CODE is a distribution management system for the apparel industry which streamlines and renders more efficient the entire process, to the benefit of supplier and customer alike. Its Efficient Consumer Response strategy focuses on the efficiency of the whole supply system rather than on single components of it. The driving event which governs the distribution network is sale to customers, rather than delivery to points of sale or distributors. With a methodology which couples process re-engineering and information technology (IT), manufacturers and retailers are integrated into an intelligent distribution system, allowing stock levels to be optimized in terms of quantity and type, whilst permitting the timely supply of the appropriate items to outlets. Points of sale can thus offer customers an always-available choice of goods which accurately reflects the real demand of the moment. With CODE, stock levels are reduced, availability is optimized, sales are increased. CODE has been successfully piloted by Fashion Box, an Italian clothing manufacturer and distributor. It is suitable for any manufacturer or distributor in the apparel industry with links to either single-brand or multi-brand retail outlets. Benefits are gained even at relatively low levels of sales, and rise as the scale increases. With its related, but optional, internet-based ordering suite (CODE POO, Point Of Ordering), it offers a complete, yet highly modular system that fits any manufacturing-distribution-retail situation in the apparel industry.