In the AFS system there is a separate hierarchy category for creating customer hierarchies. These can also be used for the checks in the validation sold-to party. A criterion for the structure of such a hierarchy can be for example, for which stores the customer orders most frequently. As it is a separate hierarchy type, you can neglect other complex relations between the sold-to party and stores.

When creating a multi-store order, you can have the system automatically import the stores to the document. The basis for this is that you have assigned stores to your ordering party within a customer hierarchy.

In the AFS system a separate hierarchy type J is available. Within this hierarchy type you can define the relation between sold-to party and stores. If necessary you can define further hierarchy types.

In the MSO you group stores by assigning them to certain mixes. When creating a mix you can define that the system automatically transfers the stores from the hierarchy to the MSO document.

Here you can transfer all stores or only certain nodes. It is also possible to only select the stores at the lowest level of the hierarchy.

Generally the usage of a hierarchy facilitates the entry of stores in an MSO document. The stores of the hierarchy might at first serve only as a default function. You can remove or add stores from the document any time.

In an MSO the reference between store and sold-to party is sufficient for the system. You created this reference by assigning the stores to the sold-to party in the hierarchy. It is only necessary to specify the relationship between the individual stores and the sold-to party if you want to (or have to) manually change the stores in the MSO document.

The sold-to party can also play the role of a distribution center for the stores. But stores which are dependent on the sold-to party can have the same function. You can enter several distribution centers in an MSO-relevant hierarchy. When importing the stores, the system recognizes the assignment to the different distribution centers.