C_TS422_2023 SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Production Planning and Manufacturing Question and Answers

In SAP S/4HANA, when multiple valid production versions (maintained in the material master, MRP 4 view, or transaction MM02) exist during production order creation, the system follows a predefined selection logic:

Alphanumeric or quota arrangement(A): By default, the system selects the production version with the lowest alphanumeric identifier (e.g., "0001" before "0002") if no other criteria are specified. Alternatively, if aquota arrangement(transaction MEQ1) is maintained and marked as MRP-relevant, the system uses the quota percentages to distribute production across versions, overriding the alphanumeric logic. This is configured in Customizing (Production > Master Data > Production Versions).

Option B (Planned order or material number) is incorrect—planned orders inherit versions from MRP, and material number is irrelevant to version selection.

Option C (Validity period or sales order) is partially true—validity period ensures only active versions are considered—but sales orders do not directly influence version selection unless linked via a specific requirement (e.g., variant configuration), which is not standard.

Option D (Lot size or material cost) influences version selection only if defined in the production version’s lot size range, but it’s not the primary method unless customized.

This behavior is documented in SAP’s production order creation process.

In SAP S/4HANA, the goal is to plan in-house production of a semi-finished material using planned independent requirements (PIRs), with those PIRs consumed by dependent requirements from the finished good’s production:

Planning at assembly level (70)(D): Strategy 70 (material master, MRP 3 view, Strategy Group: 70) is designed for subassemblies or semi-finished materials. PIRs are entered for the semi-finished material (MD61), triggering in-house production (planned orders via MRP). When a sales order for the finished good is received, the dependent requirements (from BOM explosion) consume these PIRs within the consumption period (MRP 3 view), aligning production of the semi-finished material with higher-level demand.

Assembly processing with production orders (82)(A) is an MTO strategy tied to sales orders, not PIRs.Planning with final assembly (40)(B) applies to finished goods, where PIRs are consumed by sales orders, not dependent requirements of semi-finished items.Production by lot size (30)(C) focuses on lot-size-based production without consumption logic. Strategy 70 is explicitly designed for this scenario per SAP documentation.

In SAP S/4HANA Advanced Planning (PP/DS),peggingis a key concept that links supply (receipts) to demand (issues) across the production structure. It is defined as:

An evaluation that is ordered according to the bill-of-material structure of all related products and represents the relationship between the receipt and the issue elements(A): Pegging (visible in /SAPAPO/RRP3 or Product View) assigns receipt elements (e.g.,planned orders, stock) to issue elements (e.g., sales orders, dependent requirements) based on the BOM hierarchy. It follows the BOM structure (top-down or bottom-up) to ensure each demand is covered by a specific supply, maintaining traceability and sequence (e.g., fixed or dynamic pegging).

Option B (overstock situations) relates to stock analysis, not pegging’s core purpose. Option C (network structure) is inaccurate—pegging uses BOM, not a network, and focuses on assignment, not just coverage. Option D (shortages) is a result of planning, not pegging’s definition, which is about linking, not identifying gaps. This aligns with SAP’s PP/DS pegging documentation.

In SAP S/4HANA, theplanning table for repetitive manufacturing(transaction MF50) is a tool for managing production quantities and schedules in a repetitive production environment. Planners can:

Change the assignments of production quantities to production lines(A): In MF50, planners can reassign planned production quantities (e.g., run schedule quantities) from one production line (defined in the production version, MRP 4 view) to another within the same material, adjusting the distribution based on capacity or availability (visible in the "Assignment" view).

Reschedule and deallocate operations(D): Planners can reschedule production quantities to different dates (e.g., drag-and-drop in the graphical view) or deallocate them from a line (e.g., by setting quantities to zero or removing assignments), providing flexibility to adapt to changes in demand or capacity.

Create new production quantities(B) is typically done via demand management (MD61) or MRP, not directly in MF50, which adjusts existing plans.Dispatch operations to work centers(C) applies to discrete manufacturing (e.g., in CM21 or PP/DS), not repetitive manufacturing, where operations are tied to production lines in the planning table. This is per SAP’s repetitive manufacturing documentation.

Phantom assemblies in SAP S/4HANA (special procurement type 50, material master MRP 2 viewor BOM item) are virtual components not physically stocked—their BOM is exploded directly into the higher-level assembly. Benefits include:

To simplify the structure of bills of material(A): By treating a group of components as a phantom (e.g., a kit), the BOM avoids an extra level of assembly, reducing complexity in planning and documentation (e.g., one BOM level instead of two).

