Mastering Production with Order Types in SAP PP

Organization is critical in the dynamic world of Production Planning (PP). SAP PP offers a powerful tool for categorizing your production processes: Order Types. By configuring these types effectively, you gain control and clarity over your shop floor activities. This blog dives into the world of Order Types in SAP PP, exploring the essential Tcodes for configuration.

What are Order Types?

Imagine a factory producing different products, each requiring a unique production flow. Order Types allow you to define these variations. You can create order types for:

• Internal vs. External Production: Differentiate between in-house manufacturing and subcontracting.
• Rework Orders: Track and manage products requiring rework due to defects.
• Project-Specific Production: Handle unique production needs for specific projects.

Configuring Order Types: A Tcode Tour

Let’s embark on a journey through the key Tcodes for Order Type configuration:

1. OPJH—Define Production Order Types: This is the starting point. Here, you create new order types and assign them descriptive names and codes.
2. OPL8 – Order Type-Dependent Parameters: Fine-tune your order types by defining control settings. Specify how materials are withdrawn, how confirmations are processed, and more.
3. OPJK – Define Checking Control: Establish control procedures for different order types. This could involve defining checks for material availability or capacity constraints.
4. OPK4 – Parameters for Order Confirmations: Tailor how production confirmations are captured for each order type. This might involve setting confirmation rules or defining what data needs to be recorded.
5. OPU3 – Define Scheduling Parameters for Production Orders: Set scheduling profiles for your order types. This influences how the system plans and sequences production activities.

Benefits of Configuring Order Types

By investing time in Order Type configuration, you reap several benefits:

• Enhanced Transparency: Gain a clear overview of different production processes.
• Improved Efficiency: Streamline production by defining specific workflows for each order type.
• Reduced Errors: Minimize errors by enforcing control procedures specific to order types.
• Effective Reporting: Generate reports that accurately reflect the different production activities.

Beyond the Basics

This blog provides a foundational understanding of Order Type configuration. Remember, SAP PP offers a rich set of functionalities for further customization. Explore functionalities like assigning MRP Groups (OPPR) or Production Scheduling Profiles (OPKP) to your order types for greater control.

Conclusion

Order Types are a cornerstone of efficient production management in SAP PP. Mastering the configuration process through these Tcodes empowers your organization to achieve optimal production control and deliver higher-quality products.