Conquer Your Next Interview: Essential SAP PP Questions and Answers

The SAP Production Planning (PP) module is a cornerstone for manufacturing businesses. Acing an interview for an SAP PP role requires a strong understanding of its functionalities. This blog post equips you with crucial SAP PP questions and answers to impress your interviewer.

SAP PP Fundamentals:

• Q: What is SAP PP?
  • A: SAP PP helps manage all production activities, from planning and material procurement to execution and cost control.
• Q: Explain the Production Process in SAP PP.
  • A: It involves:
    • Production Planning: Defining what and when to produce (Master Production Schedule – MPS, Material Requirements Planning – MRP).
    • Production Execution: Converting plans into action (Production Orders, shop floor control).
    • Production Monitoring & Control: Tracking progress and identifying deviations (Shop Floor Control).
• Q: What are the different types of Production Planning in SAP PP?
  • A: Common types include:
    • Make-to-Stock (MTS): Produce for inventory based on forecast demand.
    • Make-to-order (MTO): Production triggered by a specific sales order.

Mastering Core Concepts:

• Q: What is a Bill of Material (BOM)?
  • A: A BOM is a hierarchical list of components required to produce a finished product.
• Q: Explain the role of Routings in SAP PP.
  • A: Routings define the sequence of operations needed to manufacture a product, including work centers, times, and tools.
• Q: What are Work Centers in SAP PP?
  • A: Work centers represent physical locations or functional units where production activities occur (e.g., assembly line, machine).

Production Execution and Control:

• Q: Describe the steps in Production Order Execution.
  • A: It typically involves:
    • I am creating a Production Order from a planned order or sales order.
    • We are releasing the Production Order for execution.
    • They are issuing materials for production.
    • Confirming production activities (goods produced, labor hours used).
    • I am performing goods receipts for finished products.
• Q: What is the difference between TECO and CLSD for Production Orders?
  • A: TECO (Technically Complete) indicates production is finished but not yet settled. CLSD (Closed) signifies the order is complete and settled financially.

Deep Dive into Specifics:

• Q: Explain MRP (Material Requirements Planning) functionality.
  • A: MRP calculates the dependent demand for materials based on the production plan and BOM. It generates purchase requisitions to ensure timely material availability.
• Q: What are the different types of MRP evaluations in SAP PP?
  • A: MRP evaluations analyze material requirements and identify potential issues like shortages or excess stock.

Beyond the Basics:

• Q: How does SAP PP integrate with other modules (e.g., MM, QM)?
  • A: SAP PP interacts seamlessly with other modules, such as Material Management (MM) for procurement and Quality Management (QM) for inspections.
• Q: What are some best practices for optimizing production planning in SAP PP?
  • A: Maintaining accurate master data (BOMs, routings), using MRP effectively, and real-time shop floor monitoring is crucial for efficient production.