CAST v10 is the fastest version yet

Due for release at the end of March, CAST v10 is the fastest version yet, and with MIP optimiser and enhancements to make the tool Vista-compatible, UK-based developers say that the latest features are geared to keeping the supply-chain design and configuration application ahead of the field in the increasingly-competitive global network optimization software market.

Already viewed as front-runner in Europe and increasingly in the Far East and the lucrative US zone, the latest GIS road-mapping data – particularly in Asia, Africa and the Americas – has been incorporated to give CAST a significant edge over any other program in its price sector.

But, says Barloworld Optimus, who last year posted its best-ever results in the wake of companies turning to IT to solve increasingly-complex supply chain issues, a major feature is the option of integrating its latest new carbon optimisation tool CAST CO2 as a module of v10.

In ‘real-life’ proving trials CAST-CO2 resulted in a 28% reduction in carbon emissions coupled with a 9% decrease in costs – factors that could prove irresistible to companies coming under increased global pressure to tackle carbon emissions while reducing rocketing supply chain and transportation costs.

Both programs – as well as a ground-breaking new combined inventory network optimisation tool – are being previewed at Softworld running at the NEC Pavilion in March.

CAST lists over 350 licenses and 1200 Gold Service users world-wide, and as global supply chains become increasingly complex, the latest speed-enhancement and memory-usage improvements are geared to creating highly-detailed high-accuracy models demanding less memory and in notably less time than any other comparable tool.

The latest release also contains a range of improvements requested by users at the company’s annual User Forum, as well as features geared to uprating CAST’s highest-rated features – performance, versatility and breadth.

In-house developers say that most of the new enhancements stem directly from latest technical programming developments, with improvements set to vary depending on model size and construction: according to speed tests, large models running complex constructions are set to record the biggest improvements.

Other improvements suggested by users include enhancements to reporting, calculating, list of options, project management, user interface and messages, data import, mapping and map display, and database features.

“The supply chain optimization software market is rapidly taking on a new urgency and the only way to remain ahead of the field is by a constant enhancement and improvement policy” commented developer Chris Hall.

“The fact that the previous version listed dozens of improvements suggested by users, and that this latest service pack is also fuelled by users’ suggestions is proof that CAST is very much user-focused. We’re talking significant improvements in virtually every aspect but it still maintains the user-friendly look and feel of CAST and remains compatible with other CAST modules” he said.

Existing CAST users will be receiving the new v10 package over the next few weeks, and the company is also planning two educational events for existing users as part of its wide-ranging support programme.

Meanwhile, CAST v10, CAST-CO2 and a major new combined inventory network and optimization program CINO are all being previewed on the Barloworld Optimus stand (214) at Softworld running at the NEC Pavilion on March 12th and 13th.