DDMRP Buffer Manager
Overview
The DDMRP Buffer Manager implements Demand-Driven Material Requirements Planning methodology for inventory management. It handles strategic buffer positioning, zone calculations, dynamic adjustments, and execution prioritization to create flow-based material planning.
Capabilities
- Strategic Decoupling Point Identification: Optimal buffer location selection
- Buffer Profile Assignment: Categorize items by lead time and variability
- Buffer Level Calculation: Green, yellow, red zone determination
- Dynamic Adjustment Factors: Planned and recalculated adjustments
- Net Flow Position Calculation: Real-time inventory position
- Execution Visibility and Prioritization: Color-coded supply priorities
- Buffer Health Monitoring: On-target percentage tracking
- Lead Time Compression Analysis: Identify lead time reduction opportunities
Input Schema
ddmrp_request:
items: array
- sku_id: string
average_daily_usage: float
decoupled_lead_time: integer
minimum_order_quantity: integer
variability_factor: string # low, medium, high
lead_time_factor: string # short, medium, long
bom_structure: object
planned_adjustments: array # Promotions, seasonality
current_positions: array
calculation_scope: string # positioning, sizing, execution
Output Schema
ddmrp_output:
buffer_positions: array
- sku_id: string
is_decoupling_point: boolean
rationale: string
buffer_levels: array
- sku_id: string
buffer_profile: string
zones:
green: integer
yellow: integer
red: integer
red_safety: integer
total_buffer: integer
execution_priorities: array
- sku_id: string
net_flow_position: integer
net_flow_equation: string
priority_color: string
on_hand: integer
on_order: integer
qualified_demand: integer
buffer_health: object
Usage
Buffer Positioning Analysis
Input: BOM structure, lead times, demand variability
Process: Identify strategic inventory positioning points
Output: Recommended decoupling points with rationale
Buffer Sizing Calculation
Input: ADU, lead time factors, variability factors
Process: Calculate zone sizes using DDMRP formulas
Output: Green, yellow, red zone levels by buffer
Execution Priority Management
Input: Current inventory, orders, qualified demand
Process: Calculate net flow position, assign priority color
Output: Prioritized replenishment recommendations
Integration Points
- DDMRP Platforms: Demand Driven Technologies, Replenishment+
- ERP Systems: BOM, inventory, demand data
- Planning Systems: Qualified demand, supply orders
- Tools/Libraries: DDMRP algorithms, flow optimization
Process Dependencies
- Demand-Driven Material Requirements Planning (DDMRP)
- Inventory Optimization and Segmentation
- Safety Stock Calculation and Optimization
Best Practices
- Start with pilot categories before full rollout
- Validate decoupling point selection with operations
- Monitor buffer health daily during transition
- Train planners on net flow execution
- Review dynamic adjustment factors seasonally
- Track lead time compression progress