CLP Collaborative Planning Template

This APO workflow template is based on the Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishing (CPFR) model. This scenario uses the following workflow definitions:

CLP_TEMPLATE WS70200008

CLP_ALERTS WS70200009

CLP_PLANNING WS70200010

CLP_TEMPLATE, is a template that can be copied and used for defining your own collaborative process. It contains 2 subworkflows that reflect the agreement between the partners, and are started one after the other. CLP_PLANNING is used for entering planning data, and CLP_ALERTS is used for checking the planning book data for alerts; if an alert situation occurs, a work item is created for alert-processing These templates can be copied and changed to fit specific processes. Each of the subworkflows can be used repeatedly in the workflow definition. The workflow scenario below illustrates this process.

Example Workflow Scenario

The following example, based on the CLP workflow template delivered with the software, describes a collaborative supply planning process. One of the partners (manufacturer) wants to inform the other (supplier) about material requirements for the upcoming weeks. Using a Web browser, the supplier can access the manufacturer's system to view the required quantities, and can then enter the weekly quantities he can commit to for the given time period.

During the planning run, the supplier is notified via email that a work item has arrived in his inbox. The supplier can access the item via a link to his work list. The work item is titled: Enter planned data in planning book <XY>. If the supplier has been assigned more than one user, all of them are notified of the work item. However, as soon as one of the users begins to process the work item, it disappears from the work lists of the other users.

CLP_PLANNING: The supplier clicks once on the item to access a more detailed view. A double click on the icon executes the work item. In this case, the planning book is opened in a browser window. When all entries have been made, the supplier confirms by clicking the confirmation button. The work item is then assigned Status: Complete, and is removed from the work list.

CLP_ALERTS: If an alert situation exists, for example, widely differing figures, another mail is generated and sent to the partner responsible for correcting the problem, in this case, the manufacturer, who receives a mail titled: Alert for planning book <XY>. He accesses his work list, and clicks on the relevant item: Alert situation for planning book <XY>. The manufacturer's planner has 3 options:

Process alert in the relevant planning book which can be opened in a browser window.

Ignore alert and finish planning activity. In this case, the processing of the planning data is terminated although the alert still exists. the workflow continues.

Cancel and keep work item in inbox. The work item is assigned Reserved Status. It is removed from the work lists of other users and reserved for further processing in the inbox of the planner who selected the work item.

If the planner wants to cancel the reservation of the work item, he can use the Replace option. This means that the work item was previously visible only in his work list, but now it becomes visible in the Business Workplaces of other recipients again.

Editing the Collaborative Workflows

From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Tools   ® Business Workflow ® Development ® Definition Tools ® Tasks ® Copy.

Make a copy of workflow template WS70200008 CLP_TEMPLATE.

In the newly created workflow definition, enter the URL at which a partner can access the workflow inbox. To do so choose Initial Values and enter the new value in the relevant field.

Access the Workflow Builder in Change mode.

You can add new steps, delete existing steps or modify the two template steps. If you want to change the content of the subworkflow template itself, copy the standard workflow template and change this copied version. To connect a new subworkflow:

a) Double click on the undefined step in the graphic.

b) In the dialog box that appears choose Activity .

c) Enter the internal number of the task and maintain the binding.

d) Choose .

Make the following entries in the data flow for each multistep task you add to the CLP_ALERT and CLP_PLANNING subworkflows:

Workplace URL (standard definition: Container element &WORPLACE_URL&)

Planning book (select from Possible Entries )

Data view (select from Possible Entries )

Selection

Partner (select from Possible Entries )

As an option: You can define these elements in the workflow container and enter them in the initial va l ues field in the workflow template, so that these values are passed to the task containers as default values.

Save and Activate the new multistep task.

Start workflow.

For more details on Workflow, see the SAP Library for Basis Components under SAP Business Workflow (BC-BMT-WMF).