Quick Summary: The Distribution Center tab shows the unconstrained projected inventory requirements of locations supplied by the current warehouse. It helps planners understand future transfer needs, plan supply at the distribution center, and investigate drivers of downstream requirements.
Why the Distribution Center (DC) Tab Matters
The DC tab provides visibility into how downstream locations will draw stock from the current warehouse. It helps planners anticipate inter-location transfer demand, align upstream purchasing with network needs, and avoid shortages caused by unplanned distribution activity.
How to Read the Distribution Center (DC) Tab
Navigate to the Item Inquiry screen > DC tab.
The Distribution Center tab appears when the current location acts as a supplying warehouse for one or more other locations. When this condition is met, a marker appears on the DC tab to indicate that projected requirements exist for downstream locations.
Each linked location is displayed as a separate row in the grid. Monthly columns show the projected requirement for upcoming months.
Click the "i" icon next to a value to view the detailed breakdown of projected orders contributing to that requirement for the selected location and month. This allows you to validate quantities and timing.
Select a location name in the grid to open the Item Inquiry screen for the same item at that specific location. This enables quick investigation of stock levels, forecasts, and replenishment policies at dependent sites.
Requirement Versus Demand
The values shown in the DC tab represent unconstrained projected replenishment requirements, not the underlying demand itself.
A location may have high demand, but if it already has sufficient stock on hand, the projected requirement displayed here may be zero.
How DC Requirements Are Determined
The DC tab shows unconstrained requirements from each requesting location. These values represent the quantities the locations are projected to need without being reduced by stock or supply constraints at the distribution center. This allows the distribution center to plan supplier orders against the full projected network requirement.
The requirement is calculated using the replenishment cycle days and minimum or multiple settings configured at the requesting location. Large minimum or multiple values at the requesting location can therefore generate larger requirements at the distribution center.
The requirement date is offset by the transfer lead time. The requesting location’s planned order date becomes the requirement date at the supplying distribution center. As a result, longer transfer lead times may cause the requirement to appear in an earlier period than expected.
⚠️ Watchouts
Confusing demand with requirement: The DC tab shows replenishment requirements, not sales demand. A zero value does not mean no demand exists, only that no replenishment is currently required.
Ignoring downstream dependencies: Focusing only on the supplying location without reviewing dependent location requirements can result in unexpected transfer shortages.
Requesting location settings: Replenishment cycle days and minimum or multiple settings at the requesting location directly affect the requirement sent to the distribution center. Using supplier minimum or multiple quantities at the requesting location may unintentionally create excessive requirements.
💡 Tips
Use location navigation regularly: Clicking into downstream locations helps validate that forecasts, stock levels, and policies are aligned across the network.
Review monthly trends: Scanning future months highlights upcoming transfer spikes and helps avoid last-minute inventory pressure.
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