Multiple SCM(s) one R3

Question

Hello Experts,
We have a scenario where we have 2 SCM systems connected to one R3 system.  One of the SCM systems is used for DP, SNP, and PP/DS.  I will refer to this as the planning SCM.  The other SCM is used for GATP.  All of our planned orders are created in and converted to process orders in the planning SCM system.  Our planners maintain all of their resource down times, and relevant shifts in this planning SCM as well.  The resources and PPMs exist in the GATP SCM system, but they are only there to allow the process orders to be created.  The process orders need to exist in the GATP SCM because, we promise to these process orders on the GATP check.  From what I can tell, this set up has caused us 2 problems on the GATP side that I am hoping someone can help me with.
When the planned orders are converted to process orders the dates match between ECC and the planning SCM system.  In the GATP SCM system, the dates do not match.  I am nearly positive this is because the GATP system is rescheduling the order based on its version of the truth, which has infinitely planned resources and no resource downtimes.  Is there a way to stop our GATP SCM system from re-planning the process orders that are sent from ECC?  We would like these process orders to inherit whatever dates are sent from R3, which ultimately came from our planning SCM system.  We thought a user exit on the inbound SCM side might work, but we were hoping there was another setting somewhere.  Does anybody know of a setting or how the user exit would need to work?
When scheduling changes happen to the process orders on the planning SCM side, the dates are updated in ECC, but no transfer is triggered to send the updates to the GATP SCM system.  I believe this may be because the update was caused by one SCM system, so the system is not smart enough to know that it has to update the other SCM system.  Does anyone know of a good way to get the transfer events to trigger to the GATP SCM system from these types of process order updates?  I know I can do a re-initial transfer every night, but I would like to avoid this option of possible. 
Thanks,
Matthew Bruckner

Answer 1

MB,
Well, I have never heard (until now) anyone using a distribution key for output, except in repetitive scenarios.  I learn something new every day!
If this is the case, I can only make suggestions, since I have no system similar to yours to model a solution.
I would look at ways to avoid use of any scheduling Strategy profile.  I have never tried this, but investigate removing the R/3 interface default strategy profile (IMG>APO>Supply Chain Planning>PP/DS>Global Settings>Maintain Global Parameters)  
I would look at different production versions, one for 'Planning SCM' and one for 'GATP SCM'.  This might help if your date problems are being caused by GATP system being forced to do forward scheduling.
I would look at ways to avoid/prevent any scheduling heuristics from being run in GATP.  Likewise avoid any planning heuristics.  Perhaps consider a custom PP Planning procedure.  I don't know how this would affect your distribution key requirements.
Or, maybe try using a Strategy profile that only permits backward scheduling, combined with a PPM with negligible process time..  You would have to have this profile not exit upon scheduling errors.
I still think, though, that the best solution is 'one SCM'.
Perhaps one of the other forum members will offer a suggestion.
Best Regards & good luck,
DB49