1. What is a batch?
A batch is a group of materials combined into one quantity for various reasons. Very often, materials with the same characteristics and values are grouped into a batch. For example, in the chemical industry, a specified number of containers of a specific product may be considered a batch if they were produced at the same time and have the same physical and chemical characteristics.
2. Why is batch record important?
A batch represents a quantity of a particular material processed at the same time with the same parameters. These materials, produced as one batch, have the same characteristics and values, which may vary from the materials of another batch produced on the same day.
A batch record is important because batch records indicate that the batch conforms to the current Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP). The batch record also contains specific information about the product tested, analytical methods, and test results.
3. How to create a batch?
You can create a batch record manually by using the transaction code MSC1N. The navigation path for creating a batch is: SAP Menu -> Logistics -> Materials Management -> Material Master -> Batch -> Create.
4. What are the important fields in a batch master record?
The important fields in a batch master record are as follows:
- Production date— Refers to the date when the batch was produced.
- Self-life expiration date— Refers to the date when the life of the batch will expire.
- Available from— Refers to the date from which the batch will be available to other departments.
- Batch status— Allows the batch to be classified as having restricted or unrestricted use.
- Next inspection— Refers to the next quality inspection date of the batch.
- Vendor batch— Refers to the batch number assigned by the vendor.
- Class— Allows the user to sort the batch for use in specific classes.
- Characteristics —Helps in assigning a class to the batch.
- Release status —Specifies the status of the batch.
- Linked document —Helps the user to link the documents related to the batch.
- Document type —Allows the user who is purchasing the batch to specify a document.
- Document —Helps the user to select the relevant document.
- Document part —Allows the user to enter the part of the document that is related to the batch.
- Version —Specifies the document version of the batch.
You can change a batch record by using the transaction code MSC2N. The navigation path of changing the batch record is: SAP Menu > Logistics > Materials Management > Material Master > Batch > Change.
It is important to note that these changes to the batch record will also be available for review.
6. How to delete a batch?
You can delete a batch by using the MSC2N transaction code. You can alternately delete a batch record by flagging the batch master record. For this, you need to first select the batch in the Change mode.
7. What is Batch Information Cockpit?
The Batch Information Cockpit (BIC) is the main switching point, having a wide range of options for scrutiny and control of batches. It stores at a single location all the information related to the analysis of a particular batch.
8. What are the levels at which a batch number can be configured?
A batch number can be configured at several different levels: client level, plant level, and material level. You can select a batch number at any of the following levels:
- Client level— When you configure a batch at the client level, you need to assign the batch number only once throughout the whole client. Only one batch number exists for each material assigned at this level.
- Plant level —In SAP, the plant level is the default level for the batch number. At plant level, a batch number is unique for a plant and material. This means that you can have a batch of the same number at a different plant within the same company.
- Material level —At this level, material numbers are assigned to the products. The material number helps to differentiate between two products in case their batch numbers are the same. The materials are identified by the combination of the material number and batch number.
9. How are batch numbers assigned?
The batch number is predefined in SAP. You can change the batch numbers either by using the OMAD transaction code or by using the navigation path IMG -> Logistics-General -> Batch Management -> Batch Number Assignment -> Maintain Internal Batch Number Assignment Range.
Follow either of the two configuration steps to change the batch number:
- You can assign a batch number internally using the internal number range, either by using the OMCZ transaction code or by following the navigation path Display IMG -> Logistics-General -> Batch Management -> Batch Number Assignment -> Activate Internal Batch Number Assignment -> Activate Batch Number Assignment.
- You can also configure the system to allow automatic numbering of a batch by following the navigation path Display IMG -> Logistics-General -> Batch Management -> Batch Number Assignment -> Activate Internal Batch Number Assignment -> Internal Batch Number Assignment for Assigned Goods Receipt.
