Step 1: Access the Product Plan Upload Template

To start, access the Product Plan upload template in Orderlink. You can find this template by navigating to the "Master" section on the left sidebar. Once downloaded, the template will provide specific columns for entering details about each product plan.

Step 2: Understand Mandatory Fields for Product Plan Setup

Each column in the Product Plan data template has specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key fields you need to fill out accurately.

1. Acquisition Code (Column A)

• The acquisition_code specifies how the product will be acquired, such as “Purchase” or “Transfer.”
• Example: If your product is procured from a supplier, enter "Purchase." For products transferred between warehouses, use “Transfer.”
• You can find the exact codes in the “acquisition_codes” sheet provided in the template.

2. From Warehouse (Column C)

• Required only for items using the “Transfer” acquisition method. If you’re transferring stock from one warehouse to another, enter the warehouse ID from which the product will be transferred.
• Example: Use the ID from the “warehouses” sheet in column “A” for the “from_warehouse” field.
• This value should remain blank for products acquired through purchase.

3. Minimum Order Quantity (min_ord_qty, Column D)

• Specifies the minimum quantity that should be ordered or transferred each time an order is created.
• Example: For instance, if you only order in batches of 1000, enter "1000."

4. Order Multiple (ord_mul, Column H)

• The quantity increments that must be ordered. This field ensures that orders are created in multiples of a specific amount.
• Example: If orders are made in increments of 50 units, enter "50."

5. Planning Horizon (plan_horizon_days, Column I)

• This sets the standard planning duration in days for each product, determining how far in advance the system should plan orders based on expected demand.
• Example: Enter “365” if you want the planning horizon to be one year.

6. Product Code

• The unique identifier for each product. Enter the SKU or product number exactly as it appears in your “products” sheet under the “number” column.
• Example: For a product identified as "UTP-01," enter this code to connect it with other data.

7. Safety Stock Quantity (safety_stock_qty)

• Defines the minimum quantity of stock you want to maintain in the warehouse to prevent stockouts.
• Example: If you want a minimum of 100 units on hand at all times, enter "100."

8. Supplier ID

• For items procured through “Purchase,” enter the supplier ID from the “suppliers” sheet.
• Example: Use the unique ID in column “A” from your suppliers’ data. This connects your supplier information directly to each Product Plan.

9. Destination Warehouse (to_warehouse)

• This is the warehouse where the product is stocked or where demand will be loaded.
• Example: Use the ID from the “warehouses” sheet under column “A” for the destination warehouse. This step is critical for accurate stock allocation.

10. Total Lead Time (total_lead_time_days)

• Total time from when an order is placed until it is received at the warehouse. This field helps Orderlink generate realistic delivery timelines.
• Example: If it takes 60 days from order to arrival, enter “60.”

Step 3: Review and Prepare Data

After filling out the fields in the Product Plan template, double-check each entry:

• Ensure every Product Plan entry has the correct acquisition method and corresponding data (e.g., suppliers only listed for purchased items).
• Confirm warehouse IDs, supplier IDs, and product codes are accurate and match data from the relevant sheets.

Step 4: Upload the Product Plan Data

Once your Product Plan template is complete:

1. Save the file with values only—no formulas or special formatting.
2. Go to the Product Plan section in Orderlink’s Master Data and click on the “Upload” option.
3. Select your file, then submit. A notification will confirm the success of your upload.

Tips for Accurate Product Plan Uploads

• Check Acquisition Codes: Make sure “Purchase” and “Transfer” methods align with suppliers and warehouses.
• Match IDs: Cross-reference product, warehouse, and supplier IDs to prevent data mismatches.
• Use Default Values Where Possible: For fields with standard values (e.g., “plan_horizon_days” as 365), consider using defaults for simpler management.

By following this guide and preparing your data carefully, you can complete a seamless Product Plan data upload and get your Orderlink setup ready for effective order planning and stock management.