Understanding Supplier-Requested and Confirmed Dates in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management

Introduction

In today's fast-paced supply chain environment, accurate delivery dates are critical to maintaining smooth operations. When suppliers and buyers are aligned on delivery expectations, it reduces uncertainty, minimizes delays, and improves customer satisfaction. Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (D365 SCM) provides robust tools to manage and track supplier-requested and confirmed delivery dates, ensuring better planning and execution across procurement processes.

What Are Supplier-Requested and Confirmed Dates?

In procurement, two key dates play a vital role in managing expectations and planning: the requested delivery date and the confirmed delivery date.

- The requested delivery date is the date by which the buyer expects the goods to be delivered. It is typically based on internal planning needs or customer commitments.

- The confirmed delivery date is the date the supplier agrees to deliver the goods. This may match the requested date or differ based on the supplier’s capacity and lead times.

Suppliers may negotiate delivery timelines based on their production schedules, inventory levels, or logistics constraints. These dates directly influence lead time calculations, supply reliability, and the overall efficiency of the supply chain.

How D365 SCM Manages These Dates

D365 SCM allows users to input and track both requested and confirmed delivery dates within purchase orders. When a purchase order is created, the buyer specifies the requested delivery date. Once the supplier reviews the order, they can confirm the date or suggest a new one. The confirmed date is then updated in the system, providing visibility into actual delivery expectations. These dates are also integrated into the master planning engine, which uses them to calculate material availability and production schedules.

Step-by-Step Overview of the Process

Step 1: Create or open a purchase order

Begin by creating a new purchase order or opening an existing one in D365 SCM.

Step 2: Enter the requested delivery date

Specify the date by which you expect the supplier to deliver the goods. This date is based on your internal planning or customer needs.

Step 3: Supplier reviews and proposes a confirmed date

The supplier reviews the requested date and either confirms it or proposes an alternative based on their capabilities.

Step 4: Update the purchase order with the confirmed date

Once the supplier provides a confirmed date, update the purchase order in D365 SCM to reflect this commitment.

Step 5: Review the impact on master planning and supply forecasts

The confirmed date is used by the master planning engine to adjust supply forecasts and ensure accurate planning.

Why These Dates Matter

- Accurate lead times help ensure timely production and delivery.
- Tracking supplier performance against confirmed dates supports vendor evaluation.
- Reliable dates improve planning stability and reduce the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
- Better coordination with suppliers enhances overall supply chain resilience.

Conclusion

Effectively managing supplier-requested and confirmed delivery dates is essential for a responsive and reliable supply chain. By leveraging the capabilities of Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, organizations can improve planning accuracy, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure timely fulfillment of customer demands.

Supplier Date Confirmation Process Flowchart