRACS III®-compatible Repair Loop Manager of SFLM.

"Our new Shop Floor Line Manager is further testament to our commitment of helping electronics manufacturers be more successful," stated Ron Lindell, Vice President of GenRad's Process Solutions unit. "The new features of SFLM meet the needs of manufacturers who have asked for more comprehensive and timely information that they can then share with their respective internal and external customers. We are working with our customers on a daily basis to be sure we are delivering the tools they need to be successful."

GenRad provides printed circuit assembly 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, optimization and balancing of PCA equipment 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.

GenRad, GR, Shop Floor Line Manager, SFLM, GR Alchemist III, and TRACS III are registered trademarks or trademarks of GenRad, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies: Statit e-Server À Statware, Inc.; SiteMinder À Netegrity Inc.; ColdFusion À Allaire Corporation; Palm OS À Palm, Inc.