STAUNTON, Va. – Federated Auto Parts is preparing to launch a new data warehouse solution that the group says will provide its suppliers better visibility while enabling member businesses to optimize category management practices, streamline marketing activities and help drive long-term sales growth.

Federated says the new Enhanced Supply Chain (ESC) solution also will assist Federated suppliers in demand forecasting and measuring, and improving the effectiveness of brand and product strategies. The Federated ESC solution has been developed in collaboration with Epicor Software Corp. (formerly Activant Solutions Inc.), and will be deployed beginning this month.

“The Federated Enhanced Supply Chain will help each member more fully leverage the benefits of our network’s impressive scale while managing and growing their businesses through highly effective, locally executed strategies,” said Rusty Bishop, Federated CEO.

In other news, one of the most famous dirt tracks in the country will have a new name in 2012, the Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55. Located in Pevely, Mo., the speedway annually hosts some of the most competitive dirt track races in the nation.

The Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 will be the site of the inaugural 2012 Federated Auto Parts World of Outlaws “Ironman 55” race in August.