Robert Bosch Selects iTAC's easy works CPM Solution

    CANONSBURG, Pa.--April 10, 2002--iTAC Software, a provider of web-based collaborative manufacturing execution systems and technology, announced today that the Robert Bosch Corporation has selected iTAC's easy works collaborative production management (CPM) solution for Bosch's automotive components manufacturing facility in Charleston, SC.
    The system provides traceability, quality management, and production monitoring and reporting capabilities for the manufacture of automotive diesel fuel injection products. The software will collect production data from dozens of machines on the production lines and will be accessed by users in quality, engineering, manufacturing, and executive management.
    According to Bosch, the company selected easy works primarily to address product quality. "This technology will allow us to achieve new standards of quality and first pass yield during the launch of new product lines," says Jerry Smith, Bosch's Engineering Manager of Common Rail Diesel Manufacturing. "In addition, the system will automate the collection of as-built manufacturing data by serial number that is required by our automotive customers for traceability purposes." The easy works software is currently running on several lines at the Charleston facility and is being evaluated for other similar Bosch production lines globally.
    According to Steve Vogel, President of iTAC's U.S. operation, this contract represents the continuation of a dynamic relationship between iTAC and Robert Bosch. "Initially, our relationship with Bosch was as an internal manufacturing execution system (MES) development group in Bosch Telecommunications in Germany. We subsequently developed easy works as a result of this experience. Since establishing iTAC as a separate company in 1998, we have implemented our software in a number of Bosch plants in Europe. This is our first US-based Bosch project, and we are pleased to be selected as a strategic technology provider."

    About Robert Bosch Corporation

    Robert Bosch Corporation has quickly grown in North America and currently has over 50 locations. The backbone of this forward-thinking company is the Bosch team, which consists of roughly 21,750 North American associates and continues to grow yearly. Together, Bosch North American business reached a combined net sales figure of $6.2 billion in 2000. For 90 years, Robert Bosch Corporation has set the standard for quality and innovation in North America. Bosch is known worldwide for developing and manufacturing the best in automotive parts, power tools and major home appliances. For more information about Robert Bosch, visit www.bosch.com.