Future Three Announces E-Business Solution to Assist Auto Suppliers
19 November 1999
Future Three Announces E-Business Solution to Assist Auto Suppliers
NORTHVILLE, Mich., Nov. 19 - Future Three, Inc., developers
of integrated demand management, release accounting and shipping control
applications for automotive suppliers, announced today plans to embark on the
next generation of electronic commerce solutions. At an executive strategy
meeting, recently appointed Future Three CEO John Flavin declared the
expansion of Future Three's products and services to meet the portal needs of
suppliers to all OEMs including both Ford and General Motors Corporation.
Ford and GM have recently announced their Internet intentions with Ford's
AutoXchange portal and GM's TradeXchange portal. Flavin supported the
Internet strategies of the top automakers and committed that Future Three will
continue to be the leader in automotive software solutions by marketing an
e-business solution set for automotive suppliers.
Because of the recent OEM announcements, many suppliers are questioning
whether the push to connect to the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)
sponsored Automotive Network exchange(R)(ANX) is a priority. The ANX network
service is the AIAG's private Internet-like communication link that provides
secure access to automotive trading partners, and will reduce the support,
effort, costs and time associated with existing communications. "Absolutely,"
confirmed Lee Pittman, AIAG board member and VP of Industry Relations at
Future Three. "The ANX will allow the Ford and GM portals to reach a critical
mass in a very timely and effective manner. By using existing ANX
connectivity, suppliers to Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler will be able to
leverage their communication investment."
Future Three is developing a web-based solution that will extend the
electronic communication reach of all auto suppliers. The scheduled release
of the new technology is the first quarter of 2000. "Our objective is to
create an environment where all data transmission for production planning,
ordering, and shipping can be accomplished in real-time. By offering an
Internet solution that accelerates the efforts of the OEMs, Future Three is
contributing to the goal of reducing information lead time through the supply
chain from several weeks to one day per tier," expressed Flavin. "E-commerce
will become the standard for all tiers of the supply chain, eliminating the
wait time associated with traditional ordering and shipment processes. With
the tools we are offering to the marketplace, every production part and MRO
supplier will be able to participate in the e-commerce world that is being
requested by the OEMs."
In addition to software contributions, Future Three continues to support
the efforts of the automotive industry through active participation in
industry associations like the AIAG and American Production and Inventory
Control Society (APICS). "Our commitment to the automotive industry is
tremendous. Automotive is the only industry sector we currently service, so
our dedication to its success is extreme," stated Flavin. Future Three was
honored earlier this year with the AIAG Corporate Achievement Award. AIAG
Board of Directors cited the award was due to Future Three's participation and
leadership in AIAG's Automatic Identification initiatives, Electronic Commerce
activities, Materials Management projects and Truck Advisory Group activities.
For further information, call 800-444-2488 or visit http://www.future3.com .
About the Company:
Since 1983, Future Three has emerged as a leading organization in the
integration of data throughout the manufacturing systems of North America.
Today, Future Three's AutoRelease, VendorRelease, AutoScan and related
Consulting Services are an integral part of fully integrated supply chain.
The dynamic release accounting solution is designed for high-volume automotive
suppliers. Privately held, the company is majority owned by Summit Partners,
Ltd. of Boston, MA.
ANX(R) and Automotive Network eXchange(R) are registered in the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office as service marks by the Automotive Industry Action
Group (AIAG), Southfield, Michigan.