Memory-based Planning Engine
The Memory-based Planning Engine efficiently manages all the processes which constitute a complete planning run. It utilizes a high degree of concurrency among the snapshot tasks, eliminates nonvalue-added operations, and combines related tasks into a single task. The new architecture also moves long running tasks, such as deleting previous planning data and loading snapshot data into the MRP snapshot tables out of the critical path. It also utilizes greater interprocess communication to manage all the planning tasks.
Instead of waiting for all the data to be loaded into files and tables, the Memory-based Planning Engine begins planning once calculations are loaded in memory. Greater control over planning activities improves the planner's efficiency. The planning process passes through fewer phases, greatly reducing planning lead time.
Attention: These topics are technical and are not intended for most users. It is not necessary to read them to be able to use Oracle Master Scheduling/MRP and Supply Chain Planning.
There are eight main features of the Memory-based Planning Engine that improve its performance and capability:
- enhanced method of low-level code calculation: because component changes from Work in Process and Bill of Material information appear in a single structure, the planning engine performs loop-checking and low-level code calculation in one step
- database loads performed in parallel instead of sequentially
- enhanced loop-checking: you can detect loops introduced by discrete and nonstandard job component requirements, and by WIP component changes
- flexible configuration: you can specify the number of Workers available to perform snapshot tasks, taking advantage of hardware resources.
- locked tables not required: the Memory-based Planning Engine gathers consistent views of supply and demand data without locking users out of the system
- more efficient explosion technique, which occurs alongside the snapshot process
- reduced number of tasks and simplified process dependencies
- shorter preprocessing and setup times: the memory-based engine performs netting calculations based on snapshot data in memory; previously, all required data had to be loaded into the planning tables before the planner could run
Features Supported by the Memory-based Planning Engine
The Memory-based Planning Engine plays a significant role in several functions of Oracle Master Scheduling/MRP and Supply Chain Planning. In some cases, the performance of functions and procedures are enhanced by the engine. In other cases, you can perform functions and procedures only when the current plan was generated with the engine. The following list contains all such functions and procedures:
See Also
Phases of the Planning Process
Processing Steps
Processes
Snapshot Tasks
Read Consistency
Interprocess Communication
Configuring the Memory-based Planning Engine
Enabling the Memory-based Planning Engine
Parallel Processing