Interchangeability in SAP

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Table of content

PUBLIC 2014 SAP AG or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved.

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Table of content1 Parts Interchangeability1.1 Fully Interchangeable Parts1.1.1 Inventory-Managed Manufacturer Part1.1.1.1 Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)1.1.1.2 External Manufacturer (Manufacturer Code)1.1.1.3 Interchangeability Type and Interchangeability Category1.1.1.4 Input and Output Conversion of Material Numbers1.1.2 Form-Fit-Function Class (FFF Class)1.1.2.1 Maintaining Fully Interchangeable Parts1.1.2.1.1 Automatic Creation of FFF Classes1.1.2.1.2 Maintaining an Inventory-Managed Part as a Link1.1.2.2 MPN-MRP Set1.1.2.2.1 Interchangeable Manufacturer Parts in MRP1.1.2.2.1.1 Consumption-Based Planning of Parts in MPN-MRP Sets1.1.2.2.1.2 MRP of Parts in MPN-MRP Sets1.1.2.2.2 Creating and Changing MPN-MRP Sets1.1.2.2.2.1 Generating MPN-MRP Sets Automatically1.1.2.3 NATO Stock Number (NSN)1.1.3 Manufacturer Part Profile1.1.4 Material Types "Interchangeable Part" and "FFF Class"1.1.5 Data Consistency1.1.6 Graphical Display of All Interchangeability Relationships1.2 One-Way and Restricted Interchangeable Parts1.2.1 Maintaining Restricted Interchangeable Parts1.2.2 Interchangeability Code1.2.3 Settings for Material Exchange and Restricted Interchangeability1.2.4 Data Consistency1.2.5 Graphical Display of All Interchangeability Relationships1.3 Material Exchange Using SAP SCM1.3.1 Parts Interchangeability in Goods Movement Transaction MIGO1.3.2 Parts Interchangeability in Plant Maintenance Orders1.3.2.1 Parts Interchangeability in Upgrade Orders1.3.2.1.1 Upgrade Order Creation1.3.2.2 Determination of Installation Locations (iPPE Structure Nodes) f1.3.3 Parts Interchangeability with Configuration Control1.3.4 Parts Interchangeability in Subcontracting1.4 Material Exchange1.4.1 Material Exchange in Purchasing1.4.1.1 Material Exchange in RFQs and Quotations1.4.1.2 Material Exchange in Purchase Orders1.4.1.2.1 Subitem Logic1.4.1.2.2 Subitem Pricing1.4.1.2.3 Material Exchange in Schedule Lines1.4.2 Material Exchange in Inventory Management1.4.2.1 Material Exchange in MIGO During Goods Issue Process1.4.2.2 Material Exchange in MIGO During Goods Receipt Process1.4.3 Material Exchange in the Sales Order Product Selection1.4.4 Material Exchange in Stock Transport Orders1.4.5 Material Exchange in Replenishment Deliveries1.4.6 Material Exchange in PM Orders, PP Orders, and Networks1.5 Business Add-Ins (BAdIs) for Interchangeability of Parts1.6 Supersession


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Parts Interchangeability

PurposeIn logistical processes it is often necessary to interchange parts. Within Discrete Industries and Mill Products (DIMP), the following functions are provided.

FeaturesParts interchangeability comprises the following functions:

Fully interchangeable parts Parts that are fully interchangeable with each other and are grouped in a common class of interchangeable parts - a form-fit-function class (FFF class). You can group fully interchangeable parts of an FFF class in MPN-MRP sets subject to plant and MRP area. The system treats these parts as fully

interchangeable parts in planning, inventory management, and the availability check. Inventory-managed manufacturer parts

Some parts from different manufacturers are interchangeable in the purchasing, MRP and availability check functions due to having the same technicalcharacteristics. The system recognizes these as interchangeable and manages them with their own individual stocks.

Restricted or one-way interchangeable partsThese parts cannot belong to the same FFF class. You use interchangeability codes to group these parts. Restricted interchangeability is available for allprocesses that support MPN.

Material exchange functions are available in the following applications: Material Exchange Using SCM Material Exchange in Purchasing Material Exchange in MRP Material Exchange in Inventory Management

Goods movement using transaction code MIGO. You can interchange parts in the following: Goods issue for the stock transport order and reservation Goods receipt for the purchase order

Material Exchange in the Sales Order Product Selection Creation of subitems in stock transport orders. For more information, see Material Exchange in Stock Transport Orders. Material Exchange in PM Orders, PP Orders, and Networks

SupersessionChanges to the design, form and function of parts require vendors and manufacturers to replace obsolete parts with new versions of the same parts. If a newversion of a part can replace the old version, the system issues a new part number. The new number requires changes to be made in stock, in procurement,in production, in material requirements planning and in sales; that means in all core processes in the supply chain. You must also determine replacementrules and validity dates for the new part.For more information, see Supersession.

1.1 Fully Interchangeable Parts

DefinitionParts that are fully and two-way interchangeable in terms of their use in procurement, MRP, and sales processes.

UseYou group parts, which have the same technical properties (in terms of form, fit and function), but are made by different manufacturers, as fully interchangeableparts in a common class of interchangeable parts a Form-Fit-Function (FFF) Class .

StructureFully interchangeable parts are always inventory-managed manufacturer parts with material type Interchangeable Part (or equivalent). Every inventory-managedmanufacturer part is uniquely assigned to a Form-Fit-Function-Class (FFF Class), which the system uses to determine the parts that are interchangeable.


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If a part has already been assigned to an FFF class, the FFF class is displayed in the Basic Data view of the material master record. You assign parts to anFFF class in another maintenance transaction, not in the material master. For more information, see Maintaining Fully Interchangeable Parts.

An FFF class must be assigned to a manufacturer part profile; all parts in the FFF class inherit certain properties applying to interchangeabilityfrom the profile. You can also assign a part directly to the manufacturer part profile. The properties defined with the profile are valid only for thispart.If a part is assigned to an FFF class and a manufacturer part profile, the properties of the directly-assigned manufacturer part profile are valid.

Some of the fields in the material master data for the parts that are grouped in an FFF class have to be identical. For example, the base unit of quantity must beidentical for the parts in an FFF class to allow the correct comparison of substitute stock.

IntegrationYou can display a complete overview of the fully interchangeable parts and of the restricted and one-way interchangeable parts for a particular part. For moreinformation, see Graphical Display of all Interchangeability Relationships.

Inventory-Managed Manufacturer Part

UseInventory-managed manufacturer parts have the same technical characteristics and are fully interchangeable parts. Each inventory-managed manufacturer partbelongs to an FFF class and has its own stock.An inventory-managed manufacturer part has a material master record on the Basic Data tab page that contains the following information:

Manufacturer part number (MPN) External manufacturer

FeaturesLike every other part in the SAP system, an inventory-managed manufacturer part has an SAP-specific material number that uniquely identifies it. If this materialnumber is uncommon or unknown to the vendor, you can do the following:

Enter a part with its MPN and its external manufacturer, and not just with its material number. This is possible because of the input conversion of materialnumbers.

The system displays this part with its MPN and the external manufacturer in lists and screens. This is possible because of the output conversion of materialnumbers

You define inventory-managed manufacturer parts with a material type, which you determine in Customizing for use with inventory-managed MPN. You can usethe default material type HERB Interchangeable Part for this purpose.

1.1.1.1 Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)

DefinitionSpecification for a manufacturers part in the parts catalog.Manufacturers use the manufacturer part number (MPN) to identify their parts.


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UseTo support large systems, the manufacturer supplies a catalog with illustrations and text for all replacement parts that can be ordered. The customer has to usethe part ID (either the MPN or the vendors own number) used in the catalog.

StructureThe MPN is an attribute in the material master record (within the Basic Data view) of an inventory-managed manufacturer part.

IntegrationThe MPN is not necessarily unique.Two different manufacturers might use the same MPN for two completely different parts, although this is highly improbable. The MPN only uniquely identifies apart when used together with the external manufacturer (manufacturer code).Other identifiers are also used for parts (for example, the item reference, the supplier reference number, or the supplier master number). In industry sectorsdealing with defense, the term part indicator has become standard over the last few years; military standards (MIL-STD) use the part number (PART NUMBER)and the reference number (REFNO).

