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

In SAP S/4HANA, acollective orderis a network of production orders where a top-level order (for a finished product) is directly linked to subordinate orders (for assemblies), created automatically via special procurement key 52 (material master, MRP 2 view). The advantages include:

To perform availability checks across the entire collective order(A): When a collective order is created (e.g., via CO01 with "Collective Order" indicator), the system performs a material availability check (configured in OPL8) across all levels of the order hierarchy. This ensures components are available for the entire structure before release, reducing partial shortages.

To post confirmations for the entire collective order(D): Confirmations (e.g., via CO11N or CO15) for the top-level order can automatically trigger goods movements (goods receipt for the finished product, goods issue for components) across all linked orders. This streamlines shop floor processing by consolidating confirmations.

To coordinate orders in the planning board(B) is not specific to collective orders—it’s a general PP/DS or capacity planning feature (e.g., DS Planning Board), not an inherent advantage.To show the flow of batches(C) is possible via batch tracing (e.g., MB56), but it’s not a unique benefit of collective orders, which focus on production linkage, not batch visibility. This aligns with SAP’s collective order 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, 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.

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 Advanced Planning (PP/DS - Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling), infinite planning assumes unlimited capacity availability during the initial planning phase. When the documentation states that "new orders are created through infinite planning," it means that MRP generates planned orders without checking the existing capacity load on work centers. Thus,MRP creates the capacity requirements without considering existing load on the work centers(B). This approach prioritizes material availability and scheduling over capacity constraints, leaving capacity leveling to a subsequent step (e.g., using heuristics or manual adjustments in PP/DS).

Option A is incorrect because infinite planning does not sequence capacity requirements after the last operation; it ignores capacity entirely. Option C is not accurate, as "earliest possible time" implies a finite scheduling logic, which contradicts infinite planning. Option D is also incorrect, as infinite planning does not consider available capacity for assignment. This is consistent with SAP’s PP/DS documentation, where infinite planning is a preliminary step before finite scheduling.

In SAP S/4HANA, the MRP planning file (table MDVM, visible via MD05) tracks changes that trigger MRP to re-evaluate a material’s planning situation. Entries are created when:

Changing the procurement type in the product master(C): The procurement type (material master, MRP 2 view, field: Procurement Type) determines whether a material is produced in-house ("E"), procured externally ("F"), or both ("X"). Changing it (e.g., via MM02) affects how MRP generates planned orders or purchase requisitions, so an entry is added to the planning file (e.g., NETCH or NETPL indicator) to prompt recalculation.

Changing the stock in inventory management(D): Any stock change (e.g., goods receipt via MIGO, goods issue via MB1A) updates the available stock (MD04). This triggers an MRP planning file entry because it alters the net requirements calculation, requiring MRP (MD01/MD02) to reassess supply versus demand.

Changing the delivery address in transportation management(A) affects logistics execution (e.g., shipment documents), not MRP planning directly—no entry is created.Changing the storage bin in warehouse management(B) (e.g., via LT10) is a WM-level movement that doesn’t impact MRP unless stock quantity changes, which falls under (D). This is per SAP’s MRP planning file logic.

In SAP S/4HANA, dispatching operations (e.g., in CM21 or PP/DS Planning Board) assigns them to work centers. Multiple commitments on the same date indicate overlapping schedules, caused by:

The Finite Scheduling indicator is NOT set in the strategy profile(A): In PP/DS (strategy profile, /SAPAPO/CDPSC11) or capacity planning (OPU5), if finite scheduling isn’t active (e.g., work center CR02, Capacity tab, "Relevant to Finite Scheduling" unchecked), the system schedules operations infinitely, ignoring capacity limits and allowing overlaps on the same date.

The work center has several individual capacities(B): If the work center (CR02, Capacity tab) has multiple individual capacities (e.g., 3 machines, field: No. of Individual Capacities), operations can be scheduled in parallel on the same date, each assigned to a separate capacity, resulting in multiple commitments.

Alternative work centers fully occupied(C) might force scheduling onto one center but doesn’t inherently cause overlaps—it’s a capacity issue, not a scheduling logic flaw.Change Planning Direction indicator(D) (e.g., Forward/Backward in strategy profile) affects sequence, not overlapping commitments. This is per SAP’s scheduling behavior.

In SAP S/4HANA PP/DS,mode selectionrefers to choosing between alternative production modes(combinations of resources and recipes) within detailed scheduling (e.g., /SAPAPO/CDPS0 or heuristics). It is used:

When alternative resources are used within one operation(B): In the PP/DS resource (mapped from work center, CR02) and operation (routing, CA02), modes define different resource options (e.g., Machine A vs. Machine B) for the same operation. Mode selection (configured in the PPM or PDS, /SAPAPO/RES01) allows PP/DS to pick the best resource based on availability, priority (Mode Priority field), or cost during scheduling.

