Examining Attributes and Master Data Types

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to configure a planning area.

Introduction to the Planning Model for Inventory Optimization: Attributes, Master Data Types, Planning Levels, and Input and Output Key Figures

SAP provides sample entities that can be used to model inventory optimization in IBP. Till release 2402, SAP provided a sample planning are explicitly for IBP for Inventory, this planning area was called SAP3. This sample planning area was deprecated with release 2405. For the purpose of using a predefined planning area capable of using inventory optimization, SAP provides the unified planning area SAPIBP1. With a copy of this sample planning area, the related configuration can be used easily. It is also possible to use a partial copy in which the non-inventory-related configuration is excluded. Even if the previous modelling in SAP3 is not exactly the same as in the inventory-related configuration of SAPIBP1, the main building blocks, etc. are similar.

This standard model contains all of the model elements needed to use the full functionality of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) for inventory.

This unit shows the attributes, master data types, planning levels, and input and output key figures needed for inventory planning and optimization.

The different elements are explained using a simple supply chain shown in the figure, from left to the right:

Vendor
Warehouse
Distribution Center
Customer

Comprehensive Data Model for the End-to-End Supply Chain

The figure describes the Data Model of SAP Integrated Business Planning for Inventory.

As part of the model construction for inventory optimization, we can classify the data model by the displayed categories as per slide.

Inventory Planning Fundamentals in SAP Integrated Business Planning for Inventory

The figure describes the Fundamental Concepts for Advanced Application of Optimization Algorithms.

Understanding the model structure implies that we need to manage inventory planning fundamental definitions. These concepts will helps us to identify business requirements, recognize planning outputs, and speed up SAP IBP for inventory adoption:

Safety stock: Demand and supply uncertainty through exposure period (order cycle plus lead time).
Demand variability safety stock: Forecast demand variability.
Supply variability safety stock: Supply lead time variability.
Service variability safety stock: Upstream service variability through the exposure period (order cycle plus lead time).
Cycle stock: Propagated demand mean or lot size over length off replenishment frequency (periods between replenishment (PBR)).
On-hand stock: Safety stock plus cycle stock.
Pipeline stock: Propagated demand mean or lot size over length of internal transportation sourcing lead time.
In-process stock: Propagated demand mean or lot size over length of processing/manufacturing lead time.
Vendor in-transit stock: Propagated demand mean or lot size over length of lead time sourced from a vendor.
Reorder point: Propagated demand mean over length of lead time and lead time variability.
Target inventory position: Propagated demand mean and safety stock over length of lead time and length of replenishment frequency (PBR).

Attributes and Master Data Types

Attributes

Attributes are characteristics of master data types, for example, an attribute of the customer master data type might be country or region. Attributes can be either numeric or non-numeric. The following data types are supported for attributes:

To support the planning calendar function of SAP Integrated Business Planning, special attribute types are available with fixed properties as follows:

nvarchar
decimal
integer
timestamp

Note

You can only use decimal attributes as key figures in the planning area, and not as planning area dimension attributes.

Description Attributes

When you define a master data type, you can link a description attribute to its corresponding ID attribute. This can be beneficial for the performance of the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel. When you link the description and ID attributes, during log-on, the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel downloads the master data of one attribute for both the ID and the description, instead of two separate attributes. This reduces the data volume in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel. After you have linked them in configuration, both the description and ID attributes are displayed in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel, but not in any other apps in SAP IBP.

Master Data Types

Master data types represent categories of information, for example, customer, location, product, or resource. You use master data types to segment planning data. A typical example of their use would be a consumer goods company that wants to understand sales data based on the product, customer, and location master data types. Every master data type has one or more attributes, for example, the S2CUSTOMER master data type has S2CUSTID as an attribute.

Note

You cannot change the type of an active master data type. To understand more about the types of the master data types available within SAP IBP, please see SAP Help Portal→Master Data Types.

You can use the unified planning area SAPIBP1 to jump-start the implementation in case your business process requires integration across different SAP IBP applications. Just like any other sample planning area, this planning area delivers a pre-built integration scenario which you can customize to fit your unique requirements. You can also use the unified planning area for the separate SAP IBP applications by copying only the part of the planning area that you need for that specific application. To copy parts of the unified planning area, use the partial copy option.

