This article explains how to optimize weight and volume on transfer orders in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central using simple MRP, the reverse planning worksheet, and the direct replenishment journal. You add volume and weight columns to the reverse planning worksheet so you can see the total load before you create the transfer order. You use the direct replenishment journal to fill up a transfer to a location with extra items, so you make the most of a trip or shipment.
You combine multiple suggestions into one transfer order by using the Combine Transfer Orders option when you carry out actions. You avoid duplicate planning by setting the “Skip if already planned” check mark on the direct replenishment template, so items already in the reverse planning worksheet are not planned again.
You calculate replenishment up to reorder point and safety stock, and you decide manually which extra lines to add to fill the truck or shipment completely.
Optimizing weight and volume on transfer orders
When you move goods from your main storage to a shop or a customer, you often want to make sure the load is optimal. If you are driving to a location or shipping anyway, it makes sense to fill the transfer up completely rather than send a half-empty load.
To do this, you can use simple MRP together with direct replenishment, and have the system show you the total volume and weight of what you are transferring.
Running simple MRP and using the reverse planning worksheet
Start by running simple MRP and calculating across all levels, all the way down through the low-level codes. When you open the reverse planning worksheet, you see a list of suggestions with check marks and action messages. Some of these are transfers from your production location to another location, for example location code Copenhagen.
If you plan to combine the suggestions later, set the action message so you ignore the lines you do not want to carry out. That way you only act on the transfer you are interested in.
Filter on the Copenhagen location and you can see the lines going on that transfer order. Scroll right and you find the columns for volume, weight, total volume, and total weight. These columns have been added to the reverse planning app, so you can read the totals directly. You can also export the data to Excel to calculate the totals if you prefer. This gives you a clear picture of how much is going into the transfer order.
Filling up the transfer with the direct replenishment journal
If the load is not full, you can add more lines manually. Use the direct replenishment journal for this. The journal finds all items within your filters and calculates what needs replenishing.
Select the template you use for transfers, for example one called “direct replenishment from transfer to” that calculates up to reorder quantity. Set the filter to location code Copenhagen so you only work with that location. The template card has a setting that makes it calculate with transfer, which means it uses the “transfer from” code on the stockkeeping unit cards. In this example, the items transfer from Production to Copenhagen because Production is set as the transfer-from location on those SKU cards.
Avoiding duplicate planning with Skip if already planned
It is important to notice the “Skip if already planned” check mark on the template card. When this is set, the journal does not plan items that are already in the reverse planning worksheet. So if an item is already suggested there, it does not appear again with all the planning parameters. This keeps you from planning the same item twice.
When you run the journal, the system displays the items and you can read the location code and the transfer-from code on each line. Remember to set the check mark to automatically suggest quantities. The journal calculates up to reorder point and safety stock. If there is enough on inventory, nothing is suggested for that item. If inventory is short, the lines appear so you can choose to transfer those as well.
Combining everything into one transfer order
Pick the lines you want and carry them out into the planning worksheet. Filter on Copenhagen again, and you see the original lines plus the new ones you added from the direct replenishment journal.
Select all of them, set the action message, and accept the lines. Check the total weights and volumes to see if the load is good enough. Keep in mind that weight and volume must be set up on the items for the totals to be complete. In this example, some purchase items down the list did not have weight and volume set up, so they are not included in the totals.
When you carry out actions and use the Combine Transfer Orders option, the system creates a single transfer order containing all the lines together. After it runs, the filter is removed, and the transfer order from Production to Copenhagen contains all the lines you selected, with the total volume and weight already known.
Q&A
How do I see the total weight and volume of a transfer order before creating it?
Add the volume, weight, total volume, and total weight columns to the reverse planning worksheet. Filter on the relevant location and read the totals directly, or export the data to Excel to calculate them.
How do I fill up a transfer order with extra items?
Use the direct replenishment journal. Select a transfer template, filter on the destination location, and let it calculate replenishment up to reorder quantity. Pick the lines you want and carry them out into the planning worksheet.
How do I avoid planning the same item twice?
Set the “Skip if already planned” check mark on the direct replenishment template card. Items that are already in the reverse planning worksheet are then not planned again.
How do I combine several transfer suggestions into one transfer order?
When you carry out actions, use the Combine Transfer Orders option. The system creates a single transfer order containing all the selected lines together.
Why are some items missing weight and volume in the totals?
The totals only include items that have weight and volume set up. If items, for example certain purchase items, do not have these values configured, they are not included in the calculated totals.