External Manufacturer (Manufacturer Code)

DefinitionThe manufacturers own code, not the SAP manufacturer code.

UseYou use the external manufacturer together with the manufacturer part number (MPN) to uniquely identify an inventory-managed manufacturer part.

StructureYou define the external manufacturer as an attribute in the vendor master record (within the Controlling view).

IntegrationThe external manufacturer is not the same as the vendor number used for the manufacturer in the SAP system; it is an additional attribute in the manufacturer orvendor master record.In the aviation industry, the manufacturer requests a manufacturer code from the National Codification Bureau of the relevant country; this is the Commercial andGovernment Entity Code (CAGE Code) . In the civil aviation industry, the request still goes to the National Codification Bureau, even if the manufacturer has firstrequested a CAGE assignment from the Air Transport Association (ATA).

Interchangeability Type and Interchangeability Category

DefinitionThese two terms are often used as synonyms for one another.The interchangeability type, or category, is a two-character code with a descriptive text:

01 Interchangeability for Supersession02 Interchangeability for Inventory-Managed MPN03 Restricted Interchangeability98 Manually-defined interchangeability (subcontracting)99 Freely-defined interchangeability (BAdI)

Input and Output Conversion of Material Numbers

UseLike every other part in the SAP system, an inventory-managed manufacturer part has an SAP-specific material number that uniquely identifies it. If thismaterial number is uncommon or unknown to the vendor, you should consider the following (especially in the purchasing process):

You can enter a part with its Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) and its External Manufacturer , and not just with its material number. This is possiblebecause of the input conversion of material numbers.


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The system displays this part with its Manufacturer Part Number and the External Manufacturer in lists and screens. This is possible because of the outputconversion of material numbers.

You have to increase the maximum field length for input and output values in the Output Length for Material Numbers field to enter and display the MPN andthe manufacturer code in one field

PrerequisitesYou have made the following settings in Customizing:

You have activated the conversion exit for material numbers. You have maintained a delimiter. The delimiter separates the MPN and the external manufacturer when they are entered or displayed in one field. You have specified a maximum output length for material numbers. This means that the fields for the long material number are scrollable, and the output

columns for lists are wider.You configure and activate the conversion exit for material numbers in Customizing by choosing Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts Set UpConversion Exit for Material Numbers .

Features

Input ConversionIf you have activated the conversion exit, you can enter the relevant MPN instead of the material number in the relevant input fields.

If the MPN is not unique, you enter the external manufacturer in the same field, separating the MPN and the external manufacturer by the delimiterdefined in Customizing.

You have defined: as the delimiter.Enter 45L700W:36121 ( Manufacturer Part Number, Delimiter ,and External Manufacturer) for the part, instead of material number 1011. If theMPN is unique, you only have to enter 45L700W (the Manufacturer Part Number ).

You can now scroll the input field for the material number. This allows you to enter the maximum output length for material numbers, which has also been definedin Customizing.

Input conversion gives you an alternate and additional input option. You can still enter the ERP material number to identify a part.The system determines the correct material number from your input, and passes it to the program logic. The system handles your input as follows:

If your entry contains the delimiter, the system splits the entry at the delimiter, interprets both parts of the entry as the Manufacturer Part Number and theExternal Manufacturer respectively, and searches for a part corresponding to these entries

If your entry does not contain a delimiter, the system interprets your entry as an (ERP) material number, and searches for the corresponding part in thematerial master. If this is unsuccessful, the system interprets your entry as an MPN, and searches for the corresponding part.

If the system cannot determine a part clearly, or the search is unsuccessful, it issues an error message.

Value Range for MPN on the Selection ScreenThe system converts the MPN into a material number internally.To ensure that the system correctly interprets the value range for an MPN that is entered as selection criteria, when the conversion exit is activated, the systemprovides both the material number and the MPN as selection criteria in the selection screen.

Output ConversionIf the conversion exit is activated , the output conversion ensures that the system displays the MPN and the external manufacturer on screens and in lists,separated by the delimiter in the field or column that usually displays the ERP material number.

If the Output Length for Material Numbers field in Customizing is not long enough to display both the MPN and the external manufacturer, thesystem displays the MPN, if it is unique.If the MPN is not unique or the output length too short, the system displays the ERP material number.

The system displays parts with the output length defined in Customizing. In addition: You can scroll the output field for the material number on screens. The system adjusts the layout of lists to the output length.

List FormattingIf you use the inventory-managed MPN, you have to change the list formatting as follows:

Variable length of the material number in reportsIn cases of the automatic conversion of the material number into an MPN and external manufacturer, the system takes account of the Output Length forMaterial Numbers field (defined in Customizing) when it structures the lists for selected reports. This ensures that columns are aligned, line breaks arecorrect, and the lists can be read.

Adding a field for the external manufacturerThe external manufacturer should also be displayed in lists because the MPN, into which the material number is automatically converted, is not alwaysunique.In Customizing, you have defined whether the external manufacturer should be displayed with the MPN. The system adds the field for the externalmanufacturer immediately after the field for the MPN in lists and on the screen.You can display the external manufacturer with or without an active conversion exit.

Sorting by MPN, not by material number


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You can sort some lists by material number.You can sort by MPN in cases where the MPN is displayed instead of the material number.

Form-Fit-Function Class (FFF Class)

DefinitionGrouping of fully interchangeable parts that have identical technical properties in terms of form, fit, and function.

UseAn FFF class is used as a link to group fully interchangeable, inventory-managed manufacturer parts.

StructureEvery FFF class is represented in the system by a part with material type FFFC ( Form-Fit-Function Class ). This part contains the header data of the FFFclass. Unlike interchangeable parts, the part representing the FFF class is not inventory-managed and cannot be procured. Therefore, a material master recordhas only a Basic Data view for this material type.The FFF class is managed and determined within the system; you cannot see it.Every FFF class is assigned to a manufacturer part profile that defines the FFF class properties, and indirectly, the properties of the parts grouped within it.

A workflow definition in your system creates an FFF class and assigns a part to the FFF class subject to the material type of every part that youcreate. If necessary, you can activate this workflow. This means that you no longer have to create an FFF class.For more information, see Automatic Creation of FFF Classes.

IntegrationYou enter the NATO Stock Number (NSN) for the part that represents an FFF class to use the NSN to commonly identify interchangeable, inventory-managedmanufacturer parts in Materials Management .

Maintaining Fully Interchangeable Parts

UseYou group inventory-managed manufacturer parts that are fully interchangeable with each other in a common class of interchangeable parts a Form-Fit-FunctionClass (FFF Class).

Prerequisites

Making Global Settings

If you are setting the Manufacturer Part Number indicator for the first time, activate the MPN and BMA indicators for the MARA-BMATN field to avoidperformance loss.

To use manufacturer part numbers, you have to set the Manufacturer Part Number indicator. To set the indicator, in Customizing choose Logistics General Material Master Basic Settings Make Global Settings .

Defining a Manufacturer Part ProfileA manufacturer part profile can be relevant to either only inventory-managed parts or only non-inventory-managed manufacturer parts. You define this in the profileattributes using the IM Manufacturer Part indicator . You define the manufacturer part profile in Customizing for Purchasing under Material Master DefineManufacturer Part Profile .

Creating Master Records for ManufacturersYou have created individual master records for the manufacturers of interchangeable parts, and entered the external manufacturer name in the ExternalManufacturer field in the control data of the vendor master. The system uses the external manufacturer together with the manufacturer part number (MPN) touniquely identify an inventory-managed manufacturer part.

If the manufacturer is not also the vendor, you create the manufacturer as a vendor with a limited vendor master record. You can use account group MNFR. If the manufacturer can also be the vendor, you create a full vendor master record. You create this vendor master record with an account group assigned to

a partner schema that takes account of the partner role HS. (In Customizing for Purchasing choose Partner Determination Partner Settings in VendorMaster Record to define the partner schemas and assign them to account groups .)

For more information about maintaining vendor master records, see Maintaining Vendor Master Records.


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Procedure

Maintaining Full Interchangeability of Parts 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Maintain . 2. If you want to assign parts in an FFF class, enter the FFF Class on the selection screen and choose Goto Full Interchangeability .

If you enter an FFF class that does not exist, the system calls material master maintenance to allow you to create the new FFF class. In such a case, youcreate one material master record with material type FFFC Form-Fit-Function-Class . In the Basic Data view, you assign the part to a manufacturer partprofile, which defines the basic attributes of the interchangeable manufacturer parts in this FFF class.

