Topic Covered -

1. PPDS Training Session Overview
2. Addressing MRP's Limitations With PPDS
3. PPDS Training: Process Flow Overview
4. Production Planning and Scheduling System
5. PPD/MRP Order Creation and Sequencing
6. Advanced Work Center Functionality and Training
7. System Access and Training Curriculum
8. S400 System Functionality and Apps
9. PPDS Module Training Opportunities Discussed

PPDS Training Session Overview

Parminder led a session on Production Planning and Detail Scheduling (PPDS), which was shifted to Saturday due to a cricket match. The session was interactive, with participants able to ask questions via chat. Parminder introduced Nikhil and Sam as additional speakers. The session was divided into three parts: an overview of PPDS, a Q&A session, and a career counseling session. Parminder also mentioned that a full training course on PPDS would start in a week or two. The session was attended by participants from various modules, including PP, PPM, and new joiners.

Addressing MRP's Limitations With PPDS

The discussion focuses on the limitations of Material Requirement Planning (MRP) and how Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PPDS) addresses these shortcomings. Parminder explains that while MRP can provide basic planning, it lacks the ability to perform constrained-based planning, finite scheduling, and detailed sequencing of operations. PPDS, on the other hand, can handle scenarios such as capacity constraints, setup time optimization, preventive maintenance scheduling, and source selection for distribution. Additionally, PPDS can perform bottom-up planning, adjusting the entire production plan when changes occur at the raw material level, which MRP cannot do.

PPDS Training: Process Flow Overview

In the meeting, Parminder introduced the need for PPDS to resolve issues and invited Sam and Nikhil to deliver a detailed presentation. Sam and Nikhil explained the objectives and benefits of PPDS, including the ability to schedule resources and optimize sequence, short-term planning, and simultaneous execution of manufacturing, planning, and capacity requirements for better accuracy. Nikhil highlighted the main differences between basic PP and PPDS, such as the ability to do finite and unconstrained planning. The training session focused on understanding the PPDS process flow and system overview.

Production Planning and Scheduling System

Nikhil discussed the production planning and scheduling system in S. 4 Hana. He explained that the system involves a one-time configuration of profile settings and integration models. The system can consume incoming sales orders to forecast and plan accordingly, whether for make-to-stock, make-to-order, or make-to-spec scenarios. Nikhil also highlighted the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) functionality, which can be run either constrained or unconstrained. The system also provides a capacity leveling feature to optimize resource loading and a non-delivery cost parameter to prioritize products based on potential losses to the business. Nikhil promised to demonstrate these features in the system.

PPD/MRP Order Creation and Sequencing

Nikhil explained the general flow of the PPDs/MRPs run, which involves creating the plan order or purchase situation. He clarified that the final output of the plan order has a unique number. Nikhil also discussed the sequencing of orders and how the capacity leveling heuristic works. He explained the role of setup groups and setup group metrics in the process, noting that they are used to optimize operations. Nikhil suggested running the PPDs/MRPs to see these concepts in action. There were some queries that remained unclear, such as how to plan in advance work center-wise, which Nikhil indicated needed further elaboration.

Advanced Work Center Functionality and Training

Nikhil and Parminder discussed the functionality of the Advanced Work Center in the context of production planning. Nikhil explained that the system prioritizes work centers based on cost data and can handle resource networking. Parminder added that the system should also consider the capacity of work centers in a hierarchy. Nikhil then outlined the agenda for a training program, which includes covering production planning functionality, advanced production planning with Ppds, and related master data. He also mentioned that the program will cover material planning, heuristic runs, optimizer runs, unconstrained and constrained planning, and the use of Fury apps. SAM agreed with Nikhil's coverage and emphasized the importance of understanding the business process in addition to the system's functionality.

System Access and Training Curriculum

The meeting involved a discussion on curriculum expectations and system access, led by Nikhil and Parminder. Nikhil demonstrated the system's features, including pool capacity, advanced scenarios like campaign planning and subcontracting, and its compatibility with the production orders. Parminder confirmed that the system access would be the same as Nikhil and Sam's. SAM emphasized the importance of a slow, thorough pace during the training curriculum to accommodate both new and experienced resources.

S400 System Functionality and Apps

Nikhil discussed the functionality of the S400 system, focusing on its embedded PPDS functionality and related data. He explained how to distinguish the material whether it's a PPDS or not and how the system searches related data. Nikhil also discussed short-term PPDS planning, emphasizing the importance of the 30-day parameter and the potential to prioritize products based on non-delivery cost. He highlighted the production and procurement costs as available features. Nikhil then demonstrated the use of a tablet to access the system and showcased the functional apps available in the system, including the Advance Planning board, Production scheduling book, and others. Nikhil concluded by stating that the majority of GYT codes now have user-friendly apps.

PPDS Module Training Opportunities Discussed

In the meeting, Parminder explained the job opportunities and learning requirements for the PPDS (Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling) module. He highlighted that PPDS consultants primarily come from a PP (Production Planning) background and that it's a niche module with increasing demand. He suggested that PP consultants should learn PPDS to enhance their career in planning. He also noted the shift from a complex integration process to a simplified one with the introduction of Embedded PPDS in S/4 Hana. The training sessions will be interactive, focusing on process and system exposure, and will be use-case based rather than PPT-driven. The PPDS course will start on March 16th and is expected to last 30 to 35 hours.