The Supply Optimizer in SAP IBP models outsourced manufacturers as Locations with production capacity, optimizing costs across the network, per SAP IBP’s supply planning documentation.

Option A: Model relative production costs across internal locations and outsourced manufacturing locationsThis is correct. The optimizer requires cost data (e.g., production costs per unit) for internal and outsourced locations to decide where to produce, a key prerequisite, per SAP IBP’s cost optimization rules.

Option B: Use production lead times and offsets to manage components at the outsourced manufacturing locationThis is incorrect. Lead times and offsets are used, but they’re not a prerequisite specific to capacity modeling; they’re general planning inputs.

Option C: Ensure that the outsourced manufacturing locations have a separate subnetworkThis is incorrect. Subnetworks optimize runtime, but they’re not required for modeling outsourced capacity; the optimizer works across one network.

Option D: Model target inventory and stocks at the outsourced manufacturing locationThis is incorrect. Inventory targets are optional and not a prerequisite for capacity modeling in the optimizer.

Thus, A is the prerequisite, per SAP IBP’s official optimizer requirements.