IFS Applications Chosen by MG Rover to Cut Supply Chain Costs

    CHICAGO--June 18, 2002--Automotive manufacturer MG Rover has signed an agreement with IFS as part of a three-year objective to implement IFS Applications software as a fully integrated, companywide business system.
    Projects thus far in 2002 are valued at about $2 million, and include plans to implement a next-generation European ordering and finance system.
    Scheduled for full implementation in 2003, the ordering and finance system is designed to improve online vehicle ordering and status tracking for MG Rover's national sales companies and its 1,000 European dealers. An IFS customer since 1999, MG Rover already uses IFS components for financials, purchasing and human resources.
    "IFS Applications 2002 will play a significant role in helping MG Rover reduce current operational costs throughout our supply chain. IFS has had a close relationship with MG Rover for several years now, and I see this partnership going from strength to strength in the future," said Bryn Morris, MG Rover's customer process systems manager.
    The United Kingdom's largest independent car manufacturer, MG Rover produces Rover and MG brand vehicles from a single facility in Longbridge, Birmingham.
    "IFS is particularly pleased that MG Rover has decided to base its advanced information technology strategy on IFS Applications. It is testament to our strategy of partnering with our customers and to our capability to deliver a cost-effective solution to a very competitive industry segment," said Alastair Sorbie, managing director of IFS UK Ltd.
    IFS components are specifically designed to support automotive manufacturers and suppliers with comprehensive quality monitoring and analysis tools.
    These tools meet QS 9000 standards, ISO/TS 16949 standards, and the supply chain operations reference model, as defined by the Supply-Chain Council, the Organization for Data Exchange Through Tele-Transmission in Europe, the German Verband Der Automobilindustrie and the Accredited Standards Committee X12.
    IFS also provides portal and Web technology for automotive manufacturers to collaborate with their customers and suppliers.
    Automotive-related companies with large IFS installations include Volvo Cars, BMW, MG Rover, Scania Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Unipart, Finnveden Sheetmetal, Avestor, Expert Components and London Taxis.
    IFS is working with partners, such as business solutions and technology integrator Atos Origin, to further penetrate the European and North American automotive markets.
    IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises. IFS Applications, which is based on Web and portal technology, offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financials, engineering, maintenance and human resource administration.
    IFS provides customers step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise with e-business solutions that offer partner, customer, and supplier collaboration.
    A top five global business applications supplier, IFS has more than 3,200 employees, with sales in 43 countries. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (XSSE: IFS). More information is available at www.ifsna.com.

    IFS Applications is a trademark of IFS Industrial and Financial Systems. All other referenced company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.