CASE STUDY: RICARDO PLC:

Ricardo Improve Customer Supply Chain CAD Data Collaboration. Autoweb Limited, the worldwide supplier of product design communication and collaboration solutions, has announced that it has successfully completed a project for Ricardo plc, a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's automotive industries.

The project involved delivery of Autoweb's innovative software Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal. This software is used by companies, like Ricardo, who need to automate, control and manage their CAD data translations, CAD data communications and collaborative product development activities with business partners.

Using Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal

Already, the Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal software is in use to support the secure data communications requirements of Ricardo's recently awarded engineering development contract with SAIC Motor Co. Ltd., which acquired intellectual property connected with MG Rover's 25 and 75 ranges and Powertrain engines. Ricardo has now established and launched an office of circa 100 professional engineers in Leamington Spa (UK) to service this contract.

The Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal software is being used to communicate data securely between:

• Different Ricardo offices, including Ricardo's office in Shanghai that opened in July.
• Ricardo and its customers, including SAIC Motor Co. Ltd.
• Ricardo and its suppliers.

Both Paul Williams (IT Manager) and Dave Thompson (Data Manager) at Ricardo were heavily involved in the project. When asked about the software, Paul was pleased to state,

'Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal does exactly what we require of our data communication processes':

• The ability to communicate data to the global supply chain.
• Simplification of the communication process by using one simple to use web based interface.
• A full electronic audit trail of all data communications complete with Email distributed delivery notes.

Freeing Up Engineers for Value Added Activities

'Engineers can now concentrate on value added design activities, knowing that the required data is being delivered on time, wherever required.'

Paul was asked about his experience of working with Autoweb and he commented.

'We found Autoweb to be a technically capable team from the outset. We agreed the timing with them and they delivered to meet the expectations of Ricardo. Where issues arose, Autoweb responded both quickly and professionally. Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal are now installed at Ricardo and delivering the benefits we expected. The partnership will now continue and evolve in the months to come to bring further data exchange and management benefits for Ricardo and its customers and supply chain.'

The software in use at Ricardo includes:

• Fusion-DX™: This is the internal application used by Ricardo engineers. It integrates with the following applications:
  • CAD file systems for CATIA v5 and Pro/ENGINEER.
  • DAXNT for OFTP and OFTP with ENGDAT-based communications
  • Nero StartSmart™ CD reading and writing software which is used when very large data packs need to be sent or received
  • Email for internal and external notifications
  • Fusion-DMZ - the Fusion-DX™ Web Portal to communicate with partners and suppliers
• Fusion-DMZ: This is the secure HTTPS web portal that a select number of business partners and suppliers use to:
  • Download data sent to them by Ricardo engineers
  • Upload and send data to specific Ricardo engineers

Project Management

Autoweb's Richard Fones project managed the delivery of the solution and worked closely with Ricardo's implementation team.

'We are pleased that Ricardo is using Fusion-DX™ and the Fusion-DMZ Web Portal in full production and they are reaping the savings and benefits we forecasted', he said. 'Ricardo has identified some further requirements to integrate Fusion-DX™ with some other engineering system applications and we are looking forward to being given the opportunity to do this work.'

About Autoweb Limited

Autoweb Limited is a privately held developer of product design communication and collaboration solutions. Autoweb's Fusion-DX™ product line provides low cost of ownership, scaleable and thin-client web portal based solutions to ensure efficient, fast and secure availability of CAD and related product data within manufacturing supply chains. Fusion-DX™ products are available direct from Autoweb or through Value Added Resellers in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Autoweb Ltd, Leeds, United Kingdom.

For more information visit www.autoweb.net or call (UK) +44 113 242 5151.

More information

Nina Dimeglio-Zaleski
Telephone: (248) 601-7157
Email: learnmore@autoweb.net

Note: All trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their respective holders.

About Ricardo PLC.

With technical centres in the UK, USA, Germany and the Czech Republic, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's automotive industries. The company's engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world's major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 per cent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of £146 million in fiscal year 2004 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Press Contact:

Anthony Smith
Ricardo Media Office
Telepone: +44 (0)1273 382710
Email: media@ricardo.com