In sales quotation systems, potential delivery time (availability-to-promise and lead-time estimates) is typically sourced from which information files?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When generating a customer quotation, two crucial questions are “how much will it cost?” and “when can we deliver?” Delivery promises depend on stock on hand, planned production, and standard lead-time rules associated with items. Modern ERP/MRP-backed quotation modules combine these data to compute available-to-promise (ATP) and capable-to-promise (CTP) dates for customers.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Inventory file indicates on-hand balances, reservations, and safety stock.
  • Production schedule file contains planned orders, capacity loads, and completion dates.
  • Product catalog file stores item master attributes, including standard lead times or sourcing rules.


Concept / Approach:
Potential delivery time is the earliest feasible ship date. If stock is available (from the inventory file), delivery can be immediate or near-term. If stock is insufficient, the production schedule provides completion dates for replenishment. The product catalog (item master) contributes default lead-time parameters, vendor lead times, or configuration rules used to estimate dates when schedule data is incomplete. Hence, the most complete answer involves all three sources working together in the quotation logic.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Check inventory for immediate ATP. If ATP is short, examine production schedules for replenishment dates. Apply catalog-based lead-time rules when production data is absent or for make-to-order items. Combine results to generate a reliable promised date.


Verification / Alternative check:
ERP best practices (ATP/CTP) highlight that accurate promise dates require integrating inventory status, planned orders, and master data lead times, validating the selection of all three files.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each single file provides only part of the picture; accurate delivery estimates need all relevant sources.


Common Pitfalls:
Relying solely on inventory without checking production; ignoring catalog lead times leading to unrealistic promises.


Final Answer:
All of the above

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion