Oracle Demand Planning

Transcription

1 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide Release 11i January 2002 Part No. A

2 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide, Release 11i Part No. A Copyright 1996, 2002, Oracle Corporation. All rights reserved. Primary Author: Claire Deschamps Contributing Authors: Hugh Mason The Programs (which include both the software and documentation) contain proprietary information of Oracle Corporation; they are provided under a license agreement containing restrictions on use and disclosure and are also protected by copyright, patent and other intellectual and industrial property laws. Reverse engineering, disassembly or decompilation of the Programs, except to the extent required to obtain interoperability with other independently created software or as specified by law, is prohibited. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. If you find any problems in the documentation, please report them to us in writing. Oracle Corporation does not warrant that this document is error-free. Except as may be expressly permitted in your license agreement for these Programs, no part of these Programs may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Oracle Corporation. If the Programs are delivered to the U.S. Government or anyone licensing or using the programs on behalf of the U.S. Government, the following notice is applicable: Restricted Rights Notice Programs delivered subject to the DOD FAR Supplement are "commercial computer software" and use, duplication, and disclosure of the Programs, including documentation, shall be subject to the licensing restrictions set forth in the applicable Oracle license agreement. Otherwise, Programs delivered subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations are "restricted computer software" and use, duplication, and disclosure of the Programs shall be subject to the restrictions in FAR , Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights (June, 1987). Oracle Corporation, 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood City, CA The Programs are not intended for use in any nuclear, aviation, mass transit, medical, or other inherently dangerous applications. It shall be the licensee's responsibility to take all appropriate fail-safe, backup, redundancy, and other measures to ensure the safe use of such applications if the Programs are used for such purposes, and Oracle Corporation disclaims liability for any damages caused by such use of the Programs. Oracle is a registered trademark, and Express is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

3 Table of Contents Send Us Your Comments... xi Preface... xiii Structure of this Manual... xiii Documentation Accessibility... xv Oracle Demand Planning: Online Help... xv Oracle Demand Planning: Related Documentation... xvi Oracle Applications: Online Documentation... xvi Oracle Applications: Installation and Implementation Documentation... xvii Training and Support... xix Do Not Use Database Tools to Modify Oracle Applications Data... xx About Oracle... xx Your Feedback... xxii 1 Demand Planning Overview About Oracle Demand Planning Planning Cycle Activities Demand Planning Data Flow Demand Planning User Responsibilities Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes About Batch Processes Building a New Demand Plan Downloading Data from the Planning Server iii

4 Populating Measures Distributing to Planners Collecting Data from Planners Uploading Scenarios to the Planning Server Viewing the Batch Log Demand Plan Administration: Maintaining the User Environment About Setup and Maintenance Tasks Demand Planner Assignments Measures Scenarios Comment Reason Codes User Page Setup Predefined Reports Express Database Information Workflow Settings Environment for Planners and Demand Plan Manager Logging In as a Planner or Demand Plan Manager Navigation List Notifications List Document Workspace Events Calendar Activity Log Online Help Exiting Demand Planning Using Worksheets About Worksheets Creating Worksheets Opening Worksheets Selecting Data for Worksheets Arranging and Viewing Data in Worksheets Viewing Events for Measures in a Worksheet iv

5 Formatting Worksheets Using Worksheets to Modify Data Printing Worksheets Saving Worksheets Copying Data from Worksheets Exporting Data from Worksheets Closing Worksheets Renaming Worksheets Viewing Worksheet Properties Deleting Worksheets Using Ad Hoc Reports About Ad Hoc Reports Creating Ad Hoc Reports Opening Ad Hoc Reports Selecting Data for Ad Hoc Reports Arranging Data in Ad Hoc Reports Formatting Ad Hoc Reports Formatting Ad Hoc Reports Based on Data Conditions (Color Coding) Printing Ad Hoc Reports Saving Ad Hoc Reports Copying Data from Ad Hoc Reports Exporting Data from Ad Hoc Reports Closing Ad Hoc Reports Renaming Ad Hoc Reports Viewing Ad Hoc Report Properties Deleting Ad Hoc Reports Using Ad Hoc Graphs About Ad Hoc Graphs Creating Ad Hoc Graphs Opening Ad Hoc Graphs Selecting Data for Ad Hoc Graphs Arranging Data in Ad Hoc Graphs Formatting Ad Hoc Graphs v

