Planning Optimization Fit Analysis

PLANNING OPTIMIZATION FIT ANALYSIS

CONTENT Introduction Why Run a Fit Analysis? Key Results and Unsupported Features Parameters Not Considered by Planning Optimization Preparing for Migration Summary

Introduction

As organizations transition from the deprecated master planning engine in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations to the modern Planning Optimization service, it is crucial to assess how well your current setup aligns with the new planning capabilities. Planning Optimization offers significant performance improvements and real-time insights, but there are differences in scope and functionality that need careful evaluation. The Planning Optimization Fit Analysis tool helps bridge this gap by identifying potential discrepancies, allowing businesses to make informed adjustments during the migration process.

In this article, we will explore:

• The purpose and benefits of running the Planning Optimization Fit Analysis
• How to execute the fit analysis in Dynamics 365
• Key differences identified between the legacy master planning engine and Planning Optimization
• Unsupported features and how to handle them

Why Run a Fit Analysis?

Fit analysis can be run by going to Master planning >> Setup >> Planning Optimization fit analysis. Migrating to Planning Optimization is not merely a system upgrade; it involves a fundamental shift in how master planning is executed. While Planning Optimization offers enhanced speed and scalability, it currently does not support all the features of the legacy master planning engine. The Fit Analysis helps identify where the results might differ, providing a clear picture of features or parameters that may require adjustments.

By running this analysis, you can:

• Detect unsupported features and plan accordingly
• Understand differences in parameter handling and planning logic
• Reduce the risk of unexpected planning results after migration

Streamline the migration process by making data-driven adjustments.

Running the Fit Analysis

To run the Planning Optimization Fit Analysis and review its findings, follow these steps:

1. Select the Company: From the navigation bar, choose the legal entity (company) for which you want to conduct the analysis.
2. Access Fit Analysis: Navigate to Master Planning > Setup > Planning Optimization Fit Analysis.
3. Run the Analysis: On the Action Pane, click Run Analysis. The system will execute the analysis and display the results.
4. Review the Results: If no discrepancies are detected, you will see a "No issues found" message. Otherwise, a list of unsupported features or parameters will be presented for review.

You should repeat this procedure for each company in your organization to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Key Results and Unsupported Features

The fit analysis results highlight features that Planning Optimization does not yet support. Below are some of the most notable unsupported features:

• Kanban Planning: Item coverage records with planned order type set to Kanban are not currently supported. Instead, the system will generate planned purchase orders, leading to potential discrepancies if Kanban is a critical component of your planning process.
• Sales Line Reservation Using Explosion: Planning Optimization does not automatically reserve sales lines during an explosion process. Manual reservations may be required to meet demand accurately.
• BOM/Formula Lines with Step Consumption: Step consumption in Bills of Materials (BOM) and formulas is not considered by Planning Optimization, which could impact production planning accuracy.

Microsoft continuously updates its roadmap, and these features may become supported in future releases. Regularly consulting the official documentation and working with your Dynamics partner can help you stay informed about upcoming changes.

Parameters Not Considered by Planning Optimization

During the fit analysis, you may also notice that certain parameters from the master planning engine are no longer used by Planning Optimization. Here are some key parameters that have been deprecated or modified:

• Forecast Plan Time Fence: Instead of using a forecast plan time fence, Planning Optimization requires creating a master plan that specifies a forecast model.
• Use Dynamic Negative Days: Planning Optimization always uses the dynamic negative days approach, making this parameter obsolete.
• Number of Threads: Planning Optimization manages performance and scaling automatically, eliminating the need for manual thread configuration.

Preparing for Migration

Based on the results of the fit analysis, you can take steps to adjust your setup and data for a smoother migration to Planning Optimization:

• Update Unsupported Parameters: Revise your master plan configurations, replacing deprecated parameters with supported alternatives.
• Review Feature Dependencies: Identify any processes heavily dependent on unsupported features, such as Kanban planning or sales line reservation, and plan for workarounds.
• Collaborate with Your Partner: Engage with your Dynamics partner to get expert guidance on feature gaps and configuration adjustments.

Conclusion

The Planning Optimization Fit Analysis is a vital tool for assessing the compatibility of your current master planning setup with the new Planning Optimization service. By proactively identifying and addressing potential issues, you can ensure a successful transition, unlock improved performance, and take full advantage of the enhanced planning capabilities in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations.

Planning Optimization is an evolving service, and Microsoft continues to expand its functionality based on customer feedback and its product roadmap. Regularly running fit analyses and staying informed about feature updates will help you maintain a robust and efficient planning process as your organization grows.

Next Steps: Run the fit analysis for your environment, review the results, and start planning your transition today. When you activate planning optimization, fit analysis form will no longer be visible.