Distribution Requirement Planning

For each distribution center, the Distribution Requirements Planning function (Distribution menu) calculates the requirements for all items. One has to enter a date limit for the calculation of these requirements.

The system analyzes the requirements for each item in each distribution center and applies the inventory management rules which have been specified in the Reorder Policy window. This procedure results in planned transfer orders from the central warehouse toward each distribution center. If considered as satisfactory, the planned orders are converted into firm transfer orders.

The due date for the transfer orders is the date on which the items are required in the distribution centers to satisfy the corresponding sales. The ship date is the date on which the transfer orders must be dispatched from the plant, taking into account the transportation time between the plant and the distribution center. This transportation time is specified in the Distribution Center table (Technical Data menu).

If the "Do not plan WO within the lead time" option is checked (Planning tab, Preferences window, File menu ), no transfer order will be generated within the transportation time to the distribution center.

If a specific distribution center is selected via the Change site button or icon, only the requirements concerning this distribution center will be calculated and all the former planned transfer orders will be removed.

If the central warehouse is selected via the Change site button or icon, the requirements for all the distribution centers will be calculated.