S&OP vs MPS vs ATP
How demand planning, production planning and order availability connect.
S&OP Decision Lab
Turn planning constraints into business decisions.
Free Excel-based decision models for analysts and supply chain practitioners that adapt to each scenario, compare service, cost, capacity, stock and cash trade-offs, and generate a personalized recommendation.
Most supply chain planning resources explain formulas separately. This site connects them into decision models.
Excel-based decision models to turn S&OP, MPS and ATP constraints into clear business decisions.
This is not a library of simple templates. S&OP Decision Lab builds decision models that combine demand, capacity, stock, planning zones, exception costs and financial trade-offs into one recommendation logic.
Flagship Tool
S&OP / MPS Decision Simulator
The first model of S&OP Decision Lab is a complete Excel-based decision simulator designed to help supply chain teams assess planning decisions under constraint.
The business problem
Serving demand is only half the question. The simulator tests whether the trade-off stays attractive once availability, capacity, planning-zone friction and finance are considered, then points to a recommended business response.
- Service risk when demand changes late
- Stock gaps hidden by aggregate availability
- Capacity overload and expensive recovery options
- Cash and working capital pressure from inventory decisions
Model structure
It connects S&OP demand, MPS planned receipts, ATP availability, projected available balance, capacity limits, frozen/slushy planning zones and financial trade-offs into one decision model.
Personalized recommendation
Model inputs become a scenario-specific recommendation with the trade-offs kept visible for review.
Screenshots and formulas
Show the model outputs, key formulas and embedded comments without overloading the page.
Download the model
Open the Excel simulator and start with the planning detail level that fits your case.
Download ExcelModel Logic
Planning logic, explained without drowning the reader.
Short educational notes help users understand why the model combines planning, operational and financial views before making a recommendation.
Projected available balance
Why future stock position matters more than today's inventory snapshot.
Frozen vs slushy zones
How late changes create exception costs and escalation needs.
Capacity overload
How to compare overtime, subcontracting, allocation and delay.
Stock is not enough
Why availability can still be unattractive once capacity, cash and risk are included.
Scenario Library
The first model already covers several core planning scenarios.
Included in the current tool
Urgent order acceptance, capacity overload, overtime decision, subcontracting decision, demand delay, allocation under constraint, stock shortage / no-stock gap, replenishment trigger and frozen/slushy exception.
Future scenarios
Supply risk, supplier reliability, expedited transport, Incoterm alternate supplier, allocation and service impact.
About / Method
Built from operational experience, not spreadsheet theory alone.
Hugo Stephan
Supply Chain specialist and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, with a track record of delivering EUR 1.9 million in savings through S&OP execution, inventory governance and business-focused decision support.
EUR 1.9Msavings delivered
MBBLean Six Sigma
Supply ChainS&OP, MPS, ATP
A strong planning principle
In supply chain planning, the right decision is rarely based on one metric. A new order may look feasible from a stock perspective but become unattractive once capacity, planning zones, exception costs, service risk and working capital are considered.
The model connects operational constraints with financial impact.
It makes assumptions visible before decisions are escalated.
It translates analysis into a business recommendation.
FAQ
A fast start, with the decision logic still visible.
The workbook is built to move from scenario inputs to a recommendation without hiding the reasoning.
What the model helps you decide?
It helps you answer transversal planning questions with personalized recommendations:
- Can we accept a new urgent customer order?
- Is the order inside the frozen, slushy or free planning zone?
- Do we have enough ATP and projected available balance?
- What happens if demand exceeds available capacity?
- Should we use overtime, subcontracting, demand delay or allocation?
- What is the service, cost, stock and cash impact of each option?
- What exception cost should be considered in frozen or slushy zones?
- When should replenishment be triggered to avoid future shortages?
- Which scenario is the most balanced from a business perspective?
The recommendation reflects the scenario you model, not a generic template answer.
How do I access the file?
Use any Download button on the site to get the Excel simulator directly. No account is required.
Is it hard to get started?
The first run is designed to take less than 10 minutes. Inputs are layered from Introduction to Advanced so you can begin with a compact scenario and add precision when the decision requires it.
Does it only compare scenarios?
No. It compares planning options and translates the modeled constraints into a personalized business recommendation you can challenge with the visible assumptions.
Can I adapt it to my own planning case?
Yes. You can adjust demand, capacity, stock, planning-zone and cost inputs so the recommendation reflects the scenario you need to assess.
Does it replace an ERP or an APS?
No. It is a decision simulator for evaluating planning trade-offs clearly before a choice is made or escalated in the operating system.