Datastream 7i provides three stock replenishment methods: min/max, reorder level, and on-demand. Set the stock replenishment method for parts in stock as necessary to specify the manner in which stock parts are reordered when you generate requisitions and/or purchase orders.
The INVMETH installation parameter determines the default stock method for new parts in stock in all stores. Regardless of the setting of the INVMETH parameter, you can modify the stock method for a part in stock in any store as necessary. However, the default setting for the INVMETH installation parameter and for the stock method on the stock record level is reorder level (-). If you have not modified the INVMETH parameter, or if you do not specify a stock method for a stock record, Datastream 7i automatically sets the stock method to reorder level.
The min/max stock method is based on a specified minimum and maximum quantity of a part to keep in stock. When the quantity of a part in stock reaches a level that is equal to or less than the specified minimum level, Datastream 7i reorders the necessary quantity of the part to replenish the quantity of the part in stock to the specified maximum level.
The reorder level stock method is based on a specified reorder level and an order quantity. When the quantity of a part in stock reaches the reorder level, Datastream 7i reorders the part in increments of the specified order quantity until the quantity of the part in stock reaches a level that is greater than or equal to the reorder level. The reorder level method is very similar to the min/max method, with the primary difference being that the order quantity for the reorder level method is static and is not subject to a specified maximum quantity.
The on demand stock method specifies that Datastream 7i generates a requisition line for a part in stock only when there is a demand for it.
When defining your stock information, you do not have to set a stock replenishment method for your inventory. Additionally, Datastream 7i does not implement any of the stock methods for a part until you enter the information required to implement the stock method for the part. For example, if you set stock method of a part in stock to min/max, you must enter a value Minimum level and Maximum level to implement the stock method for the part.
Likewise, Datastream 7i also enables/disables and populates/clears certain fields on the stock record for the part based on the selected stock method. If you set the stock method to On demand, Datastream 7i automatically sets the Reorder level to -.0001 and Reorder level and Maximum quantity are read-only. If you set the stock method to reorder level, Datastream 7i clears the Reorder level field if it was previously set to -.0001 and Maximum level is read-only. If you set the stock method to Min/Max, Datastream 7i clears the Order quantity and the Reorder level if it was previously set to -.0001. Datastream 7i also populates Minimum quantity with the value specified for Reorder level (if it was set to anything other than -.0001), and Reorder level and Order quantity are read-only.