6 Printing Ad Hoc Graphs Saving Ad Hoc Graphs Exporting Data from Ad Hoc Graphs Closing Ad Hoc Graphs Renaming Ad Hoc Graphs Viewing Ad Hoc Graph Properties Deleting Ad Hoc Graphs Using Predefined Reports About Predefined Reports Forecast Documents Other Types of Predefined Reports Opening Predefined Reports Changing Data in Predefined Reports Viewing Data in Predefined Reports Printing Predefined Reports Copying Data from Predefined Reports Exporting Data from Predefined Reports Closing Predefined Reports Working with Measures About Measures Defining Stored Measures Defining Formula Measures Editing Measure Definitions Importing Data into a Measure from a Flat File Editing Measure Data in Worksheets Submitting and Uploading Measures for Final Forecasts Renaming Measures Viewing Measure Properties Deleting Measures Working with Custom Aggregates About Custom Aggregates vi

7 Defining Custom Aggregates Editing Custom Aggregates Renaming Custom Aggregates Viewing Custom Aggregate Properties Deleting Custom Aggregates Working with Saved Selections About Saved Selections Defining Saved Selections Applying Saved Selections to Documents Editing Saved Selections Renaming Saved Selections Viewing Saved Selection Properties Deleting Saved Selections Working with Folders About Folders Creating Folders Adding Documents to Folders Moving Documents Between Folders Copying Documents to Folders Changing the Order of Documents in Folders Deleting Documents from Folders Renaming Folders Viewing Folder Properties Deleting Folders Working with Alerts About Alerts Defining Alerts Modifying Alerts Disabling Alerts Enabling Alerts Manually Running Alerts vii

8 Renaming Alerts Viewing Alert Properties Deleting Alerts Working with Alert Notifications Selecting Data About Selecting Data Selecting Values From a List Selecting Values by Level Selecting Values by Family Relationship Selecting Values that Match a Character String Selecting Values that Meet a Value Condition Selecting Values that Meet a Measure Condition Selecting Top and Bottom Values Selecting Time Values by Range Sorting Selected Values Saving Value Selections Modifying Data About Modifying Data in Worksheets Editing Cells Forecasting Cells Copying and Pasting Data Locking and Unlocking Cells Using Comments to Document Modifications Recalculating Data Resetting Data Submitting and Uploading Data About Submitting and Uploading Measures for Scenarios Planner Function: Submitting Measures Demand Plan Manager Function: Uploading Measures viii

9 A Stored Measure Options Options for Forecast Measures... A-2 Allocation Methods... A-7 Aggregation Methods... A-8 Properties... A-9 Events... A-9 B How Demand Planning Uses Oracle Workflow Overview of Workflow... B-2 Workflow Processes Within the Demand Planning Cycle... B-3 Workflow Background Engines... B-13 Glossary Index ix

10 x

11 Send Us Your Comments Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide, Release 11i Part No. A Oracle Corporation welcomes your comments and suggestions on the quality and usefulness of this document. Your input is an important part of the information used for revision. Did you find any errors? Is the information clearly presented? Do you need more information? If so, where? Are the examples correct? Do you need more examples? What features did you like most? If you find any errors or have any other suggestions for improvement, please indicate the document title and part number, and the chapter, section, and page number (if available). You can send comments to us in the following ways: FAX: Attn: Oracle Demand Planning Postal service: Oracle Corporation Oracle Demand Planning Documentation 10 Van de Graaff Drive Burlington, MA U.S.A. If you would like a reply, please give your name, address, telephone number, and (optionally) electronic mail address. If you have problems with the software, please contact your local Oracle Support Services. xi

12 xii

13 Preface Welcome to Release 11i of the Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide. The manual describes how to use the features that are available when you access Oracle Demand Planning as a demand planner or Demand Plan Manager. The manual also describes how to use Demand Plan Administration to maintain the user environment and run the batch processes that drive the forecasting cycle. This guide assumes you have a working knowledge of the following: The principles and customary practices of your business area Oracle Demand Planning If you have never used Oracle Demand Planning, Oracle suggests you attend one or more of the Oracle Demand Planning training classes available through Oracle University. The Oracle Applications graphical user interface. To learn more about the Oracle Applications graphical user interface, read the Oracle Applications User s Guide. When this guide refers you to other documentation, use only the Release 11i versions of those guides. Structure of this Manual This manual contains the information that you need to understand and use Oracle Demand Planning as a demand planner or Demand Planning Manager. It also includes information about the tasks that you perform as a Demand Plan System Administrator to run batch processes and maintain the user environment. It includes the following chapters: Chapter 1, "Demand Planning Overview" on page 1-1, describes Oracle Demand Planning, explains the major activities within a demand planning cycle, and provides summary information about Demand Planning responsibilities. Chapter 2, "Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes" on page 2-1, describes the batch processes that drive the planning cycle. Chapter 3, "Demand Plan Administration: Maintaining the User Environment" on page 3-1, describes basic setup and maintenance tasks. -xiii

