Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2001

AGR Will Use IFS' Web-based Components to Unify

and Further Develop Its International Presence

IFS Monday announced that it has signed a global contract to migrate AGR International Inc. from Time Critical Manufacturing (TCM) software to IFS Applications 2001(TM) web-based software for the extended enterprise.

AGR, based in Butler, Pa., is a major supplier of on-line inspection equipment and laboratory-based quality control devices.

IFS acquired the developer of TCM software in 1999 as part of its growth strategy in North America. Since then, the company has been converting TCM users to IFS Applications via a Migration Toolkit that provides a cost-effective, easy-to-manage and predictable transition.

AGR Chief Financial Officer William Bellis said, "As AGR continues to expand into new geographic markets, it's vital that we have a standard business system that unifies our operations. IFS has the extensive functionally, flexibility and global resources to handle the complexities ahead of us, regardless of the pace or place that we select."

Terje Vangbo, IFS North America Inc. president and chief executive officer, commented, "The IFS approach is the same around the world -- a simple but powerful solution of components and integration. It's what has made us the world's fastest-growing vendor of business software for the past three years.

"Our modular concept and open architecture ensure extreme agility and step-by-step evolution to e-business and beyond."

AGR's technology provides vision inspection, thickness measurement, optical measurement, pressure testing, container handling, and leak detection in packaging materials used by the glass, plastics, and pharmaceutical markets. The company will implement the IFS system at its Pennsylvania headquarters and at facilities in Germany and Italy.

About IFS and IFS Applications (www.ifsworld.com)

IFS develops and supplies business applications that offer step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise. Based on proven component technology, IFS Applications(TM) software includes web-based enterprise applications, customer relationship management and supply chain management components, Internet storefronts, e-markets, and e-procurement solutions.

The company's over 60 functional business components, which span the entire demand and supply chain, improve business processes in medium to large companies. IFS eBusiness(TM) solutions provide seamless integration of all data sources from the fastest web sites and exchanges to legacy enterprise resource planning.

IFS is the fastest-growing large global vendor in the business applications market. The company has 3,500 employees with products sold in 42 countries through 65 offices around the world.

IFS Applications is a trademark of IFS Industrial and Financial Systems. All other referenced company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.