Understanding the primary differences

between OPM and Discrete processes

A friend asked me to explain the primary differences in how Oracle Advanced Supply Chain
Planning supports Oracle Process Manufacturing vs Discrete manufacturing. I thought this might
be of general interest, so I am reposting part of my response here.

One of the primary differences between OPM and Discrete Manufacturing applications is the
Process that is used to define a batch. In Discrete, you have a BOM and a Routing that define the
manufacturing process (released as a discrete job). In OPM, you have a Formula and a Recipe that
are used to define the manufacturing process (released as a batch). A key point here is that certain
factors (validity rules) like date and quantity determine which formula and recipe combination is
used to make a specific batch.

ASCP maps these formulas and recipes into similar BOM and Routing structures, so that similar
planning functionality can be utilized by both source systems.

The OPM Product structure is characterized by:

Formula: Defines the components required to make the product and can be considered the
equivalent of a BOM structure. If a formula is used in multiple recipes which have different
Validity Rules, these formulas are considered equivalent to alternate BOM structures. ASCP
expects only one product to be produced per BOM structure. In OPM it is common to have co-
products produced which are represented in ASCP as byproducts (negative usage values) on the
same BOM.

Recipe: Defines the process for making the product. A Recipe and its associated Validity Rules
define the process of using a specific formula and its equivalent Routing to make a product.

Validity Rules: Associated to the Recipe to provide additional logic such as:

1. Start and End Effective date ranges.

2. Minimum and quantity ranges.
3. Preference to use in ties.