14 Chapter 4, "Environment for Planners and Demand Plan Manager" on page 4-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager access, navigate, and exit Oracle Demand Planning. Chapter 5, "Using Worksheets" on page 5-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can use worksheets to view and modify data. Chapter 6, "Using Ad Hoc Reports" on page 6-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can use ad hoc reports to view and analyze data. Chapter 7, "Using Ad Hoc Graphs" on page 7-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can use ad hoc graphs to view and analyze data. Chapter 8,"Using Predefined Reports" on page 8-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can use predefined reports to view and analyze data. Chapter 9, "Working with Measures" on page 9-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can define and use measures. Chapter 10, "Working with Custom Aggregates" on page 10-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can define and use custom aggregates. Chapter 11, "Working with Saved Selections" on page 11-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager can define and use saved selections of values. Chapter 12, "Working with Folders" on page 12-1, describes how to planners and the Demand Plan Manager can create and use folders to organize documents. Chapter 13, "Working with Alerts" on page 13-1, describes how planners and planning managers can define and use alerts. Chapter 14, "Selecting Data" on page 14-1, describes the tools and techniques that are available to planners and the Demand Plan Manager for selecting and sorting data. Chapter 15, "Modifying Data" on page 15-1, describes the techniques that are available to planners and the Demand Plan Manager when they modify data in a worksheet. Chapter 16, "Submitting and Uploading Data" on page 16-1, describes how planners and the Demand Plan Manager submit or upload final forecasts. xiv

15 Appendix A, Stored Measure Options on page A-1, provides information about the attributes that you can assign to stored measures. Appendix B, How Demand Planning Uses Oracle Workflow on page B-1, provides information about Workflow functions in Oracle Demand Planning. A glossary provides definitions for statistical terms and terms commonly used within the application. Documentation Accessibility Our goal is to make Oracle products, services, and supporting documentation accessible, with good usability, to the disabled community. To that end, our documentation includes features that make information available to users of assistive technology. This documentation is available in HTML format, and contains markup to facilitate access by the disabled community. Standards will continue to evolve over time, and Oracle Corporation is actively engaged with other market-leading technology vendors to address technical obstacles so that our documentation can be accessible to all of our customers. For additional information, visit the Oracle Accessibility Program Web site at Accessibility of Code Examples in Documentation JAWS, a Windows screen reader, may not always correctly read the code examples in this document. The conventions for writing code require that closing braces should appear on an otherwise empty line; however, JAWS may not always read a line of text that consists solely of a bracket or brace. Accessibility of Links to External Web Sites in Documentation This documentation may contain links to Web sites of other companies or organizations that Oracle Corporation does not own or control. Oracle Corporation neither evaluates nor makes any representations regarding the accessibility of these Web sites. Oracle Demand Planning: Online Help Online help is available for Demand Planning administrative and user functions. You can access help in the following ways: By choosing the Help button on a toolbar By choosing the Help button in a dialog box xv

16 Oracle Demand Planning: Related Documentation This manual is part of a set of documentation for Oracle Demand Planning, which also includes the following printed documents: Oracle Demand Planning Installation and Configuration Guide Provides information for a system administrator who installs and sets up the software for the Demand Planning Engine (DPE). Oracle Advanced Planning and Scheduling: Implementation and User s Guide Provides information for a system administrator who sets up the Advanced Supply Chain Planning application, including the Demand Planning Server (DPS). Oracle Demand Planning Technical Reference Manual, Volume I Demand Planning Server Describes the underlying structures of the Demand Planning Server (DPS). Oracle Demand Planning Technical Reference Manual, Volume II Demand Planning Engine Describes the underlying structures of the Demand Planning Engine (DPE). Oracle Express Server Installation and Configuration Guide for HP 9000 Series HP-UX Explains how to install and configure Oracle Express Server (hereinafter referred to as Express server) on an HP 9000 Series HP-UX server. Oracle Express Server Installation and Configuration Guide for Sun SPARC Solaris Explains how to install and configure Express server on a Sun SPARC Solaris server. Oracle Express Server Installation and Configuration Guide for NT Explains how to install and configure Express server on an NT server. Oracle Express Web Products Installation Guide Explains how to configure the server-side components of an Express Web Agent or Express Web Publisher installation. Oracle Applications: Online Documentation All Oracle Applications documentation is available online (HTML or PDF). Online Help The new features section in the HTML help describes new features in 11i. This information is updated for each new release of Oracle Demand Planning. The new features section also includes information about any features that were not yet available when this guide was printed. For example, if your administrator has installed software from a mini-packs an xvi