Several operations for one product(A) involves operation sequencing, not mode selection.Several production versions(C) (MRP 4 view) define BOM/routing combinations at the material level, not within an operation.Multiple planned orders in parallel(D) relates to resource loading, not mode-specific choices. This is per SAP’s PP/DS scheduling options.

In SAP S/4HANA process manufacturing (using process orders, transaction COR1), managing production flow for liquid chemicals in physically connected tanks requires:

Resource selection(B): In the master recipe (C201) or process order (COR2), you can define resource selection conditions (e.g., via classification in the resource, CRC1, Basic Data tab). This ensures only suitable tanks (e.g., based on attributes like material compatibility or capacity) are selected for operations, restricting production to physically appropriate resources.

Resource network(D): A resource network (Customizing, Production > Process Order > Master Data > Define Resource Networks) defines the physical connections between resources (e.g., tanks, pipes) in a plant. It specifies valid flow paths (e.g., Tank A to Tank B), ensuring process orders (COR1) schedule operations only on connected tanks, enforced during scheduling or dispatching.

Resource hierarchy(A) (CR21) aggregates capacities for planning, not physical connections.Resource matrix(C) isn’t a standard SAP term—it might refer to custom setups, but it’s not a defined feature for tank connectivity. This is per SAP’s process manufacturing controls.

In SAP S/4HANA, a material availability check ensures components are available before production proceeds. This check can be triggered automatically:

By order release(C): When a production order is released (transaction CO02 or mass release via CO05N), the system can perform an availability check based on settings in the order type-dependent parameters (Customizing: Production > Shop Floor Control > Define Order Types). The "Availability Check" field (e.g., "2 - Check at Release") triggers this automatically, ensuring materials are reserved or shortages are flagged.

By mass processing(D): Using transaction COHV (Mass Processing of Production Orders), planners can execute availability checks for multiple orders simultaneously. The function "Check Material Availability" can be scheduled or run manually, automating the process across orders.

By capacity planning(A) focuses on work center capacity, not material availability.By order confirmation(B) may trigger a check for remaining quantities, but it’s not a standard automatic trigger point—it’s more relevant for backflushing or goods issue. This is outlined in SAP’s production order management documentation.

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.

The Alert Monitor in SAP S/4HANA PP/DS (transaction /SAPAPO/AMON1) highlights planning issues. Configuration steps include:

Assign the alert profile to the overall profile(A): In Customizing (/SAPAPO/ALERT_PROFILE), you define an alert profile (e.g., specifying alert types like capacity overload) and assign it to an overall profile (e.g., in /SAPAPO/CDPSC11). This links alert settings to planning applications (e.g., Planning Board).

Create an object selection variant for production-planning-related alerts(D): You create a variant (e.g., in /SAPAPO/AMON_SETTING) to filter objects (e.g., materials, resources) for which alerts are monitored, tailoring it to production planning issues (e.g., late orders, shortages).

Assign the overall profile to the authorization profile(B) is incorrect—overall profiles link to planning, not authorization (handled via PFCG roles).Object selection variant for ATP categories(C) relates to availability checks, not production planning alerts, which focus on PP/DS issues. This is per SAP’s Alert Monitor setup.

In SAP S/4HANA, a routing (transaction CA01/CA02) defines operation times for production, calculated using standard values and work center formulas. The time elements include:

Wait time(A): Defined in the routing (Operation Details, Standard Values), wait time is the duration an operation must wait after processing before moving to the next step (e.g., drying time). It’s part of interoperation times and affects scheduling.

Processing time(C): Also in the routing (Standard Values, e.g., Machine Time), this is the core time to perform the operation (e.g., machining), calculated via the work center’s processing formula (CR02, Capacity tab). It’s quantity-dependent and critical for lead time.

Setup time(E): Entered in the routing (Standard Values), setup time is the duration to prepare the work center (e.g., tool change), independent of quantity. It’s calculated using the setup formula in the work center and impacts total operation duration.

Float before production(B) is a scheduling margin in the material master (MRP 2 view) or production order, not an operation-specific time in the routing.Pick time(D) is not a standard routing term—it may relate to warehouse processes (e.g., WM), not production operations. This is per SAP’s routing structure.

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.

In SAP S/4HANA, the item category in a BOM (transaction CS01/CS02, field: Item Category) classifies components and determines their handling in production and procurement. Standard item categories include:

Variable-size item(A): Item category "R" (Variable-Size Item) is used for components with dimensions (e.g., sheets, pipes) where quantity is calculated based on size data (entered in the Variable-Size Item Data tab). It’s common in manufacturing for materials cut or sized during production.

