SAP Help provides separate comparisons for Time Series (TS) and OBP planning engines. At SmartCons, we’ve merged these into a unified view, offering a side-by-side comparison for better decision-making.

IBP Response and Supply Planning Approaches

SAP IBP’s Response and Supply module features two primary approaches, each tailored for different planning needs:

Time Series-Based Planning (TS) – Tactical Supply Planning

Available in SAPIBP1 / SAP4, TS-based planning includes:

• Heuristic – Infinite supply planning without constraints.
• Optimizer – Finite, cost-optimized planning considering constraints.
• Finite Heuristic – Priority-based finite planning based on available supply.

Order-Based Planning (OBP) – Operational Supply Planning

Available in SAP7 / SAP7F, OBP offers:

• Rule-Based Finite Heuristic – Prioritizes demand while considering capacity and safety stock.
• Optimizer – Cost-optimized planning incorporating constraints and safety stock.

Key Considerations

• IBP functionalities may not fully align with all customer-specific requirements. For example, Fair Share Distribution in TS Optimizer may not fit all use cases.
• This comparison highlights major functional aspects; additional factors may be relevant for specific industries.

By leveraging these insights, businesses can enhance supply chain efficiency. SmartCons specializes in IBP optimization, helping companies tailor solutions to their needs.

Need expert guidance? Contact SmartCons for a tailored IBP strategy.