Available To Promise (ATP) can calculate the MFG promise date. This shows when we can make a Finished Good based on the component inventory that is or will be available. This is a great tool for busy Sales Desks especially if you make complex Finished Goods that are configurable. The alternative to using ATP would be numerous phone calls, emails and other communication methods to “chase” down component inventory.
In this screen the Red Box shows the date of when we can next reliably produce another 5 chairs based upon the components that are required for this Finished Good. The blue box shows us the date that we can “Promise” the customer that the required number (5) will be available. How is it that the Available Date is before the Manufacturing date? Well, we have a MO (MO0007) completing on 3/12/2011 and that is where the “Available to Promise” date comes from.
ATP is a great and powerful time saver inquiry for the team that uses it. It’s easy to deploy and learn and provides that 30,000 ft birds eye view of how well you can keep your promises.