GenRad introduces new GR Force software modules

ANAHEIM, CA -- Feb. 26, 2001 -- GenRad, Inc. [NYSE: GEN], a global leader in electronics manufacturing productivity solutions, today introduced GR Force/Strategist™, a unique decision-making software tool that determines the optimal test and inspection strategy for electronics manufacturers. GR Force/Strategist analyzes the design of each printed circuit assembly, models the production line configuration, and then determines the optimum strategy for the programming of the test and inspection equipment.

Performance enabling software utilized across the entire manufacturing process is vital for electronics manufacturers to compete in the global marketplace. Analysts predict the worldwide market for on-line manufacturing software required to support electronic production will be valued at $185 million in 2001, growing to over $350 million by 2004.

GR Force/Strategist, operating under Microsoft® Windows, gives manufacturers the capability to develop multiple strategies that maximize fault coverage and inspection efficiencies, while improving time to market and time to volume.

Best practice test strategies are developed to ensure fault coverage and throughput are optimized for the application. Programs are then automatically developed for each of GenRad's leading edge test & inspection systems that include:

• Imaging (GR Xstation™)
• In-Circuit-Testers (GR TestStation™)
• Flying Probers (GR Pilot™, Pilot LX™)
• Manufacturing Defect Analyzers (GR Viper™)

GR Force/Strategist is unique in the marketplace with its open architecture that allows the modeling and programming of non-GenRad test and inspection equipment. GR Force/Strategist will be demonstrated at the EtroniX Tradeshow in Anaheim, CA from February 27 - March 1, with customer shipments commencing in June 2001.

"GR Force/Strategist addresses the challenge of manufacturing today's complex printed circuit assemblies which have limited physical test access by providing the capability to optimize fault coverage & throughput prior to the signal routing stage of printed circuit board design," stated Ron Lindell, Vice President of GenRad's Process Solutions group. "Our software accelerates manufacturer's goals of improving time to market, time to volume and time to profit by optimizing test and inspection designs prior to manufacturing."

GR Force/DFx also introduced; GR Force family expanded

GenRad also announced GR Force/DFx™, a new solution for Design for Test and Manufacturability. GR Force/DFx provides tools for designers and manufacturers to improve time to market and time to profit through rapid turnaround of design analysis on industry standards-based manufacturing rules.

Web-based delivery allows for easy communication of rules violations and potential areas for design improvements throughout the Supply Chain.

GR Force/Strategist and GR Force/DFx are part of the GR Force software framework, a suite of GenCAM-certified solutions tailored for PCA electronics manufacturers. Additional GR Force software modules also introduced are:

• GR Force/A3 (previously named GR Alchemist III™) for test program generation from a wide variety of CAD data formats. This module facilitates design for test (DFT) analysis early in the design cycle. Manufacturers can determine the best product design that will enable them to perform accurate testing despite the challenges caused by limitations such as reduced test access
• GR Force/SCE for optimizing the shop floor for supply chain execution. An enterprise class, scalable and high performance execution module. The software delivers plant floor visibility and data collection to and from the supply chain.

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.