Understanding Checking Rules in SAP PP: A Guide for Production Planning

In the fast-paced world of production planning, ensuring you have the suitable materials at the right time is crucial. SAP PP (Production Planning) offers a powerful toolset for managing this, and a key component is the Checking Rule.

What is a Checking Rule?

A Checking Rule and its partner, the Checking Group, define the scope and behavior of availability checks within SAP PP. It dictates which inventory items (stocks, receipts, and issues) are considered during the check and how lead times are factored in.

Why are Checking Rules important?

• Accuracy in Production Planning: Precise availability checks prevent production delays caused by missing materials.
• Improved Decision Making: Knowing accurate material availability empowers informed production scheduling and order placement decisions.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined availability checks minimize planning time and resource allocation.

How Checking Rules Work

1. Material Master MRP 3 View: Here, you define the Checking Group for the material, which acts as a reference point.
2. Define Checking Group (OVZ2): This transaction allows you to specify the checks included in the Checking Group (e.g., planned orders, purchase orders, etc.).
3. Define Checking Rule (SPRO): In SPRO, you configure the specific behavior of the Checking Rule. This includes lead time considerations, stock types included, and more.
4. Linking Checking Group and Checking Rule (OPJJ): Finally, you assign the Checking Rule to the Checking Group used in the material master.

Additional Considerations

• Checking Rules vs. Checking Groups: Remember, a Checking Group defines the type of checks, while a Checking Rule defines how those checks are performed.
• Backorder Processing: Specific Checking Rules can be defined for backorder processing to manage component availability for outstanding orders.
• Customization: SAP offers predefined Checking Rules, but you can customize them to suit your production needs.

Conclusion

By understanding Checking Rules in SAP PP, you can ensure a more robust and efficient production planning process. Accurate availability checks can also help you make informed decisions, avoid production delays, and optimize your resource allocation.