Production Optimization Interface (POI): Overview

Optimization programs are implemented in production planning for expensive and complex productions.

POI ( P roduction O ptimization I nterface) is an open interface that allows an SAP system user to access and use the functionality of these optimization programs.

The above graphic shows the data transfer from the SAP system to an external optimization program. The optimized data is returned to the SAP system.

POI belongs to the Production Planning module and can be used at the following levels: Master Production Scheduling (MPS), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and Shop Floor Control (SFC).

The process includes three steps:

You can either send data manually or have it sent in the background.

You select the data to be transferred on two selection screens.

To exchange data using POI, various requirements must be fulfilled.

The above graphic illustrates the data transfer process.

Asynchronous communication using ALE and IDocs occurs during the download.

Optimization takes place following the transfer of data to the external optimization system.

The optimization system can change, create and delete planned orders, run schedule headers, production and process orders and change operations. This data is transferred synchronously using RFC (upload).

You can use POI to optimize production planning taking into account various conditions or to optimize capacity in repetitive manufacturing. You will find a description in the section Application Scenarios .