AcceleratedSAP

Available To Promise (ATP) Methodology Overview for APO

Roadmap
Definition
Available To Promise is the business function used to provide information to clients about which materials
or goods are presently available for sale or shipment and which goods will become available sometime in
the future.

Purpose
ATP is used to analyze sales requirements so that realistic commitments can be made to accommodate
customers.

ATP Overview Table

Phase Work Package TASK Tools or Roles Deliverables (optional)
or Key System/
Activity Group Accelerators Environment
2 Analyze the Establish ATP Project Signoff Application List of ATP
specifications Approach per Form, Consultant. approaches
per category Category ATP_Tool1.ppt Business per category
Process as required
Team
Member
Identify ATP Project Signoff Application List of
Technique per Form, Consultant, techniques
Category ATP_Tool1.ppt, Business for
ATP_Tool2.ppt Process determining
Team ATP, per
Member category

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Establish ATP Approach per Category

The client will identify the best ATP approach for each product category, understand which decisions are
required to develop the ATP process, and then develop each ATP approach as appropriate.

Purpose
The purpose of this work package or activity group is to develop the tools for the sales group, so they can
know which goods and materials will be available, and when they will be available for shipment to the
customer.

How to
1. First, the client works to understand the particular product and product family characteristics that
would influence how an ATP check is executed. Next, identify business strategies that influence how a
check is executed. Then decide on the appropriate ATP approach:
− Which sources of supply should be considered for this product category (stock, future
stock, future production, capacity)?
− What alternative sourcing capabilities should be available for this product category
(alternate locations, product substitutions)
− Should supply be pre-allocated in some way (geographic, customer group, product family)
for this category?
− Can available supplies be considered only at the top level of the BOM, or should multiple
levels be considered for this product category?
2. Then the client must identify the appropriate ATP technique:
− Basic Method – Stock, Future Stock (Demand), Allocation
− Combination of basic methods
− Types (for example, material ATP, allocation, ...)
− Sequence of types
− Solution for fundamental possibilities
- Make BOM explosion / production
- Ship Sourcing (and procurement)
- Buy Sourcing (and procurement)
- Alternative products (substitute / upgrade)
− Rule-based – Complex Methods
Rule = network of several advanced methods
− Method to provide global ATP information
− Multi-step, multi-site, multi-product, multi-level
− Iterative heuristics
− Use of advanced ATP functionality

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− Key parameters for rules determination are configurable (condition technology)
− Manual or automatic processing
3. Next, the client must review with complementary areas of the organization.
4. Finally, agree and signoff conclusions.

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