An initiative by Microsoft and independent solution provider Max Q brings new supply chain management (SCM) capabilities to the consumer packaged goods industry and industrial distributors. The solution allows companies to more accurately forecast demand. The end result, says John Pavain, president of MaxQ, is greater responsiveness to customers while lowering supply chain management costs.

The new package is already being used by Franzus Co. "The system reduced the time required for forecasting by more than 70%," says Lisa Reed, Franzus sales administrator. "And our forecasting accuracy, which was typically only 50% to 70% is now 90%. It has virtually eliminated the risk of lost sales due to out-of-stock items," she adds.

The new software is available through a nationwide network of authorized MaxQ and Microsoft reselling partner organizations.