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Status Under review
Created by Guest
Created on Sep 24, 2025

Enable sourcing and scheduling for Purchase Orders and Transfer Orders

Problem Statement:
B2B customers, using OMS implementation lacks the ability to schedule Replenishment Transfer Orders (TOs) or Purchase Orders that support flexible sourcing and cross-docking for a Store. This limits the ability to appropriately source, optimize costs, and logistics for replenishing B2B facilities. The multi-hop fulfillment for Procurements (TOs & POs) is not achievable as a next step.

Business Opportunity:
Enable a dynamic, cost-optimized replenishment process for B2B customers

How it can be enabled. 
1. Sourcing & Scheduling capabilities for POs and TOs, with the same capabilities as provides for a Sales Order in the product. 
2. Shipping direct to the replenishment location. 
3. Cross-docking via another location to the replenishment location, multi-hop fulfillment for POs and TOs. 

  • Admin
    Bharat Khade
    Oct 14, 2025

    Hi Keerthi,

    The current request pertains to optimizing the replenishment process by leveraging the full suite of optimization capabilities—such as sourcing and scheduling—that are presently available for the Sales Order (SO) document type in IBM Sterling Order Management System (OMS).

    IBM has recommended utilizing the Sales Order document type to execute replenishments in order to gain access to all standard OMS features. This approach is already adopted by many IBM OMS customers and is considered a best practice. Using Sales Orders allows customers to leverage core OMS capabilities such as:

    • PTO and PPO processing

    • Sourcing and scheduling engines

    • Existing integration patterns and transaction flows

    Additionally, Sterling OMS supports the recommendation of multi-hop transfers for Sales Orders. However, it's important to note:

    • OMS currently creates only a single PTO from the originating node to the final destination node.

    • Multi-hop execution (i.e., generating and managing multiple PTOs across intermediate nodes) is not supported out-of-the-box.

    To enable multi-hop replenishment with full execution and fulfillment lifecycle (creation of multiple PTOs, status updates, tracking, etc.), a custom implementation is required.

    IBM has clarified that there are no current plans to support multi-hop PTO creation and execution natively within the OMS product. While multi-hop recommendations are supported, execution and orchestration must be handled via custom logic or external orchestration mechanisms.

    Please do share your comments. Thanks.


  • Admin
    Bharat Khade
    Oct 14, 2025

    Hi, Thanks for reaching out to IBM with an idea. IBM is currently reviewing your idea and get back with an analysis, alternate options, alternatives, acceptance or rejection decision on your idea.