To reduce the number of changes required in bills of material(B): Changes to a phantom’s components (CS02) automatically propagate to all higher-level BOMs using it, minimizing maintenance effort compared to updating separate subassembly BOMs.

To make the assignment of components easier(D): In production orders (CO01), phantom components are directly assigned to the parent operation, simplifying goods issue and confirmation by eliminating subassembly steps.

To reduce the number of material masters(C) is incorrect—phantoms still require a material master with type (e.g., HALB) and procurement key 50, so the count remains unchanged.To increase the number of planning levels(E) is false—phantoms reduce planning levels by bypassing subassembly production. This is per SAP’s phantom assembly usage.

In SAP S/4HANA PP/DS, restricting planners to specific resources for planning is achieved through:

Use a resource group(A): Resource groups (defined in /SAPAPO/RES_GROUP or Customizing) aggregate specific resources (e.g., work centers from CR02 flagged for PP/DS). Planners can be assigned to a resource group via authorization profiles (PFCG),limiting their planning scope in tools like the Planning Board (/SAPAPO/CDPS0) or Product View (/SAPAPO/RRP3) to only those resources, ensuring controlled access.

Use a planning group(B) isn’t a standard PP/DS term—MRP groups exist in classic MRP, but not for resource restriction in PP/DS.Use a propagation range(C) (in /SAPAPO/CDPSC11) defines the scope of planning changes (e.g., horizon), not resource access.Use a planning area(D) (e.g., in APO) organizes data but doesn’t restrict resource-specific planning—it’s more for data segmentation. Resource groups align with SAP’s PP/DS security model.

In SAP S/4HANA, changing the material type (transaction MMAM) is restricted if stocks, reservations, or purchasing documents exist, but it’s allowed under specific conditions:

The quantity and value updates are the same(A): The old and new material types must have identical quantity and value update settings in their valuation areas (configured in OMS2, Material Type Customizing). For example, both must update quantity and value (e.g., "FERT" to "HALB"), or neither (e.g., "NLAG" to "DIEN"). If these differ, the change is blocked due to inconsistencies in stock valuation.

The same base unit of measure is used(C): The base unit (material master, Basic Data 1 view) must remain unchanged between material types. Changing it (e.g., from "PC" to "KG") would invalidate existing stock or document quantities, so the system requires consistency to allow the type change.

The same batch management level(B) (e.g., plant or material level, configured in OMCT) is not a strict requirement—batch settings can differ as long as other conditions are met.The same account category(D) (e.g., General Ledger account determination) influences posting but isn’t a prerequisite—account assignment can be adjusted post-change. This is per SAP’s material type change rules.

In SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Advanced Planning (PP/DS) integrates with core master data, and the "Advanced Planning" flag activates PP/DS-specific planning. This flag can be set in:

Work center(A): In the work center (transaction CR02, Basic Data tab, field: Advanced Planning), checking this flag (or integrating with a resource in APO/PP/DS) enables detailed scheduling and capacity planning in PP/DS. It designates the work center as a resource for finite scheduling (e.g., in /SAPAPO/RES01).

Material(D): In the material master (MM02, Advanced Planning tab, field: PP/DS Planning), activating this flag makes the material relevant for PP/DS planning. It enables features like detailed scheduling, heuristics, and integration with APO or embedded PP/DS functionalities.

Plant(B) doesn’t have an Advanced Planning flag—PP/DS activation is at the system or object level (e.g., via CIF integration model), not plant-specific.Production version(C) (MRP 4 view) links BOMs and routings but lacks a specific PP/DS flag—its relevance comes from the material and work center settings. This is per SAP’s PP/DS master data setup.

In SAP S/4HANA, the validity of a bill of material (BOM) (transaction CS01/CS02) can be restricted as follows:

By plant(B): BOMs are plant-specific by default (field: Plant in CS01). A BOM created for one plant (e.g., 0001) is not valid in another (e.g., 0002) unless copied or extended (CS07), limiting its applicability to the specified plant.

By period(C): The BOM header (CS02) includes "Valid From" and "Valid To" dates, restricting its use to a specific time range. MRP and production orders only select BOMs valid on the required date, allowing versioning or phase-outs (e.g., engineering changes via ECM).

