"This makes Factory Logic the first software winner in the history of the Shingo Prize," says Dave Smith, vice president of marketing. "It validates our premise that software is not only a desirable component on the path to lean, but that it also is being recognized as a critical element for successful and enduring lean implementations."

The Shingo Prize is named in honor of the late Dr. Shigeo Shingo, who helped create several lean-manufacturing processes, including the original Toyota Production System. The Prize promotes world-class manufacturing and recognizes companies that achieve superior customer satisfaction and business results.

Factory Logic's Web-based solution, Streamline, was nominated for the Shingo Prize and underwent an extensive review process by prominent academicians and practitioners. Streamline comprises seven services that use lean, option-driven methods to manage factory operations and Web-based technology to connect customers and suppliers directly to the factory floor.

"We are elated to be the first software company to receive such a prestigious award for world-class, lean manufacturing," stated Richard Lebovitz, co-founder and CEO of Factory Logic Software, Inc. "Our domain experts have spent years working around the world to implement lean technologies and have experienced first hand the problems companies have had in making lean stick. With lean expertise built into our Streamline software solution, companies are given what is most often missing from lean conversions: an infrastructure that supports lean initiatives and manages continuous improvement on a day-to-day basis."

Adds co-founder and CTO, Henry Perez, "This award is for the developers and the manufacturing-domain experts who have contributed their knowledge, long hours, and skill into making Streamline an extraordinary solution-set. It makes those long hours getting the newest release ready worth every minute!"

Referred to as the "Nobel prize of manufacturing," by Business Week magazine, the Shingo Prize is to manufacturing what the Malcolm Baldrige Award is to quality. It is awarded annually to companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that demonstrate excellence in lean manufacturing leading to superior customer satisfaction and business performance.

Explains Ross Robson, Shingo Prize executive director. "This is the first time we have seen a software application which ties lean manufacturing techniques and processes within the factory directly to customers and suppliers outside the four walls."