FAST Introduces Version 2.0 of Its "Decision-less" Kitchen

Smart Commercial Kitchen® (SCK®) Management System Proven to Reduce Labor Costs in Beta Testing.

STRATFORD, Conn., September 17, 1999 -- In response to foodservice operators' mounting challenges of reducing labor costs and enhancing food safety and profitability, Food Automation-Service Techniques, Inc. (FAST), has introduced version 2.0 of its revolutionary Smart Commercial Kitchen (SCK) management system and communications network. FAST will demonstrate the product at booth #1727 during the NAFEM*99 Show at the Dallas Convention Center from September 31-October 3, 1999.

Designed to eliminate the need for manual processes in the kitchen, SCK links appliances and other devices together and collects, shares and interprets data, allowing managers to forecast production, automate preparation rates and monitor critical times and temperatures.

The latest version of the SCK network includes a predictive cooking application that utilizes a Kitchen Status Monitor (KSM) to enhance labor efficiency by prompting the operator throughout the production process and acting as a "virtual" kitchen manager.

"The result of this revolutionary intercommunication among devices is a powerful kitchen management system that facilitates `decision-less' food production and allows restaurant managers to spend less time supervising the kitchen and more time serving the needs of customers," said Mario Ceste, vice president of business development at FAST. "The viability of this product is proven in the quick service ("QSR") environment and we're delivering amazing bottom-line results."

The beta implementation, conducted by a national QSR, showed impressive results including reduced training and labor costs, extended shortening life by up to 50%, and automated HACCP/food safety reporting. The system increased profitability by 2 percentage points, in a typical QSR environment.

Key benefits and features of SCK version 2.0 include:

• An open-architecture software system which collects, shares and interprets data in the back-of-the house
• Kitchen Status Monitors that can be positioned at strategic locations in the kitchen where crew members need prompting including makeup lines, food preparation areas, or near major appliances
• Interconnectivity with third party devices to further enhance data collection and reporting
• Intelligent monitoring of critical times and temperatures throughout the kitchen and alarms that notify the operator when a potential hazard occurs. SCK identifies many hazards including inadequate cooking and holding temperatures -- which account for more than half of the instances of food-borne illness, according to the CDC.

About SCK
SCK is an open-architecture system that operates in a Windows-NT environment. The back bone of the system is an SCK dataserver that uses Microsoft networking and open database connectivity ("ODBC"). The server creates interoperability among key pieces of kitchen equipment and other restaurant information systems including POS ("point of sale") systems, back office systems, and energy management systems.

About FAST
FAST is the leading manufacturer of appliance controls exclusively for the foodservice industry. As the pioneer of process controls for multi-unit restaurants 30 years ago, FAST continues to lead the design and engineering of equipment controls that produce premium food quality and are easy to use. More information about FAST's products and services can be found on the World Wide Web at www.fastinc.com, requested via e-mail at jdaniel@fastinc.com, or by calling 1-800-327-8766.

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