AIAG Conference Tackles Multi-Billion Dollar Interoperability Challenge in Automotive

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) is hosting its first-ever Enterprise Interoperability Showcase conference on Nov. 15, 2006, at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Mich., to tackle the multi-billion dollar challenge created by proprietary IT investments over time that no longer support today’s business process needs- ranging from the shop floor and across the global enterprise, to trading partners and from dealer to supplier.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) estimates that the automotive industry wastes $5 billion annually due to the lack of interoperability, and has provided similar data for other industries. The lack of end-to-end visibility of data when needed impacts decision-making and creates waste at all levels.

AIAG’s conference will present perspectives from industry leaders on successfully integrating the global extended enterprise, as well as feature presentations and demonstrations covering specific industry scenarios in the areas of engineering, quality, material replenishment, warranty and manufacturing. Fred Killeen, chief systems and technology officer, General Motors Corp., will deliver the event’s keynote address and other key speakers include:

— Karla Norsworthy, vice president software standards, IBM Corp. – What
Interoperability Means to Users
— Dr. Steve Ray, division chief, integrated manufacturing systems,
NIST – Virtual Supply Chain
— Mark Schenecker, board member, European Enterprise Interoperability
Centre, Brussels; director, industry standards, SAP – Enterprise
Interoperability Centre (EIC)
— Dr. Christine Legner, Universitat St. Gallen, Switzerland –
Interoperable Data Exchange – Interoperable B2B Collaboration (BMW-
Magna Steyer)
— Pat Snack, AIAG executive loan from GM – AIAG Community Approach to
Interoperability Standards

An exhibit area will showcase solution providers who have or are developing applications to support interoperability and a networking reception will conclude the event.

Individuals may register for AIAG’s Enterprise Interoperability Showcase by visiting www.aiag.org or calling AIAG customer service at (248) 358-3003. Details on the agenda and speakers are available at http://mows.aiag.org/staticcontent/EIAttendee.pdf.

Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG’s goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its more than 1,500 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.aiag.org.