17 upgrade, this document describes the new features. Online help patches are available on MetaLink. 11i Features Matrix This document lists new features available by patch and identifies any associated new documentation. The new features matrix document is available on MetaLink. Readme File Refer to the readme file for patches that you have installed to learn about new documentation or documentation patches that you can download. Oracle Applications: Installation and Implementation Documentation Oracle Applications Concepts Provides an introduction to the concepts, features, technology stack, architecture, and terminology for Oracle Applications Release 11i. It provides a useful first book to read before an installation of Oracle Applications. This guide also introduces the concepts behind Applications-wide features such as Business Intelligence (BIS), languages and character sets, and Self-Service Web Applications. Installing Oracle Applications Provides instructions for managing the installation of Oracle Applications products. In Release 11i, much of the installation process is handled using Oracle Rapid Install, which minimizes the time to install Oracle Applications, the Oracle8 technology stack, and the Oracle8i Server technology stack by automating many of the required steps. This guide contains instructions for using Oracle Rapid Install and lists the tasks you need to perform to finish your installation. You should use this guide in conjunction with individual product user s guides and implementation guides. Upgrading Oracle Applications Refer to this guide if you are upgrading your Oracle Applications Release 10.7 or Release 11.0 products to Release 11i. This guide describes the upgrade process and lists database and product-specific upgrade tasks. You must be either at Release 10.7 (NCA, SmartClient, or character mode) or Release 11.0, to upgrade to Release 11i. You cannot upgrade to Release 11i directly from releases prior to Maintaining Oracle Applications Helps you run the various AD utilities, such as AutoUpgrade, AutoPatch, AD Administration, AD Controller, AD Relink, License Manager, and others. It contains how-to steps, screenshots, and other information that you need to run the AD utilities. This guide also provides information on maintaining the Oracle applications file system and database. Oracle Applications System Administrator s Guide Provides planning and reference information for the Oracle Applications System Administrator. It contains xvii

18 information on how to define security, customize menus and online help, and manage concurrent processing. Oracle Alert User s Guide Explains how to define periodic and event alerts to monitor the status of your Oracle Applications data. Oracle Applications Developer s Guide Contains the coding standards followed by the Oracle Applications development staff. It describes the Oracle Application Object Library components needed to implement the Oracle Applications user interface described in the Oracle Applications User Interface Standards for Forms-Based Products. It also provides information to help you build your custom Oracle Forms Developer 6i forms so that they integrate with Oracle Applications. Oracle Applications User Interface Standards for Forms-Based Products Contains the user interface (UI) standards followed by the Oracle Applications development staff. It describes the UI for the Oracle Applications products and how to apply this UI to the design of an application built by using Oracle Forms. Oracle Applications Product Update Notes Use this guide as a reference for upgrading an installation of Oracle Applications. It provides a history of the changes to individual Oracle Applications products between Release 11.0 and Release 11i. It includes new features, enhancements, and changes made to database objects, profile options, and seed data for this interval. Multiple Reporting Currencies in Oracle Applications If you use the Multiple Reporting Currencies feature to record transactions in more than one currency, use this manual before implementing Oracle Demand Planning. Multiple Organizations in Oracle Applications This guide describes how to set up and use Oracle Applications' Multiple Organization support feature. Oracle Workflow Guide This guide explains how to define new workflow business processes as well as customize existing Oracle Applications-embedded workflow processes.you also use this guide to complete the setup steps necessary for any Oracle Applications product that includes workflow-enabled processes. Oracle Applications Flexfields Guide This guide provides flexfields planning, setup and reference information for the Oracle Demand Planning implementation team, as well as for users responsible for the ongoing maintenance of Oracle Applications product data. This manual also provides information on creating custom reports on flexfields data. Oracle Technical Reference Manuals Contain database diagrams and a detailed description of database tables, forms, reports, and programs for a specific Oracle Applications product. This information helps you convert data from your existing applications, integrate Oracle Applications data with non-oracle applications, and xviii

19 Training and Support write custom reports for Oracle Applications products. Oracle etrm is available on Metalink Oracle Manufacturing APIs and Open Interfaces Manual Contains up-to-date information about integrating with other Oracle Manufacturing applications and with your other systems. This documentation includes APIs and open interfaces found in Oracle Manufacturing. Oracle Order Management Suite APIs and Open Interfaces Manual Contains up-to-date information about integrating with other Oracle Manufacturing applications and with your other systems. This documentation includes APIs and open interfaces found in Oracle Order Management Suite. Oracle Applications Message Reference Manual Describes all Oracle Applications messages. This manual is available in HTML format on the documentation CD-ROM for Release 11i. Training Support Oracle offers a complete set of training courses to help you and your staff master Oracle Demand Planning and reach full productivity quickly. These courses are organized into functional learning paths, so you take only those courses appropriate to your job or area of responsibility. You have a choice of educational environments. You can attend courses offered by Oracle University at any one of our many Education Centers, you can arrange for our trainers to teach at your facility, or you can use Oracle Learning Network (OLN), Oracle University's online education utility. In addition, Oracle training professionals can tailor standard courses or develop custom courses to meet your needs. For example, you may want to use your organization structure, terminology, and data as examples in a customized training session delivered at your own facility. From on-site support to central support, our team of experienced professionals provides the help and information you need to keep Oracle Demand Planning working for you. This team includes your Technical Representative, Account Manager, and Oracle s large staff of consultants and support specialists with xix

