Simplification of MRP Functionality Is Done
Simplification of MRP Functionality Is Done
In S/4HANA, Purchasing Info Records have gained prominence as sources of supply independent of source list entries. The system incorporates an automatic sourcing indicator in the info record that streamlines supplier selection during MRP processes. This new role underscores a shift towards simplifying sourcing logic by reducing dependencies on previously required source lists .
In SAP S/4HANA, when determining supply sources, quota arrangements have the highest priority. If quotas exist, they guide the selection of sources. Source lists can provide additional control by temporarily blocking sources or enabling them only for specific periods. Auto Sourcing indicators in info records also play a role by ensuring MRP considers them if relevant. If there are multiple valid supply sources, the system defaults to production versions, then delivery schedules, purchasing contracts, and finally info records, as outlined in SAP Note 2268069 .
SAP S/4HANA simplifies MRP logic by enabling automatic sourcing based on purchasing info records alone, without needing a source list . The introduction of an automatic sourcing indicator in info records ensures that they suffice as sources of supply. This adjustment reduces the administrative task of maintaining a source list and relies on internal system enhancements for performance efficiency, allowing more intuitive sourcing practices .
The simplification in SAP S/4HANA replaces several classical MRP functionalities in the Material Master Records to enhance performance and reduce complexity. For example, purchasing info records now act as a source of supply without the need for a separate source list entry . Several fields in the Material Master, such as Quota Arrangement Usage and Unit of Measure Group, are no longer required as they have been made redundant. SAP has optimized the MRP by eliminating certain settings and using backend systems more efficiently, reflecting it in S/4HANA .
In S/4HANA, MRP always considers quota arrangements, meaning the switching mechanism used in earlier systems to improve performance is no longer necessary . Previously, quota arrangement consideration in the MRP was controlled via the material master attribute MARC-USEQU. With advancements in technology and the resultant improved performance, the system now processes quota arrangements without impacting efficiency or requiring manual activation in the material master .
The determination of vendors involves multiple factors. If quota arrangements exist, they override other conditions. However, the presence of valid, unblocked scheduling agreements or info records marked for automatic sourcing can also dictate the process. The system prioritizes these according to default logic favoring existing production orders, delivery schedules, purchasing contracts, and finally info records, unless modified by user settings or business add-ins .
Users can influence MRP vendor selection in a few ways. When multiple valid sources exist, adjusting the source list to temporarily block certain sources or using quota arrangements to assign priorities can guide the selection process. Moreover, unticking the auto-sourcing indicator or using enhancements like BAdI PPH_MRP_SOURCING_BADI can revert the logic to previous methods where source lists had more influence .
In S/4HANA, the scheduling margin key is only mandatory if explicitly defined in t-code OMSR. This contrasts with ECC, where it was necessary for MRP Types not designated for reorder point or time-phased planning, irrespective of OMSR settings. In S/4HANA, simplifying daily operations is prioritized, and thus, if not specified, its default settings lead to a zero opening period—implying a daily conversion of planned orders into production orders .
SAP S/4HANA implements several simplifications for Material Master record maintenance by removing or de-emphasizing certain fields that had been compulsory. Fields like Unit of Measure Group and Quota Arrangement Usage are no longer necessary and, thus, do not require activation in the material master. These changes aim to boost operational efficiency by reducing system complexities, focusing instead on core MRP functionalities to manage resources more effectively .
When all three elements are present, sourcing can become complex due to potential conflicts between conditions. In such cases, quota arrangements take precedence. However, if a source list blocks certain agreements or an auto-sourcing indicator on an info record is active, these can also guide decisions, creating intricate scenarios. Resolving these requires a careful setup of priorities and sometimes custom BAdI implementations to adjust logic or temporarily block sources as needed to streamline the MRP process .