Geberit Implements Scala in China

Global leader in the sanitary ware industry chooses Scala to connect remote factories in real-time

2 May 2002: Geberit China, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geberit AG from Switzerland, has signed an agreement to implement Scalas ERP suite of software, including financial, logistics and manufacturing processes, throughout their factories and offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Southeast China.

Last year Geberit carried out an extensive evaluation of 11 different solutions from both local and global ERP vendors, including Scala, QAD, SSA, Fourthshift and GrapeCity. The companys main requirements included being able to connect factories at different locations in real time; that the vendor should have en extensive reference base and proven local track record in China; and the ERP system had to be easy to implement. Scala won on all accounts. With installations in over 100 countries worldwide, a leading market position in China, and in particular, support for remote access from multiple locations, Geberit believes that Scala will be able to significantly streamline their business processes.

Yang Xueqiang, ERP Project Manager at Geberit China says that the company is satisfied with their new system thanks to its powerful functionality, its ability to handle all the daily operational processes, its open architecture, its user friendly interface and the fact that it is easy-to-use. He comments: Scala will comprehensively streamline our business processes."

Scala Chinas Managing Director, Peter Bornschein, explains how Scala is well-prepared to respond to changing market demands in China. We are obviously very excited about this order that we believe will further solidify our sound position in China, reinforce our local strength and build further confidence in our company and products." He adds: The ERP market fluctuated last year when the global economic situation was dull and many ERP vendors suffered the same challenging market conditions, but in contrast, since last year, Scala has expanded its sales force and implementation team in China. We now have a more advantageous position when offering products and services and we are well-prepared to respond to changing market demand quicker and more efficiently."

For the second consecutive year, Scala Business Solutions was the number one ERP vendor in China, according to a report by IDC (International Data Corporation) published in June 2001. Scala was the vendor with the largest customer base in China at the end of 2000, with 315 installations -- over 12% of all ERP installations in mainland China. Scala was also awarded ERP Solution of the Year" in 2001 by Microsoft.

Bornschein added that Scalas customers around the world continue to say that Scala delivers the right mix of products and services to meet their needs in a rapidly-changing business world, whether those customers operate globally or locally, and wherever they operate. Our products are cost-effective and can be deployed globally to give our customers the standardisation they need for making global business simple."

# # #

Notes to Editors

About Geberit

Geberit AG, a public company with annual revenue over 1.2 billion Swiss Franc, is a global leader in the sanitary ware industry. With 40 subsidiaries, Geberti has 4,500 employees in 70 counties across Europe, US and Asia including China. Over the past years, Geberit China has built-up complete manufacturing facilities and an extensive distribution system, together with warehouses, support and management centres in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Southeast China.
For more information visit www.geberit.com

About Scala Business Solutions

Scala Business Solutions creates collaborative ERP software -- integrating Internet technology and traditional ERP functionality -- to make global business simple. With Scala, global companies can fully integrate all their ERP systems anywhere in the world, whether in a subsidiary, division or headquarters, and extending to their partners and suppliers. Scalas collaborative ERP software makes it possible for global companies to meet the requirements for advanced e-business as well as use a standard ERP product for managing traditional business processes. This enables them to gain measurable benefits from trading electronically, building a private exchange or global portal, or optimising the supply chain.

From offices in Europe, North America and the Far East, and through its network of partners and dealers, Scala delivers software and services that are available in over 30 languages in more than 100 countries.

Scala is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: SCALA). 2001 revenue was USD 70.6 million.

Visit Scalas website at www.scala.net for press information including press releases, information for investors, and company and product information.

© 2002 Scala Business Solutions, NV. All rights reserved. Scala® is a registered trademark. Other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.