Delphi improves quality through Covisint Problem Solver service

Service helps OEM's and Suppliers improve Quality

Detroit, Nov. 19, 2003 -- After the first full year of implementation of Covisint Problem Solver, Delphi Corp. has recognized performance improvements in several areas. Use of the Covisint Problem Solver tool has been a key enabler, helping Delphi to accomplish a 50 percent reduction in problems per million (PPM) during the year of implementation

"Improving quality is a win-win proposition for both customers and suppliers," said Jon Stegner, general director, Delphi Global Supply Management. "In our quest to exceed our customers' expectations, we will only be successful if our suppliers continue to improve quality. In fact, we consider them as an extension of our own Delphi manufacturing sites. Using Problem Solver has been a key enabler in continuing to work with Delphi's suppliers."

The Covisint Problem Solver has improved communications between Delphi and its suppliers because the web-based application enables quicker resolution of quality problems. It also promotes the closure of open problems by assigning clear accountability and issuing timed, automatic communications by the project leaders.

The application uses "5 Why Methodology," which more efficiently and effectively helps determine root cause issues. The Covisint Problem Solver also provides key quality metrics to Delphi's suppliers, which helps them focus and continuously improve. The need to improve quality with the OEM's has never been greater, and globally competitive markets demand commitment to zero defect quality.

The Covisint Problem Solver helps improve customer-supplier problem coordination with a structured communication tool that instantly delivers problem information to the specific people that are in a position to document and solve the problem. Problem Solver works by guiding users through a structured process of defining the problem, developing a containment plan, identifying the root cause, and finally correcting the problem then validating the solution. The tool helps prevent future occurrences by compiling information about the concerns, identifying the patterns and documenting and lessons learned.

Covisint Problem Solver is part of the Covisint Industry Operating System. This innovative system is comprised of Covisint Communicate portal services that provide a turnkey approach to supplier portals that is easy to implement and easy-to-use. The Covisint Communicate portal provides supplier personnel with access to the information they need to work with the their customer or supplier. Underlying the web-based user workspace is Covisint Connect, a data messaging service that provides a single connection for a company's computers to exchange data with the computers of its partners.

About Covisint
Covisint is the independent e-business service provider for the global automotive industry. Its business-to-business services connect and enable car manufacturers and their suppliers to reduce costs, increase efficiency, enhance quality and improve time to market. Covisint was founded by DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Renault, Nissan, Commerce One and Oracle in 2000. Since its inception, PSA Peugeot Citroën also has joined the initiative. Covisint has its headquarters in Southfield, Mich., and sales offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Paris, Brazil and Mexico. For more information about Covisint, visit www.covisint.com.

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