The aim of this study is to establish an efficient distribution planning for a capacitated multi-stage supply chain. We assume that the demand information during planning horizon is given a deterministic form using a certain forecasting method. Under such a condition, we present a cost effective heuristic method for minimizing chain-wide supply chain inventory cost that is the sum of holding and backorder costs by using look-ahead technique. We cope with the capacity restriction constraints through look-ahead technique that considers not only the current demand information but also future demand information. To evaluate performance of the proposed heuristic method, we compared it with the extant research that utilizes echelon stock concept, under various supply chain settings.