Media Contact:
Marc A. Moschetto, GE Fanuc Automation
508.698.7605, marc.moschetto@gefanuc.com 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GE Fanuc Introduces CIMPLICITY^® HMI 6.1; 
Enabling Manufacturers to Streamline Operations, Extend Manufacturing Information Infrastructure and Improve ROI

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- July 1, 2003--  With the latest release of CIMPLICITY^® HMI, GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., an affiliate of GE Industrial Systems, delivers a diverse array of features designed to extend both the connectivity and localization capabilities of today's global manufacturer. Featuring dynamic screen localization and connectivity enhancements to simplify exchange of data between plant floor and the enterprise, CIMPLICITY HMI 6.1 is a powerful, scalable and easy-to-use solution that allows users from around the globe to quickly and easily implement this world-class solution and unlock the hidden ROI potential of their manufacturing processes.

"The functionality of HMI/SCADA applications continues to evolve well beyond their original role of simple, process-based visualization and control," said Kevin Roach, vice president of the global solutions business at GE Fanuc. "Today they're the foundation of a company's information infrastructure, collecting and distributing plant-floor information to a diverse array of plant intelligence and business-level systems. That's why we've designed CIMPLICITY HMI 6.1 to seamlessly share information with other applications, systems and services that require real-time production information to enhance the day-to-day operations of the plant."

Key to CIMPLICITY HMI 6.1's connectivity enhancements is the ability to share data with Process Execution products such as CIMPLICITY Machine Edition, and Plant Intelligence products like iHistorian™, GE Fanuc's award-winning plant-wide data historian. Through iHistorian, users can collect, retain and share production data with a wide selection of client applications that transform raw production data into actionable business information, and make that information accessible throughout the enterprise and beyond. 

For global users, OEMs or System Integrators who wish to customize HMI screens in their native language, CIMPLICITY HMI 6.1 delivers the ability to change the language of screen and alarm text on the fly. This is an ideal solution for companies with a multi-lingual workforce or for multinational businesses who wish to deploy a single solution across multiple sites throughout different points on the globe, or for global OEMs who wish to create a single product with worldwide support.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include collaborative production management, HMI/SCADA and plant intelligence software; nano to high-end controllers; embedded systems; a wide range of CNCs; motion control; operator interfaces; industrial computers; lasers and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com. 

About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems, a division of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial, electrical and security equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technologies that are used to distribute, protect and control energy and equipment, and to provide premise management. GE provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility customers. For more information visit the website at: www.geindustrial.com.

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