Article

Using calendars in Microsoft Dynamics AX for purchasing

by Evert Bos
Solution Architect, Sikich

You might call this an orphan topic for companies managing purchasing schedules with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and Dynamics 365 for Operations (AX7), but it is nonetheless quite important. Miscalculating delivery dates on your purchases always is, particularly in make-to-order and just-in-time manufacturing and distribution.

Some unexpected behavior exists in Dynamics AX with calendars and purchase orders, which I discovered this at a recent engagement with a distributor.

When working with resource groups and resources in Dynamics AX, the calendar is a mandatory field. But in purchasing where calendars certainly have an impact, they don't seem to be mandatory anywhere.

It is time to find out how calendars work when working with (planned) purchase orders.

Planned purchase orders

 EXAMPLES: 

  • SITUATION 1: I have a standard calendar (5 working days of 8 hours each) in one of the three places shown in the table: Coverage group, Warehouse or Vendor.

Today is 11/11/2016. When my Purchase lead time is 22 working days, the system will calculate a delivery date of 12/13/2016 (forward scheduled).

When my Purchase lead time is 22 calendar days, the system will calculate a delivery date of 12/5/2015. (Note that 11/11/2016 + 22 days is 12/3/2016, but the system moves to the first working day of 12/5/2016).

  • SITUATION 2: I have no calendar in any of the three places, just a calendar in the Master Planning parameters.

Today is 11/11/2016. When my purchase lead time is 22 working days, the system will calculate a delivery date of 12/3/2016. 

When my purchase lead time is 22 ...

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AX 2012 AX 2012 R3 AX 7 Accounting Distribution Dynamics 365 Dynamics AX Finance and Operations Manufacturing Payment Processing Planning & Scheduling Purchasing
About Evert Bos

I am Evert J Bos, ERP consultant since 1986. I started in Europe with IMS7 (A Honeywell Bull Mainframe ERP system) and the BaaN ERP system. Since 1995 I have worked in the USA and since 2004 I have been working with Dynamics AX.  I work for Sikich and focus mostly on manufacturing companies that make complex, engineered products.

More about Evert Bos