Almost all orders are processed using the auto-release and allocation method. This method can be chosen as the default method at the warehouse level on the Warehouse Area Entry (WHAE) screen. This choice can then be viewed on the Warehouse Area Inquiry (WHAI) screen. Although this choice makes auto-release and allocation the default method, it does not prevent the requester from choosing real-time release and allocation on the Usage Order Header Entry (UOHE) screen.

The auto-release and allocation method is preferred because it requires no manual processing or maintenance. With this method, all orders with a status of 2 (approved) are automatically released and allocated in batch during the nightly offline procedures on the night designated on the Usage Order Header Entry (UOHE) screen. In other words, once an order has been created and approved, it is automatically forwarded to the appropriate warehouse for release and allocation. This function is performed by the NCAS on or before the release date designated on the Usage Order Header Entry (UOHE) screen. The requester does not need to manually forward the order.

When an order is released using the auto-release and allocation function, the requester is alerted to inventory shortages at the time the order is placed, rather than the time of release. To find out about shortages at the time of release, the requester must view the daily Allocation Exception Report. (Recall that the Usage Order Shortage Check (UOS) screen shown earlier in the stock shortage walkthrough also only shows shortages at the time the order is placed. It is not updated.)

The Allocation Exception Report is located in RMDS in the report group IN 260-4. The report ID is RAEXP. For more information on accessing RMDS reports, refer to Viewing and Printing RMDS Reports Step-by-Step.

If there is not enough stock to cover all pending orders for an item, the orders are first prioritized by the order due dates entered on the Usage Order Header Entry (UOHE) screen. If necessary, they are further prioritized according to the release dates, also entered on the Usage Order Header Entry (UOHE) screen.

If an order cannot be filled and items are backordered, reallocation will occur automatically offline when there is enough stock available to completely fill at least one line of the order.

Remember, the availability of an item at the time you create an internal replenishment order does not ensure its availability at the time of release and allocation. Conversely, a stock shortage warning received when entering an order does not necessarily mean that the items will not be available by the order due date.