On the selection screen, you can also enter a part in the Material field. If the part is already assigned to an FFF class, the system display thispart in the group box at the bottom along with all the parts that are interchangeable with it.If a conversion exit is activated, you can either enter the SAP material number or the MPN. The system converts your entry into the MPN andadds the external manufacturer to it.

The system displays all the interchangeable parts that are already grouped in this FFF class in the group box at the bottom. 3. In the group box at the bottom, enter the parts that should be assigned to the entered FFF class, or the parts that should be interchangeable with the entered

part.If you enter a part that does not exist, the system calls material master maintenance to allow you to create the part. In such a case, you create a materialmaster record with material type HERB Interchangeable Part . In the Basic Data view, you maintain the following:

External manufacturer Manufacturer part number (MPN) used in the manufacturers parts catalog.

Some of the fields in the material master data for the parts that are grouped in an FFF class have to be identical. For example, the base unit ofquantity must be identical to allow the correct comparison of substitute stock.When you assign parts to an FFF class, the system checks the consistency of the data entered in these fields. You can use a report to copy thecommon fields from a reference part to all other parts. For more information about consistency checks and copying of material master data, seeData Consistency in Material Master Maintenance.

4. Save your entries. 5. The system assigns the new parts to the FFF class of the part that you entered.

What happens if you enter parts that are already assigned to another FFF class or MPN-MRP set?You have entered part A. If you now want to maintain part X, which belongs to a different FFF class, as interchangeable with part A:

If part X is the only part in its FFF class, the system enquires whether you want to assign part X to the FFF class of part A. On confirmation, the systemassigns it to the FFF class and sets a deletion indicator on the original FFF class of part X.

If part X is not the only part in its FFF class, the system asks whether You want to move only part X to the FFF class of part A, or You want to move all parts in the FFF class of part X to the FFF class of part A, and set a deletion indicator for the FFF class of part X ( Extend to FFF

Class ).

If you work with MPN-MRP sets and part Xtogether belongs with other parts to an MPN-MRP set, the system ensures that the total MPN-MRP set changes itsFFF class. The system asks whether

You want to move all the parts in the MPN-MRP set of part X as well as the MPN-MRP set to the FFF class of part A ( Extend to MPN-MRP Set ), or You want to move all the parts in the FFF class of part X including their MPN-MRP sets to the FFF class of part A, and set a deletion indicator for the

FFF class of part X ( Extend to FFF Class ).


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If you want to move only part X, you have to remove it from the MPN-MRP set. For more information, see Creating and Changing MPN-MRP Sets.

MPN-MRP sets can overlap in different plants. If you use Extend to MPN-MRP Set , you may include parts into the full interchangeability thatbelong to other MPN-MRP sets (in other plants). In such a case, the system provides the Extend to MPN-MRP Set function again.

It is not possible to merge two FFF classes if they each contain MPN-MRP sets that have the same name.

Deleting Full Interchangeability of PartsIf you no longer want some parts to be fully interchangeable with others in the same FFF class, you select the parts to be deleted in the list of fullyinterchangeable parts and choose Edit Delete Line .

MPN-MRP SetsIf the part that you want to delete belongs to an MPN-MRP set in the FFF class, you have to remove the whole MPN-MRP set from theinterchangeability. The system helps you by asking the relevant questions.If the part that you want to delete from full interchangeability belongs to different MPN-MRP sets in different plants in the FFF class, you have toremove all the MPN-MRP sets from the interchangeability. The system helps you by asking the relevant questions.

1.1.2.1.1 Automatic Creation of FFF Classes

UseThis function allows you the option of setting up the system in a way that supports the automatic creation of an FFF class. When you create a new part, you mightwant the system to automatically create a Form-Fit-Function (FFF) class and assign the part to it. If so, you use a workflow definition to create an FFF class,subject to the material type of the part that you create, and assign the part to that FFF class.You can activate this workflow. This means that you no longer have to create FFF classes.

PrerequisitesYou have knowledge of the WebFlow Engine and have set up workflow-specific Customizing. ( Tools Business Workflow Development Utilities Automatic Workflow Customizing .)

For more information on workflows, see WebFlow Engine (BC-BMT-WFM).

FeaturesA workflow with workflow template WS80000041 ( Creation of FFF Class in Background ) creates an FFF class for a part, assigns the part to the FFF class, andsends a mail to the user who created the part.If any errors occur, the system sends you a mail.Workflow template WS80000041 is linked to the triggering event BUS1001006.created ( Standard Part Created ).

Activities

Defining Start ConditionsIf you do not want the workflow to start every time you create a new part, you define starting conditions to determine when the workflow should start. For example, itcould start when you create a particular material type, or when a particular user creates a part. 1. To define start conditions, from the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Tools Business Workflow Development Definition Tools Events Event

Linkages Workflow Start Conditions. 2. Define start conditions for the event linkage between the triggering event BUS1001006.created and workflow template WS80000041.


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Setting Initial ValuesYou have to define the following parameters as initial values of the workflow definition, so that the system can create an FFF class:

Material type Industry Description Manufacturer part profile

1. To set initial values, change workflow template WS80000041 and choose Goto Assign Initial Values . 2. Assign the relevant initial values to the following container elements in the workflow container:

MaterialType (default value FFFC) IndustrySector MaterialDescription MPNProfile

Maintaining an Inventory-Managed Part as a Link

UseThe part that you use as a link for fully interchangeable parts must also be in stock so that it can be ordered. This condition may arise if you use the NATOStock Number as the manufacturer part number (MPN) for the link part.In such a case, you do not create the part with material type FFFC.

The concept described elsewhere in this application documentation explains how to group an inventory-managed interchangeable manufacturerpart into a common non-inventory-managed part known as the FFF class.The following procedure deviates from this concept!

Procedure 1. Create the link part as a part with material type HERB. 2. Enter a manufacturer part number. 3. Enter a manufacturer part profile.

ResultThis part is now an inventory-managed part that you can also use as a link because of its link to a manufacturer part profile.You can now assign this part with material type HERB to all the interchangeable inventory-managed manufacturer parts, by entering it in the FFF Class of theirbasic data. (You do not need a part with material type FFFCfor this scenario.)

1.1.2.2 MPN-MRP Set

DefinitionThe parts in a manufacturer part number-material requirements planning set (MPN-MRP set) are a subset of the inventory-managed manufacturer parts in oneFFF class and should be treated as fully interchangeable parts in MRP, inventory management, and the availability check.Every MPN-MRP set has exactly one leading part that represents this MPN-MRP set from the MRP view. If the joint stock of all of the parts in the MPN-MRP setcannot satisfy the requirement, the leading part is procured substitutionally for the parts in the MPN-MRP set.

Working with MRP Areas If you work in MRP without MRP areas, the following applies:

MPN-MRP sets group the parts in an FFF class in a plant without overlap. Every part in an FFF class can only belong to a maximum of one MPN-MRP setin a plant.

If you work in MRP with MRP areas, the following applies:MPN-MRP sets group the parts in an FFF class in a plant and an MRP area without overlap. Every part in an FFF class can only belong to one MPN-MRPset in a plant and an MRP area.A part can belong to different MPN-MRP sets in a plant, if the MPN-MRP sets belong to different MRP areas.

An MRP area is an organizational unit with one or more storage locations in a plant. A storage location in a plant can be assigned to only one MRP area. Everyplant has a plant-MRP area with all of the storage locations that have not been allocated to an MRP area of their own.


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UseYou can group interchangeable parts in an MPN-MRP set. The system considers the stock and requirements of parts in an MPN-MRP set as cumulative.

For MRP, this means that the system generates a new procurement proposal, only if the requirement for a part in the MPN-MRP set can no longer becovered by the overall stock of the other parts in the MPN-MRP set. The procurement proposal is generated for the leading part in this MPN-MRP set.

In a plant, the MRP for part D is subject to the MRP area and the MPN-MRP set, and ranges from either the parts B, D, E (MPN-MRP set C inMRP area B, part D is procured) or the parts A, B, C, D, E, F (MPN-MRP set B in MRP area A, part C is procured).