20 expertise in your business area, managing an Oracle8i server, and your hardware and software environment. Do Not Use Database Tools to Modify Oracle Applications Data About Oracle Oracle STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that you never use SQL*Plus, Oracle Data Browser, database triggers, or any other tool to modify Oracle Applications data unless otherwise instructed. Oracle provides powerful tools you can use to create, store, change, retrieve, and maintain information in an Oracle database. But if you use Oracle tools such as SQL*Plus to modify Oracle Applications data, you risk destroying the integrity of your data and you lose the ability to audit changes to your data. Because Oracle Applications tables are interrelated, any change you make using Oracle Applications can update many tables at once. But when you modify Oracle Applications data using anything other than Oracle Applications, you may change a row in one table without making corresponding changes in related tables. If your tables get out of synchronization with each other, you risk retrieving erroneous information and you risk unpredictable results throughout Oracle Applications. When you use Oracle Applications to modify your data, Oracle Applications automatically checks that your changes are valid. Oracle Applications also keeps track of who changes information. If you enter information into database tables using database tools, you may store invalid information. You also lose the ability to track who has changed your information because SQL*Plus and other database tools do not keep a record of changes. Oracle Corporation develops and markets an integrated line of software products for database management, applications development, decision support, and office automation, as well as Oracle Applications, an integrated suite of more than 160 software modules for financial management, supply chain management, manufacturing, project systems, human resources and customer relationship management. Oracle products are available for mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, network computers and personal digital assistants, allowing organizations to integrate different computers, different operating systems, different networks, and even different database management systems, into a single, unified computing and information resource. xx

21 Oracle is the world s leading supplier of software for information management, and the world s second largest software company. Oracle offers its database, tools, and applications products, along with related consulting, education, and support services, in over 145 countries around the world. xxi

22 Your Feedback Thank you for using Oracle Demand Planning and this user s guide. Oracle values your comments and feedback. At the end of this guide is a Reader s Comment Form you can use to explain what you like or dislike about Oracle Demand Planning or this user s guide. Mail your comments to the following address or call us directly at (650) Oracle Applications Documentation Manager Oracle Corporation 500 Oracle Parkway Redwood Shores, CA U.S.A. Or, send electronic mail to appsdoc_us@oracle.com. xxii

23 1 Demand Planning Overview This section describes Oracle Demand Planning, explains the major activities in the demand planning cycle, and describes user responsibilities. The section includes the following topics: About Oracle Demand Planning Planning Cycle Activities Demand Planning Data Flow Demand Planning User Responsibilities Demand Planning Overview 1-1

24 About Oracle Demand Planning About Oracle Demand Planning Oracle Demand Planning is a Web-based application that enables organizations to produce unconstrained forecasts for future demand and to generate tactical, operational, and strategic business plans. Demand Planning captures and processes information from multiple sources and consolidates demand so that it can be summarized by item, product line, region, time, and organization. When used as an integrated module within Oracle s Advanced Planning and Scheduling application, output from Demand Planning can be used to drive the supply chain planning process. Demand Planning integrates with Oracle Workflow, and supports control mechanisms based on an event or calendar. Key features of Oracle Demand Planning The following list highlights the features of Oracle Demand Planning: Supports Internet-based collaboration between users in various locations and departments. The collaborative capabilities ensure global visibility and provide tools for adjusting forecasts based on judgement. Incorporates a best-of-breed statistical forecasting engine: Geneva Forecasting from Roadmap Technologies. Developed specifically for demand forecasting applications, this engine has multiple forecasting methods (linear and non-linear regression, variations of exponential smoothing), efficient parameter search and outlier detection algorithms, and a rule based system for automatic best fit forecasts based on time and frequency domain analysis and predefined decision rules generated from cross-client studies. Accommodates flexibility in information acquisition, information management, information analysis, and forecast reconciliation. The system supports a variety of inputs including sales and opportunities forecasts, marketing intelligence, custom forecasts, and external data streams. Enables users to define attributes of custom data streams such as measurement type, aggregation rule, allocation rule, unit of measure, dependent demand, price list, and related events. Provides a reporting interface that supports multiple views of the data, rotation, drill down, and aggregation. The ability for planners to define their own measures, custom aggregates, and saved selections provides further support for flexible modeling and analysis. Enables planners and planning managers to use a variety of techniques to edit data. 1-2 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

