IBS Introduces New Technology for Automotive Suppliers at AIAG Showcase

Leading compliance software provider demonstrates automated Web services that streamline supply chain management

LEXINGTON, Mass., Nov. 16 -- IBS America, a leading provider of compliance management solutions essential to creating a "Culture of Compliance," yesterday demonstrated new capabilities that simplify the transfer of data between automotive suppliers and customers. The presentation was given at the Automotive Industry Action Group's (AIAG) first Enterprise Interoperability Showcase in Novi, Michigan.

The presentation, titled "eAPQP: Automating the Business Process," explained how the integration of technology improves supply chain management, particularly advanced product quality planning (APQP). The AIAG's eAPQP Work Group, headed by Cummins Engine, Inc., has worked for almost two years and has involved a consortium of vendors and suppliers, all of whom participate on a volunteer basis. With eAPQP, customers and suppliers can transfer important data electronically using a standards-based approach. IBS took audience members through the process, demonstrating a paper-free, vendor-neutral way to transfer a parts submission warrant.

"By introducing automated web services, automotive suppliers will see greater efficiency and lower costs," said Stephen Cummings, VP of Marketing, IBS America. "Suppliers will experience these benefits soon, as this technology is becoming a critical manufacturing requirement across the industry."

As a leading provider of compliance solutions to the automotive industry, IBS software helps customers achieve sustainable compliance with regulatory standards like ISO/TS 16949. In addition, IBS software facilitates the creation and tracking of all documents referenced in the AIAG guidelines for APQP.

This new capability was demonstrated using QSi System, IBS' client/server- based compliance management system. This software is also available as a hosted application for compliance management called QSi Now! at an annual per- user cost.