With regard to the automatic availability check in Sales and Distribution (SD) for sales orders, the stock that is used to fulfill a sales order is taken fromthe cumulated stock of all parts in the MPN-MRP set. If the available quantity of the originally ordered part is too low to fill the order, the system adds one ormore parts from the same MPN-MRP set to the order.

The availability check in SD for part D is dependent on the MRP area and the storage location, and applies either only to parts E and F, or alsoto parts A, B, C, and E. Parts X, Y, and Z are never taken into account by D in the availability check, although they belong to the same FFF class.

In the manual availability check in Plant Maintenance and Customer Service (PM/CS) for maintenance and production orders, the system proposesother interchangeable parts if a material component is not available. For this purpose, the system takes account of all fully interchangeable parts in the sameFFF class; different colored traffic-light icons show whether they belong to different MPN-MRP sets.

StructureYou define each MPN-MRP set for one plant and one MRP area (if necessary).

If you work without MRP areas, the easiest way to define an MPN-MRP set is to group all the parts in an FFF class into one MPN-MRP set foreach plant.If you work with MRP areas, the easiest way to define an MPN-MRP set is to group all the parts in the FFF class into one MPN-MRP set for eachplant and plant-MRP area. The system automatically creates the plant-MRP area, which has the same number as the plant and includes thewhole plant with all the storage locations that are not planned separately. All parts also belong to the plant-MRP area.You assign selected parts (for example, those which you plan separately for certain customers and which you want to have available) to an MRParea that you have created for this purpose by creating the segment for the MRP area in the material master. You group these parts in one MPN-MRP set for this MRP area.

Integration

Planning FileOn changing an MPN-MRP set (by adding or deleting part for example), the system makes an entry in the planning file, because requirements andreplenishment elements can also be transferred in or out with the part. The entry is always for the leading part in the MPN-MRP set irrespective of the affectedpart.A separate entry is written to the planning file for parts that have been deleted from an MPN-MRP set.For additional information about the processes in material requirements planning and the use of planning files, see the PP documentation - Material Requirementsplanning , under Checking the Planning File.

Product GroupExactly one product group on the plant level can be generated for every MPN-MRP set. You cannot generate different product groups with different MRP areas onplant level. Product groups and MPN-MRP sets contain the same parts. Once a product group has been generated, the system ensures it remains consistent


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with the MPN-MRP set because changes to the MPN-MRP set also change the product group.You can use the product groups in the overview functions (for example, in the stock/requirements list) to select all the parts that belong to an MPN-MRP set. Donot use these product groups, which represent MPN-MRP sets, in Sales & Operations Planning (SOP).

Interchangeable Manufacturer Parts in MRP

UseThis function enables you to exchange manufacturer parts in material requirements planning (MRP). In MRP, the system takes account of the interchangeability ofinventory-managed manufacturer parts. This ensures that part A is not ordered, if part B, which is interchangeable with A, is in stock.Interchangeable parts, which can and should be jointly planned, are grouped in plant-specific MPN-MRP sets. MPN-MRP sets contain all the parts in a Form-Fit-Function (FFF) class or at least some of the interchangeable parts in an FFF class. While the common FFF class expresses the technical and functionalinterchangeability from the manufacturers point of view, the grouping into MPN-MRP sets expresses the customers business point of view.

PrerequisitesYou have maintained the MPN-MRP sets for the interchangeable parts in an FFF class. For more information, see Creating and Changing MPN-MRP Sets.

Features

Parts PlanningThe manufacturer parts in an MPN-MRP set are planned together. This means that the system takes account of the pegged requirements and the replenishmentelements for all parts. The determined requirement is covered by a procurement proposal for the leading part in the MPN-MRP set. The following planningfeatures are available:

Consumption-based planning of parts in MPN-MRP sets Material requirements planning of parts in MPN-MRP sets

Master Production Scheduling (MPS) and Long Term PlanningMPS and long-term production planning take account of MPN-MRP sets. For more information, see Long Term Planning and Master Production Scheduling.

Planned Independent Requirements from ForecastingThe system interprets all the planned independent requirements that result from forecasting of the different parts in an MPN-MRP set as a planned independentrequirement for the leading part. Consequently, a planned independent requirement for a part can be satisfied by another part in the same MPN-MRP set.

Pegging/Order ReportThe joint MRP of the interchangeable parts in an MPN-MRP set means that the different requirements for the different parts can be satisfied by the replenishmentelement of the leading part. The system takes this into account with both Pegged Requirements and Pegging.

Consumption-Based Planning of Parts in MPN-MRP Sets

UseThis function enables you to perform consumption-based planning of parts in MPN-MRP sets. Consumption-based planning is based on past consumption-valuesand provides an estimate of future requirements with the help of forecasts or statistical procedures. The future requirement is the result of either a shortfall for adefined reorder point or forecast requirements that the system calculates using past consumption values.

Reorder point planningIn this material requirement planning (MRP) procedure, procurement is triggered when the total of the warehouse stock and the fixed receivables is lower thanthe reorder point.The reorder point and the safety stock are central control parameters in reorder point planning. They can be defined by the MRP controller or calculated by thesystem. Reorder point planning has two different procedures:

Manual reorder point planningIf you want to use manual reorder point planning, you define the reorder point and safety stock in the material master record.

Automatic reorder point planningIf you want to use automatic reorder point planning, the integrated forecast program determines the reorder point and safety stock. The programdetermines forecast values for the future requirement by using past consumption values. The program calculates the reorder point and safety stocksubject to the service level and replenishment time of the part, which have been determined by the MRP controller. The program copies the reorder pointand safety stock to the relevant material master record.The program is executed at regular intervals, therefore the reorder point and safety stock are adjusted to the respective consumption and deliverysituations. This contributes to stock reduction.

Forecast-based planningForecast-based planning is also aligned with material consumption. As in automatic reorder point planning, the integrated forecast program determines


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forecast values for future requirements. As opposed to reorder point planning, however, in forecast-based planning these forecast values create therequirement quantities for the planning run. Therefore, the forecast values are immediately effective as forecast requirements in requirements planning.The system performs forecasting at regular intervals; it forecasts the future requirements based on past data. This is beneficial, because the requirement,which has been determined automatically, is adjusted to the current consumption pattern. Material withdrawals reduce the forecast requirements; therefore, thesystem does not re-plan the implemented portion of the forecast requirement.

Inventory-Managed Manufacturer PartsIf you use inventory-managed manufacturer parts, the system carries out forecasting for the leading part in the manufacturer part number-material requirementplanning (MPN-MRP) set. The system accumulates the historical consumption values for all parts in the MPN-MRP set.In reorder point planning, the system compares the total from the warehouse stock and fixed receipts for all parts in the MPN-MRP set with the reorder point ofthe leading part.

Features

Forecast of Parts in MPN-MRP SetsThe leading part represents the whole MPN-MRP set and is procured if there is a requirement.To forecast the requirement of the leading part on plant level, it is not sufficient to take account of only the past consumption of that part. The system also has totake account of the stock and cumulative historical consumption values for all parts in the MPN-MRP set. Therefore, the period indicators have to match for allparts in an MPN-MRP set.The system uses the procurement data of the leading part. It considers the service level of the leading part to calculate the safety stock and the reorder point forreorder point planning.The forecast values (forecast consumption) of the leading part in an MPN-MRP set are the forecast values of the whole MPN-MRP set.

Total Consumption of MPN-MRP SetsThe Consumption view of the material master for the leading part displays the individual consumption value for the leading part and the cumulativeconsumption value for all parts in the MPN-MRP set. You cannot enter or change the cumulative consumption value for all parts in the MPN-MRP set.

ActivitiesTo switch between the individual consumption values and the cumulative consumption values from the past, you use Set Totals On / Set Totals Off in theConsumption view of the material master for the leading part. (This function does not exist in the Consumption view for non-leading parts.)

1.1.2.2.1.2 MRP of Parts in MPN-MRP Sets

UseThis function enables you to perform material requirements planning of parts in MRP-MPN sets. MRP is oriented to current and future sales. Planned and exactrequirements quantities trigger the net requirements calculation. In MRP, the requirements elements are sales orders, planned independent requirements, materialreservations, and so on, as well as dependent requirements, and so on, that arise from the BOM explosion.Within MRP, the system initially performs the net requirements calculation for all the requirements quantities that have to be planned. This means that theavailable warehouse stock and planned receipts from Purchasing and Production are compared with planned independent requirements, material reservations,and incoming sales orders. If there are any shortages, meaning the available stock (including fixed receipts) is lower than the requirements quantity, the systemgenerates order proposals.

