Material Master Data Complexities (66-80)

66. M8147 - Cross-Plant Material Status Issues

Issue: Material status settings conflict across different plants causing transaction failures

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Plant-Specific Status Analysis:

• Review material status in each plant using MM03
• Check for conflicting status settings across organizational levels
• Identify business requirements for different status by plant

2. Material Status Configuration:

• Configure material status types in SPRO → MM → Material Master → Settings for Key Fields → Define Material Statuses
• Set up plant-specific status overrides if required
• Configure warning vs. error messages for status violations

3. Cross-Plant Process Impact:

• Analyze impact on inter-plant transfers using MIGO
• Check procurement and sales implications of status differences
• Verify proper stock transfer procedures between plants

4. Status Synchronization Procedures:

• Implement procedures for material status changes
• Set up approval workflows for cross-plant status modifications
• Create monitoring reports for status inconsistencies

67. M8234 - Material Group Hierarchy Problems

Issue: Material group assignments causing reporting and procurement issues

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Material Group Structure Review:

• Analyze current material group hierarchy using MM56
• Check for logical inconsistencies in material group assignments
• Verify alignment with procurement and reporting requirements

2. Purchasing Integration Validation:

• Check impact of material group on purchasing documents
• Verify proper buyer assignment by material group
• Ensure purchasing condition records align with material groups

3. Reporting and Analytics Setup:

• Configure material group-based reporting structures
• Set up proper authorization based on material groups
• Implement spend analysis by material group categories

4. Material Group Migration:

• Plan material group reassignment procedures if restructuring needed
• Test impact on existing purchase orders and contracts
• Implement data validation procedures for group assignments

68. M8245 - Material Type Conversion Errors

Issue: Converting materials between types causes data inconsistencies

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Conversion Prerequisites:

• Check that source and target material types have compatible field selections
• Verify no active transactions exist for the material
• Ensure adequate authorization for material type conversion

2. Data Validation Procedures:

• Use MMAM for material type conversion with proper validation
• Check all view data compatibility between material types
• Verify accounting view settings remain appropriate

3. Process Impact Analysis:

• Analyze impact on existing purchase orders and contracts
• Check inventory valuation implications of type conversion
• Verify proper account determination after conversion

4. Post-Conversion Testing:

• Test all relevant transactions after material type conversion
• Verify reporting continues to function correctly
• Check integration with other modules remains intact

69. M8189 - Material Classification Inconsistencies

Issue: Material classification data causing search and procurement problems

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Classification System Review:

• Review classification classes and characteristics using CL02
• Check for missing or incorrect characteristic assignments
• Verify classification relevance for procurement processes

2. Search Functionality Validation:

• Test material search using classification criteria
• Check that search helps return expected results
• Verify classification-based reporting functions correctly

3. Procurement Integration:

• Ensure classification supports vendor evaluation processes
• Check integration with supplier selection procedures
• Verify impact on automated purchasing processes

4. Data Quality Maintenance:

• Implement data quality checks for classification assignments
• Set up validation rules for characteristic value entry
• Create monitoring procedures for classification completeness

70. M8267 - Unit of Measure Conversion Problems

Issue: Complex UOM conversions causing quantity discrepancies in transactions

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. UOM Conversion Factor Analysis:

• Check conversion factors in material master using MM02
• Verify mathematical accuracy of conversion calculations
• Test conversion factors with sample transactions

2. Base UOM Configuration:

• Ensure base unit of measure is appropriately selected
• Check that all alternative UOMs have proper conversion factors
• Verify ISO code assignments for international transactions

3. Transaction-Specific UOM Handling:

• Test UOM conversions in purchase orders using ME21N
• Verify goods receipt UOM handling in MIGO
• Check invoice verification UOM matching in MIRO

4. Decimal Place Configuration:

• Configure appropriate decimal places for UOM precision
• Check rounding rules for UOM conversions
• Ensure precision doesn't cause significant variances

Module Integration Complexities (81-95)

