Knowing today what will be needed tomorrow

INFORM presents new software components in its forecasting Inventory Optimizer at the LogiMAT 2015

INFORM, the optimization system specialist, will be presenting new features and components in its add*ONE Inventory Optimizer software for the first time today at the LogiMAT in Stuttgart. Using the new release, companies will be able to evaluate whether a customer or production order is feasible before it is scheduled or placed. Furthermore, the new component, Minimum Shelf Life, reveals whether the stored products are still saleable based on expiration dates, or if the items must be urgently reordered. By using the integrated Multi-ERP Connector, data from various ERP systems can be pooled and evaluated. These new features together with the integrated planning approach also being presented by INFORM, create an intelligent network with unified information, planners and processes. This integrated approach makes the complex data flow along the entire internal supply chain manageable.

Is the current order feasible?

Using the new add*ONE Feasibility Check, inventory managers can now evaluate whether a customer or production order is feasible given the current plan. add*ONE checks the availability of purchased parts and components in a bill of materials before the order is placed. Additionally, the component continuously evaluates the feasibility of all previously scheduled orders. “This becomes increasingly important especially in cases when fast decisions need to be made due to short processing and delivery times”, states Ludger Schuh, head of the Inventory & Supply Chain division at INFORM. If an order is unfeasible, add*ONE provides the planner with information on the reasons for the negative result, with alternative dates and problem solutions.

Are the stored products still saleable?

“The new add*ONE component, Minimum Shelf Life, continuously analyzes the inventory and detects imminent exceedance of the best before dates. It then creates the necessary write-offs automatically. A new alert additionally informs the planner about critical stock situations”, explains Schuh. Write-offs are then considered in the calculation of order proposals and the add-on system uses this data to generate automatic reorders.

How can I use data form different ERP systems?

The new Multi-ERP Connector enables a simultaneous connection of various ERP systems in add*ONE – whether it is SAP, NAV or another system solution. The component includes a variety of configuration and administration functions for the integration. It also features specific functions for the individual systems. “Due to the parallel processing of the data import’s sub-steps, the users are provided with a high performance and availability of their ERP systems”, describes Schuh regarding the advantages of the new component.

The existing add*ONE functions have been further optimized. The add-on system now also offers an enhanced performance in SAP connections.

In order to always have control over the complex data flow along the internal supply chain, the optimization expert, Ludger Schuh, recommends an integrated planning approach which connects all the company’s important information, planners and processes in one network. Thus, all involved parties always maintain an overview – even in very complex supply chains.