Parts backlog application enhances parts inbound logistics processes at the dealership. Application brings together VSS orders with parts due for repair and execution of incoming purchases.

App is designed to enhance parts clerk’s workplace. Based on PO number or purchasing tracking number it derives open positions from VSS orders with recommendations towards parts quantities to be issued.

Within several clicks open orders can be updated with confirmed quantities based on incoming purchasing documents. Furthermore, either an automated goods issue posting or update of ATP quantities is supported.

Out of the box application brings a predefined logic to generate a sequence of orders to be processed with recommended quantities. This logic can be influenced by a project-based solution within dedicated enhancement concept.

Prerequisites

Appropriate services are activated following configuration guidelines
User has necessary authorization to process parts orders, logistics (Goods receipt posting, goods issue postings) within VSS and in standard SAP transactions
User has following roles assigned: /DBE/PARTS_BLG_UI, DBE/SERVICE_ADVISOR_UI
Necessary master data for the process are in place

Features

Key features of Parts Backlog app:

Overview of purchase orders due for goods receipt
Automated or semi-automated goods receipt with quantity assignment to open order positions. Two customizable processing modes:
1. Goods receipt with direct goods issue
2. Goods receipt with ATP trigger to confirm quantities for order items
Support for manual processing – decision proposal – in reference to open orders on hand

Process

Key customizing differentiator is whether an app should execute material withdrawal for the order items (Goods Issue posting) or only ATP check refresh. This is done within customizing and can be flexibly set using lean condition technique depending on various parameters.

Depending on the settings you make in Customizing, the process flow may be as follows:

On application start a selection screen is shown allowing users to type-in relevant input parameters. Application derives relevant data based on selection criteria provided by the user. In short, purchasing information is read and matched with open quantities from VSS orders (Service, Parts).
User verifies quantity suggestions provided for the match PO vs VSS order and decides on the following:
1. Confirm suggested quantities, press on Submit all
  - All lines are processed, goods issue is posted, and corresponding quantities are issued from the stock for a range of orders
  - If the quantity of the PO is higher than demands derived from VSS order, the remaining quantity is posted to stock
2. Select relevant lines, and press on Submit selected
  - Selected lines are processed, goods issue is posted, and corresponding quantities are issued from the stock for selected orders
  - If the quantity of the PO is higher than demands derived from VSS order, the remaining quantity is posted to stock
3. Adjust proposed quantities manually, and press either on Submit All, Submit selected or Submit relevant for individual line
  - Selected quantities are processed according to entered criteria
4. Discard further processing and close the application

If open PO quantity is redistributed or there are no more VSS order lines matching with open receipts, such lines are not displayed in the app.

A common part of selection of purchasing section and VSS orders occurs according to the processing strategies. The goal of the application is to provide suggestion to the user on how the quantities should be redistributed trough the open VSS order quantities.

Available processing strategies are defined in customizing for the app. A default indicator will cause pre-selection of relevant strategy when an app is started. It is also possible for the user to change selection strategy from list of available-configured entries from within the app.

Following strategies are delivered with the VSS package.

Direct (Direct assignment between VSS Order and PO order)
Unconfirmed (Including VSS Orders with unconfirmed quantities)
Confirmed (All orders with confirmed quantities)

Customer specific strategies are allowed to be implemented within dedicated BAdIs.

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