For the integrated planning process based on the unified planning area, the SAP Best Practices for SAP IBP provides sample data, planning view templates, predefined dashboards, configuration guides, test scripts, and more. Customer test tenants and SAP IBP, starter edition instances include an activated copy of the unified planning area with the sample content.

Note

You can also download the content at https://me.sap.com/processnavigator/SolS/rds_ibp.

The sample planning area supports inventory by providing a sample or starting point for your implementation projects. When creating your own planning area, you can copy SAPIBP1 sample planning area (partially) and then change it to suit your own requirements. The following list provides information about the required master data types for inventory optimization, as delivered in this sample planing area:

The inventory optimization algorithms require specific sets of master data and attributes with prescribed technical IDs. You first define the required master data attributes (for example, product ID) and master data types (for example, customer, location, and product). You then assign the attributes to the master data types. The following figures provide information about the required master data types and key attributes for inventory optimization, as delivered in the sample planing area:

We recommend that you set the time period range for attributes as key figures to be from 0 (zero) to at least 13 weeks. This is the range configured in the sample planning area. You will need to reload data at the frequency you use for the range. That is, if you set the range to 13 weeks, you will need to reload data every 13 weeks. The best practice is to set the time period range to 13 weeks (or fewer), but if you choose not to update that frequently, we suggest you update every 26 weeks.

We recommend that you add a two or three-letter prefix. In the data model, the prefix XXX has been used (for example, XXXPRODUCT). You must use the same prefix for all master data types accordingly.

The figure describes the Simple Master Data Types and their Extensions Delivered for IBP for Inventory.

Note

Notes on the SOURCEPRODUCTION master data type: PRATIO and PROUNDING are not part of the sample model. Inputs for the attributes support use cases where:

PRATIO: Static production sourcing quotas/ratios; no input for PRATIOTS.
PROUNDING: Input when combined planning area with SAP4 sample model (SAP IBP for response and supply) in substitution for input for PINCLOTSIZE; prevent double entry.

The figure describes the Reference Master Data Types and Their Extensions Delivered for IBP for Inventory.

The figure describes the Compound Master Data Types and Their Extensions Delivered for IBP for Inventory.

Note

Notes on the SOURCELOCATION master data type: TRATIO and TROUNDING are not part of the sample model. Inputs for the attributes support use cases where:

TRATIO: Static production sourcing quotas/ratios; no input for RATIOTS.
TROUNDING: Input when combined planning area with SAP4 sample model (SAP IBP for response and supply) in substitution for input for TINCLOTSIZE; prevent double entry.

Create an Excel Connection

ExerciseStart Exercise

Business Example

To connect to the SAP IBP system, you must create a connection in Excel using a specific planning area. Within this course, we will work with two planning areas: a full copy of SAPIBP1 (ZIOUNIFIED) to run the planning algorithms and a partial copy of SAPIBP1 for inventory optimization (ZIOPCUNIPA), which replaces since release 2405 the deprecated SAP3 (ZIOSAP3). This was the sample planning area available till release 2402 which was explicitly configured for IBP for Inventory. Instead of ZIOSAP3, the partial copy of sample planning area SAPIBP1 named ZIOPCUNIPA is used in this course to showcase how the modeling of inventory optimization in IBP can look like.

Note

When these two symbols ## appear on this training, replace them with your trainee number.

