Standard questions manufacturers get from machinery and equipment buyers every day are "When can I get it?" and "How much will it cost?". When the product is a complex machine tool or other piece of machinery, determining cost and delivery time can take many hours or days of engineering time. So often the only response is "Can we get back to you on that?" With IFS Applications for configure-to-order or make-to-order products, Sales can enter the customer requirements, calculate the cost and price, and determine the planned delivery date based on current shop load, material availability, and supplier lead times-without involving Engineering or Manufacturing. Engineering is free to focus on tasks that do require their attention.