What is SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO)?

SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) is an integrated supply chain management software solution that supports companies in managing and mapping the supply chain, sales functions, and transportation and availability planning.

SAP APO is part of the SAP ERP system . It integrates all kinds of planning functions to give companies the ability to carry out operational planning and optimization processes faster and more efficiently. The focus is always on the customer as the central constant.

As a high-level module, SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization includes several individual planning and optimization modules, including:

• Sales planning (DP) for sales planning
• Supply Network Planning (SNP) for planning supply chains
• Production planning and detailed planning (PP/DS) for production planning
• Global Available-to-Promise (ATP) to ensure availability
• Transportation Planning and Vehicle Scheduling (TP/VS) for transportation planning

These modules enable companies to plan, control and optimize their supply chain processes at the product level. By focusing on resources, a smoother and more efficient supply chain can be achieved.

SAP APO functions such as inventory monitoring, safety stock monitoring, inventory planning or sales forecast management enable companies to monitor their supply chain processes in real time. In addition, SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization supports reporting and analysis of supply chain activities, giving companies valuable insights into their supply chain performance. SAP APO also has a number of integration tools that make it possible to load and transfer data from external systems.