By material type(A) influences which materials can be included in a BOM (e.g., FERT for finished goods), but it doesn’t limit the BOM’s validity—it’s a material attribute.By material status(D) (material master, Basic Data) can block a material from use, but it affects the material, not the BOM’s validity directly. This aligns with SAP’s BOM management rules.

In SAP S/4HANA Demand Management,planned independent requirements(PIRs) represent forecasted demand for finished products. Their consumption by other requirements (e.g., sales orders) depends on settings in the material master:

Requirements type(C): This is determined by the planning strategy and specifies the type of PIR (e.g., VSF for forecast-based planning). It is maintained in the material master (MRP 3 view) or derived from the planning strategy. The requirements type dictates how PIRs are consumed (e.g., by sales orders) and is visible in demand management (transaction MD61). For example, requirements type "LSF" (from strategy 40) allows consumption by sales orders.

Planning strategy(D): Defined in the material master (MRP 3 view, field: Strategy Group), the planning strategy (e.g., 40 - Planning with Final Assembly) controls whether and how PIRs are consumed. For instance, strategy 10 (Make-to-Stock) does not allow consumption, while strategy 40 reduces PIRs based on incoming sales orders within the consumption period.

Order type(A) relates to production or sales order processing, not PIR consumption logic.Requirements profile(B) is not a standard SAP term in this context and does not directly influence consumption (it may refer to custom settings, but it’s not part of SAP’s standard demand management). This is detailed in SAP’s official Demand Management documentation.

In SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, supporting aGood Manufacturing Practice (GMP)compliant production process (common in industries like pharmaceuticals) involves features to ensure traceability, quality, and regulatory adherence:

Digital signature(A): SAP supports digital signatures (configured in Customizing, Cross-Application Components > General Application Functions > Digital Signature) for critical process steps (e.g., order release in CO02 or confirmation in CO11N). This ensures authorized personnel approve actions, meeting GMP requirements for accountability andaudit trails.

Recipe approval(C): In process manufacturing, recipes (process orders use Production Process Models or Master Recipes, transaction C201) require approval (status change, e.g., from "Created" to "Released" via ECM or C202). This ensures only validated production instructions are used, a key GMP compliance step.

Batch record(E): The electronic batch record (EBR, transaction COEBR or integrated in process order management) documents all production details (e.g., materials, quantities, quality checks). It’s mandatory for GMP to provide a complete, auditable history of each batch (configured via process order settings).

Approved resources(B) isn’t a standard SAP term—resources (work centers, CR02) can be quality-checked, but approval is process-driven, not a distinct feature.GMP-compliant flag(D) doesn’t exist as a specific field—GMP compliance is achieved through process controls, not a single indicator. This is per SAP’s GMP support documentation.

In SAP S/4HANA repetitive manufacturing, confirming a finished product (e.g., via transaction MFBF) triggers default actions based on the REM profile (Customizing, OSP2):

Post the goods receipt for the finished product(A): When saving a confirmation (MFBF,Backflush tab), the system posts a goods receipt (movement type 101) for the finished product into stock (e.g., unrestricted use), assuming backflushing is active in the REM profile (field: Backflush Mandatory).

Reduce run schedule quantities(B): The confirmed quantity reduces the openrun schedule quantities(planned orders in MD04 or MF50), aligning the planned production with actual output to prevent overproduction.

Update statistics for the Business Information Warehouse(D): Confirmation data (e.g., quantity, time) updates statistical tables (e.g., S031, S032) for reporting in SAP BW or embedded analytics, providing insights into production performance (enabled by default in standard settings).

Post production costs to the planned order(C) is incorrect—costs are posted to aproduct cost collector(KKF6N) in REM, not planned orders, based on the REM profile’s costing settings.Create associated capacity requirements(E) occurs during planning (e.g., MRP), not confirmation—capacity is consumed, not created, at this stage. This is per SAP’s REM confirmation process.

In SAP S/4HANA PP/DS,standard heuristicsare predefined algorithms (e.g., SAP_PP_002 for planning standard lots) executed in the planning run (/SAPAPO/CDPSB0) or interactively (/SAPAPO/RRP3). Their purpose is:

To solve planning problems for defined objects(C): Heuristics address specific planning tasks for objects like materials, resources, or orders. For example, SAP_PP_002 creates planned orders to cover shortages, SAP_PP_020 sequences operations, and SAP_PP_007 adjusts schedules—each solving a distinct problem (e.g., demand coverage, capacity conflicts) based on defined parameters.

