FARO's CAM2 Software Tracks DaimlerChrysler Dimensional Quality

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LAKE MARY, Fla., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- DaimlerChrysler AG has recently equipped the fifth assembly line at its Rastatt, Germany facility with FARO CAM2(TM) SPC Process software, a high performance quality control management software system developed and produced by FARO.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000522/FLM035LOGO)

Intended for multiple-stage assembly and factory-wide control, CAM2 SPC Process is an efficient data management, analysis and control tool for quality assurance in any manufacturing industry. The software accommodates large amounts of data that can also be made available to other sections of an assembly facility. CAM2 SPC Process was developed by FARO Europe and DaimlerChrysler, specifically for production of the Mercedes S-Class vehicles. Users work with SPC Process much the same way as they would a graphic system. In addition to installations at six DaimlerChrysler facilities, SPC Process is installed at Porsche AG Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen where the various 911s and the Boxster are assembled.

About 200,000 A-Class vehicles are assembled annually at Rastatt, where DaimlerChrysler has used FARO software since 1999. Nearly 200 quality control workers document the importance of the company's "Quality" theme. The "Quality Management Body-in-White Measurement Technology (QRM)" Team is responsible for meeting quality standards for bodies-in-white.

Heiko Riehl, Manager of the QRM Team for measurement technology, describes a data output situation. "At one time, it was entirely possible that the side of a vehicle was measured with one machine and a door of the same vehicle with another measuring machine. Then, the data was not coordinated correctly. The result was a lot of scurrying around, collecting printed out hard copies and making photocopies. All of this was done so that we could begin to verify our measurements.

"So, it was our wish to create a central database that could store all measurement standards for parts in all applicable measurement systems and thus be made readily available throughout the plant. All data should be made available at any PC throughout the plant and this is now possible using the FARO SPC Process software."

The measurement technicians had another idea and that was to combine the data in such a way to conduct in-depth analyses. Analyses that would make it possible, first, in case of a deviation to determine the cause, take corrective action or better yet detect trends earlier so that corrective action could be initiated earlier. "The sooner we detect a problem, the less costly it will be. Working with FARO enables us to implement of our wishes," Riehl said.

The quality control team at DaimlerChrysler Rastatt has plans to expand the SPC system. In addition to using CAM2 SPC Process at the body-in-white stage, Riehl said that they would implement CAM2 SPC Process during further assembly. "And we also hope that our suppliers will make use of CAM2 SPC Process software. Incorporation of the FARO software at all stages of production, including all suppliers, will ensure that the customer is provided with the highest quality vehicle," he said.

About FARO

FARO (www.faro.com) and its international subsidiaries design, develop and market CAM2 systems and services for manufacturers of automotive, aerospace, industrial and consumer products worldwide. Principal products include the FaroArm, a six-degree-of-freedom articulating arm, a family of advanced CAD- based measurement and reporting software and the Control Station, an all- inclusive measurement system. FARO products provide manufacturers the freedom to measure production parts or complex assemblies right where they are built. FARO's customers benefit through improved productivity and enhanced product quality because of reduced rework and scrap within the manufacturing process. A recognized leader of dimensional quality control products worldwide, FARO is ISO 9001 certified and Guide 25 approved.

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SOURCE FARO Technologies Inc.
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CAPTION: FLM035LOGO FARO TECHNOLOGIES LOGO FARO Technologies Logo. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] LAKE MARY, FL USA 05/22/2000

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding FARO Technologies Inc's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.