ATP - Available to Promise
Quick answer
The stock quantity that can be safely promised to a new order, accounting for on-hand stock, allocations and future inbound.
Key takeaways
- Simple ATP - on current available stock
- CTP (Capable to Promise) - includes production/supply capacity
- ATP over horizon - available at a future date, including scheduled receipts
What ATP is
ATP (Available to Promise) is the stock you can realistically promise to a new order by a given date. Base formula: physical stock - allocated stock + confirmed inbound (future receipts/production).
Why it isn't equal to physical stock
Physical warehouse stock includes units already reserved for other orders. ATP subtracts these allocations and adds confirmed future inbound, giving the correct answer to 'can I promise now?'.
Variants
- Simple ATP - on current available stock
- CTP (Capable to Promise) - includes production/supply capacity
- ATP over horizon - available at a future date, including scheduled receipts
How CRMconnect helps
The CRMconnect OMS computes ATP in real time on unified stock, allocations and confirmed receipts/purchase orders, showing B2B customers in the portal exactly what can be delivered and when - no false promises.
Real-world example
A distributor promised on gross stock and missed deliveries. With real ATP in CRMconnect (stock - allocations + scheduled receipts), the B2B portal shows customers correct availability and a realistic delivery date; on-time deliveries rose to 96%.
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Frequently asked
Difference between ATP and physical stock?+
Physical stock is everything in the warehouse. ATP is what you can truly promise: physical stock minus existing allocations, plus confirmed future inbound. Only ATP avoids over-promising.
What is CTP (Capable to Promise)?+
An ATP extension that also considers the capacity to produce or supply on time, not just existing stock. Useful for make-to-order and long lead times.
How does ATP help in the B2B portal?+
Customers see real availability and a realistic delivery date at order placement, not gross stock. Result: fewer cancellations, surprise backorders and complaints.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
Stock allocation
Reserving available stock for confirmed orders by priority rules to prevent over-promising.
TechnologyOMS (Order Management System)
The system centralizing orders from every channel (EDI, online, phone, field agent) and orchestrating execution.
OperationsBackorder
Order accepted but not deliverable from current stock - fulfilled at a known future date.
LogisticsSafety stock
Extra buffer inventory held to prevent stockouts caused by demand or supply variability.