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Multiple SCM(s) one R3

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Hello Experts,

We have a scenario where we have 2 SCM systems connected to one R3 system. One of the SCM systems is used for DP, SNP, and PP/DS. I will refer to this as the planning SCM. The other SCM is used for GATP. All of our planned orders are created in and converted to process orders in the planning SCM system. Our planners maintain all of their resource down times, and relevant shifts in this planning SCM as well. The resources and PPMs exist in the GATP SCM system, but they are only there to allow the process orders to be created. The process orders need to exist in the GATP SCM because, we promise to these process orders on the GATP check. From what I can tell, this set up has caused us 2 problems on the GATP side that I am hoping someone can help me with.

When the planned orders are converted to process orders the dates match between ECC and the planning SCM system. In the GATP SCM system, the dates do not match. I am nearly positive this is because the GATP system is rescheduling the order based on its version of the truth, which has infinitely planned resources and no resource downtimes. Is there a way to stop our GATP SCM system from re-planning the process orders that are sent from ECC? We would like these process orders to inherit whatever dates are sent from R3, which ultimately came from our planning SCM system. We thought a user exit on the inbound SCM side might work, but we were hoping there was another setting somewhere. Does anybody know of a setting or how the user exit would need to work?

When scheduling changes happen to the process orders on the planning SCM side, the dates are updated in ECC, but no transfer is triggered to send the updates to the GATP SCM system. I believe this may be because the update was caused by one SCM system, so the system is not smart enough to know that it has to update the other SCM system. Does anyone know of a good way to get the transfer events to trigger to the GATP SCM system from these types of process order updates? I know I can do a re-initial transfer every night, but I would like to avoid this option of possible.

Thanks,

Matthew Bruckner

Accepted Solutions (1)

Accepted Solutions (1)

Former Member
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Matthew,

I won't waste your time by asking why you are torturing yourself trying to make two SCM systems consistent, when a sane person would put all the SCM functionality into a single SCM system. I guess you must have some valid business reason that leads you to crave this level of pain.

The SCM GATP system should be treated as if all planning is being done in R/3. You didn't mention what type of ATP you are using; I will assume that you are using a simple product check, and you are not using ATP trees. Or, you are using RBA with simple product or location substitution; no CTP; no MATP. Or, perhaps, Allocation in combination with any of this.

If you want to eliminate scheduling of production/process orders in SCM GATP, first turn off the requirement to schedule. /SAPAPO/MVM, deselect appropriately under PP/DS "No order without source of supply".

Delete all of your production orders in the SCM GATP system. Delete all PPMs/PDSs in the SCM GATP. You don't need these, since you are not scheduling or managing Capacity in SCM GATP.

Deactivate all PPM/PDS IMs pushing data to the SCM GATP system. Better to delete them as well.

Now re-cif across all Process/Production orders. Voila, no scheduling. There are some other things that you may need to do in Configuration, depending upon what functionality you have set up. However, try this and tell me your results.

Best Regards,

DB49

Answers (2)

Answers (2)

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I did try this out in the sandbox. That is where I saw the limitation with the continual consumption. While the method described did work to prevent scheduling, it did not solve my problem.

There is a field on the production version called the distribution function. This gets passed to the PPM as a continual consumption field. The distribution function also shows up on all process orders that are created. Basically this field forces the system to think that the material will be produced and made available every day during the process order run. For instance the order is for a 1000 and it last 5 days. Normally the system would show 1000 as available at the end of 5 days. With the distribution function / continual consumption, 200 will be available every day for 5 days. Continual consumption is probably not the best wording for the field, because it works for components and the part being produced. For the record, these PPMs do not contain components.

We are using GATP just as you described, where we promise to process orders as valid supply elements. For large runs that span multiple days, it is much more accurate to be able to promise against a quantity that is produced daily rather than waiting till the end.

Thanks,

MB

Former Member
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MB,

Well, I have never heard (until now) anyone using a distribution key for output, except in repetitive scenarios. I learn something new every day!

If this is the case, I can only make suggestions, since I have no system similar to yours to model a solution.

I would look at ways to avoid use of any scheduling Strategy profile. I have never tried this, but investigate removing the R/3 interface default strategy profile (IMG>APO>Supply Chain Planning>PP/DS>Global Settings>Maintain Global Parameters)

I would look at different production versions, one for 'Planning SCM' and one for 'GATP SCM'. This might help if your date problems are being caused by GATP system being forced to do forward scheduling.

I would look at ways to avoid/prevent any scheduling heuristics from being run in GATP. Likewise avoid any planning heuristics. Perhaps consider a custom PP Planning procedure. I don't know how this would affect your distribution key requirements.

Or, maybe try using a Strategy profile that only permits backward scheduling, combined with a PPM with negligible process time.. You would have to have this profile not exit upon scheduling errors.

I still think, though, that the best solution is 'one SCM'.

Perhaps one of the other forum members will offer a suggestion.

Best Regards & good luck,

DB49

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Thanks for the idea, but I need to have the valid source of supply. The PPM allows me to have continual consumption set up, so that I get a little bit of inventory each day, rather than all of it at the end. When I have the process order without a source of supply the inventory all comes at the end. Any other ideas?

Thanks,

Matthew Bruckner

Former Member
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Matthew,

??? Consumption? of what? Production orders consume components, which was not even on the table before. I thought we were just talking about scheduling.

I have assumed that your model is that you are doing Sales ATPs, and your Production orders are being used as supply elements for the ATPs. If this is the case, execution of the production/process orders takes place in R/3, and can be mirrored over to SCM. Stock changes can also be mirrored in SCM. Neither of these interfaces requires a PPM. PPMs are used for scheduling, for cap management, and for planning of components. These activities are being handled in your "Planning" SCM system, or in R/3. I guess...

You asked about how to prevent scheduling of production orders in SCM; I have given you a common method. Before you proceed, I suggest that you try this in a sandbox before commenting upon what it will and will not do.

Best Regards,

DB49