Plan matrices and matrix definitions

When a freight order is allocated to a shipping office, the order lines of the freight order are allocated to the planning groups of the shipping office. To determine the planning group for a freight order line, plan matrices are used.

Plan matrix

A plan matrix consists, essentially, of a planning group and a group of attributes and attribute values that serve as selection criteria for planning groups. The attributes are defined in an entity called Plan Matrix Definition. To add matrix attributes to a plan matrix, you must select the relevant matrix definition for the plan matrix.

When a freight order line matches the matrix attributes and values of a plan matrix, the freight order line is allocated to the planning group of the plan matrix.

Plan matrices are defined in the Plan Matrix (fmfoc1120m000) session. To define a plan matrix, proceed as follows:

1. Define a matrix definition that includes the relevant attributes
2. Select the matrix definition
3. Select a planning group
4. Enter values for the attributes of the selected matrix definition

Matrix definitions

The attributes that serve as selection criteria for planning groups are defined in matrix definitions. Matrix definitions are defined in the Plan Matrix Definitions (fmfoc1110m000) session.

To define a matrix definition, you can select up to six attributes. These attributes can be business partner information, carriers, or Freight master data, such as transport types, service levels, and so on.

In the matrix definition, you cannot enter values for the attributes. Matrix attribute values are entered in the Plan Matrix (fmfoc1120m000) session. In the Plan Matrix (fmfoc1120m000) session, you select a matrix definition and enter a value for each attribute of the selected matrix definition. For further information, see Example of freight order grouping without shipping office matrix.

Planning group priorities

If a freight order line matches the criteria of more than one planning group, the freight order line goes to the planning group with the highest priority. Planning group priorities are set in the Plan Matrix Definitions by Shipping Office (fmfoc1115m000) session. In the Plan Matrix Definitions by Shipping Office (fmfoc1115m000) session, you can set priorities of the matrix definitions used in the plan matrices for the planning groups of a shipping office.

Default planning group

In the Planning Group - Shipping Office (fmfoc1100m000) session, you can define a Default Planning Group. If a freight order line matches none of the plan matrices of the planning groups defined for a shipping office, the default planning group is allocated to the freight order line.