GE Fanuc Automation Introduces New i CELL OEE Shop Floor
Intelligence Software to Increase Equipment Effectiveness
New Software Helps Reduce Machine Downtime, Optimize Performance, Boost Quality

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - March 8, 2004 - GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., has introduced the new i CELLOEE Shop Floor Intelligence software solution - which collects real-time availability, performance and quality data from machine tools and production systems to help companies understand the dynamics of their shop floor and identify root causes of losses in downtime, setup, speed, minor stoppages, and part yield. i CELLOEE is an expandable, web-enabled out-of-the-box solution built on GE Fanuc's CIMPLICITY® HMI software development tools. This new solution helps users increase their Overall Equipment Effectiveness by improving access to and analysis of shop floor operations information to reduce machine downtime, boost equipment performance, and improve process quality.

Now available, this new Windows®-based software package provides connectivity, data collection, and support for a wide range of CNCs and machining processes. The application offers graphical and tabular reporting with screens related to production and efficiency, part program management and maintenance management. Users can access data on cycle and setup times and finished part status to pinpoint bottlenecks, evaluate machine tool productivity, and determine quality issues on an individual machine basis, thus improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness. All information is available both locally and remotely using any standard web browser. i CELLOEE also provides tools to remotely diagnose problems with machine ladder and alarm and operation history displays with additional remote functionality for backup and restore.

"Gathering data on current processes is the first step in driving continuous improvement programs," said Douglas Peterson, vice president, CNCs and Lasers, GE Fanuc Automation. "With i CELLOEE, machine tools users can implement a strategy to monitor and understand the root causes on the production floor in order to achieve process improvement. This new application combines the Six Sigma process management knowledge of GE with the machine tool expertise of FANUC to deliver a powerful productivity boost - which is exactly what machining companies urgently need to help improve competitiveness."

For fast startup, i CELLOEE features an open-architecture, high-speed Ethernet backbone. Users can connect directly to Ethernet- or High Speed Serial Bus (HSSB)-enabled CNCs and via data collection modules and RS-232 Ethernet conversion modules to legacy and third-party CNCs.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation, a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services catering to virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Infrastructure and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact: GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906, Phone: (800) GE FANUC, Fax: 434-978-5205, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.

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CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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