QSR Automations Features New eXpert Site Manager and ConnectSmart Kitchen Graphical Enhancements, Latest Version of ePic KDS at FS/TEC 2004

Business Wire, Oct 25, 2004

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Demonstrations Showcase Advanced Kitchen Technology Choices for Every Hospitality Environment

QSR Automations, Inc.(TM), a leading provider of innovative automation technology for the hospitality industry worldwide, will feature its latest product innovations at the 2004 International Foodservice Technology Exposition (FS/TEC). Demonstrations will include the new powerful management tool for the eXpert(TM) hospitality controller, eXpert Site Manager, as well as enhanced graphical capabilities with the ConnectSmart Kitchen(TM) (CSK) software. Additionally, the latest version of the ePic Kitchen Display Software (KDS), Version 6.0, will be on display at FS/TEC.

Part of the ConnectSmart(TM) Hospitality Automation Solution, the industrialized, compact eXpert controller offers reliability and redundancy while powering robust graphical, multi-media hospitality applications, including kitchen management. Following the same philosophies behind QSR's successful family of hardware and software management tools, Site Manager provides a wizard driven interface for performing advanced real-time configuration, diagnostics, and monitoring. Used to download software updates and distribute files, including video and image files, Site Manager makes it is easy to set up or make changes to all eXpert controllers in the store configuration. Additionally, intuitive graphical icons serve as Station Indicators.

Adding to its ease of use, Site Manager uses templates, where every eXpert controller has a template assigned to it that defines the files and programs running on that station device. For instance, an operator using the eXpert controller to power QSR's CSK would define a "Kitchen Application" template. The operator could also use Site Manager to launch the CSK Builder Pro, the CSK's configuration and maintenance tool. In addition to Site Manager, the eXpert Station Manager tool resides on each eXpert controller and executes commands from Site Manager.

The CSK, which enables operators to define graphical kitchen views with enhanced order and item details, capitalizes on the ability to use customizable colors and multiple fonts and font sizes to offer extensive configuration options for order and item views. New enhancements to the CSK provide even greater flexibility and usability. Item Views, which display columns with such information as the table number, main item, sub-items, and timers, can now be customized for the size and location of each of these columns. Additionally, more than fourteen options are available for user-defined order headers on Order Views. With the CSK Builder Pro, the user can simply drag and drop the fields for timers, server name, customer name, and other options anywhere within the header. Now also customizable are border styles for all headers, as well as for columns on item views and grid cells on order views. Also with the CSK, graphical menu cards can be animated for an even more interactive training experience, intuitively depicting specific build and plating instructions.

Also featured at the exhibit is QSR's newest version of the ePic KDS, Version 6.0. Part of the ePic(TM) Kitchen Management Solution, the ePic KDS is used by thousands of hospitality operators around the world to maximize efficiency, sales, and guest satisfaction. With the ePic KDS Version 6.0, operators can take advantage of a set of easy-to-use reports, such as an All Day Speed of Service Summary and an Order Time Count Analysis report. For each report, the user can define the date ranges as well as configure the day parts represented. Additionally, ePic KDS Version 6.0 provides kitchen database management capabilities for enterprise users. KDS Builder Pro, the management tool for the ePic KDS, has been enhanced to make it even easier for multi-site users with similar store configurations to set up and change their kitchen databases across the entire enterprise.

"At FS/TEC this year, we are excited to showcase the latest enhancements to our ConnectSmart and ePic solutions, which speak to our commitment to helping hospitality companies of every size and concept gain greater control over their operations and achieve their revenue goals," said Brett Taylor, vice president and chief technology officer for QSR Automations. "With QSR's innovative kitchen technologies, including options for graphics and multi-media capabilities, operators can choose the reliable

and robust solution that answers their specific business needs."

About QSR Automations(TM)

QSR Automations(TM) is a leading provider of innovative automation technology for the hospitality industry worldwide. QSR designs and markets advanced software and hardware products - including the ePic(TM) Kitchen Management Solution and ConnectSmart(TM) Hospitality Automation Solution - that enable companies to effectively enhance the productivity of their hospitality business. Since 1996, QSR has helped thousands of quick service and table service restaurants, theaters, and themeparks to make timely and accurate decisions, improve operations, and ensure customer loyalty for optimum profitability. To find out more about QSR and its solutions, visit www.qsrautomations.com, or contact QSR at qsr@qsrautomations.com or 502-297-0221.