Alternate Components in MRP
General
Alternate components represent parts that can replace the main part that is registered in various types of
product structures. These alternates can be valid for specific structure types, specific time intervals, and
defined parent parts only. When executing a shop order the main component can be replaced by valid alternates.
Also, in MRP valid alternates can be considered.
Note: When MRP detects a mutual alternate component, it will stop exploding its structure alternate.
Control Parameters for Alternate Components in MRP
Control parameters determine the conditions for using alternates in MRP:
In the Perform Site MRP dialog
- Plan Alternate Component
Controls whether the MRP run should consider alternate components at all.
On the Alternate Component page
- Valid Structure Types
Defines for which types of orders or structures an alternate can be
used. Options are All, Remanufacturing, Remanufacturing and
Repair.
- MRP Netting Use
Controls if the specific alternate component is included in MRP calculations and if so, it defines if
the use of the main component or the alternate component should be prioritized. Options are Exclude
During MRP, Consume before Main Component, and Consume after Main
Component.
- Effective From
Controls the date interval for when the alternate component is valid.
- Effective To
Controls the date interval for when the alternate component ceases to be
valid.
- Substitution Sequence
If there is more than one registered alternate for one main
component this parameter controls the priority order for the valid alternates. A low number has a higher
priority.
- Parent Part
Controls for which parent part an alternate component is valid. If
* is entered it is valid for all parents.
Alternate Component Logic in MRP
If the Plan Alternate Component is selected when ordering an MRP, the logic for using alternate
components kick in. Otherwise, MRP will only consider the main component in each structure and order.
For each component demand, MRP will find all possible replacement alternates according to the control parameters
described above. Depending on the MRP Netting Use setting, the logic for replacement will be
different.
If MRP Netting Use = Consume after the main component, the substitution
sequence will be according to the following:
- Available stock on hand for the main component will be used
- Existing non-pegged open supplies (e.g. Purchase Orders or Shop Orders) for the main component will be used,
no matter the planned receipt date. MRP will suggest these orders to be moved to meet the required dates.
- Available stock on hand for the alternate component.
- Existing non-pegged open supplies (e.g. Purchase Orders or Shop Orders) for the alternate component. These
will only be used if the planned receipt date is the same or earlier than the demand date. MRP will not suggest
moving existing orders for alternate components.
- Create order proposals (Purchase or Manufacturing) for the main component.
If MRP Netting Use = Consume before main component, the substitution sequence
will be according to following:
- Available stock on hand for the alternate component will be used
- Existing non-pegged open supplies (e.g. Purchase Orders or Shop Orders) for the alternate component will be
used, if planned receipt date is the same or earlier than the demand date.
- Available stock on hand for the main component
- Existing non-pegged open supplies (e.g. Purchase Orders or Shop Orders) for the main component. MRP will
suggest these orders to be moved to meet the required dates.
- Create order proposals (Purchase or Manufacturing) for the main component.
Note that MRP never creates any new supplies for the alternates based on net requirements for the main
component.