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Dual sourcing via product structure

  • January 20, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 37 views
1
Sidekick (Partner)
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Hi all,

We have a requirement to apply dual sourcing through the product structure:
two different but interchangeable components that should be used in, for example, a 50/50 ratio.

Using phase in/phase out doesn’t seem like a good solution, because shifting schedules cause new purchase requisitions to move from product A to product B within the lead times.

Dual sourcing via Purchasing isn’t possible either, because the two components are physically different items and therefore must be procured as separate components.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how this could be handled within standard IFS Cloud?

Thanks in advance!

Best answer by Richard Owen

Hi,

Perhaps you can consider setting it up with a new phantom part for a ‘dual-source kit’?

Dummy Assembly (Phantom) Structure

 

PARENT-PART
 └── DUAL-SOURCE-KIT (Phantom structure)
       ├── COMPONENT-A (Qty 1)
       └── COMPONENT-B (Qty 1)

Key Setup Details

  • DUAL-SOURCE-KIT:
    • Structure type: Phantom
    • No inventory; explodes immediately during MRP
  • COMPONENT‑A / COMPONENT‑B:
    • Independent inventory parts (the dual-sourced parts)
    • Their buffers, reorder levels, safety stock, and min/max lot sizes drive the long-term equilibrium

Why it works

  • MRP sees two independent component demands
  • Because the phantom kit always requires 1 of each, the replenishment pattern for A and B tends to equalize over time
  • If you adjust buffer size differently for A and B, you can fine-tune the bias (e.g., 60/40 instead.

I hope this helps!

3 replies

R
Sidekick (Partner)
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  • rakpadma
  • Sidekick (Partner)
  • January 20, 2026

Hi ​@12gWilleD 

Can you not have both the components in the product structure and at the shop order level you can delete the not required component? Explore this option if it is feasible

 

1
Sidekick (Partner)
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  • 12gWilleD
  • Author
  • Sidekick (Partner)
  • January 20, 2026

Then the forecast will create double demands and purchase req., also not a desirable outcome. 

Richard Owen
Superhero (Employee)
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  • Richard Owen
  • Superhero (Employee)
  • Answer
  • January 21, 2026

Hi,

Perhaps you can consider setting it up with a new phantom part for a ‘dual-source kit’?

Dummy Assembly (Phantom) Structure

 

PARENT-PART
 └── DUAL-SOURCE-KIT (Phantom structure)
       ├── COMPONENT-A (Qty 1)
       └── COMPONENT-B (Qty 1)

Key Setup Details

  • DUAL-SOURCE-KIT:
    • Structure type: Phantom
    • No inventory; explodes immediately during MRP
  • COMPONENT‑A / COMPONENT‑B:
    • Independent inventory parts (the dual-sourced parts)
    • Their buffers, reorder levels, safety stock, and min/max lot sizes drive the long-term equilibrium

Why it works

  • MRP sees two independent component demands
  • Because the phantom kit always requires 1 of each, the replenishment pattern for A and B tends to equalize over time
  • If you adjust buffer size differently for A and B, you can fine-tune the bias (e.g., 60/40 instead.

I hope this helps!

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