Subcontracting is handled like a top-down BOM, but that doesn’t really make sense, because you need to supply or resupply your own inventory before sending materials to the subcontractor. That doesn’t happen with the current flow, which works as follows:
A reordering rule or MTO triggers replenishment of the Subcontracted Product (SP).
A PO is created for the SP.
Only once it is confirmed, an MO/PO is triggered for the SP Components (SPC).
Once the SPC are received or manufactured, you can ship them to the subcontractor.
Then the finished goods can be received (even though you could technically do that right after step 2).
The issue, as I see it, is that you have to remember to actually send the PO to the subcontractor. If you send it right away at step 2, the subcontractor will be waiting for materials you might not have yet.
I think this flow is flawed. I’m not claiming to have a better design, but I believe the whole process should be reviewed and rethought.
Am I missing something, and is there already a way to achieve what I’m describing? Is anyone else facing the same issues?
