Future Three Introduces New Web-Based Solution to Auto Suppliers
6 December 1999
Future Three Introduces New Web-Based Solution to Auto Suppliers
NORTHVILLE, Mich., Dec. -- Future Three, Inc., developers
of integrated e-business-to-business, release accounting and shipping control
applications for automotive suppliers, introduced a prototype web solution to
a select group of automotive suppliers today. The new technology, named
Vendor Net, is generating tremendous excitement within the Future Three-
customer base. Future Three clients previewed the prototype application as
part of a validation process to support a go-to-market strategy for Vendor
Net.
Vendors Net will extend the communication reach for all auto suppliers.
This common interface will easily integrate into the existing infrastructure
already in place at the 500 manufacturing locations where Future Three's
AutoRelease system is installed. The first phase of the new technology will
be an extension of Future Three's VendorRelease system. VendorRelease
provides the ability for suppliers to create electronic orders in the form of
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to their own suppliers. Subsequent versions
of Vendor Net will enable integration with any customer order system. Vendor
Net will enable suppliers to extend the flow of information throughout the
1st, 2nd and 3rd-tiers of the automotive supply chain.
Future Three has dedicated significant resources to deliver this solution
to the market early next year. This commitment includes:
* Development of a web browser-based application that enables vendor
scheduling and shipment management supporting worldwide web, ANX(R) network
service, and virtual private network communications.
* Provide the ability to produce forms on a web server allowing suppliers
to view planning and shipping schedules, and generate a port of entry for
shipment information.
* Offering an application hosting service that gives options for low-
volume or non-EDI capable suppliers.
This endeavor to build an Internet based solution is a natural phase in
building a collaborative supply chain. "By leveraging the Internet, Future
Three is lowering the economic barriers for smaller automotive trading
partners," stated Future Three CEO John Flavin. "We will continue to evolve
our product sets to support a collaborative supply chain. Our goal is greater
trading partner involvement. Our next objective will be to include the
development of technologies such as XML (Extensible Markup Language), enabling
machine-to-machine exchange."
With the general availability of Vendor Net in the second quarter of 2000,
suppliers will have the ability to publish forms on a web server letting sub-
tier suppliers view order and shipment schedules, and create a form for
advance shipment information. Future Three will model Vendor Net similarly to
the current worldwide web, where the cost of usage is assumed at the hub
level. The end user needs only a browser to access the system. Neither party
will be charged for network or individual transaction fees -- a costly
practice commonly found in the industry.
Michigan-based Future Three develops fully integrated release accounting
software systems that enable automotive suppliers to manage their entire
supply chain. 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 management solutions designed for high-volume automotive suppliers.
For further information, call 800-444-2488 or visit http://www.future3.com .
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.