Preliminary item(C): Item category "V" (Preliminary Item) is a placeholder for components not yet fully specified (e.g., during design phase). It allows BOM creation to proceed, with details added later, and is valid for planning purposes.

Work item(B) is not a standard BOM item category—"L" (Stock Item) or "N" (Non-Stock Item) might apply to work-related components, but "Work Item" isn’t a defined term.WBS item(D) (Work Breakdown Structure, category "W") relates to Project Systems (PS) BOMs, not standard production BOMs in PP, requiring PS integration. This is per SAP’s BOM item category definitions.

Creating a material master (referred to here as a "product master") in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition (transaction MM01) requires mandatory fields to establish the material’s identity and usage:

Base unit of measure(A): This field (Basic Data 1 view, field: Base Unit of Measure) is mandatory and defines the primary unit (e.g., "PC," "KG") for stockkeeping, procurement, and production. Without it, the system cannot process quantities, making it a required input during creation.

Industry sector(B): Selected on the initial MM01 screen (field: Industry Sector), this determines the material’s business context (e.g., "M" for Mechanical Engineering) and influences the available views and field layouts. It’s mandatory to proceed with material creation.

Selection screen for views(C) is a step in MM01 where you choose views (e.g., MRP, Purchasing), but it’s not "information" entered—it’s a navigation choice.Product type(D) is likely a misnomer for "Material Type" (e.g., FERT, ROH), which is required on the initial screen, but the question’s phrasing aligns with SAP’s term "Material Type," not "Product Type." A and B are the clearest matches per SAP’s material creation process.

In an SAP S/4HANA Cloud Greenfield project,clean corefocuses on a standardized, extensible system with high-quality data. Key aspects for data quality include:

Efficiency(A): Clean core principles prioritize efficient processes and data structures, minimizing customizations that could degrade performance or complicate upgrades. Efficient data quality ensures streamlined operations (e.g., fast MRP runs) and leverages standard SAP functionalities effectively.

Stability(D): Maintaining a stable core with consistent, reliable data (e.g., master data integrity in MM03) prevents disruptions during updates or extensions. Stability ensures the system remains robust and predictable, a cornerstone of clean core in a Greenfield implementation.

Accuracy(B) is critical for data quality in general (e.g., correct BOM quantities), but clean core emphasizes systemic qualities over content accuracy, which is assumed.Timeliness(C) matters for operational data (e.g., stock updates), but it’s less tied to clean core’s structural focus. This is per SAP’s clean core guidelines.

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.

In SAP S/4HANA, MRP usesbackward schedulingto calculate the basic dates for dependent requirements (e.g., components needed for production). Backward scheduling starts from the requirement date of the finished product and works backward to determine when components must be available. The key time elements considered are:

Planned delivery time(A): This is maintained in the material master (MRP 2 view, field: Planned Delivery Time) for externally procured materials. It represents the time required by the vendor to deliver the material, and MRP uses it to calculate the start date for procurement to ensure the component is available when needed.

In-house production time(D): For materials produced in-house, this is maintained in the material master (MRP 2 view, field: In-house Production Time). It defines the total time required to produce the material, independent of quantity, and MRP uses it to determine the start date of production for dependent requirements.

Total replenishment lead time(B) (MRP 2 view, field: Total Replenishment Lead Time) is an optional field that includes all procurement and production times but is typically used as a fallback or for special cases, not as a standard element in backward scheduling for components.Operation duration(C) is specific to routing data (e.g., setup, processing times) and is considered in detailed scheduling (e.g., production order scheduling), not MRP’s basic date calculation, which relies on material master data. This aligns with SAP’s MRP scheduling logic as per official documentation.

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.

Thelow-level codein SAP S/4HANA (visible in MD04 or calculated during MRP) indicates the deepest level at which a material appears in any BOM across all products, starting from 000 (finished goods) downward. Its key features are:

To determine how costs are rolled up by product costing(B): In Product Costing (CO-PC), the low-level code ensures costs are calculated bottom-up, starting with the lowest-level components (e.g., raw materials) and rolling up through assemblies to the finished product (transaction CK11N). This guarantees accurate cost aggregation.

To determine the sequence in which materials are planned in MRP(C): During MRP (MD01/MD02), the system plans materials in ascending order of low-level codes (lowest first), ensuring dependent requirements for lower-level components are calculated before higher-level assemblies, avoiding planning gaps.

Priority of alternative components in ATP(A) is managed by BOM alternative item strategies (e.g., 100% check), not low-level codes.Use of sub-items in BOM(D) is defined by item categories (e.g., "R"), not influenced by low-level codes. This is per SAP’s planning and costing logic.