Located in a major southwestern U$.$S$.$ city, Elysian Cycles $($EC$)$ is a wholesale distributor of bicycles and bicycle parts. Its primary retail outlets are located in eight cities within a $400-$mile radius of the distribution center. These retail outlets generally depend on receiving orders for additional stock within $2$ days after notifying the distribution center $($if the stock is available$).$ The company$$s management feels this is a valuable marketing tool that aids its survival in a highly competitive industry.

EC distributes a wide variety of finished bicycles, but all are based on five different frame designs, each of which is available in several sizes. Table $15\mathrm{.}7$ gives a breakdown of product options that are available to the retail outlets.