Inventory-Managed Manufacturer PartsIf you use inventory-managed manufacturer parts, the system takes account of all the parts in an MPN-MRP set and generates an order proposal for the leadingpart in requirements planning.

FeaturesMRP can only take place for the leading part in an MPN-MRP set. The system automatically considers the MRP elements of all the parts in the MPN-MRP set.The system automatically deletes receipts that are not fixed for non-leading parts during the planning run.

You cannot carry out MRP for the non-leading parts in an MPN-MRP set.

MRP ListThe MRP list always represents the requirements and stock situation from the latest planning period , and is used by controllers as a base. The system doesnot take changes made after the planning date into account; the list is static.


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The MRP list only exists for the leading part of an MPN-MRP set; it does not exist for the non-leading parts. The MRP list for the leading part contains all theinformation about all the parts in the MPN-MRP set.

Current Stock/Requirements ListThe stock/requirements list shows the current trend of valid stock and requirements.As opposed to the MRP list, the stock/requirements list reads and displays different MRP elements each time it is created. This provides you with up-to-dateinformation on part availability (dynamic view), whereas the MRP list provides you with the stock and requirements situation at the time of planning (static view).You access the current stock/requirements list for the leading and non-leading parts in an MPN-MRP set. The information on the part that you enter is displayedwhen you call up the current stock/requirements list.

In the stock/requirements list, you can switch between the single material view and the aggregated view for FFF classes as required. This alsoapplies to the stock overview (transaction code mmbe).

ActivitiesYou call up the current stock/requirements list for any part in an MPN-MRP set. Choose Logistics Materials Management Inventory Management Environment Stock Stock/Requirements List .

Showing/Hiding MPN-MRP Set TotalsWhen you call the list, the default view is determined by the Do Not Display Aggregated Stock checkbox in the user settings. This checkbox defines whether thesystem displays the aggregated view (checkbox remains unflagged; this is the system default setting) or the standard single material view (checkbox is flagged). If you choose Show MPN-MRP Set, you can display the stock/requirements information for the complete MPN-MRP set.

You can use this function for showing and hiding MPN-MRP set totals irrespective of the setting in the checkbox Do Not Display AggregatedStock.

If you show the MPN-MRP set total: The (first) row of the MRP element Stock displays the cumulative stock of all parts in the MPN-MRP set. Double-click on any field in this row to display the

different partial stock of manufacturer parts. An additional column displays the parts in the MPN-MRP set that have requirements contributing to the displayed stock/requirements situation. The statistical data (balance, receipts, withdrawals, range of coverage, and so on) in the header data of the part always applies to the total MPN-MRP set.

If you hide the MPN-MRP set total, the statistical data always applies to the part you entered to call the current stock/requirements list.If you choose Hide MPN-MRP Set, you return to the current stock/requirements list for the part in the MPN-MRP set that you entered.

/ Show MPN-MRP Set and Hide MPN-MRP Set are only available in the current stock/requirements list for the parts in an MPN-MRPset.

Displaying Interchangeable PartsTo display all the parts that are interchangeable with the entered part, choose Environment Display Interchangeabilities . The graphical display ofinterchangeability relationships appears. For more information, see Graphical Display of all Interchangeability Relationships.

1.1.2.2.2 Creating and Changing MPN-MRP Sets

UseYou group interchangeable parts that belong to one Form-Fit-Function (FFF) class in manufacturer part number-material requirement planning (MPN-MRP) sets,if the system should take account of the interchangeability of these parts in material requirements planning (MRP).

The system can create the MPN-MRP sets for all parts that are contained in the same FFF class. For more information, see Generating MPN-MRP Sets Automatically.

PrerequisitesThe parts that should be included in MPN-MRP sets

Are assigned to a common FFF class and must exist in the plant Have an MRP type that allows MRP Have the same attributes that are relevant for MRP These attributes are material type, base unit of measure, MRP group, MRP type, period indicator for

forecast requirements, and so on.


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MRP AreasIf you want to use MRP areas to plan requirements and create MPN-MRP sets, you have to

Activate MRP for MRP areas in Customizing for Requirements Planning Create MRP areas in the plant and assign storage locations Assign one or more MRP areas to the planning parts by creating an MRP area segment for each MRP area in the material master.

A plant-MRP area already exists and covers all storage locations in the whole plant by default. Once you create your own MRP areas, the systemremoves the storage locations in these MRP areas from the plant-MRP area.Every part is assigned automatically to the plant-MRP area.You can define parameters for requirement planning and forecasting for each part and assigned MRP area. These parameters can be different tothose defined for the whole plant.

For more information, see MRP Area.

Procedure 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Maintain . 2. On the selection screen, enter a Material or an FFF class and choose Goto MPN-MRP Sets.

If conversion-exit is activated, you can enter the SAP material number or the MPN. The system converts your entry into the MPN and adds the externalmanufacturer to it.

3. Choose Edit New Entries . Then enter the following data: A name for the MPN-MRP set The parts in the FFF class that you want to group in the MPN-MRP set One part in the MPN-MRP set as the leading part

4. Save your entries.If an error occurs, the system displays an error log. The MPN-MRP set is not saved. To run consistency checks, choose Utilities Check .

Functions for Changing MPN-MRP Sets

Menu UseUtilities MPN-MRP Set Generate MPN-MRP Set ( Generate Set ) Copies all FFF class parts to an MPN-MRP set.

If you do not enter an MRP area, the system enters the plant-MRP area.If the MPN-MRP set does not exist, the system adds all parts in the FFF class. Select apart as the leading part .If the MPN-MRP set exists, the system adds the parts that belong to the FFF class,which are not in the MPN-MRP set. The leading part of the MPN-MRP set remains thesame.

Utilities MPN-MRP Set Copy MPN-MRP Set ( Copy Set ) Copy the complete MPN-MRP set of the selected part from a plant or MRP area toanother plant or MRP area.

Utilities MPN-MRP Set Delete MPN-MRP Set ( Delete Set ) Deletes the complete MPN-MRP set of the selected part.Utilities MPN-MRP Set Split MPN-MRP Set ( Split Set ) Moves the selected parts to a new MPN-MRP set.Utilities MPN-MRP Set Connect MPN-MRP Sets ( Connect Sets ) Connects the whole MPN-MRP set of selected parts to another existing MPN-MRP set.Utilities MPN-MRP Set Move Set ( Move Set ) Moves the whole MPN-MRP set of the selected part to another plant or MRP area.Utilities Product Group Generate Product Group ( Generate Product Group ) Generates a product group that contains the same parts as in the MPN-MRP set.

The system copies subsequent changes to the MPN-MRP set automatically to theproduct group.

Utilities Product Group Delete Product Group ( Delete Product Group ) Deletes a product group.

Generating MPN-MRP Sets Automatically

UseThe system generates the relevant manufacturer part number-material requirement planning (MPN-MRP) sets containing all the Form-Fit-Function (FFF) classparts for a selection of FFF classes.

PrerequisitesYou have maintained and assigned the parts and the FFF classes.

Procedure 1. To carry out mass maintenance for the MPN-MRP sets, call transaction PIC31. 2. Enter the required data.


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All MPN-MRP sets have the same name. 3. Set the processing parameters as required:

Determine lead part in dialog? : If you select this indicator, you must determine the leading part in the dialog for each MPN-MRP set that is generated. Ifyou do not set it, the system automatically marks the first part in the MPN-MRP set as the leading part.

Extend existing sets : If you select this indicator, the system adds the FFF class parts that are not yet contained in the existing MPN-MRP set. Test run

1.1.2.3 NATO Stock Number (NSN)

DefinitionUnique label for a part that is manufactured in a NATO member state.

UseThe NSN is issued by the " national codification bureau " (NCB) of the relevant country of manufacture in accordance with a standardized classification procedure.This allocation is not dependent on the country of the consumer.

Structure

1.1.3 Manufacturer Part Profile

DefinitionA manufacturer part profile contains indicators and control parameters, which define the conditions for using (inventory-managed or non-inventory-managed)manufacturer parts in the procurement process.

