SynQuest Automotive Forum Addresses the Latest Advances in Logistics Technologies That are Delivering High Value

    ATLANTA--Feb. 15, 2002--SynQuest, Inc. today announced strong attendance at its Automotive Logistics Forum held this week in Detroit. The program brought together executives from automotive manufacturers and major suppliers to hear from industry experts on how the latest advances in logistics technology are reducing costs and improving customer service.
    Attendance at the event included executives from Ford, General Motors, MSX, Delphi, Toyota, Dana, Arvin Meritor, APL Logistics, Vector and Isuzu. The presenters included Albert Wittkopp, vice president at One World Logistics of America, a logistics subsidiary of Honda Express Co., LTD, and Kevin Prouty, automotive research director at AMR Research.
    Wittkopp discussed how Honda Express, through its logistics subsidiary One World Logistics, is addressing the complex challenge of how to source and synchronize all inbound materials to assembly operations. In his presentation, New Opportunities for Creating Value, Wittkopp emphasized the difference in transportation management systems (TMS) and logistics management systems (LMS).
    "A TMS focuses solely on logistics plan execution while comparing it to actual cost results. An LMS delivers greater value by defining the proper logistics plan needed to support production by balancing the tradeoffs among transportation, inventory, plants, supplier and returnable container costs while respecting the needs of production," said Wittkopp. "Everyone in this field must remember that logistics planning and execution are based on the needs of production and not the other way around. Having the flexibility and speed to develop the most cost-effective plan to achieve production objectives is our responsibility."
    "Logistics is definitely the hidden jewel," said Prouty. During his discussion, Survival in the Automotive Value Chain, Prouty highlighted the need for both OEMs and suppliers to focus on adopting rapid, flexible planning processes. "Flexibility will be the critical success factor for driving revenue," he added.
    "The attendance of executives from a number of the industry's top companies at the Automotive Forum demonstrates strong market interest in next generation logistics technology that reduces total logistics costs from product design through vehicle delivery," said Tim Harvey, president of SynQuest. "SynQuest has the domain expertise and innovative solutions needed to help companies address the constantly changing demands of the automotive market, and achieve improved profitability and customer service."
    SynQuest automotive solutions are designed to enable OEMs and their suppliers to quickly model complex logistics networks. This approach allows companies to adapt to constantly changing business goals (including profitability and customer service levels) across multiple functions. For example, SynQuest inbound logistics planning software helps companies determine how to organize the flow of inbound materials from suppliers and into assembly operations for lowest total delivered costs, considering transportation, handling, inventory carrying and returnable container cost impact.

    About SynQuest

    SynQuest, Inc. specializes in providing supply chain planning software that is designed to significantly reduce manufacturing and logistics costs and, at the same time, enable companies to meet customer requirements. SynQuest software uses financially focused technology to solve specific, high-value supply chain problems for target markets including automotive, consumer durables and industrial manufacturers. The company's supply chain planning solutions feature rapid implementation for a fast, compelling return on investment. For more information, call 800/844-3228 or visit www.synquest.com.

    SynQuest is a registered trademark of SynQuest, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

    This press release contains statements, estimates or projections, not historical in nature, including statements with respect to plans, projections or future performance of SynQuest and further versions of SynQuest supply chain planning solutions, that may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. These statements, which speak only as of the date given, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from SynQuest's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with product demand and market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties and other uncertainties detailed in SynQuest's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001. SynQuest undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.