How to start your career as a SAP PP consultant
Topic Covered:
Session Name: SAP PP Production Planning Overview & Training Sessions
- SAP PP Production Planning Overview
- SAP PP Planning and Business Scenarios
- PP and MM Integration Process
- SAP PP and EWM Integration
- Demand Management Process in System
- SAP S/4 HANA Forecasting Process
- Teco vs Close Statuses in SAP
- SAP S/4HANA 2023 Production Order Overview
- SAP PP Production Order Report
- SAP Consultant Path and Learning Resources
- SAP S/4 HANA Training Overview
- SAP PP Training Opportunities Discussed
- SAP Learning and Job Opportunities
SAP PP Production Planning Overview
Parminder led a session on SAP PP, focusing on production planning. He emphasized the importance of interactivity and encouraged participants to ask questions via chat. He explained that SAP PP covers two major business functions: production (manufacturing execution) and planning. He discussed various SAP planning tools, including PP, IBP, APO, PPS, and others. He also highlighted the difference between make-to-order and make-to-stock production methods, explaining that make-to-stock requires sales planning and demand forecasting. He encouraged participants to ask questions and engage in the session.
SAP PP Planning and Business Scenarios
Parminder discussed the concept of planning in the context of SAP PP, a production planning tool. He explained that planning involves determining what needs to be produced, how much, and when. He also highlighted the importance of understanding business scenarios and core functionalities to be a successful PP consultant. Parminder further elaborated on the factors that influence production planning, such as stock availability, lot sizes, and safety stocks. He also touched upon the importance of dates in the planning process and the need for consolidated planning for multiple products. Lastly, he mentioned that while SAP S/4 Hana has a feature for demand planning and sales and operation planning, most clients use more complex tools for this purpose.
PP and MM Integration Process
Parminder discussed the integration between PP and MM, emphasizing the importance of understanding the end-to-end process from planned orders to shop floor execution. He explained that the production supervisor receives a shop order, which outlines what needs to be produced and the required materials. The supervisor then guides the production team, who bring in the necessary materials and start the production process. Each operation is confirmed, with details on material and time consumption recorded. Once the final product is confirmed, it is added to the inventory. Parminder also mentioned that different types of execution, such as make-to-order and make-to-stock, can have slightly different processes in SAP. He concluded by stating that the system requires configuration and appropriate master data for these processes.
SAP PP and EWM Integration
Parminder discussed the integration of SAP PP and EWM, explaining that EWM is a module for extended warehouse management. He clarified that SAP PP can be integrated with various products, including inventory management and FICO. Parminder also explained the difference between MRP and SAP PP, stating that MRP is used for demand planning while SAP PP is used for production planning. He further discussed the integration of work centers with routings and production versions in SAP PP. Lastly, Parminder touched on the integration of SAP PP with MES systems for real-time tracking of production activities.
Demand Management Process in System
Parminder discussed the process of demand management in the system, starting with the Planned Independent Requirement (PIR) which comes in the form of MD. 61. The demand can come from various sources such as S&OP, S/4 HANA, and external tools. Once the demand is identified, the system runs an MRP (Material Requirements Planning) to ensure the right material is in the right place, quantity, and time. The system also considers existing stocks, sales, and supplies when generating results. If a shortage is identified, the system creates a purchase requisition or a planned order for production. The planned order is then reviewed and converted into a production order. The production order is then checked by production engineers and material planners to ensure the required materials are available. If not, they create reservations to request the materials from the store.
SAP S/4 HANA Forecasting Process
Parminder discussed the availability of resources and the need to execute a process. He mentioned the possibility of uploading forecasts using a standard method in SAP S/4 HANA. Parminder also outlined the next steps in the process, including the release of the production order and the execution of multiple activities. He emphasized the importance of discussing different business scenarios and conditions with clients as a consultant. Parminder also mentioned the technical completion of an order and the subsequent cost settlement by the finance team. He hinted at the integration of PP and CO in their training, particularly in product costing and settlement.
Teco vs Close Statuses in SAP
Parminder discussed the differences between Teco and Close statuses in the context of production orders. Teco is more important from a planning and execution perspective, as it signals to the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system that an order is complete. This allows the system to consider any remaining quantities for use in other orders. On the other hand, Close is more relevant from a financial perspective, as it deals with overconsumptions and underconsumptions that need to be settled. Parminder also clarified that releasing a production order is different from releasing a purchase order, as the former is more about approval and control, while the latter is more about financial transactions. Lastly, Parminder touched on the concept of "Kogi" or documented goods moment errors, which can occur when goods movements are not able to be posted automatically. He also mentioned the possibility of enhancements in SAP PP and the availability of a complementary course for those who complete the SAP Java Mastery and Implementation Project program.
SAP S/4hana 2023 Production Order Overview
Parminder explains the difference between posting date and document date in production orders. The document date is when the document was created, while the posting date is when it is registered in the system. He then moves on to address other questions briefly, stating that more detailed answers will be provided in future training sessions. Parminder emphasizes that production orders can be fully automated if required, with PP consultants setting up the automation. He mentions that there will be dedicated sessions on topics like batch management and production order reporting. Finally, Parminder transitions to demonstrating the SAP S/4HANA 2023 system, focusing on giving new users a glimpse of the PP module and production orders.
SAP PP Production Order Report
Parminder discussed the production order report in SAP PP, highlighting its versatility in fulfilling 70-80% of production execution requirements. He demonstrated how to run the report for a specific plant and filter for technically completed orders. He also explained how to navigate the production order display screen, including viewing operations, associated materials, and confirmation status. Parminder emphasized the importance of master data in PP and hinted at a detailed training session on the production order screen.
SAP Consultant Path and Learning Resources
Parminder discussed the importance of a structured path for those interested in becoming SAP consultants. He emphasized that only those willing to put in the necessary effort and dedication should pursue this path. He introduced the SAP in a Nutshell course, which provides an overview of SAP and its modules, as a mandatory first step for those new to SAP. He also encouraged students to find learning buddies through the SAP Telegram group to enhance their learning experience.
SAP S/4 Hana Training Overview
Parminder discussed the structure of the SAP S/4 Hana dynamic content and live sessions. He emphasized the availability of comprehensive content for self-paced learning and the multiple iterations of live trainings throughout the year. Parminder also highlighted the importance of creating a strong CV and offered a mentorship session for CV review. He introduced a complimentary 60 to 70-hour implementation project and support project exposure course. Parminder also mentioned an upcoming AI tool for mock interviews and a certification preparation product. He concluded by offering a 200-hour video library, server access, and a content library as part of the mastery bundle.
SAP PP Training Opportunities Discussed
Parminder discussed the extensive resources available for learning and mastering SAP PP, including a content library, internship opportunities, and a GuruKul program. He emphasized the importance of pre-reading materials before live sessions to enhance focus and understanding. Parminder also clarified that anyone, regardless of their current role or background, can benefit from the SAP PP training and potentially become a consultant. He encouraged attendees to enroll in the next batch and participate in the upcoming workshops.
SAP Learning and Job Opportunities
Parminder discussed the benefits of learning SAP, emphasizing its increasing importance in the job market. He highlighted the various job opportunities available for those with SAP knowledge, including roles in operations and manufacturing. Parminder also detailed the resources available in the SAP bundle, including access to server, job and mastery, implementation projects, and complementary courses. He encouraged attendees to explore these resources to enhance their SAP skills. Parminder also addressed a question about data masking, explaining that it is a complex process requiring enhancements and security rules. He suggested exploring other technologies like Guit and SAP screen personas for potential solutions.