IQS is Selected by IBM for Auto Industry e-Sourcing

    CLEVELAND, Aug. 27 IQS, Inc. (http://www.iqs.com ), a leading
provider of advanced QS-9000 collaborative e-business software solutions,
announced at the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Auto-Tech show in
Detroit, they have released IQS Smart Forms(TM).  This IBM Places
(http://www.ibmplaces.ihost.com ) application is an e-APQP (Advanced Product Quality
Planning) solution.  IBM Places is an e-sourcing option for automakers and
their suppliers that enables them to lease leading-edge business applications
over the Internet.
    IQS and IBM are offering a Web-based solution to automate the complex and
rapidly evolving APQP and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) functions.
The automation of these processes, coupled with real-time collaboration, will
transform the industry by dramatically improving existing processes for both
suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through shortened time-
to-market, increased focus on core competencies, global synchronization,
elimination of non-value added tasks, and risk reduction.
    The real opportunity is for an entire supply chain to implement the same
quality process via the Web through an e-sourcing software application for a
low monthly fee.  Using a common infrastructure allows the OEM, or large
supplier, rapid deployment of new modifications or additions to the quality
process.  It also saves the cost of replication of the infrastructure for each
company in the chain.  This monthly fee, $100 per user per month, is low
enough to encourage usage and provide a quick return on investment.
    John Cachat, IQS President and Founder stated, "Our automotive e-business
initiative allows engineering and quality professionals to collaborate across
the supply chain to accelerate product development and time-to-market.  IQS
and IBM provides global e-business technical resources and support."

    Internet Service Functionality
    Currently, quality systems are delivered through legacy systems which are
either mainframe or client-server applications.  These systems are meant for
internal use.  Supplier input is cumbersome and costly, resulting in lack of
participation of the lower tiers.
    Using Web technologies, suppliers can implement quality process
improvements using e-sourcing at a lower cost and for quicker implementation
and easier processing.
    IQS Smart Forms developed with IBM was designed to simplify and streamline
the APQP process.  "The speed of the Internet has intensified the pressures on
the global market," says Cachat.  "Manufacturers focus on core business and
outsource other tasks.  They need to find new ways to enhance communication
and manage complex extended enterprises, all of which require better
collaboration among a wide range of players.  IQS and IBM are providing the
ability to electronically transfer APQP, PPAP and other QS-9000 information
across the entire supply chain."
    "The demands on the automotive supply chain to cut costs can be addressed
with a service of this nature," indicated William Lang, IBM National Practice
Executive for the automotive industry.  "All the effort currently directed at
legal advice, contract reviews, and pricing alternatives, if directed at a
global web-based APQP, Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and PPAP
communication service, will help bring cost reductions to the OEMs.  IBM is
pleased to have IQS on its team to deliver automotive quality systems."

    About IQS
    IQS, Inc., located in Cleveland, OH, is an international pioneer in web
based integrated quality management software.  The most recent offering is IQS
Smart Forms, the e-APQP application on IBM Places.  IQS also offers The IQS
Business System and IQSASP.com the proprietary business model for integrating
quality information systems with ERP systems.  IQS Solutions are flexible,
user-friendly systems that have empowered customers to become more profitable
and competitive.  IQS supports several critical business processes, including
QS-9000, ISO 9000, AS 9000, TE 9000, ISO 14001, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing,
and Supply Chain Effectiveness.

    For more information please visit http://www.IQS.com .

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