Abstract: A subscriber inventory network provides efficient dissemination and rapid exchange of information between members. Members of the subscriber network are arranged in separate groups, with the member subscribers in each separate group being pre-qualified with respect to certain exclusive inventory categories. The receiving unit of each subscriber is selectively enabled to receive only those messages which are related to the designated inventory category, with all other messages being excluded. A message controller in each subscriber unit decodes command, address and message data bits. Two bits are dedicated for command instructions, including a distribution bit, which directs message data to a single unit in a single group, and a flash bit, which directs the encoded message data to all units in a single member group, or alternatively, to all receiving units in all member groups.