AutoSimulations' Simulation Software Selected by Ryder Integrated Logistics.

BOUNTIFUL, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 1998-- AutoSimulations(R), Inc. announces today that its simulation software tool, AutoMod(TM), has been selected by Ryder Integrated Logistics to perform warehousing and material handling simulation projects in its facilities worldwide.

Ryder Integrated Logistics, the global leader in third party logistics, provides consulting services including design, implementation and operation of complex logistics systems for customers worldwide. These systems frequently include a customer's entire supply chain, from raw materials and transportation management, to inventory management, including value added services and finished product distribution.

Ryder provides logistics systems for Whirlpool, Xerox and the Saturn and Cadillac divisions of General Motors, among others. Ryder generates annual revenues of $1.8 billion and is growing at more than 20 percent a year.

"The selection of AutoMod enables us to design best in class solutions for our customers; solutions that we can continuously improve effectively to match our customers' growth," said Jim Nelson, director of global supply chain services, Ryder Integrated Logistics.

"The addition of AutoMod continues our aggressive acquisition of world class logistic tools that we can apply to the design and operation of solutions that provide competitive advantage for our customers. The robust material handling features of AutoMod along with its ease of use were particularly important in our decision to purchase the tool."

"Logistics systems are becoming increasingly complex and inter-related. Simulation is the only technology available to allow companies to examine the effects of their logistical decisions and operate logistics systems more productively," said Mike Thompson, president of AutoSimulations. "We are pleased to be selected as the simulation solution for Ryder."

AutoMod simulation software is used to produce both a logical and graphical representation of a facility that can be used for evaluating the performance of equipment and processes. The AutoMod model provides a visual image of the facility operation and calculates statistics of how the facility will perform and determine the effects of new equipment design or system modifications.

Simulation modeling allows engineers and managers to experiment with new ideas and alternatives prior to actual implementation. Experiments with the simulation model ensure that changes will work before funds are allocated and costly operational changes are made.

AutoMod can easily simulate any manufacturing or material handling situation including conveyors, fork-lift trucks, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), carousels and manual operations. In addition, AutoMod's realistic, 3-D animation makes models easy to understand.

Note to Editors: AutoSimulations, established in 1982, develops, markets and supports simulation and scheduling software products installed at more than 1,300 facilities. AutoSimulations is headquartered in Bountiful, Utah, maintaining sales and support operations worldwide with offices in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan. In addition to Ryder, AutoSimulations includes among its logistics client base: AMR Global Logistics, Menlo Logistics and TWT Worldwide Express, among many others.