In ERP LX, this function is called Backward Scheduling. This is a simple, easy way to create and release shop orders associated with the end item.

The result is a shop calendar with the associated order start dates. Setting up ERP LX properly with correct Queue Times, Setup and Run Times, along with Move Times, will result in accurate shop order start dates.

Establishing the Quantity On-Hand and the Quantity Available.

LX maintains buckets for information associated with the following inventory transactions for each item:

• Opening Balance
• Issues
• Receipts
• Adjustments
• Allocations for the Customer
• Allocations for Manufacturing

The on hand quantity does not include any allocations. To arrive at the on hand quantity, start with the opening balance, less any issues, plus any receipts, then add or subtract any adjustments. Available inventory is the on-hand less any allocations.

Understanding: The Cycle Count Alternative

The best way to cycle count is to count the same number of items each day and at the same time each day. The goal is to count your “A” items 4 times a year. The “A” items should be those item that are about 80% of the total inventory value and 20% of the total items. Consider creating your own cycle count schedule then instead of using the cycle count transaction, use the inventory adjustment transaction. The item balance is changed at the time the transaction is keyed. The transaction list can be used for the reconciliation process.

Understanding: The Cycle Count Transaction

If you rely on BPCS to provide you with a cycle count list, the number of items could vary from day to day from a few items to count, to several. So the person doing the cycle counting may spend a few minutes to a few hours counting items. After the cycle count is complete, the balances are not changed until the reconciliation is complete. This process could take some time before the balances are changed.

The cycle count transaction process is similar to the physical inventory transaction process.

In the Item Master File, the requirements code is used to specify the type of demand for the item. Planned order requirements are determined from the type of demand. If the requirements code is left blank, the planning systems treat the item as a sum code (3).
 

Other options for the field are:

1 = Dependent demand that is indirectly generated from the parent item requirements.

2 = Independent demand generated from customer orders and forecasts.

3 = The Sum of both independent and dependent demand.

Make to Order? No problem if you use the Configuration Management System. This LX product allows you to define and configure a make to order product during Customer Order Entry. Basically, you have the option to create different products under the same common product item. You will get two completely different common end items that are configured from the same common parent.

The customer orders are planned and turned into shop orders for each end item with all the associated components. With an MES solution in place, the shop order side is easy to schedule and allows you to manage the shop floor.