Automate material movements in staging(A) is handled by WM or Kanban, not PP/DS heuristics.Set default values in production master data(B) is a master data maintenance task (e.g., MM02), not a heuristic function.Optimize costs and times(D) is possible with optimization tools (e.g., PP/DS Optimizer), not standard heuristics, which focus on rule-based planning. This is per SAP’s PP/DS heuristic documentation.

In SAP S/4HANA PP/DS, achieving a feasible production plan under capacity constraints involves:

Determine a time period with available capacity on the planning board(C): Using the DS Planning Board (/SAPAPO/CDPS0), planners can visually identify periods with free capacity on resources and manually or automatically schedule orders into those slots, ensuring feasibility.

Increase the capacity supply in a time-phased interval(D): In the work center (CR02, Capacity tab) or PP/DS resource (/SAPAPO/RES01), you can define additional capacity (e.g., shifts, overtime) for specific time intervals via capacity variants, allowing more orders to fit within constraints.

Form optimum sequences to reduce setup times(E): Using heuristics (e.g., SAP_PP_020) or the PP/DS Optimizer, you can sequence operations on resources to minimize setup times (defined in routing, CA02), maximizing throughput and resolving capacity bottlenecks.

Execute an infinite planning run(A) ignores capacity constraints, creating an unfeasible plan requiring later adjustment—not a solution.Reduce the planning time interval(B) (e.g., horizon in /SAPAPO/CDPSC11) limits scope but doesn’t address capacity directly. This is per SAP’s PP/DS capacity planning strategies.

In SAP S/4HANA, awork center hierarchy(transaction CR21/CR22) organizes work centers for capacity planning and evaluation:

A group of alternative work centers providing a cumulative available capacity for production(B): A work center hierarchy groups multiple work centers (e.g., CR01-defined centers) into a tree structure (e.g., a top node with sub-nodes). The system aggregates their capacities (visible in CM01) into a cumulative total, allowing planners to evaluate or assign production across the group as a single capacity pool, often used in bottleneck analysis or reporting.

Hierarchy levels by priorities(A) isn’t correct—priorities are set in routings or PP/DS, not hierarchies, which focus on capacity aggregation.Work centers in a production line sequence(C) reflects routing (CA01) or REM line hierarchy (LDM1), not a work center hierarchy.Parallel sequence for splitting quantities(D) is a routing concept (Parallel Sequence), not a hierarchy function. This is per SAP’s capacity planning documentation.

Planning withplanned independent requirements(PIRs) in SAP S/4HANA (entered via MD61) for finished materials offers benefits in a make-to-stock or forecast-driven environment:

Reduced delivery times(A): By planning PIRs in advance (e.g., strategy 10 or 40), production can start before sales orders arrive, ensuring finished goods are available in stock. This shortens the time between order receipt and delivery, improving customer service levels.

Reduced times for final assembly(B): In strategies like 40 (Planning with Final Assembly), PIRs trigger procurement and production of components early. When sales orders arrive, only final assembly is needed, reducing the overall lead time for completion.

Option to forecast planning for production resources(C) is a byproduct of capacity planning (e.g., CM01), not a direct benefit of PIRs—PIRs focus on material demand.Option to use make-to-order production(D) contradicts PIRs, which are for make-to-stock or forecast-based planning (e.g., strategies 10, 40), not MTO (e.g., strategy 20). This is per SAP’s demand management benefits.

Engineering Change Management (ECM) in SAP S/4HANA (transaction CC01/CC02) manages changes to objects like BOMs, routings, and materials with a structured process:

To save multiple changes for an object(C): ECM allows multiple changes (e.g., to a BOM’s components) to be grouped under one change number (field: Change Number in CS01). These changes are saved and applied together on a specified date (Valid From), ensuring coordinated updates across objects.

To monitor document object changes(D): ECM tracks changes to objects (e.g., materials, BOMs) linked to a change number, providing an audit trail (transaction CC03, History tab). This monitors who changed what and when, supporting compliance and traceability.

To monitor document table changes(A) is vague—“document” likely means BOM or routing, but ECM focuses on object changes, not table-level monitoring (e.g., database logs).To enable integration into a sales order(B) is incorrect—ECM integrates with production or procurement, not directly with sales orders (VA01). This is per SAP’s ECM functionality.