81. FI-MM-01 - Period-End Closing Integration Issues

Issue: MM transactions preventing FI period closure or creating financial inconsistencies

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Period Closing Prerequisites:

• Check for unposted MM documents using MB51 and MIR6
• Verify all goods receipts have corresponding purchase orders
• Ensure all invoices are verified and posted properly

2. GR/IR Account Analysis:

• Run GR/IR clearing analysis using F.13 and MR11
• Identify and resolve unmatched GR/IR items
• Check for aging analysis of uncleared items

3. Inventory Valuation Verification:

• Verify material price changes are properly processed using MR21
• Check inventory valuation consistency across periods
• Ensure proper standard vs. actual price variance handling

4. Integration Monitoring:

• Set up monitoring procedures for real-time MM-FI integration
• Configure alerts for integration failures
• Implement correction procedures for integration errors

82. CO-MM-02 - Cost Center Assignment Validation Issues

Issue: Cost center assignments in MM documents not properly validated against CO structure

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Cost Center Master Data Sync:

• Verify cost center validity and active dates using KS03
• Check cost center assignment authorization for users
• Ensure proper cost center hierarchy is maintained

2. Account Assignment Validation:

• Configure automatic validation of cost center assignments
• Set up validation rules for cost center-material combinations
• Implement approval workflows for high-value cost center postings

3. Real-Time Integration Verification:

• Check that MM postings immediately update CO documents
• Verify proper cost element mapping for MM account assignments
• Test integration with actual costing and standard costing scenarios

4. Reporting and Reconciliation:

• Set up reconciliation reports between MM and CO
• Configure variance analysis reports for cost center postings
• Implement monitoring procedures for cost center over-spending

83. PP-MM-03 - Production Order Material Availability Issues

Issue: Production orders not properly reserving or consuming materials from MM

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Material Availability Check Configuration:

• Configure availability check for production orders in SPRO → PP → Production Orders → Availability Check
• Set up proper check groups and check rules
• Configure backorder processing procedures

2. BOM and Routing Integration:

• Verify BOM components are properly maintained in CS02
• Check that BOM quantities align with material master UOMs
• Ensure routing operations support material consumption

3. Goods Issue Process Validation:

• Check automatic goods issue configuration for production orders
• Verify backflushing setup for automated material consumption
• Test manual goods issue processes using MB1A

4. Material Requirements Planning Integration:

• Verify MRP integration between PP and MM modules
• Check that production orders generate proper material requirements
• Ensure capacity planning considers material availability

84. SD-MM-04 - Third-Party Order Processing Issues

Issue: Third-party sales orders not properly creating purchase requisitions or managing drop-ship scenarios

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Item Category Configuration:

• Configure third-party item categories in SD using V/06
• Set up proper requirement transfer to MM
• Configure delivery and billing relevance appropriately

2. Vendor Assignment Procedures:

• Set up automatic vendor determination for third-party items
• Configure source of supply for third-party materials
• Implement vendor selection rules and criteria

3. Purchase Requisition Creation:

• Verify automatic PR creation from sales orders
• Check PR conversion to PO procedures
• Configure proper account assignment for third-party orders

4. Invoice and Payment Processing:

• Set up proper invoice verification for third-party scenarios
• Configure customer billing with vendor costs
• Implement margin calculation and reporting procedures

85. QM-MM-05 - Quality Management Integration Failures

Issue: Quality inspection processes not properly integrated with goods receipt and stock management

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Inspection Type Configuration:

• Set up inspection types for different scenarios using QS21
• Configure inspection plans for materials and vendors
• Set up proper sampling procedures and inspection intensity

2. Stock Type Management:

• Configure quality inspection stock type handling
• Set up automatic stock transfer after inspection completion
• Configure blocked stock management procedures

3. Certificate Handling:

• Set up quality certificate requirements for vendors
• Configure certificate verification procedures
• Implement certificate tracking and archiving

4. Non-Conformance Processing:

• Configure non-conformance handling procedures
• Set up proper disposition and rework processes
• Implement supplier notification and corrective action procedures

