Material Management without Material Masters is it possible?

[Former Member]

Current we manage/procure materials with and without Material Masters.  While we utilise a MM for items held within the Stores, the vast majority of materials purchased are through free text purchase orders, credit cards and catalogues without any sort of naming convention. Materials within our store are either linked to a contract or use of an info record and form the basis for our catalogue, MRP and PO processes. My concerns stem around all the materials without a master record. Creating a catalogue difficult to navigate, material categories/contracts difficult to scope, poor reporting and spend analysis, off contract spend and loss of buying power through purchasing de-centralisation.

Have you seen a pure external catalogue model work with SAP with/without any material master?

Any feedback or examples would be appreciated.

Regards

[former_member197616 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

When you use MM module in SAP , IM is the implied point which basically works on the principle of posting the stock values through the valuation class assigned , Unless a master record exists this will not happen . Entire IM works based upon this principle only . when you use sap you can not omit the master records . Pure usage of catalogs i feel can not work . when you use the text materials , it does means you are procuring the materials for consumption . Again the IM principles for posting will applies .Not sure how you manage the MRP for your text materials .However PO will work for the consumption procurement . ?

Regards,

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

In MM generally non stock, non valuable ( e.g. Stationaty etc.) procure without material master record . You can consider it as indirect procurement. Also Service Procurement will do. You can track them by material group.

.