Production Versions in SAP PP is a unique combination of a Bill of Materials (BOM) and routing (or task list) used to manufacture a material. It defines the specific production technique for a material and is essential for managing multiple manufacturing methods, lot sizes, and production conditions. Production versions streamline production planning by linking materials to their corresponding BOM and routing.
Key Features of Production Versions in SAP PP
- Version Identification: Each production version is identified by a unique alphanumeric key, up to four characters long, and is specific to a material and plant. For example, the production version “PV01” might represent a specific heat treatment process for gearbox assembly.
- Validity Period: The validity of a production version is defined by Valid From and Valid To dates. The system defaults to the current date for Valid From and “31.12.9999” for Valid To, ensuring the production version is active throughout the defined period.
- Lot Sizes: Production versions specify minimum and maximum lot sizes for which they are applicable. For instance:
- A furnace with a capacity of up to 500 pieces will have a production version with a lot size of 1 to 500.
- Another production version will cover lot sizes from 501 to 1000 for larger furnaces.
| Production Version | Lot Size From | Lot Size To | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PV01 | 1 | 500 | For small furnace operations. |
| PV02 | 501 | 1000 | For large furnace operations. |
Components of a Production Version
Routing and Task List Type:
The routing assigned to a production version specifies the operations required to manufacture the material. Depending on the manufacturing type, different task list types are used:
- Discrete Manufacturing: Standard routing.
- Repetitive Manufacturing: Rate routing.
- Process Industries: Master recipe.
| Task List Type | Usage |
|---|---|
| Routing (N) | For discrete manufacturing. |
| Rate Routing | For repetitive manufacturing. |
| Master Recipe | For process industries. |
BOM Assignment:
Each production version is linked to a specific BOM for the material. The Alternate BOM and BOM Usage fields define the exact BOM applicable for the production version.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Alternate BOM | Specifies the alternative BOM for the material. |
| BOM Usage | Indicates where the BOM is applied (e.g., production, costing). |
Production Line:
In repetitive manufacturing, the Production Line field specifies the work center or line hierarchy used for production. It represents the capacity available for manufacturing.
REM Allowed:
This indicator determines if the production version is valid for repetitive manufacturing.
Creating a Production Version
A production version can be created using Transaction Code C223 (Mass Processing) or through the MRP4 view in the material master (Transaction Code MM02). Key steps include:
- Entering the version key, description, plant, and validity dates.
- Assigning the BOM and routing, along with task list type and group details.
- Specifying lot size ranges, ensuring alignment with production capacity.
Production Version Migration for BOM
SAP provides a migration tool for creating production versions for existing BOMs using Transaction Code SE38 and the program CS_BOM_PRODVER_MIGRATION. Users can run the program in simulation or actual mode to generate production versions automatically for materials with multiple BOMs or alternate BOMs.
Business Use Case: SuperGears
At SuperGears AG, two furnaces are used for heat treatment:
- A small furnace for lot sizes of 1–500 pieces (PV01).
- A large furnace for 501–1000 pieces (PV02).
By defining separate production versions for each furnace, SuperGears ensures efficient utilization of resources and production techniques based on lot size.
Benefits of Production Versions in SAP PP
- Flexibility: Supports multiple manufacturing methods for the same material.
- Precision: Links BOM and routing to specific lot sizes and production conditions.
- Efficiency: Simplifies production planning and reduces errors by clearly defining valid production processes.
- Repetitive Manufacturing Support: Integrates seamlessly with repetitive manufacturing processes using the REM indicator.
Production versions play a critical role in SAP PP, ensuring the right resources and processes are applied for each production scenario.