ToolsGroup, an inventory optimization solutions provider, says that ITT Industries Friction Products will implement its supply chain planning solution, Service Optimizer 99+ for sales forecasting and managing purchasing plans.

Part of the U.S. group of ITT Industries, ITT Industries Friction Products manufactures pads for brake systems.

"We selected SO 99+ because of its ability to integrate with our ERP (SAP R/3) and its support of the new planning process based on advanced sales and operations planning theories," says Luigi Mezzadri, supply chain director at ITT. "We'll use the system to optimize service to our markets and to minimize the costs associated with the continued revision of production plans and split deliveries. ToolsGroup's SO 99+ fits our need for a solution that provides service level excellence and addresses the varied demand that is a common characteristic of our target markets."

Using the Demand Planner component of SO 99+, ITT will calculate sales forecasts and manage the collaborative process, which balances client purchasing plans with promotions negotiated by distributors. The advanced Inventory Planning module manages the stock planning process and determines the optimum stock level required to achieve the desired level of service, while balancing market variations in the logistics-production chain.

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