QDS TireMaster 5.0 Adds Commercial Application Suite

LAS VEGAS, SEMA Show, Nov. 1 -- Quality Design Systems (QDS), developer of the leading point-of-sale (POS) and accounting software solution for the retail tire industry, today unveiled the latest version of its flagship product, QDS TireMaster(R) 5.0. During an announcement at the 2001 SEMA Show, QDS outlined the expanded features of this latest version of the company's flagship product, which in addition to adding new capabilities for tire retailers also addresses the needs of the commercial tire and automotive aftermarket industries, including automobile repair and service companies.

A complete business solution With the product enhancements in its latest software version, QDS TireMaster 5.0 becomes a more powerful tool for commercial businesses dealing with retreading and tire sales to national fleet accounts. Major improvements include a redesigned and larger purchase order generation capability, an expanded pricing matrix, a commission calculation feature that provides more flexibility in setting up individual commission levels, and a marketing function that queries customer data to produce mailing labels for direct mail advertising. Based on an attractive and easy to use Windows 2000 interface, QDS TireMaster 5.0 is scalable for operations ranging in size from a single store to chain operations. "From a solid position in integrated POS and accounting systems, our goal at QDS has been to create a comprehensive business information solution that extends across the tire and automotive markets," said Ed Engel, president of Quality Design Systems. "With QDS TireMaster 5.0 we are bringing a highly integrated information management tool set to the retail tire and automotive aftermarket that will enable businesses to lower operating costs, streamline business processes and increase profitability."

The CCITRIAD link Through a partnership with CCITRIAD, QDS has also created a link between QDS TireMaster and CCITRIAD's industry-leading LaserCat 2000 PartExpert(TM) and LaborExpert(TM) software. PartExpert is an application-driven, comprehensive parts look-up database with access to over 3,800 aftermarket product lines with more than 3 million part numbers. LaborExpert is integrated with PartExpert to provide flat rate estimates based on current industry standards. If, for example, a water pump were needed for a 1976 Chevy pickup, a work order generated in QDS TireMaster 5.0 would access a database of all the parts needed for the repair or replacement, along with distributor pricing and standard estimates for the required labor. The completed work order would then be utilized by QDS TireMaster 5.0's point-of-sale, payables, receivables and inventory functions. "We are very excited about the value QDS TireMaster 5.0 brings to the commercial tire and automotive aftermarket," noted Mark Davison, CIO of QDS parent company Bandag. "Our goal at Bandag is to support the total business of our customers, not just the manufacturing process. QDS represents an extension of this effort to help our franchise network reduce costs and increase revenues. We believe that our future success will depend heavily on the delivery of business information solutions that accomplish these objectives."

About QDS/CCITRIAD Headquartered in Meridian, Idaho, QDS develops and delivers business information solutions for specialized retail markets. Leveraging an expertise in integrated point-of-sale (POS) and accounting software, QDS technical support and training staff work closely with customers to adapt each software package to the circumstances of their business. With a staff of over 50, QDS follows a product development process that applies its technology to meet the needs of targeted industries, with the goal of enhancing business operations and increasing profitability. As a result, the company's flagship product, QDS TireMaster, is currently the leading business management software product for tire retailers. For more information about QDS and its products, contact Brian Critchfield at (208) 855-0781 or visit QDS on the Internet at http://www.qds-solutions.com. CCITRIAD, a division of Cooperative Computing Inc., has a more than 25-year history of leading the design, development, and servicing of management information systems and solutions to the automotive aftermarket and hardlines and lumber industries. CCITRIAD's system offerings are enhanced by extensive information services featuring highly specialized database products and customer support and maintenance services. CCITRIAD is headquartered in Austin, TX., and has operations in Livermore, CA., Denver, CO., Canada, France, Ireland and the UK. For more information on CCITRIAD, visit the Web site at http://www.ccitriad.com.