A manufacturer part profile is used either only for non-inventory-managed manufacturer parts or only for inventory-managed manufacturer parts.You use the Inventory-Managed Manufacturer Part indicator in the profile attributes to define the use.

UseYou assign the manufacturer part profile in the Basic data view of an FFF class. The attributes defined in the profile are valid for all the inventory-managedmanufacturer parts that belong to that FFF class.

You can also assign a manufacturer part profile directly to a part. The attributes defined in the profile are then valid for that part.

Structure


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If you select the Inventory-Managed Manufacturer Part indicator, you can select only the following profile parameters:

Indicator UseMPN Change If you set this indicator, you can exchange the part assigned to the profile in the

procurement process.You should always select this indicator.

User-Defined Exchange in Quotation If you set this indicator, you can accept the exchange of a part that has been quoted, evenif the part quoted by the vendor does not belong to the same FFF class as the part thatyou originally requested.

Restricted Interchangeability Between FFF Classes If you set this indicator, the restricted interchangeability between two materials also refersto all other materials in the same FFF classes.For more information, see Maintaining Restricted Interchangeable Parts.

IntegrationYou define the manufacturer part profile in Customizing for Purchasing by choosing Material Master Define Manufacturer Part Profile .

Material Types Interchangeable Part and FFF Class

DefinitionThe material types for Inventory-Managed Manufacturer Part Numbers are:

HERB Interchangeable Part FFFC Form-Fit-Function Class

Use You use material type HERB Interchangeable Part for interchangeable, inventory-managed manufacturer parts.

You can maintain all views for a part with this material type. In the Basic Data view, you can maintain the External Manufacturer and Manufacturer PartNumber .

You use material type FFFC Form-Fit-Function Class for the part that defines an FFF class, and that is a link grouping all interchangeable inventory-managed manufacturer parts.You can only maintain the Basic Data view for this material type. You have to specify a Manufacturer Part Profile .

StructureWhen you define new material types you should consider the following fields for the material type properties:

Non-Inventory-Managed Manufacturer Part indicatorYou use a material type with this attribute for standard non-inventory-managed manufacturer parts. Do not select this indicator for material types that you useas inventory-managed manufacturer parts (for example, material type HERB Interchangeable Part ).

FFF Class indicatorYou can maintain only the Basic Data view of a material type with this attribute. You must set this indicator for material types that you use for FFF classes(for example, material type FFFC Form-Fit-Function-Class ).

You can select one of these indicators or neither of them.

1.2.4 Data Consistency

UseThis function enables you to perform a check on data consistency. To guarantee data consistency in case of full or restricted interchangeability, certain masterdata fields must contain the same values for all interchangeable parts.

PrerequisitesIn tables MARA or MARC in the material master, you have defined the fields that have to contain identical data in the List of Common Fields that can be found inCustomizing under Logistics General Interchangeability of Parts Determine Common Fields for Interchangeable Parts . You can define whether eachfield is included in the check.

Features

Automatic Consistency CheckWhen you create interchangeability relationships (fully or restricted interchangeable), change the material master, or perform material exchange, the systemchecks the list of common fields and writes inconsistencies to an error log.


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In Customizing, you can set the message category ( Error or Warning ) for the inconsistency in the error log. If the error log contains only warnings, you cancontinue processing, otherwise you must correct the inconsistent data.You set the message category in Customizing by choosing Logistics General Interchangeability of Parts Change Characteristics of SystemMessages .

The check for the common base unit of measure is always carried out (the check behavior cannot be changed in Customizing). If the checkascertains that the units of measure for the materials are not all the same, an error message is raised.

To resolve inconsistencies in the material master you can save your changes despite error messages from the data consistency check if theauthorization object ADPIC_CFC is assigned to your user profile. For example, an FFF class contains four parts, two with unit liter and two withunit cm. If you try to change one part with unit liter to cm, the system does not allow you to save because the fourth part still has a different unitof measure (liter).

Field SynchronizationThe system can copy the common data from a reference part to another part belonging to the same FFF class.

If you carry out the field synchronization in test mode without changes to the database, the log displays the possible inconsistencies betweeninterchangeable parts in an FFF class.

The system copies the content of plant-specific fields in the reference part to the same plant, providing you also create the target part in this plant.

The system does not create new material master views for the target part. It copies the field content only if the corresponding view to which thisfield belongs has already been created in the master data of the target part.

Activities 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Synchronization of

Interchangeable Parts . 2. Enter a reference material. 3. Choose Program Execute .

Graphical Display of All Interchangeability Relationships

UseThis function enables you to use a graphical overview to display the interchangeability relationships (fully and restricted) of a part. One part can have fullinterchangeability with some parts, but only restricted interchangeability with others.

FeaturesOn the left of the screen, the graphical overview displays all parts that are:

Fully interchangeable with the originally entered part Restricted or one-way interchangeable with the originally entered part. The parts are grouped by their interchangeability relationships (the long text of their

interchangeability codes).On the right of the screen, the graphical overview displays a selected part from the tree structure with the manufacturer part number, external manufacturer, andFFF class. For each selected part, you can:

Branch to the material master ( Material Master ) Display the product structure ( Product Structure ) Display the assigned documents from the Document Management System (DMS) ( Documents ) Display the long text describing the interchangeability relationships in more detail ( Long Text )

Membership of Fully Interchangeable Parts in MPN-MRP SetsAn icon in front of each entry shows whether the part belongs to the same MPN-MRP set as the original part:

(green traffic light): The part belongs to the same MPN-MRP set as the original part.This icon only appears if the system can clearly determine an MPN-MRP set for the original part (on calling the graphic, the Plant and perhaps the StorageLocation or MRP Area were also specified).

(yellow traffic light): The part does not belong to an MPN-MRP set. (red traffic light): The part does not belong to the same MPN-MRP set as the original part, or the system cannot clearly determine the MPN-MRP set

because it does not have sufficient details about the part, the storage location, and the MRP area.

Activities 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Display . 2. On the selection screen, enter a part in the Material field and choose Goto Full Interchangeability .

If conversion exit is activated, you can enter the SAP material number or the MPN. The system converts your entry into the MPN and adds the externalmanufacturer to it.


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If the part is assigned to a FFF class, the part and all other parts that are interchangeable with it are displayed in the lower group box. 3. Choose Graphic . 4. If you also want to display information about the MPN-MRP Sets, enter a Plant , a Storage Location , and an MRP Area .

The graphical overview appears. 5. To display a part on the right of the screen, choose Display next to the required part in the tree structure on the left of the screen.

One-Way and Restricted Interchangeable Parts

DefinitionParts that have a one-way interchangeability or parts that can be exchanged if they meet certain technical restrictions.

One-way interchangeability: you can exchange chemical ABC for chemical XYZ without restriction, but not vice versa.Restricted interchangeability: you can exchange chemical XYZ for chemical ABC if the operating temperature of 74C is not exceeded and youwear protection gloves during the process.Restricted and one-way interchangeability: you can exchange a 1m board for a 2m board if you carry out an additional production step for cut-to-length . You cannot exchange a 2m board by a 1m board.

You use interchangeability codes to classify the restrictions and reasons for one-way or restricted interchangeability. You can maintain a short text and adescriptive long text for each interchangeability code.

UseThe system displays the parts that are restricted or one-way interchangeable for selection or for information purposes, as it does with parts that are fully or two-wayinterchangeable.

IntegrationA part that has one-way or restricted interchangeability with another part is not allowed to belong to the same FFF class as the other part. If the parts belong to thesame FFF class, the parts are two-way or fully interchangeable inventory-managed manufacturer parts by definition; therefore, two parts that have one-way orrestricted interchangeability cannot belong to the same FFF class.For more information about the maintenance of restricted interchangeability, see Maintaining Restricted Interchangeable Parts.You can display a complete overview of fully, restricted, and one-way interchangeable parts for a part. For more information, see Display of all InterchangeabilityRelationships.

Maintaining Restricted Interchangeable Parts

UseYou maintain all restricted interchangeable parts for a part. The interchangeability code defines the restrictions and conditions of interchangeability. Restrictedinterchangeability functions are available for all processes that support MPN.You may want the restricted interchangeability of two parts to apply to all other parts in the same FFF class. You control this using the indicator RestrictedInterchangeability Only Between FFF Classes in the manufacturer part profile.

