Abstract: A method of pushing changes in product shipment dates to a catalog that sends an original availability date for products to the catalog and maintains a capacity scheduling system that utilizes a series of capacity buckets to represent the product shipment dates. Each capacity bucket represents an additional shipment delay period. As orders for the product are placed resulting in decreasing quantities in the capacity buckets, the invention detects that the level in the capacity buckets has become less than an established threshold. In addition, the method sends a push signal to the catalog when this detection takes place. Conversely, if the capacity buckets are increased in value as a result of increased manufacturing capability and the quantity in a bucket increases above the threshold, this fact is also pushed out to the catalog.

Abstract: The method comprises receiving a change request to a pending customer order via the computer network. The change request comprises a latest acceptable delivery date and at least one of: a requested delivery date different from a delivery date specified in the pending customer order; a quantity of an item different from a quantity specified in the pending customer order; and a new item and desired quantity of said item, the new item not specified in the pending customer order. The method also comprises processing the change request and transmitting either: a confirmation message approving the change request if the latest acceptable delivery date can be met, or a capability response of the latest acceptable delivery date cannot be met. If a capability response is transmitted, the original terms provided in the pending customer order remain intact. Other embodiments include a system and a storage medium.

Abstract: A method of pushing changes in product shipment dates to a catalog that sends an original availability date for products to the catalog and maintains a capacity scheduling system that utilizes a series of capacity buckets to represent the product shipment dates. Each capacity bucket represents an additional shipment delay period. As orders for the product are placed resulting in decreasing quantities in the capacity buckets, the invention detects that the level in the capacity buckets has become less than an established threshold. In addition, the method sends a push signal to the catalog when this detection takes place. Conversely, if the capacity buckets are increased in value as a result of increased manufacturing capability and the quantity in a bucket increases above the threshold, this fact is also pushed out to the catalog.