Distribution Functions
Distribution Functions
Use
In interactive planning, promotion planning, and forecasting you can use distribution functions in order to enter data in multiple cells quickly and easily. To access these functions, click 
in the workspace toolbar.
Features
The function distributes values over a selected period. In the function you enter a value which is the basis for the distribution. How this value is entered in the cells depends on the operator you assign to the value in the Operator field. In general these operators are self-explanatory. For details of which operators are available use the F4 help.
The following operators require explanation:
Operator |
Explanation |
== |
The value is distributed evenly over the selected period and overwrites existing cell values. |
=% |
The value is distributed over the selected period in the same proportions as the existing cell values. The existing values are overwritten. |
+= |
The value is added to the total of the selected period and distributed evenly over the cells. For example, if the value is 1200 and you have selected 12 monthly periods, the system adds 100 to each cell. |
-= |
As above, but the value is subtracted from the total. |
> |
The system compares the value and the value of each cell in the selected period. If the value is larger than cell value, it is written to the cell, otherwise not. |
< |
As above, but the system overwrites the entry, if the value is less than the cell value. |
You can save series of figures in distribution patterns for future use. These are number series that are not connected to a period in time. You use the following operators in combination with a distribution pattern.
Operator |
Explanation |
DE |
Distribution pattern: copy The values are copied from the distribution pattern to the selected key figure(s). |
DF |
Distribution pattern: percentage The figures you enter here are interpreted by the system as percentages. When you use the distribution pattern in the application, the system multiplies the value you enter in the value field by this percentage and inserts it in the relevant time bucket. |
DS |
Distribution pattern: normalized This is similar to the above case. However the system first forms the sum of all the values in the distribution pattern and then calculates the proportion that each individual entry represents. When you then use the distribution pattern in the application, the system multiplies the value you enter in the value field by this proportion and inserts it in the relevant time bucket. |
Activities
You define distribution patterns in Customizing or under Demand Planning -> Environment -> Current Setting -> Maintain Distribution Patterns. Alternatively you can edit distribution patterns from the function in the application. In this case you also see the periods in the planning table to which the value are to be saved.
These periods are only for your information. They are not saved with distribution pattern. You can so assign the distribution pattern to another planning book with completely different time buckets.
You start distribution by choosing . The Distribution functions dialog box appears. In the top Horizon section you select the periods between which the distribution function is to be used.
The lower section is in the form of a table. In the top line in which no key figure is displayed you can assign a distribution pattern to all modifiable key figures.
In the area below you can see the modifiable key figures. If you have previously selected a key figure, you only see this key figure. You enter an operator together with a value and/or a distribution pattern, depending on the operator. Similarly whether the value is an absolute value or a percentage depends on the operator.