You can block a warehouse for inbound procedures, outbound procedures, or both. For example, you can block inbound and outbound procedures for a warehouse if the warehouse must be closed temporarily for inspection.

You can impose these types of blockings:

• Full block: Full block on warehousing procedures.

• Interactive block: Override blocking allowed except blocks on confirm shipment or confirm receipt.

If you impose a full block on inbound procedures...

This feature provides a parameter that allows the user to enter expiration dates on the Inventory Transaction Posting screen, INV500, and Purchase Order Receipts screen, PUR5505, when they have received a lot controlled item that is not QMS controlled. This new field allows an expiration date to be entered and not overridden. A system parameter was added to Advanced Process Industries Parameters, API820D. When the parameter is set to Yes, a new lot expiration date is available in the Inventory Transaction Posting, INV500D2, and Purchase Order Receipts, PUR550D2, screens.

To determine which copying method you must use, answer question 1 and follow the instructions.

Question 1: Is the source component a project item (that is, is a project defined in the first segment of the item code)?

• If the answer is yes, proceed with question 3.
• If the answer is no, proceed with question 2.

Question 2: Is the target component a project item?

• If the answer is yes, select copy method NonProj Item to Proj Item.
• If the answer is no, proceed with question 4.

Question 3: Is there a relationship with the same project?

• If the answer is yes, select copy method EBOM to Production BOM Only.
• If the answer is no, proceed with question 4.

Question 4: Is there a relationship with the target item?

• If the answer is yes, proceed with question 5.
• If the answer is no, select copy method No Copy Action.

Question 5: Does the item exist already?

• If the answer is yes, select copy method EBOM to Production BOM Only.
• If the answer is no, select copy method Copy E-Item to Item.

When a lot is completely shipped on a customer order, the Lot Status is changed to Z. Since a resupply order must still be received in the To Warehouse to complete the transaction, do not update the lot status when the resupply order is shipped. If a lot is completely shipped on a resupply order, LX no longer updates the lot status to Z, because the shipped lot retains its current lot status, the additional steps, no additional steps are required to receive it in the To Warehouse.

The end of the year is a busy time for everyone, but a little preparation can make the start of the next year smoother and more productive. Here's a checklist broken out by the department to help optimize your ERP system as you wrap up this year.

1. All Departments Checklist
2. Technology Checklist
3. Operations Checklist
4. Finance Checklist

FINANCE: Use of Electronic Bank Statements

OPERATIONS: What is Statistical Inventory Control (SIC) and How Does It Work?

TECHNOLOGY: Archiving Data from tipcs300 and ticst300 Tables

Statistical Inventory Control (SIC) is an inventory-controlled order system designed to maintain stock levels based on predefined thresholds, rather than being demand-driven like EP (Enterprise Planning). Since SIC relies on inventory levels, it may lead to higher stock levels. To minimize financial risks, SIC is best suited for:

• Low-cost items.
• Items with predictable demand or short lead times.

Applications of SIC

• Low-Cost Items: Particularly effective for inexpensive goods.
• Predictable Demand or Short Lead Time: Suitable when demand patterns are stable or lead times are minimal.
• Warehouse-Specific Planning: Useful for planning by warehouse rather than across the supply chain.
• Trading Industries: Commonly employed in sectors like supermarkets.
• Immediate Demands: Effective for items required immediately by customers.
• Ease of Use: Simple to implement and manage.

Limitations of SIC

Transitioning away from customizations can indeed pose challenges, but it's not insurmountable with the right approach. Here’s a look at the real issues and solutions that can pave the way for a streamlined, up-to-date ERP.

Common Challenges:

1. Dependency on Custom Processes
   Custom processes become ingrained, and removing them disrupts established workflows. However, business processes often evolve over time, as do best practices incorporated into modern ERP systems.

2. Cost and Time Constraints
   Testing, retraining, and hiring consultants for an upgrade are valid concerns. Yet, consider the efficiency gains and reduced maintenance costs over time by utilizing standard ERP features.

3. User Resistance
   Change management is critical, as employees can be skeptical of losing tools they’re familiar with. Effective communication about the benefits of standardized, future-ready tools can help ease the transition.

The Reality Check: Has Your Organization Changed?

Evaluate how much your business needs have shifted, how user expectations have evolved, and if any workarounds or interim solutions are now adding unnecessary complexity. Many companies discover that industry-standard ERP features can replace outdated customizations.

Did You Know?