Autoweb Enhances Workwise(CX), its Global Collaboration Tool

Autoweb, a global provider of engineering data management and exchange services, has unveiled a new, significantly improved version of Workwise(CX), its online collaborative exchange utility.

Workwise(CX) now offers pre-configured virtual “rooms” that complement natural work processes used by team members working at locations around the globe.

“With Workwise(CX), users can be up and running in days without investing the time and resources required to develop project-specific tools,” said Nino DiCosmo, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Autoweb. “The solution’s new preconfigured rooms were developed to address the real-time work needs of the engineering, design and product development community.”

Based on initial evaluation of the product, DiCosmo said, many of Autoweb’s customers can expect to see project completion times reduced by up to 15 percent or more.

New Workwise(CX) features include:

* A project management room that facilitates all of the complicated tasks
associated with managing a project.

* A bid management room gives sourced suppliers a common access point to
collect, review and disseminate bid packages that reduces the time
needed to complete the procurement process.

* A supplier portal room provides an extended enterprise the ability to
easily find all pertinent project or program information.

* And a design review room that allows engineers to visually collaborate
on designs in real-time.

“By diminishing the effects of time and space with Workwise(CX), we are helping companies work more effectively and efficiently,” DiCosmo added.

Workwise(CX) was launched by Autoweb in February 2005 as a hosted, Internet-accessible, virtual team workspace. Based on UGS’ Teamcenter Community(TM), it allows teams to collaborate on all types of projects in a safe, secure, traceable environment.

Originally called the Collaborative Exchange, the utility solution was renamed as Workwise(CX). Since its launch, 460 corporate users have registered on Workwise(CX). Autoweb currently is scheduled to more than double its Workwise(CX) customer base by the end of 2006.

“The enhancements to Workwise(CX) will increase the true versatility of this product for all the organizations within a company,” said DiCosmo. “Many of our customers are beginning to realize the value of having an on-demand, hosted collaboration tool.”

A U.S. software provider recently, for example, used Autoweb’s Workwise(CX) to implement a solution at a major Korean OEM and completed its project in only two-thirds of the scheduled time. By contrast, a similar implementation that the software company began at the same time, using traditional methods, was only 22 percent completed by the time the Korean project was finished.

Autoweb is a leading global provider of engineering data management and exchange services, connecting engineering supply chains around the world via a secure, reliable and traceable communication medium. Autoweb is responsible for thousands of companies’ most sensitive information. Its clients include General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Pratt & Whitney, BAE Systems, Bentley Motors, Delphi, Faurecia and thousands more. With more than 20,000 users in 48 countries, Autoweb links the global manufacturing community.