Options to Perform Master Planning Calculations in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations

Editor's Note: This article is drawn from the recently published book by Dr. Hamilton about master planning in manufacturing. It represents the third of a 3-part series about the basics of master planning for managing day-to-day operations. The contents apply to those firms using Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations or Dynamics AX 2012 R3.

Master planning calculations can coordinate supply chain activities driven by the S&OP game plans for a manufacturing business. They are typically performed daily as part of running the Master Planning task, but there are other options. For example, you can perform the master planning calculations by initiating an explosion for a selected order. They are also performed automatically after entering a sales order line with CTP (Capable-to-Promise) logic, where the item typically represents a make-to-order product.

This article reviews the options to perform master planning calculations and provides further explanation about using the master planning task, explosions, and CTP logic. It also covers some variations, such as master planning with finite capacity and material, and master planning by site versus site/warehouse. These considerations are reflected in the following sections within the article. 

1. Options to Perform Master Planning Calculations
2. Perform an Explosion
3. CTP Logic for a Sales Order Line
4. Master Planning with Finite Capacity and Finite Material
5. Master Planning by Site versus Site/Warehouse
6. Case Studies

As the third article in a 3-part series, it builds ...