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Generating Master Orders using Multi-Location Forecasting Data

Distributor steps for creating master orders with the PO Generator from multi-location forecasting data in Encompass, and how lead time sets arrival and receive dates. Needs Purchase PO Edit, v25.02+.

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Written by Bailey Naas-Thornton

Minimum Version Required: 25.02

Pre-Conditions

  • Forecasting Data Availability: Accurate and up-to-date multi-location forecasting data, including lead time, target days of inventory (DOI), must be available within the system.
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  • Location Setup: Shipment location must be set on the Forecast Group.

  • Suppliers Vendors: A supplier vendor record must exist for the Forecast Group and the Shipment location.

  • PO Generator Access: User must have Purchase PO Edit permissions to access and utilize the PO Generator tool.

Steps

Access Forecasting Data: Review the forecasting data for the relevant forecast group. Lead Time Days is critical for calculating the Receive and Arrival Date on shipments.
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​Generate Master Orders: Create POs from the PO Generator tool to automatically create master orders.

  • In the example image below, assume the current date is 1/31/2025, and that the Lead Time Days for the Shipment Location is 10 days and 25 days for other locations.
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  • When the shipment and purchase data is created (from PO Generator), the arrival date will be set to 2/10/2025 for all shipments (1/31/2025 + 10 days). The receive will be 2/10/2025 (1/31/2025 + 10 days) for the shipment locations and 2/25/2025 (1/31/2025 + 25 days) for the other locations.

Fields And Definitions

  • Forecasted Demand: The predicted demand for a specific product at a particular location within a given timeframe.
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  • Lead Time Days: Number of days it takes a product to arrive from the supplier.
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  • Cross-dock Location: A facility that receives goods from various suppliers and quickly redistributes them to other locations without storing them for an extended period.
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  • Shipping Location: A designated point from which goods are shipped to other locations.
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  • Master Order: A high-level order that serves as a master shipment for subsequent shipments and purchase orders.

Best Practices

  • Regularly review and update forecasting models to ensure accuracy.
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  • Utilize historical sales data and market trends to refine forecasts.
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  • Leverage the system's reporting capabilities to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to forecasting accuracy and order fulfillment.

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