Sap Ag

Sap Aktiengeselleschaft

Stefan Merker

Jochen Steinbach

Nadine Sachs

Tesfaldet Negash

Ravi Rakesh

Juergen Koenemann

Guido Kapaun

Stefan Resag

The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, computer readable mediums, and distributed systems for providing a message-based interface for exchanging customer requirement information. One method includes receiving, via a message-based interface derived from a common business object model that includes business objects having relationships enabling derivation of message-based interfaces and message packages, a first message for providing a notification of an update of product availability including a first message package hierarchically organized as a product available to promise update notification and fulfillment confirmation message entity and an accompanying set of specific, ordered packages, each including specifically ordered elements. The first message is processed according to the first message package's specific hierarchical organization, and a second message responsive to the first message is sent, the second message including a second message package derived from the common business object model to provide consistent semantics with the first message package.

Managing consistent interfaces for a customer requirement business object across heterogeneous systems

A system and method are described for intelligently sourcing demand forecasts within a supply chain management ('SCM') system based on a constrained supply chain model, in light of material and resource constraints. For example, a computer implemented method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: calculating a demand forecast identifying anticipated demand for a product over a specified time period; identifying current sales orders for the product with delivery dates scheduled during the specified time period; generating an open forecast for the product based on the current sales orders and the anticipated demand; and sourcing different percentages of the open forecast from different plants, the percentages selected based on supply chain material and/or resource constraints. In addition, after the demand forecast is sourced, one embodiment of the invention employs additional techniques for intelligently sourcing new sales orders entering the SCM system.

System and method for sourcing a demand forecast within a supply chain management system

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Mannheim, Germany

Stefan Merker