Online Grocer, Fresh Direct, Partners with Automation Associates to Improve Operations Efficiency through Simulation Modeling Becomes Essential Part of Facility Planning and Upgrades Process

San Diego, CA – January 18, 2006 – Automation Associates, Inc. (AAI), a leading provider of simulation solutions for the global supply chain, announced today that Fresh Direct, LLC, has selected AAI’s simulation modeling software and services to help build and improve operations efficiency within its 300,000 sq. ft. facility in Long Island City, New York. Fresh Direct will utilize simulation modeling to analyze and update its order fulfillment system.

In the online grocery business, effective facility planning is critical in the storage and distribution of a wide variety of fresh and stocked foods. Efficiency levels in refrigeration and dry storage, food preparation, packing and delivery influence capital expense decisions and staffing plans, affecting bottom-line profitability. Fresh Direct originally employed AAI in 2000 to develop a detailed simulation model of order picking, processing, packing and shipping systems and equipment to validate its facility and operations model, enabling Fresh Direct to present a “proven” concept to potential investors and acquire initial funding prior to launching operations. Due to this earlier success with simulation, Fresh Direct has again partnered with AAI to update the facility model and evaluate and improve operations; the new model will test the validity of several proposals to upgrade equipment and processes, as well as increased throughput capability.

“It made sense for us to turn to a proven technique after experiencing first-hand the benefits of simulation when building a streamlined operations facility,” explained Jason Ackerman, vice chairman and chief financial officer of Fresh Direct. “We have since made simulation an essential part of our planning process, and we’re confident that AAI’s expertise will help us get to our current goal of predictable expansion requirements.”

AAI’s current project enables Fresh Direct to determine ultimate capacity of its current facility and establish metrics that will signal need for a second location. With its simulation software, AAI will assist Fresh Direct with detailed performance analysis for the facility design, including all internal product movement, sortation, packing and shipping equipment and activities.

“By continuously working with a client, AAI can create a fluid model and adjust it for the client’s operational changes and growth. Fresh Direct clearly appreciates this value and relies on simulation modeling and analysis as a strategic operations planning tool,” remarked Randall Gibson, president and founder of AAI. “With our latest modeling efforts, Fresh Direct will be able to determine specific facility upgrades that can double the total daily order volume.”

To learn more about AAI’s simulation software, visit http://www.AutomationAssociates.net/practice_areas.asp.

About FreshDirect, LLC
Fresh Direct is a privately held online fresh food and grocery company providing food delivery service to thousands of customers in New York City. Fresh Direct offers over 5,000 products in over a thousand categories. Fresh operates a single, 300,000-square-foot facility in Long Island City, just outside of NYC, and employs about 1000 butchers, bakers, produce pickers, packers and other food service workers who prepare custom meals. Visit http://www.freshdirect.com or call 866-283-7374.

About Automation Associates, Inc.
Automation Associates, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TranSystems Corporation, is the leader in applying simulation-based analysis tools to help clients solve complex problems in the most critical components of the global supply chain: production, distribution, transportation and point-of-service. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the company has served more than 500 clients over the past 17 years in a variety of markets, including healthcare, manufactured goods, postal & packaging handling, restaurant operations and transportation. For more information, please visit http://www.AutomationAssociates.net or call (888) 481-6050.

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