Learn Variant Configuration in SAP PP & SD With a Business Example of Automotive Industry.

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on implementing Variant Configuration in SAP Production Planning (PP) and Sales and Distribution (SD) using a business example from the automotive industry. By following these steps, you will learn how to create a super BOM, super routing, characteristics, variant class, object dependencies, and a configuration profile, enabling you to handle configurable products efficiently.

Step 1: Create the Super Bill of Materials (BOM)

To begin, you need to create a super BOM that serves as a template for your configurable products.

• Access the BOM Creation Tool:

  • Go to the SAP Easy Access screen.
  • Enter transaction code CS01 to create a BOM.

• Define the BOM Header:

  • Enter the material number for the configurable product.
  • Select the appropriate plant and BOM usage.

• Add Components:

  • Include all the parts that can vary in the configurable product.
  • Use the 'Item' tab to add components and specify their quantities.

Step 2: Create the Super Routing

Super routing defines the processes required to produce your configurable product.

• Access the Routing Creation Tool:

  • Use transaction code CA01 to create a routing.

• Define Routing Header:

  • Input the material number and plant.
  • Specify the routing group and usage.

• Add Operations:

  • List all operations involved in the production process.
  • Include work centers, operation sequences, and times for each operation.

Step 3: Define Characteristics

Characteristics describe the features or attributes of the configurable product.

• Access the Characteristics Creation Tool:

  • Go to transaction code CT04 to create characteristics.

• Create New Characteristics:

  • Define the name and description for each characteristic (e.g., color, size).
  • Specify the data type (e.g., numeric, character).

Step 4: Create the Variant Class

The variant class groups the characteristics together for the configurable product.

• Use the Variant Class Creation Tool:

  • Go to transaction code CL01 to create a class.

• Define Class Type:

  • Choose class type 300 for variant configuration.

• Add Characteristics to the Class:

  • Link the previously created characteristics to the variant class.

Step 5: Set Up Object Dependencies

Object dependencies are rules that determine how characteristics interact.

• Access the Dependency Creation Tool:

  • Use transaction code CU01 to create dependencies.

• Define Dependency Types:

  • Create constraints and selection conditions based on characteristics.

Step 6: Create the Configuration Profile

The configuration profile integrates the variant class with the BOM and routing.

• Access the Configuration Profile Tool:

  • Go to transaction code CU41 to create a configuration profile.

• Define the Profile:

  • Link the variant class, BOM, and routing to the profile.
  • Ensure that all object dependencies are included.

Conclusion

You have now set up the essential elements for Variant Configuration in SAP PP and SD using the automotive industry as a reference. Key steps include creating a super BOM, super routing, defining characteristics, creating a variant class, setting up object dependencies, and establishing a configuration profile.

Next steps may involve testing the configuration with sample orders to ensure everything functions correctly and exploring more advanced topics like integration with sales orders and production planning. For further learning, consider reviewing related topics through the provided video links in the description.