Topic Covered -

1. Preparing for Production Planning Demo
2. Bridging Gap in SAP Consulting
3. Becoming a PP Consultant Journey
4. Production Planning and Material Forecasting
5. SAP PP Trainer Introductions
6. Creating Production Orders in System
7. Production Order Management in SAP
8. Production Execution Cycle and Course
9. Transitioning to PP Module Discussed
10. Career Guidance and SAP Training

Preparing for Production Planning Demo

In the meeting, Parminder discussed the upcoming demo session on production planning and the path to becoming a PP consultant. He emphasized the importance of learning in a group and having a learning buddy. He also highlighted the importance of preparing a CV and getting it reviewed by a mentor. Parminder mentioned that they have a dedicated Telegram group for the PP session, where participants can interact and learn from each other. He also mentioned that they have a 40-hour live session planned, including workshops, and that participants can access recorded sessions and additional content. Parminder also encouraged participants to start preparing their CVs and to get it reviewed by a mentor. He ended the conversation by asking participants to share their biggest challenges in learning SAP.

Bridging Gap in SAP Consulting

Parminder discussed the importance of experience in the SAP consulting field, highlighting the need for implementation and SAP experience. He shared examples of how incorrect SAP implementation could negatively impact businesses, leading to lost sales and legal issues. Parminder introduced three programs to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience: a 70-hour training course, an internship program, and a one-year academy program called Gurukul. He emphasized the importance of adding experience and multiple modules before obtaining certification. Parminder also mentioned additional courses and a content library for further learning and problem-solving.

Becoming a PP Consultant Journey

Parminder discussed the journey to becoming a PP consultant, emphasizing the importance of completing all content, hands-on assignments, and having good communication skills. He also highlighted the availability of resources and guidance but stressed that the individual must put in the effort. Parminder then introduced a workshop on SAP and a subsequent workshop on SAP navigation. He also explained the different training modules available, including a self-paced course, an internship, and a product for implementation and support. He clarified that the internship is not included in the mastery bundle but is available when two bundles are taken. Parminder also mentioned the availability of one-year access to live sessions and the importance of continuing learning for career growth. He then handed over to Faisal to demonstrate the PP cycle in the SAP system.

Production Planning and Material Forecasting

Parminder explained the process of production planning and material requirement planning (MRP) in a manufacturing company. He highlighted the role of demand planning in forecasting sales and the subsequent production needs. He also mentioned the use of tools like MRP and IBB for this process. Parminder further discussed the end-to-end cycle of production, from planning to finance settlement, and the integration of various modules like QM, MM, and SD. He also mentioned the importance of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) in fine-tuning the forecast. The conversation ended with Parminder preparing to demonstrate the process in the system.

SAP PP Trainer Introductions

Parminder and Faisal introduced themselves as trainers for the upcoming sessions on SAP PP. They have extensive experience in the field, with Parminder having trained over 2,000 consultants and Faisal having conducted 22 batches and 16 corporate trainings. They will be covering different aspects of SAP PP, with Parminder focusing on master data integration and planning, and Faisal on core configurations and production execution. The sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first one starting on January 18th. They also discussed the importance of attending live sessions for better understanding and interaction.

Creating Production Orders in System

Faisal discussed the process of creating a production order in their system. He explained that the first step is to create a planned order, which is then converted into a production order. He demonstrated how to do this using the system's interface. He also mentioned that the system updates the status of the production order and creates reservations for the components. Faisal further explained the importance of the component tab, which shows the quantity of raw materials required to produce the finished goods. He also touched on the operation tab, which lists the sequence of operations needed to produce the finished goods. Finally, he mentioned that the system allows for multiple operations and that the operator can start the execution once the production order is released.

Production Order Management in SAP

Faisal explained the process of production order management in SAP. He detailed how to confirm the completion of a production order, which triggers a goods issue and a goods receipt. He also discussed the importance of backflush indicators and how they affect the system. Faisal further explained the concept of moment types, which identify the type of movement in the system. He concluded by discussing the final step of order settlement, which is taken over by the finance team once the production order is technically completed.

Production Execution Cycle and Course

Faisal and Parminder discussed the production execution cycle and its components. Parminder emphasized the importance of understanding the business scenarios before setting up the enterprise structure. He also introduced a comprehensive course on production planning, which includes detailed documentation and mind maps. The course is designed to help consultants understand the why behind the configurations, rather than just the how. Parminder also encouraged participants to explore the course content and utilize the resources provided. He clarified that the course is not just for those with SAP experience, but also for those transitioning from other roles. The course is available on a self-paced mode and is complementary.

Transitioning to PP Module Discussed

Ahmed, with 6-7 years of SAP Basis experience, expressed his interest in transitioning from a technical to a functional track, specifically in the PP module. Parminder advised him to first gain a solid understanding of the core business processes, configurations, and master data through the PP Mastery module before moving on to the PP Excellence module. Parminder also suggested that the PP module would be more suitable for Ahmed due to his background in computer applications. The discussion also touched on the differences between Mastery and Excellence, with Mastery being more foundational and Excellence focusing on advanced features and methodologies. Lastly, Parminder clarified that the Materials Management (MM) module is more suitable for those without a manufacturing or finance background, while the PP module is more suitable for those with some understanding of manufacturing processes.

Career Guidance and SAP Training

The meeting revolved around career guidance and training in SAP modules. Parminder advised Akash and Vinay on their career paths, suggesting they complete their current modules and consider adding more to enhance their employability and salary prospects. Parminder recommended the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Production Planning and Detail Scheduling (PPDS) modules for their high remuneration potential. He also suggested that they participate in the internship program to gain practical experience. The discussion also covered the possibility of obtaining discount coupons for future courses by investing in the internship program. The conversation ended with Parminder confirming the start of the workshop session on January 5th.