This field in the Purchasing and Receiving window only applies to a purchase order that is being written for a distribution center (DC) store and for purchase orders of a central distribution type "split" or "split with auto allocation." This field defines the date that this item is allowed to begin to be released to the stores. If the date has not yet been reached, the merchandise will be held in the DC. For example, Christmas merchandise could arrive at the DC in late summer or early fall, but you do not want the merchandise to go to the stores until November.