1. FAQ - Master Production Schedule (MPS) & Forecast
1.1. Is ManEx forecast module set up to work with final top level and not the lower sub level for demand supply alignment?
Q.  Is ManEx forecast module set up to work with final top level and not the lower sub level for demand supply alignment?
 
A.     If both an assembly and one or more of it’s subassemblies are in a forecast, then both the forecasted subassembly and the subassembly for the forecasted assembly will have demands.  This is how the system is intended to function. This is so that users can forecast requirements for spare parts if needed. I don’t think there is any other way to have spares built except to use a sales order instead of a forecast. Using a firm-planned work order for spares will cause the spares to be consumed by the assembly order. 

So, if you have a Top level Assembly A and a Sub level Assembly B that reports to A; and have a forecast at Assembly B but final Sales Order is only at Assembly A  

Perhaps the way to deal with this is to create a firm-planned work order for the subassembly (instead of a forecast) due on the date they placed the forecast for the subassembly. Then when the order is placed for the assembly (due after the work order for the subassembly), MRP will recognize the availability of the subassemblies and will not “double-drive” the requirements.

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1.2. How can I fix a planning error within the Forecast Module?

Question: How can I fix a planning error within the Forecast Module?

(Example: User set a plan to build 800 pcs of a P/N in the forecast module for 1/29/07 a few weeks ago. Then found out they actually only needed 500 pcs for 1/29/07 and the other 300 pcs on 2/28/07). 

Answer: The forecast module does not allow for changes in the forecast for the current period, however, it does allow for changes in any future period, depending on the setup tolerances for how far out in the future the change is.

Suggestion:   You could open a SO for the near term activity and cancel the forecast. Then start a new forecast for future periods.

1.3. How to use the forecast module if you do not want the SO schedule driving MRP

If a customer has the Forecast module and wants to be able to have a Sales Order in the system to create shipments against, but they do not want any of the SO schedules driving MRP. 

In this situation we would suggest that the user leaves the Schedule information Blank and create the qty's needed through the Forecast module.  Forecast will drive MRP and users will be able to still ship them against any sales order in the system.  View the attached Print Screens for further detail.

1.4. How do I determine if an order can be shipped sooner than the scheduled due date?

Question:   What reports or screens can we view to see the material status, so we can determine whether or not we can change the Sales Order Schedule Due Date in order to ship it earlier? 

Answer:  First check the Customer Order Status screen by customer PO and/or Sales Order number. From this screen you will be able to determine the status of any work order(s) in progress and if there are any shortages.

Second you may run a Kit Material Availability W/AVL Detail (Simulation) report, by product number and revision. This report will display the Quantity on Hand and the Quantity Available for each part used on that product.  

Third you can check the MRP status of the product for proposed work orders and purchase orders.  This will inform you if the scheduled delivery date (s) will be met.