25 Planning Cycle Activities Creates a knowledge base by maintaining planners comments and audit trails. Supports reason codes for forecast modifications. Includes capabilities for modeling and viewing information about events such as product introductions, product cannibalization, and product phaseouts. Provides feedback to planners through performance monitoring, exception reporting, comparative reports, and user-defined alert mechanisms. Planning Cycle Activities Data is downloaded to the shared database from the Planning Server At the beginning of a forecasting cycle, data from the Planning Server database is downloaded into a shared database. The Planning Server is a source of integrated data that can include the following: Forecast data from Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or third party at any aggregate level Historical data at the lowest aggregate level (e.g., SKU) Data from external sources, such as customer data The Planning Server defines the parameters of the source data as well as events, scenarios, demand plans and system setup. Planning Server input determines what is displayed in the Demand Planning Engine. For information about setting up the Planning Server, see the Oracle Advanced Supply Chain and Oracle Global ATP Server Implementation Manual. Data distributed to planners Data is distributed to individual planners, based on assignments that been defined by the Demand Planning System Administrator. For example, a planner who is responsible for forecasting demand for Brand 1 and Brand 2 in City A, City B, and City C, will see data for these values, while another planner will see another data set. Planners analyze and modify forecasts Individual planners use worksheets to review and modify forecast numbers. A planner can adjust the data in a number of ways, select different data values, and copy and paste data. As planners examine their forecast numbers, they can use ad hoc reports and graphs to visualize data and perform what-if analyses. Planners can Demand Planning Overview 1-3

26 Planning Cycle Activities also define custom data streams and incorporate this information into their analyses. Planners submit final forecasts When forecasting is complete, planners submit their final forecast values to the shared database. If a demand plan includes multiple scenarios, planners submit a forecast for each scenario. Demand Plan Manager reviews forecasts The Demand Plan Manager reviews the numbers that have been submitted to the shared database by individual planners. He or she might make further judgemental adjustments. Data is uploaded to the Planning Server Following the planning manager s review, final forecast data is uploaded to the Planning Server. Planning Server publishes forecasts to the source instance The forecast data is published from the Planning Server to the source instance. This integrates the final estimate of demand into the transaction system. Users get feedback Oracle Demand Planning includes a variety of tools that provide feedback and monitoring results at various stages of the demand planning process: Users can generate exception reports based on a variety of parameters. Users can run reports to check forecast accuracy or set up alerts that will notify them of specific events. Users can compare actual results against forecasts, or compare forecasts for various scenarios against one another. Users can refer back to reports, graphs, and worksheets that they have saved in their personal database. 1-4 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

27 Demand Planning User Responsibilities Demand Planning Data Flow The following diagram illustrates the Demand Planning data flow. As the planning cycle starts, data moves from the Planning Server to the Demand Planning Engine (DPE) shared database. As the planning cycle concludes, data moves from users personal databases to the shared database and is uploaded to the Planning Server. Demand Planning User Responsibilities Oracle Demand Planning supports the following user responsibilities: Demand Planning System Administrator Demand Plan Manager Demand Planner Demand Planning System Administrator The Demand Planning System Administrator is responsible for setting up and maintaining the Planning Server. The Demand Planning System Administrator is also responsible for maintaining the user environment for demand planners and the Demand Planning Overview 1-5

28 Demand Planning User Responsibilities Demand Plan Manager and running the batch processes that drive the forecasting cycle. An individual with the Demand Planning System Administrator responsibility performs the following tasks: Sets up and maintains the tables that store information about source instances. Sets up and maintains the tables that store information about data collection parameters. Sets up and maintains the tables that store the parameters for publishing information from and to the Planning Server. Sets up and maintains the tables that store information required for the transfer of data between the Planning Server and the Demand Planning Engine. Sets up and maintains the tables that store information about demand planning dimensions, hierarchies, levels, and hierarchy/level relationships. Sets up and maintains the tables that store information about events that affect demand planning. Sets up and maintains the tables that store information about demand plan scenarios. Sets up and maintains the tables that store parameters for demand plans. Works with the system administrator to do the following: Set up Express databases Ensure that Demand Planning users are entered in Oracle Applications with the appropriate responsibilities Ensure that Oracle Workflow is set up to support Demand Planning users and requirements. Runs the following Demand Plan Administration processes: Sets user parameters for the Demand Planning page, generates predefined reports, defines data assignments for planners, and defines measures. Can also associate default measures with scenarios and modify Workflow information. Runs the batch processes that transfer data to and from the Planning Server, populate measures in the shared database, distribute data and measures to planners, and collect forecasts from planners. 1-6 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