Steps

In Excel, create a connection to the ZIOPCUNIPA and ZIOUNIFIED planning areas and log on with the same credentials provided by your instructor.
1. Open Excel and select the SAP IBP tab at the top. If you do not find the tab IBP in excel use windows search bar, type 'SAP IBP' and double-click on the element found.
2. Select the Log-on icon at the left edge of the tool bar.
3. In the dialog box, choose the ... (ellipses) button.
4. In the Connection Manager dialog box, choose Create Connection... in the upper part of the popup.
5. In the Connection Name field, enter ZIOPCUNIPA.
6. Enter the Server URL provided by your instructor.
7. Choose Planning Area, enter the credentials provided by your instructor and choose ZIOPCUNIPA from the list of planning areas.
8. Choose OK, in the Create Connection dialog box
9. Select the ZIOPCUNIPA connection and choose Duplicate.
10. In the Connection Name field, enter ZIOUNIFIED.
11. Enter the Server URL provided by your instructor.
12. Choose Planning Area, enter the credentials provided by your instructor (if needed) and choose ZIOUNIFIED from the list of planning areas.
13. Set flag Set as Default Connection
14. Choose OK in the Edit Connection dialog box
15. Observe in the Connection Manager that you have created two connections using the same URL. For the upcoming task use the ZIOUNIFIED connection.

Result

At the end of this task, you have established two connections to two different planning areas using the same URL. We have done this to understand different approaches for inventory planning and optimization using sample planning areas.

Create Key Planning Views Based on Templates

ExerciseStart Exercise

Business Example

To optimize stock levels, a group of templates in Excel can be used as the starting point to guarantee traceability, transparency, and proper application of advanced algorithms. For this task, ZIOUNIFIED planning area will be used via the ZIOUNIFIED connection.

In addition, the time horizon is presented to explain what the effects of the algorithms over the data set are. In other words, for each created planning view, a planning horizon with a length of 52 weeks in the past and in the future is suggested.

Note

When these two symbols ## appear on this training, replace them with your trainee number.

Steps

Create a planning view for each Template using the settings out of the templates. Save the new planning views with the names: IO 210 Input Data Review ##, IO 220 Planning Results ##, IO 230 Scenario Comparison ##, and IO 240 InvComp Review. Add these planning views to a folder called Inventory Planning and Optimization.
1. In Excel log on to planning area ZIOUNIFIED.
2. In the Excel UI, on the SAP IBP tab, in the Planning View section, choose New View→From Template….
3. Choose IO 210 Input Data Review under Template.
4. OpenWorkbook Settings on the left of the Create New Planning View from Template window by clicking on the arrow on top of the left panel.
5. Under Workbook settings, remove any existing filters and create a workbook filter named FG1##. For this, select Product ID as Attribute, Operator= and all Product IDs ending with ##. In order to choose all product IDs mentioned, click on …, enter ## in the search field and choose all products filtered below the search field. By choosing these products the IDs will appear on the right side of the popup. Click OK.
6. Click + to create a new planning filter. Use FG1## as name and click Add. Confirm any popup resp. message that appears.
7. Choose Versions & Scenarios.
8. Select Base Version under Versions and Baseline under Scenarios.
9. Under Planning Scope, select all sub-networks also called Planning Units that correspond to your group number ##. For example, learners with ## will have all Planning Units ending with ##. In the Planning Scope search field, type your trainee number ## and select all entries (Brasil##, Europe##, India##, US##, and Venezuela##).
10. Close the Workbook Settings panel by using the arrow on top of the panel again.
11. In the Time Settings tab under Time, choose the From column, then pick the week one year ago. Choose To, then pick the week one year in the future.
12. In the IO 210 Input Data Review template, you will find the following tabs: IOCV, Demand Input, Production Input, Transportation Input and Cost Input.
  Note
  Check which corresponding tabs are available in each Template.
13. Repeat the time-related settings for all tabs of this planning view. You can use the copy function related to the Copy Worksheet Settings icon on the right of the Create New Planning View from Template window.
14. Choose OK in the Create New Planning View from Template dialog box.
15. Choose OK in the SAP IBP: Warning dialog box, if any.
16. If an info box is displayed in yellow color, you can optionally read it and take note of the content accordingly. You can then delete it in any worksheet where it appears..
17. Repeat steps d) to p) for all other Templates within the Inventory Planning and Optimization folder. You can skip the creation of the filter in j) as the filter already created can be re-used.
18. In the Planning View section, choose Favorites→Add…, and save this planning view as your favorite: IO 210 Input Data Review ##. Select the drop-down menu in the field folder, choose (New Folder) and type Inventory Planning and Optimization ## in the field New Folder Name.
19. Change the filters of the graphs in Excel according to your preference.
20. Create a favorite from the IO 220 Planning Results template as IO 220 Planning Results ## with the tabs Demand Input, HighLevel Results, Detailed Results and SafetyStock Drivers and save into your Inventory Planning and Optimization ## folder.
21. Create a favorite from the IO 230 Scenario Comparison template asIO 230 Scenario Comparison ## with the tab Scenario Comparison and save into your Inventory Planning and Optimization ## folder.
22. Create a favorite from the IO 240 InvComp Review template as IO 240 InvComp Review ## with the tabs InvComp(Avg), InvComp(Target) and Plnd On Hand vs. Proj. Stock, and save into your Inventory Planning and Optimization ## folder.
23. Update your saved favorites accordingly.

