We frequently change parts for other parts, a replacement part,... normaly to introduce a new component and phase out an old component. A revision change, a product improvement, a better cost, etc.

When doing these changes, on a product structure, we increase the revision (with the new component included in the BoM),... but we would like always to consume all inventory of the old component, so that we do not leave "obsolete components in stock" ... with no future demands.

We are investigating into the Alternate Components MRP Netting functionality, and miss one important thing:
 

• The MRP will account for the existing Qty on Hand (for calculating the needs for the new components), but will not use any of the projected stock of the old component. We many times face situation on serial manufacturing, where the new component will take some time to arrive, and we have current POs of the old components on the way (that cannot be migrated/changed to the new component). That is, a ramp down on the old components while we ramp up the new one. Is there a way the MRP Netting with Alternate Component to take into account the projected stock of the Alternate?

• Additionaly, the MRP will do the calculations, but the SOR and SO Materials need to be changed by hand.... Is there a more effective way where the SO Materials are auto-changed to the Alternate Component while stock exists?

Basically, our ideal would be that the MRP performs the ramp down of the old component and ramp up of the new one, considering projected stock of the Alternate component.....+ Shop Order materials are fed with the older component to phase it out, until we run out of all components/stocks.

Maybe we are daydreaming too much?

Thanks for your support.
Cheers!


Iker