29 Demand Planning User Responsibilities For information about how the Demand Planning System Administrator sets up the tables for a demand plan, see Oracle Advanced Planning and Scheduling: Implementation and User s Guide. Demand Plan Manager Demand Planner The Demand Plan Manager gets a view of the entire data without any restriction or scoping. He or she works directly in the shared database and is responsible for reviewing planners consolidated forecasts. Using personal judgement and business experience, he or she can adjust planners forecast values prior to the final submission. The Demand Plan Manager can also define exception conditions for general alerts. Note: If your planning group is very small, you might want to set up all users to have the Demand Plan Manager responsibility. Note, however that if more than one person has this responsibility, only one individual at a time will be able to perform functions such as creating measures, editing data, and saving documents. The Demand Planner is responsible for analyzing and forecasting demand within an assigned data segment. The planner works in his or her personal database, reviewing and perhaps modifying data in accordance with judgement. When the estimate of demand is complete, the planner submits a forecast for each scenario to the shared database. Demand Planning Overview 1-7

30 Demand Planning User Responsibilities 1-8 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

31 2 Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes This section describes how to use Demand Plan Administration to run the batch processes that drive the Demand Planning forecasting cycle. The section includes the following topics: About Batch Processes Building a New Demand Plan Downloading Data from the Planning Server Populating Measures Distributing to Planners Collecting Data from Planners Uploading Scenarios to the Planning Server Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes 2-1

32 About Batch Processes About Batch Processes Batch processes drive the stages of the forecasting cycle. As a Demand Planning System Administrator, you use the Demand Plan Administration function to run the batch processes that drive the forecasting cycle. Batch processes are as follows: Prerequisites for batch processing Building a New Demand Plan For a new demand plan, builds the Express databases and downloads data for dimensions and measures specified in the Planning Server to the shared database. Download Data from Planning Server For an existing demand plan, downloads data for dimensions and measures specified in the Planning Server to the shared database. Populate Measures Calculates measures that you have defined in the shared database and runs forecasts. Distribute to Planners Distributes data in the shared database to users who log in with the Demand Planner responsibility. Collect Data from Planner Consolidates planners forecast submissions in the shared database. Upload Scenarios to Planning Server Transfers data from the shared database to the Planning Server. In order to run batch processes, the following tasks must be complete: Demand Planning users and responsibilities have been set up in Oracle Applications. Oracle Workflow has been installed and configured and Workflow background engines have been scheduled. For more information, see Appendix B. 2-2 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

33 About Batch Processes You have been defined as a user in Oracle Applications, and you have the responsibility of Demand Planning System Administrator. All forms that apply to the demand plan setup are complete. For information about setting up a demand plan, see Oracle Advanced Planning and Scheduling: Implementation and User s Guide. The demand plan has been validated in the Planning Server. Using the Demand Planning Administration Page The Demand Planning Administration page is the interface for running batch processes. To access the Demand Planning Administration page: 1. Log into Demand Planning. 2. Select the Demand Planning System Administrator responsibility, 3. In the Navigator, select Demand Plan Administration. Result: A list of demand plans appears. 4. Select the demand plan that you want to work with, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Start Demand Planning. Result: The Demand Planning Administration page for the plan opens. Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes 2-3

34 Building a New Demand Plan Example: Demand Planning Administration Page The following example shows the Demand Planning Administration page for the "Demo" demand plan. The navigation list is in the left frame. Batch processes are listed in the right frame. Building a New Demand Plan When you log into the Planning Server and choose a plan that has not yet been built, you are prompted to log into the Planning Server. When you log into the Planning Server, the following tasks are executed: The Demand Planning shared Express databases are created. Data for dimensions and measures specified in the Planning Server is downloaded from the Planning Server database to the shared database. 2-4 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

35 Building a New Demand Plan To build a new demand plan: 1. Log into Demand Planning. 2. Select the Demand Planning System Administrator responsibility, 3. In the Navigator, select Demand Plan Administration. Result: A list of demand plans appears. 4. Select the demand plan that you want to work with, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Start Demand Planning. Result: The Connect to Planning Server page appears. 5. Provide the following login information: a. In the User ID box, enter your ID for the Oracle Application Objects Library (AOL) schema. b. In the Password box, enter your password for the Oracle Application Objects Library (AOL) schema. c. In the Connect String box, enter the connection string. The connection string is an alias that accesses the required connection information in the tnsnames.ora file for the current Oracle Home. This connection information enables Demand Planning to locate and access the Oracle database instance. Note: For more information, see your system administrator. 6. Click the Login button. Result: All of the information that you entered in the Connect to Planning Server page is stored in Express Server so that you do not have to enter it again. The Demand Planning databases are built and a download of data from the Demand Planning Server to these databases is initiated. A message appears on the screen to inform you that the download is taking place. If you are set up to receive Workflow notifications, you will receive a notification when the download is complete. When you access the Demand Planning Administrator page, the status for the batch process Download Data from Planning Server will be set to COMPLETE. Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes 2-5