Advanced System Configuration Issues (96-100)

96. SYS-MM-01 - Performance Issues with Large Material Masters

Issue: System performance degradation when working with materials having extensive master data

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Database Performance Analysis:

• Analyze database statistics for material master tables
• Check for missing indexes on frequently used fields
• Review table space allocation and fragmentation issues

2. Master Data Optimization:

• Review material master field usage and eliminate unnecessary views
• Configure proper archiving procedures for obsolete materials
• Implement data governance procedures to prevent master data bloat

3. User Interface Optimization:

• Configure proper field selection for material master transactions
• Set up user-specific variants to limit displayed fields
• Implement proper authorization to restrict unnecessary data access

4. System Monitoring Setup:

• Configure performance monitoring for material master transactions
• Set up alerts for performance threshold breaches
• Implement regular performance tuning procedures

97. SYS-MM-02 - Number Range Exhaustion Issues

Issue: Material number ranges approaching exhaustion or creating conflicts

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Number Range Analysis:

• Review current number range usage using SNRO
• Identify number ranges approaching exhaustion
• Analyze number range assignment logic and efficiency

2. Range Extension Planning:

• Plan number range extensions with adequate buffer
• Consider migration to longer number ranges if necessary
• Implement proper testing procedures for range changes

3. Alternative Numbering Strategies:

• Evaluate intelligent vs. sequential numbering approaches
• Consider external number assignment for better control
• Implement proper validation procedures for external numbers

4. Archiving and Cleanup:

• Implement archiving procedures for obsolete materials
• Set up proper deletion procedures for unused numbers
• Configure number range monitoring and alerting

98. SYS-MM-03 - Authorization Object Conflicts

Issue: Complex authorization requirements causing access conflicts or security gaps

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Authorization Object Analysis:

• Review MM-specific authorization objects and their interdependencies
• Check for conflicting authorization assignments using SU53
• Analyze role conflicts and overlapping permissions

2. Segregation of Duties Implementation:

• Design proper role segregation for MM processes
• Configure conflict checking for sensitive transactions
• Implement approval workflows for high-risk activities

3. Plant and Organization-Based Security:

• Configure plant-specific access restrictions
• Set up proper purchasing organization segregation
• Implement cross-organizational control procedures

4. Monitoring and Compliance:

• Set up authorization change monitoring
• Configure access logging for sensitive transactions
• Implement regular authorization review procedures

99. SYS-MM-04 - Custom Development Integration Issues

Issue: Custom developments interfering with standard MM functionality or upgrade procedures

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Custom Code Impact Analysis:

• Review custom developments impacting MM processes
• Check for modifications to standard SAP programs
• Analyze user exits and enhancement implementations

2. Upgrade Impact Assessment:

• Test custom developments with SAP upgrade scenarios
• Check for obsolete or conflicting customizations
• Plan remediation procedures for upgrade conflicts

3. Performance Impact Evaluation:

• Analyze performance impact of custom developments
• Check for inefficient database access patterns
• Implement optimization procedures for custom code

4. Documentation and Maintenance:

• Maintain proper documentation for all custom developments
• Implement change management procedures for customizations
• Set up regular review procedures for custom code relevance

100. SYS-MM-05 - Data Migration and Legacy System Integration

Issue: Complex data migration scenarios causing data integrity or process disruption issues

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Data Quality Assessment:

• Perform comprehensive data quality analysis of source systems
• Identify and remediate data inconsistencies before migration
• Set up data validation procedures and error handling

2. Migration Strategy Planning:

• Design phased migration approach with proper testing
• Configure proper mapping procedures between old and new systems
• Implement rollback procedures for migration failures

3. Integration Testing:

• Perform end-to-end testing of migrated data
• Validate all MM processes with migrated data
• Check integration with other modules post-migration

4. Post-Migration Support:

• Set up monitoring procedures for data integrity issues
• Implement correction procedures for discovered data problems
• Configure ongoing data synchronization if required