You create a distribution order when you want to plan distribution of a new product version from the PLM system to the target systems. The distribution order controls:

• Which logical systems are provided with a new product version (baseline)
• Which users are informed of the new product version

The functionality of the distribution order is based on document distribution. This is part of R/3 document management (CA-DMS). However, you distribute product data instead of documents.

You can create a distribution order for one or more baselines.

When you create a distribution order, the system first creates an initial order. The number of an initial order always starts with ‘I’.

When you start distribution, the system converts the initial order to a distribution order. The order number now begins with ‘D’.

The planned date for executing distribution is shown:

• In the top left-hand screen area (product structure browser)
• On the right of the detail screen, when you display a distribution order

The icon shows that the planned data for distribution is coming soon. This icon is displayed as soon as a warning time before the planned date is exceeded.

In the Baseline group frame, the data that identifies the baseline is displayed.

If you create a distribution order for several baselines, you can scroll between the baselines by choosing and .

When you create a distribution order, the system copies the users and the logical systems that you have registered for the product from the configuration folder to the recipient list of the distribution order.

If you create a distribution order for several baselines, the system creates a separate recipient list for each baseline. You can scroll between the recipient lists by choosing and .

When you select a distribution type for document distribution, the baseline is sent to the specified recipient or recipients with the functions for document distribution.

To distribute baselines using Application Link Enabling (ALE), you use distribution type ALE.