Roadmap to the Built To Order Car

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 2 -- Infrastructure, cost and feasibility issues have, to date, kept the auto industry from achieving a build-to-order philosophy. But that's about to change. A group of experts representing companies that have examined or implemented an X-day car or modularity program will share insights and formulas for applying a build-to- order system. Ultimately, ``Roadmap to the X-Day Car'' will explain how to create a profitable, efficient 8 to 20 day car program. The seminar is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel in Southfield's Town Center.

``Roadmap to the X-Day Car,'' hosted by ALTA International, Inc., will not be ``theory'' based. Instead, it will be a real-world examination of and instructional summit for achieving the X-day car. Experts will share proven solutions, potential pitfalls and actual models for making build-to-order vehicles -- utilizing existing manufacturing facilities -- in less than 20 days.

Specifically, the summit will examine macro and micro issues of implementing an X-day car program financial benefits derived from reduced resource investments and inventory costs

utilizing and maximizing existing manufacturing and IT resources ``When automakers successfully implement X-day car programs, automakers will be able to deliver the right vehicle at the right time to consumers,'' said Kevin Prouty, research director, automotive, AMR Research. ``Implementing a build-to-order system can result in huge benefits for the industry: slashed inventories at every manufacturing and marketing stage; production efficiencies; and delivering vehicles suited directly to the person with the checkbook.''

Executive participants include: Gary Adams, managing director, ALTA International Kevin Prouty, research director, automotive, AMR Research Steve Hanley, vice president, integration group, Dana Corp. John Waraniak, director of e-business speed, Johnson Controls, Inc. Mickey Howard, research officer, 3DayCar Programme, University of Bath ``We will discuss examples of the progress that's been made, and give step- by-step formulas for achieving the X-day car,'' said ALTA's Adams. ``In addition, we will demonstrate the potential this capability brings, including lower inventories throughout the manufacturing process and production efficiencies.''

ALTA provides Power B20(TM), an integrated manufacturing event management solution to deliver the X-day car. It is a bolt-on software solution for real-time event management in a complex production setting.

``Power B20(TM) provides the only manufacturing execution software solution with execution and monitoring programs designed to manage warehouses, configure entire workflows and integrate with existing systems,'' said Adams. It features order execution and monitoring; intelligent warehouse management; graphic workflow configuration; XML and EDI interfacing; and supply logistics and scheduling.

``The Roadmap to the X-Day Car'' provides an opportunity to interact with key executives who have the know-how to make the X-day car reality. To register, or for more information, call (810) 219-1173, e-mail x-daysummit@eisbrenner.com or visit www.alta.net . Space is limited. Continental breakfast and registration begins at 7 a.m. Lunch also will be served.

About ALTA

ALTA is the supply chain and manufacturing event management software company that enables more profitable revenue for automotive suppliers and logistic companies around the world. Founded in 1992, ALTA is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark with subsidiaries in the U.S., the U.K., France and Germany. During the last decade, ALTA has built substantial expertise in the development and implementation of manufacturing systems, largely the result of nearly 10 years of working in the European automobile industry. ALTA helps customers implement strategies like SILS, lean manufacturing, or build-to- order through extensive knowledge and products that preserve existing system investments, shorten lead-times, reduce inventory cost and enhance on-time delivery.