DRP: Distribution Resource Planning, New
Component in 4.0A
Description
The objectives of DRP in the SAP R/3 System are two-fold:
To provide Production Planning with an accurate requirements
plan, referred to as 'distribution requirements planning'
On the whole, distribution
requirements planning can be done using techniques available in
SAP's Material Requirements Planning (MRP) component. The planning
results account for the fact that requirements can be satisfied by
more than one supply center and include stock transfers (or stock
tranfer requisitions), which enable you to guarantee the stock
level required in the distribution center.
To optimize the distribution of available stock levels in the
distribution network, referred to as "deployment"
Deployment enables you to take
appropriate action when either a requirements shortage or surplus
is calculated as a result of distribution requirements planning
runs at different time intervals. Deployment makes use of
algorithms for "fair share" distribution when a requirements
shortage is detected and "push" distribution when a requirements
surplus is detected.
Network
The new Network tool enables you to create and manage the
distribution network graphically. For example, you can
Place plants and distribution centers on maps with the aid of
drag and drop techniques.
Define delivery relationships between two plants by connecting
them with a line.
Maintain master data directly within the Network tool simply by
clicking on an icon that represents a plant or a line connecting
the plant icons.
DRP Enhanced Functionality
Use of the forecast error and the standard service level to
calculate safety stocks in distribution centers
Inclusion of a customer exit for the calculation of safety
stock
Greater flexibility in the use of time-dependent reorder points
through new methods for calculating
Safety stock
Time-dependent safety stock
Visibility of intransit quantities
Determination of lead time for time-phased requirements
Deployment
Calculation of a fair share allocation based on actual stock
and requirements in the distribution centers to be supplied
Calculation of equal distibution of stock within the
distribution network according to the forecast using push
distribution
Generation of stock transport orders
Prioritization of quantities supplied based on requirements
types (customer, order, forecast, safety stock)
Dependent functions
Before planning and execution can be carried out using DRP, a
distribution network must be built. A distribution network
represents possible delivery relations for individual materials.
DRP typically entails planning the supply chain from internal
deliveries to the distribution center that supplies customers. It
is normally assumed either that sales orders exist or that sales
estimates are available. The primary aim of planning is to
determine the quantities required on specific dates, including the
lead times of the distribution lanes.
Further notes
For more information, see "PP Distribution Resource Planning" in
the R/3Library.