Result

At the end of this exercise, you have created a folder for the inventory planning and optimization. Within this folder you have saved four planning views as favorites to execute different exercises during the course.

Know General Master Data Types for SAP Integrated Business Planning for Inventory

ExerciseStart Exercise

Prerequisites

For this exercise, the connection ZIOPCUNIPA will be used to display the master data types for inventory optimization.

Business Example

You want to understand the master data structure to start your inventory plan. To accomplish this goal, in this exercise we will explore the attributes and master data types delivered in SAPIBP1 for IBP for Inventory (Planning Area ZIOPCUNIPA).

Steps

Display the ZPCPRODUCT simple master data type in the SAP IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. Log on to the SAP Fiori launchpad.
2. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
3. Using the field Search, filter all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
4. Select the ZPCPRODUCT master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCCUSTOMER simple master data type in the SAP IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCCUSTOMER master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCLOCATION simple master data type in the SAP IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCLOCATION master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes
Display the ZPCLOCATIONFR reference master data type in the SAP IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter for all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCLOCATIONFR master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCLOCATIONPRODUCT compound master data type in the SAP IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCLOCATIONPRODUCT master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including key attributes.
Display the ZPCSOURCECUSTGROUP simple master data type in the SAP IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCSOURCECUSTGROUP master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCSOURCELOCATION compound master data type in the IBP Web UI and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCSOURCELOCATION master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCSOURCEPRODUCTION simple master data type in the IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter for all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCSOURCEPRODUCTION master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCCOMPONENT reference master data type in the IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter for all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCCOMPONENT master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the ZPCPRODUCTIONSOURCEITM simple master data type in the IBP Web UI, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. On the SAP Fiori home screen, choose the "Model Configuration group and there the Master Data Types – Model Configuration tile.
2. Filter for all master data types that begin with the prefix ZPC.
3. Select the ZPCPRODUCTIONSOURCEITM master data type in the left column. View the attributes assigned, including root attributes.
Display the master data types for inventory planning and optimization in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel, and make a mental note of the attributes that are assigned.
1. In Excel, go to the SAP IBP tab.
2. Log in to the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel using the ZIOPCUNIPA Connection.
3. Select the Master Data Workbook button.
4. Choose Create.
5. In the Create Master Data Workbook popup, select Master Data as Worksheet Type in the right part of the popup.
6. Select Product as Master Data Type, choose Base Version.
7. Choose the option with the plus sign on the bottom of the popup to add another sheet to your master data workbook and add Component.
8. Repeat with the following master data types:Customer, Location, Location From, Location Product, Demand Stream (Source Customer Group), Location Source, Source Production (Production Source Header), and Production Source Item master data types. Verify that you see the information message that you have permissions to edit master data below the drop down options.
9. Choose OK..
10. Note the orange column in every worksheet which represent mandatory fields in every sheet in which it is possible to change data.
11. In case a note appears read it optionally and close it using the x in the upper right corner.
12. Choose Favorites under Master Data to add your view as a favorite.
13. Under Name, type in Master Data Model ##, selecting a New Folder called Inventory Planning and Optimization ##, save this master data favorite.

Result

Results

You have now analyzed the master data model within planning area ZIOPCUNIPA, the partial copy of SAPIBP1 for inventory optimization.

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