June 16, 1998 New Products Constrained Distribution Planning Distinction Software Inc. (Atlanta, Ga.; www.distinction.com) has introduced Constrained Distribution Planning, a software module that enables manufacturers and distributors to improve inventory and distribution planning across their supply chain. It is designed to help reduce finished goods inventory; enhance customer service levels by enabling the user to proactively react to changes in demand; decrease distribution costs by giving users advanced warning of both over and under utilization of planned carrier usage; and provide users with more strategic information that will allow greater visibility of sales orders, customer priorities, forecasts, and actual and planned shipments. Constrained Distribution Planning is the latest module in Distinction Software's SCOPE suite of supply chain planning applicatons. It is a tactical tool for distribution managers that enables them to plan the replenishment of their distribution centers and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) locations by taking into account various manufacturing and distribution constraints related to product availability, the shipment calendar and carrier capacities. Constrained Distribution Planning is based on Microsoft technology, and will be available in October 1998, with pricing starting at $55,000. The Manufacturing Report © Copyright 1997, 1998 by Lionheart Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. E-mail Editorial Dept: tmr-editorial@lionhrtpub.com Lionheart Publishing, Inc. 2555 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 299, Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone: 770-431-0867 | Fax: 770-432-6969 E-mail: lpi@lionhrtpub.com Web Design by Premier Web Designs E-mail: lionwebmaster@preweb.com