You consider two FFF classes with their elements and maintain the interchangeability relationship: Part A has restricted interchangeability withpart X .

Subject to the indicator Restricted Interchangeability Only Between FFF Classes in the manufacturer part profile of the respective FFF class, thefollowing combinations are stored in the database:

Indicator not set in both FFF classes: Part A has restricted interchangeability with part X.


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Indicator set in the FFF class of part A: The restricted interchangeability of part A is extended to parts B, and C in the FFF class.

Indicator set in the FFF class of part X: The restricted interchangeability of part X is extended to part Y in the FFF class.

Indicator set in both FFF classes: The restricted interchangeability is extended to all possible combinations.

You can display a graphical overview of all parts that are fully and restricted interchangeable. For more information, see Graphical Display of allInterchangeability Relationships.

PrerequisitesYou have assigned all parts that should be considered during restricted interchangeability maintenance to a manufacturer part profile. You carry out thisassignment indirectly in an FFF class or directly as an entry in the material master.In Customizing, you have maintained the interchangeability codes that determine the possible types of interchangeability relationships.You should include authorization object ADPIC_RIC in the user profile if you want to be able to select the restricted interchangeable material.

Procedure

Maintaining One-Way or Restricted Interchangeability 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Maintain . 2. On the selection screen, enter a material and choose Goto Restricted Interchangeability .

If conversion-exit is activated, you can enter the SAP material number or the manufacturer part number (MPN). The system converts your entry into the MPNand adds the external manufacturer to it.

If you enter a part that has no setting for interchangeability in its manufacturer part profile, the system displays a warning. You can still maintainthe restricted or one-way interchangeable parts, but you will not be able to use them.

3. Choose Edit New Entries .Enter the interchangeable parts with their interchangeability codes, and, if required, an FFF class.

4. Save your entries.

Assigning Documents


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You can assign a document to every interchangeability relationship to explain the reasons and conditions of interchangeability. The document managementsystem must recognize this document, which may be a technical drawing, graphic, or text. 1. Select an entry. 2. Choose Goto Documents Maintain Documents . 3. Enter the document info record.For more information about creating documents, see Creating a Document in the CA Document Management documentation.

Creating DescriptionsYou can assign a long text to an interchangeability relationship. 1. Select an entry. 2. Choose Long Text . 3. Enter a language code. 4. Enter and save the text.

1.2.2 Interchangeability Code

DefinitionThe criteria by which a part can be exchanged using one-way or restricted interchangeability. Interchangeability codes can be technical restrictions, externalcircumstances, the reason for exchanging the part, or prerequisites that have to be met.

Examples of interchangeability codes are: Restricted interchangeability after an additional production step Restricted interchangeability only if a category temperature is not exceeded

UseInterchangeability codes are used to classify and describe the one-way or restricted interchangeability of two parts. They are therefore only applicable when theinterchangeability type is 03 .

StructureThe Interchangeability Code used with inventory-managed manufacturer parts is a two-character, alphanumeric key with a (language-dependent) description.

IntegrationYou maintain interchangeability codes and their descriptions in Customizing by choosing Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts MaintainInterchangeability Codes .

You only have to maintain interchangeability codes if you want to use the functions for one-way and restricted interchangeability.

Settings for Material Exchange and Restricted Interchangeability

PurposeThe Customizing table ADPIC_SETTING, which you can find in Customizing under Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts Define Settingsfor Material Exchange and Restricted Interchangeability , controls the following:

Whether restricted interchangeability is supported by the process The settings for material exchange

Whether material exchange should be triggered automatically Whether interchangeable materials should be selected automatically

By default, the indicator for activating restricted interchangeability is not flagged.Customizing Settings Considered for the Different Pseudo Process Codes

Pseudo Process Code Process Code Description Automatic Material Exchange Restricted InterchangeabilityADSUB_UME Unplanned Material Exchange in Subcontr n/a yes


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CO09RIC Restricted Interchange in CO09 n/a yesME Purchasing Documents yes yesMIGO Material exchange in MIGOI n/a yesMIGO_GI Material exchange in MIGO - Goods Issue n/a yesMMBE Stock Overview n/a yesPMRIC Restricted Interchange in PM Order n/a yesSTOBAPI Stock Transport Order via BAPI for PO yes yesSTOME Stock Transport Order via ME21N/ME22N yes yesVA01RIC Support Restrict. IC n/a yesVL10STO Replenishment Delivery for STO yes yes

1.2.4 Data Consistency

UseThis function enables you to perform a check on data consistency. To guarantee data consistency in case of full or restricted interchangeability, certain masterdata fields must contain the same values for all interchangeable parts.

PrerequisitesIn tables MARA or MARC in the material master, you have defined the fields that have to contain identical data in the List of Common Fields that can be found inCustomizing under Logistics General Interchangeability of Parts Determine Common Fields for Interchangeable Parts . You can define whether eachfield is included in the check.

Features

Automatic Consistency CheckWhen you create interchangeability relationships (fully or restricted interchangeable), change the material master, or perform material exchange, the systemchecks the list of common fields and writes inconsistencies to an error log.In Customizing, you can set the message category ( Error or Warning ) for the inconsistency in the error log. If the error log contains only warnings, you cancontinue processing, otherwise you must correct the inconsistent data.You set the message category in Customizing by choosing Logistics General Interchangeability of Parts Change Characteristics of SystemMessages .

The check for the common base unit of measure is always carried out (the check behavior cannot be changed in Customizing). If the checkascertains that the units of measure for the materials are not all the same, an error message is raised.

To resolve inconsistencies in the material master you can save your changes despite error messages from the data consistency check if theauthorization object ADPIC_CFC is assigned to your user profile. For example, an FFF class contains four parts, two with unit liter and two withunit cm. If you try to change one part with unit liter to cm, the system does not allow you to save because the fourth part still has a different unitof measure (liter).

Field SynchronizationThe system can copy the common data from a reference part to another part belonging to the same FFF class.

If you carry out the field synchronization in test mode without changes to the database, the log displays the possible inconsistencies betweeninterchangeable parts in an FFF class.

The system copies the content of plant-specific fields in the reference part to the same plant, providing you also create the target part in this plant.

The system does not create new material master views for the target part. It copies the field content only if the corresponding view to which thisfield belongs has already been created in the master data of the target part.

Activities 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Synchronization of

Interchangeable Parts . 2. Enter a reference material. 3. Choose Program Execute .


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Graphical Display of All Interchangeability Relationships

UseThis function enables you to use a graphical overview to display the interchangeability relationships (fully and restricted) of a part. One part can have fullinterchangeability with some parts, but only restricted interchangeability with others.

FeaturesOn the left of the screen, the graphical overview displays all parts that are:

Fully interchangeable with the originally entered part Restricted or one-way interchangeable with the originally entered part. The parts are grouped by their interchangeability relationships (the long text of their

interchangeability codes).On the right of the screen, the graphical overview displays a selected part from the tree structure with the manufacturer part number, external manufacturer, andFFF class. For each selected part, you can:

Branch to the material master ( Material Master ) Display the product structure ( Product Structure ) Display the assigned documents from the Document Management System (DMS) ( Documents ) Display the long text describing the interchangeability relationships in more detail ( Long Text )

Membership of Fully Interchangeable Parts in MPN-MRP SetsAn icon in front of each entry shows whether the part belongs to the same MPN-MRP set as the original part:

(green traffic light): The part belongs to the same MPN-MRP set as the original part.This icon only appears if the system can clearly determine an MPN-MRP set for the original part (on calling the graphic, the Plant and perhaps the StorageLocation or MRP Area were also specified).

(yellow traffic light): The part does not belong to an MPN-MRP set. (red traffic light): The part does not belong to the same MPN-MRP set as the original part, or the system cannot clearly determine the MPN-MRP set

because it does not have sufficient details about the part, the storage location, and the MRP area.

Activities 1. From the SAP Easy Access menu, choose Logistics Central Functions Engineering Interchangeability of Parts Display . 2. On the selection screen, enter a part in the Material field and choose Goto Full Interchangeability .

If conversion exit is activated, you can enter the SAP material number or the MPN. The system converts your entry into the MPN and adds the externalmanufacturer to it.If the part is assigned to a FFF class, the part and all other parts that are interchangeable with it are displayed in the lower group box.

