Micromain Corporation - MicroMain and Cathexis Demonstrate RFID Technology for Facility Maintenance

(April 16, 2004) AUSTIN, TX - MicroMain Corporation, a leading provider of asset and facility management software and services, and Cathexis Innovations, Inc., a global leader in asset management technologies, today announced that the presidents of the two companies will be presenting ways Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can be used in facility maintenance. The presentation is taking place at The Total Facility Management (TFM) Show, which will be held April 21-23 in Chicago.

The session, entitled “Beyond Bar Codes: Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Facility Maintenance,” will take place April 21 at The TFM Show™. Part of the Information Technology track, this session will describe RFID as an emerging technology that can be used with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to enhance facility operations. Pat Conroy, President of MicroMain Corporation, and Steven Taylor, President of Cathexis Innovations, will be leading this session.

For many years, facility managers have used bar codes in their maintenance operations utilizing a CMMS, such as MicroMain’s MicroMain XM™ system. The bar codes allow assets to be “labeled” in a standard format, which makes it easier to track, maintain, and report on facility assets and inventories. The session at The TFM Show will present ways RFID can be used as a viable alternative to bar codes.

RFID utilizes radio frequency transmissions to retrieve data stored on an integrated circuit. In maintenance management, RFID is used to identify, locate and track assets. Facility managers begin by attaching assets with RFID tags, which are chips combined with an antenna. These tags, typically converted into very small badges or labels for simple adhesion, store asset data.

The managers then use readers to activate the tag and retrieve the data. Communication between the reader and the tag occurs via radio waves, similar to a cordless phone. The reader-tag communication does not require a line of sight between the devices, which increases speed and efficiency in maintenance operations.

The MicroMain-Cathexis presentation will describe the RFID technology in more detail, including the benefits of RFID versus bar codes. Participants will also learn about RFID application in CMMS and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, including case study examples.

Through the presentation at The TFM Show, the nation’s premier forum for senior facility management executives, facility managers will learn how RFID can be used with CMMS to clearly and positively impact facility maintenance management.

About The TFM Show
The TFM Show is the most comprehensive conference and exhibition designed for the diverse needs of facility professionals. It is the only FM industry event that brings together top-level facility executives and provides a platform for career training, professional development, exhibits, and a unique marketplace for the exchange of ideas, development of sales leads, and the opportunity for valuable networking. The TFM Show is owned and operated by Group C Communications, Inc.

About Cathexis Innovations
Privately owned with headquarters in St. John’s, Newfoundland Canada, Cathexis Innovations, Inc. (www.cathexis.ca) specializes in RFID middleware. Cathexis’ flagship product, the RFID Engine™, is a software development wizard proven to reduce RFID development time and complexity by 75%. Cathexis offers end-to-end system design and deployment; providing integration with all major RFID hardware vendors. Cathexis welcomes partnerships with industry leading companies in supply chain, preventive maintenance and retail (point of sale) through its technology, integration and deployment alliance program offerings. The Cathexis Alliance Programs provide a mechanism for partners to utilize RFID technology directly or to easily integrate RFID into their own products and services.

About MicroMain
MicroMain Corporation (www.micromain.com) provides award-winning asset and facility management software and services to organizations worldwide. All MicroMain products are delivered with complete source code, an unprecedented offering that gives each customer complete solution control and flexibility. With MicroMain’s easy-to-use system, customers simplify the maintenance process with automated work orders, improved preventive maintenance scheduling, and enhanced asset tracking and inventory control, which reduces downtime and significantly lowers costs. MicroMain’s data-enabled facility drawings and reports also enable professionals to better manage and extend facility operations. Founded in 1991 in Austin, Texas, MicroMain supports over 15,000 licenses in more than 4,700 facilities throughout the world.

MicroMain XM is a trademark of MicroMain Corporation. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.