APO Supply Network Planning integrates purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation so that comprehensive tactical planning and sourcing decisions can be simulated and implemented on the basis of a single, global consistent model. Supply Network Planning uses advanced optimization techniques, based on constraints and penalties, to plan product flow along the supply chain. The result is optimal purchasing, production, and distribution decisions; reduced order fulfillment times and inventory levels; and improved customer service.

This online course provides an overview of SAP R/3 Release 4.6. It examines the new features of Release 4.6, using the interface, and working with the User Menu. Using the task screen is covered in detail, including how to use the tool bar and menu bar with tasks. Users are shown how to enter a basic task, how to search for and modify previously-entered tasks, and how to print tasks. Additional topics covered include methods for optimizing your installation of R/3 by adding shortcuts and favorites and configuring the GUI, using multiple sessions, and using R/3 help functions. The online course also discusses how to create and use reports.

Multi-Level Supply & Demand Matching (SDM) is the umbrella for APO’s solution for matching a large set of prioritized customer demands and forecasts to a set of supplies while taking into account the current production capacities and transportation capabilities.

SDM’s approach is production flow-centric, not production resource-centric, as is the case with traditional planning approaches. SDM focuses on the supply chain, instead of considering the supply chain production level-by-production level. SDM aims at a short- until mid-term planning horizon and guarantees a timely multi-level synchronous production flow, triggering flow only when it is necessary. Because SDM is order-based, it requires a tool that also supports a multi-level dynamic order split.

Capable-To-Match (CTM) is the central planning tool of Multi-level Supply & Demand Matching. In addition, an order-based method of Supply Distribution, as well as a tool that provides a graphical, flow-oriented view of the supply chain, complement this application.

R/3 provides three "customization spots" that allow you to enhance FI/CO features without modifying the standard code. Although often collectively referred to as "user exits," two of the three have different names. SAP Enhancements are used to expand the standard functionality within SAP. Enhancements use function modules and are called from the standard SAP code. Each module in the system has a set of delivered enhancements that help companies expand the standard functionality where they need it. Enhancements were new in release 3.0.

In the past when people were discussing SAP, the conversation very quickly boiled down to modules, for example:

• SAP’s courses were structured along module lines so that you would attend MM 101, 102 and 103. While at the course you would learn many things about MM, but not much about the rest of the SAP system and how MM fits into it.
   

• A conversation with a SAP recruiter might go something like this:

Recruiter … “which modules do you work with?”

Candidate … “well, I have a lot of purchasing process experience”

Recruiter … “yes, but which modules do you work with?”