As well as allowing you to analyze actual data, the information systems in Logistics allow you to create planning data. This planning data can be used later on in the standard analyses in planned/actual comparisons.

The planning function in the information systems is based on the standard information structures. That is, it is possible to plan the information structures that are available in the standard system, as well as self-defined info structures.

In addition to the planning of open to buy, you can also use the Merchandise and Assortment Planning application component in Logistics. This component supports planning and reporting for your business activities in the area of merchandise and assortment as an overall process. This enables you to perform both value and quantity-based planning. Planning may be performed at any hierarchy level, for example, purchasing organization, store group, or merchandise category. For example, you define your strategic objectives at a higher level, and define them in more detail at the level of assortment grades, price bands, or even articles. In this way, you can compare the planning versions created and use these to come up with a final planning version.

Planning is used to define important key figures, such as sales, gross margin and stock, as well as the width and depth of the assortment for a future period, for example, a season. Comparing planned, actual, and historical data allows the optimum planning of future business developments.

Depending on your requirements, you can define the planning process flow and the structure of the planning hierarchy, and select the key figures that are to be planned.