3. Choose Graphic . 4. If you also want to display information about the MPN-MRP Sets, enter a Plant , a Storage Location , and an MRP Area .

The graphical overview appears. 5. To display a part on the right of the screen, choose Display next to the required part in the tree structure on the left of the screen.

1.3 Material Exchange Using SAP SCM

UseYou can branch to the SAP SCM system from the ERP system to use the rules-based availability check functions (also known as rules-based ATP check) withmaterial exchange in the following areas:

Plant maintenance orders (including upgrade orders and refurbishment order consumption components)You can:

Perform the rules-based availability check on individual components Use structure nodes to check the permissibility of a material component in a PM order against a technical object list, for example, a master parts list

(MPL). Depending on your Customizing settings, the structure node can be manually entered or/and the structure node can be checked or determined bythe MPL.

For more information, see Parts Interchangeability in Plant Maintenance Orders. Goods movement transaction MIGO

When posting goods receipts and goods issues in transaction MIGO, interchangeable materials can be determined in SAP SCM using the rules-based ATPlogic. For more information, see Parts Interchangeability in Goods Movement Transaction MIGO.

Configuration ControlYou can determine interchangeable parts using SAP SCM within configuration control functions. For more information, see Parts Interchangeability withConfiguration Control.

SubcontractingFor rework materials of subcontracting orders. For more information, see Parts Interchangeability in Subcontracting.


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Integration We have integrated the SAP SCM repair or buy function in spare parts planning (SPP) with SAP ERP so that planning results from SPP can be further

processed with all associated information in SAP ERP to execute repairs internally or externally. This integration provides material exchange functions in theupgrade order (for internal repairs) and subcontracting order (for external repairs).

SAP SCM 5.1 or higher must be connected to the ECC-DIMP system. The following business functions must be activated:

DIMP_SDUD AD_MPN_SCM AD_MPN_SCM_2

PrerequisitesYou must make the following settings for all the SAP SCM interchangeability functions listed above:

The materials must be APO-relevant and you must use the APO-ATP check (one active integration model with ATP check). If you want to work with structure nodes in rules-based ATP, you must create additional fields in the field catalog in SAP SCM. You must create the following

data elements to receive unique text information for the customer-specific field in the field catalog: STRUC_CODE STRUC_CLASS STRUC_CLASSTYP

If you want to add additional fields to the field catalog in SAP SCM containing information from the SAP ERP system, you use method ENRICH_FIELDCAT inBAdI AD_MPN_RBA_IC.You maintain the fields in Customizing for SAP SCM under Advanced Planning and Optimization Global Available-to-Promise (Global ATP) Product Allocation Maintain Field Catalog.

For more information, see SAP Library under SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO ) Global Available-to-Promise (Global ATP) Settings for Global ATP Product Allocations Settings Maintaining Field Catalogs.

In the ERP system, you must maintain the Customizing settings for Interchangeability with SAP SCM under Logistics - General Interchangeability ofParts Parts Interchangeability with SCM Define Checking Groups for Parts Interchangeability with SAP SCMand Define Requirement Profile. Note, that the requirement profile must have the same name in SAP ERP and SAP SCM.

In SAP SCM, you must maintain the Customizing settings for global ATP. For more information, see SAP Library under SAP Supply Chain Management(SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO ) Global Available-to-Promise (Global ATP).

Parts Interchangeability in Goods Movement Transaction MIGO

UseThe Aerospace and Defense (A&D) solution provides a material exchange function during goods movements in transaction MIGO. You can now also determineinterchangeable materials according to the rules-based availability check in SAP SCM.When you trigger a material exchange in the ERP system using the rules-based availability check in SAP SCM, the system behaves in the same way.This function is available for material exchange during:

Goods issue of a manually created reservation Goods issue for a plant maintenance order Goods issue for a PP order Goods issue for a stock transfer order Goods receipt for purchase order

Prerequisites A checking group is assigned to your materials in material master MRP view Your materials are active in a CIF integration model You have set the indicator IC Relevant under Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts Material Exchange Using SAP SCM Define

Checking Groups for Parts Interchangeability with SAP SCM for: MIGO Goods Issue for:

Goods issue of a manually created reservation Goods issue for a plant maintenance order Goods issue for a PP order Goods issue for a stock transfer order

MIGO Goods Receipt for goods receipt for purchase order.

The system uses either the SAP SCM or ERP interchangeability. If no parts are found using the interchangeability functions in SAP SCM, theERP system does not serve as a fallback system, even if the IC Relevant interchangeability indicator is set in the ERP system.


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Parts Interchangeability in Plant Maintenance Orders

UseThe rules-based availability check with material exchange in SAP SCM can be performed on the consumption components for:

Standard plant maintenance orders Refurbishment orders Upgrade orders

Rules-based availability check with material exchange in SAP SCM is also possible for the main component for upgrade orders.The results of the rules-based availability check are displayed in the SAP SCM system. Here, you can accept or modify the proposals which are then adopted inthe component list of the respective order, which is updated, for example, with the new results of a material exchange or location substitution.

Features You can separately control the behavior of the rules-based availability check in SCM for the different types of plant maintenance orders listed above. There is an enhanced advice code function for the components of a PM order. The advice code is entered in the material reservations during the submission

of the results of the rules-based availability check if a material exchange for the components was executed. With the advice code you can prevent a furthermaterial exchange of the components.

Determination of installation locations (iPPE structure nodes)You can use structure nodes to check the permissibility of a material component in a PM order or refurbishment order against a technical object list, forexample, a master parts list (MPL).The structure node is displayed on the Component tab page of the plant maintenance order. It is composed of three columns; structure code, class numberand class type.Depending on your interchangeability-specific Customizing settings, the structure node can be manually entered and/or the structure node can be checked ordetermined by the MPL. This is controlled by the following Customizing flags:

Configuration Control relevantControls if the structure node is checked or determined. This is only possible if it is a valid installation location for the material in the component record.

Manual Structure Node.Controls if the structure node is editable.

For this check, interchangeability information maintained in SAP SCM can also be used for all materials active in APO.The structure node can be set or replaced using BAdI AD_MPN_RBA_IC. You find this BAdI in Customizing under Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts Parts Interchangeability with SCM Business Add-Ins (Add-Ins) BAdI:Customer Adjustment for Configuration

Control and ATP.The Customizing settings can be changed using BAdI AD_MPN_RBA_2_IC. You find this BAdI in Customizing under Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts Parts Interchangeability with SCM Business Add-Ins (Add-Ins) BAdI: Enhancements for Maintenance Orders.

Prerequisites To use the rules-based availability check in SAP SCM for the consumption/main components of the different PM orders, you must set the IC Relevant

indicator and enter an ATP requirement profile in Customizing under Logistics - General Interchangeability of Parts Parts Interchangeability withSCM Define Checking Groups for Parts Interchangeability with SAP SCM Plant Maintenance Order or Refurbishment Order ConsumptionComponents or Upgrade Orders .

You must make Customizing settings for maintaining master parts lists for technical structures using iPPE and define checking groups under Sales andDistribution Basic Functions Availability Check and Transfer of Requirements Availability Check Availability Check with ATP Logic orAgainst Planning Define Checking Group. For more information see Determination of Installation Locations (iPPE Structure Nodes).

Make Customizing settings to control which advice code is entered in the reservation for a PM order type, priority and availability check group of the materialuse advice code in Customizing under Defense Forces & Public Security Materials Management Advice and Status Code Define AdviceCode for Maintenance Order. To use this function you must have activated the business function DefenseForces&PublicSecurity (EA-DFP).

You must make settings for the rules-based availability check. For more information, see SAP Library for SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM)under SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO ) Global Available-to-Promise (Global ATP) Rules-Based Availability Check.

Constraints Only the manual availability check can be used. The overall material availability check and the automatic check are not supported. Rules-based availability check with material exchange in SCM is not possible for the main component of refurbishment orders. When you convert planned orders into refurbishment orders (MD04), consumption components are not adopted in the refurbishment/upgrade order. The main

component is adopted. There are special rules for MRP relevancy of the refurbishment order (controlled by the flag AUDISP). These rules are not be supported by the upgrade order

(upgrade component). In the upgrade order, RBA with material exchange using SCM is only possible for components that are MRP-relevant. The componentof the upgrade order that should be upgraded (main component