Simple discontinuation in SAP S/4HANA (material master, MRP 4 view, fields: Discontinuation Indicator, Effective-Out Date, Follow-Up Material) replaces a discontinued component with a follow-up material when stock is depleted. If the available stock is zero and the discontinuation date is in the past:

Material requirements planning(C): MRP (MD01/MD02) is affected because it checks the discontinuation settings. When stock is zero and the effective-out date has passed, MRP stops generating requirements for the discontinued material and creates them for the follow-up material instead (visible in MD04). This ensures planning continuity with the replacement.

Backflushing(A) (e.g., during CO11N) uses existing stock or reservations, not directly impacted by discontinuation unless stock is unavailable—but it’s a downstream process.Kanban(B) relies on replenishment triggers, not discontinuation logic, though stock-outs could disrupt it indirectly.Production order release(D) (CO02) checks material availability, but discontinuation is handled in MRP, not at release. This is per SAP’s discontinuation process.

SAP’sclean coreapproach for S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition aims for a standardized, upgrade-friendly system. Recommended guiding principles include:

Establish an organizational structure, technical foundation, and transformation methodology for clean core(A): SAP advises setting up a governance structure, technical standards (e.g., extensibility via SAP BTP), and a methodology (e.g., SAP Activate) to ensure clean core adoption, minimizing customizations from the start.

Establish release management(C): Effective release management (e.g., via SAP Solution Manager or SAP Cloud ALM) ensures regular updates are applied smoothly, maintaining a clean core by avoiding conflicts with custom code and leveraging new standard features.

Define roles and responsibilities as part of a process transformation office(E): A dedicated transformation office with clear roles (e.g., process owners, IT architects) oversees clean core adherence, ensuring accountability for standardization and extensibility across teams.

Integrate clean core practices in the end-to-end value process chain(B) is a goal, not a distinct principle—it’s an outcome of other principles.Regular housekeeping tasks(D) (e.g., data archiving) supports operations but isn’t a core clean core principle, which focuses on design and governance. This is per SAP’s clean core strategy.

In SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, theKanban processmanages material replenishment using control cycles (transaction PKMC). Supply sources are configured as follows:

Use run schedule quantities for in-house production(A): For in-house production, the Kanban control cycle (PKMC) can specify a production supply area and a production version (MRP 4 view). When a Kanban is set to "Empty," the system generatesrun schedule quantities(planned orders in repetitive manufacturing, confirmed via MFBF), replenishing stock from the production line.

Use stock transfer reservations for stock transfer(B): For stock transfer between storage locations, the control cycle defines a replenishment strategy (e.g., "0002" - Stock Transfer). When triggered, astock transfer reservation(visible in MB23) is created to move stock from a source storage location to the Kanban bin, managed via goods movement (e.g., MIGO).

Use purchase orders for external procurement(C): For external procurement, the control cycle links to a scheduling agreement or contract (ME31K). Setting a Kanban to "Empty" generates apurchase orderor schedule line (visible in ME38), triggering replenishment from the vendor.

Use quotations(D) isn’t a standard Kanban supply source—quotations (ME47) are pre-procurement documents, not direct replenishment triggers.Use purchasing costs for automated source prioritization(E) isn’t a Kanban feature—source selection is manual or via control cycle settings, not cost-based automation. This is per SAP’s Kanban setup documentation.

In SAP S/4HANA, MRP can be configured to exclude certain materials from planning runs to optimize processing or reflect specific business needs. One method is to use aspecific material status(B), maintained in the material master (e.g., under the MRP view). A status such as "Blockedfor Procurement/Production" (configured in Customizing under Logistics - General > Material Master > Settings for Key Fields > Define Material Statuses) prevents the material from being planned in MRP, effectively excluding it from the run.

Another method is to assign aspecific MRP type(D), such as "ND" (No Planning), in the material master (MRP 1 view). This MRP type instructs the system not to generate requirements or planned orders for the material, excluding it from MRP processing.Using a specific MRP list(A) is not a valid exclusion method, as the MRP list is an output of the MRP run, not a control mechanism. Similarly,using a specific material group(C) does not inherently exclude materials from MRP, as material groups are for classification and reporting, not MRP control. These options align with SAP’s standard MRP configuration settings.