36 Downloading Data from the Planning Server Downloading Data from the Planning Server Populating Measures Once a demand plan has been built, run the Download Data from Planning Server batch to initiate a new forecasting cycle for the plan. The download process transfers data from the Planning Server database to the shared database. To download data from the Planning Server for an existing demand plan: 1. Open the Demand Planning Administration page for the plan that you want to work with. 2. In the navigation list, click the demand plan name. Result: A list of batch processes appears in the right frame. 3. In the Stage column, click Download Data from Planning Server. 4. Click Apply to run the batch. Result: The task is submitted to Oracle Workflow. The Status column indicates when the batch is complete. For information about the associated Workflow process, see "Stage 1 Workflow process: Download data from Planning Server" on page B-5. Tip: You can use the Batch Log to view detailed status information. Run the Populate Measure batch to calculate measures that you have defined in the shared database. The process also calculates forecast measures that have been downloaded from the Planning Server. Use the Measures function to define and edit measures before you run this process. For more information, see "Measures" on page To run the batch process to populate measures: 1. Open the Demand Planning Administration page for the plan that you want to work with. 2. In the navigation list, click the demand plan name. Result: A list of batch processes appears in the right frame. 3. In the Stage column, click Populate Measures. Result: The process populates the measures that are currently displayed in the measure list in the shared database and runs forecasts from the Planning Server. 2-6 Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide

37 Distributing to Planners Distributing to Planners 4. Click Apply to run the batch. Result: The task is submitted to Oracle Workflow. The Status column indicates when the batch is complete. For information about the associated Workflow process, see "Stage 2 Workflow process: Populate Measures" on page B-5. Tip: You can use the Batch Log to view detailed status information. Run the Distribute to Planners batch to distribute data in the shared database to individual planners. The process distributes populated measures as well as any measures that have been defined by the Demand Plan Manager. Run Distribute to Planners after you create assignments and run the Populate Measures batch. Also ensure that you have performed maintenance tasks such as setting up planners assignments, defining measures, entering comment reason codes, and so forth. For information about maintenance tasks, see Chapter 3, "Demand Plan Administration: Maintaining the User Environment" on page 3-1. Note: If you have set up your system so that all users have the Demand Plan Manager responsibility, then you do not have to run this batch. A planning manager has access to all data in the shared database. To run the batch process to distribute to planners: 1. Open the Demand Planning Administration page for the plan that you want to work with. 2. In the navigation list, click the demand plan name. Result: A list of batch processes appears in the right frame. 3. In the Stage column, click Distribute to Planners. 4. Click Apply to run the batch. Result: The task is submitted to Oracle Workflow. The Status column indicates when the batch is complete. For more information about Workflow processing, see "Stage 3 Workflow process: Distribute to planners" on page B-6. Tip: You can use the Batch Log to view detailed status information. Demand Plan Administration: Running Batch Processes 2-7

38 Collecting Data from Planners Collecting Data from Planners Options for collecting data As planners submit final forecasts, the data is marked for inclusion in the shared database. Run the Collect Data from Planners batch to collect and consolidate planners data submissions in the shared database. You can also view the status of submissions by assignment. Note: If you have set up your system so that all users have the Demand Plan Manager responsibility, you do not have to run this batch. A planning manager saves data directly in the shared database. Data does not have to be collected and consolidated. Within the Collect Data function, you have the following options: You can set a data collection deadline date. This establishes a final date on which data that has been submitted by planners will be collected and consolidated in the shared database. You can also set a parameter to generate reminder messages to planners. Workflow will run an iterative process to collect submissions up until the date that you specify. If you select the reminder messaging option, Workflow will generate reminder messages. If a collection process is running, you can terminate the collection. Workflow will run a final process to collect available submissions and consolidate the data. You can collect available data immediately. Workflow will run a process, distinct from the process that runs collections, to collect available submissions and consolidate the data. If a collection process is currently running, it will continue. Note: If a planner has not yet submitted a measure for a scenario, Demand Planning will use the default measure for the scenario as the value for the planner s submission, if a default measure for the scenario has been set. If no default measure has been set for the scenario, the data collected for the planner will be NA. For information about setting the default measure for a scenario, see "Setting a default measure for a scenario" on page Oracle Demand Planning User s Guide