Search Results mrp_forecast_dates




The MRP_FORECAST_DATES table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 or 12.2.2 is a critical repository for storing forecast date information within the Manufacturing and Planning modules. It plays a pivotal role in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Advanced Supply Chain Planning (ASCP) processes by maintaining forecast consumption details, which are essential for accurate demand planning and inventory optimization. Below is a detailed breakdown of its structure, purpose, and integration within Oracle EBS.

Purpose and Functional Overview

The MRP_FORECAST_DATES table stores forecast consumption data, which is used to align forecasted demand with actual sales orders. This ensures that MRP engines do not double-count demand, thereby improving planning accuracy. The table acts as a bridge between forecast entries (from MRP_FORECAST) and actual demand signals, enabling planners to track how forecasts are consumed over time.

Key Columns and Their Significance

  • FORECAST_DATE: The date for which the forecast is recorded, serving as a primary reference for demand planning.
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Identifies the inventory organization associated with the forecast, linking it to the MTL_PARAMETERS table.
  • FORECAST_DESIGNATOR: A user-defined label to categorize forecasts (e.g., "Quarterly_Demand_2023").
  • INVENTORY_ITEM_ID: References the item being forecasted, tied to MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B.
  • CONSUMED_QUANTITY: Tracks the portion of the forecast already consumed by actual sales orders.
  • ORIGINAL_FORECAST_QUANTITY: The initial forecasted quantity before consumption.
  • LAST_UPDATE_DATE and LAST_UPDATED_BY: Audit columns capturing the timestamp and user responsible for updates.

Integration with Other Modules

The table interacts with several core EBS components:
  • MRP_FORECAST: Supplies the base forecast data that MRP_FORECAST_DATES further refines.
  • MRP_FORECAST_ITEMS: Provides item-level forecast details.
  • OE_ORDER_LINES: Actual sales orders consume forecasts, updating CONSUMED_QUANTITY dynamically.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexing: Primary keys typically include FORECAST_DATE, ORGANIZATION_ID, and INVENTORY_ITEM_ID for performance optimization.
  • Partitioning: In high-volume environments, partitioning by date or organization improves query performance.
  • Purge Strategies: Historical data may be archived to maintain system efficiency.

Business Process Flow

  1. A forecast is generated in MRP_FORECAST and propagated to MRP_FORECAST_DATES.
  2. As sales orders are booked, the MRP engine consumes the forecast, decrementing CONSUMED_QUANTITY.
  3. Planners monitor unconsumed forecasts (ORIGINAL_FORECAST_QUANTITY – CONSUMED_QUANTITY) to adjust procurement or production plans.

Customization and Extensions

Organizations often extend the table’s functionality via:
  • API Hooks: Custom PL/SQL scripts to automate forecast adjustments.
  • BI Integrations: Data feeds to analytics tools for trend analysis.

Conclusion

The MRP_FORECAST_DATES table is a linchpin in Oracle EBS’s demand planning architecture, ensuring forecast accuracy and operational efficiency. Its design supports complex supply chain scenarios while maintaining integration with core modules, making it indispensable for manufacturing and distribution enterprises.