Question:
We are trying to use inspection type 04 with material specs and early lot creation. We want to use inspection points with this so that we can positively locate the correct set of results at the final goods receipt of the production order (which can have several inspection lots and batch numbers can alter in the meantime).
When I try to use QE11 and enter an inspection point manually, I get an error message that they don't exist for the operation so I need to create them manually but it doesn't seem to let me. What am I missing that may be preventing succesful manual entry of the inspection point reference?
Is there another setting on the material master required or on the route or in config somewhere? Any help gratefully received...
regards,
Q4T
Answer:
Ok.. I am a little confused as you say that your batch numbers can change and you have several inspection lots so that is why your using inspection points... maybe I just don't get it... it is Monday morning!!!!
In any case, I believe, and hopefully some of the other QM will correct me if I'm wrong, you need to have an inspection plan along with your material specs to utilize inspection points.
Inspection points used to only be available for 03 inspection types where you used a receipe. When the functionality was extended to 04 lots in 4.6c, it still requiried a task list.
Try creating an inspection plan with the same characteristics that are in your mtrl. spec. and in the 04 inspection type setup click on both inspec with spec and inspec with plan.
Craig
Answer:
Hi Craig,
thanks for the reply, I know what Monday mornings can be like too!
I am working in 4.6C - your reply says that "task lists were still required in 4.6C". Could I therefore use a normal type N production routing task list with some sort of extra QM settings instead of an inspection plan? (assuming I still want to use type 04 with early lot completion).
I will try the inspection plan idea next to see if that works and let you know ...
Background info:
Cable manufacture. One order to make several drums of cable. Each drum (batch number) requires its results to be entered before GR against a unique inspection point reference of some sort e.g. sequential number. After this each drum is cut down and the daughter drums are booked to stock - each additional one generating another lot number. Drums can be reused if this process extends over a few days (therefore potentially not unique) and I cannot assume that the sequence through test will match the sequence through winding. I didn't get anywhere with trying "production chains" so I am hoping to ensure I pick up the correct set of test results for any given daughter drum by using the inspection point reference.
regards,
Q4T
Answer:
No.. you will get no info from the N production routing task list in the 04 lot.
I kind of feel that your problems in QM really stem from the decision to use the drum numbers as the batch numbers. Correct me if I've misunderstood your description of the process.
Why wouldn't you use unique batch numbers and set the drum number as a required attribute(s) of the batch? When the batch number is created and assigned to the order, the classification screen can be forced to be displayed and the person creating the batch would have to enter the drum numbers being used.
In addition, as daughter batches are created, other batch characteristics can be passed to the daughter batches.
Another option is to use serial numbers and enter the drum numbers as the serial numbers. Then each drum can be inspected as a different serialized item.
I doubt if it is possible for you to change the basic design now unless your still in the early stages of design. From your description, this design will make life in the QM area much harder then it should be. I'd almost venture to suggest it is flawed design, but given what little info I know about your business.. that might not be a fair statement. I can see lots of issue with product tracibility and identification.. which it seems your already running into with this inspection point discussion.
Another option to consider is Handling Units. This functionality is pretty new with QM in 4.6c and I have very little experience with it. But your drums sound very much like handling units and might fit well into that design. Maybe others here can provide you with info on that process.
I'm not sure I helped you with your original question much. Sorry.
Craig
Answer:
Craig,
on the contrary - thanks for some very useful input. I've been trying out the inspection plan idea for usage 5 (Goods Receipt) and it is getting the inspection points working. It seems I could probably use this instead of material specs (which would solve one or two other headaches).
I am stuck with drum numbers as batch numbers - the client will not budge on that one because that is what everyone works to and expects to see in stock overviews etc. I'll just have to do the best I can with that one.
If (when?) I get stuck again, I'll put in another posting
thanks again
Q4T
Answer:
Hi Q4T,
Just a word of caution!
Looks like you need multiple batches for a prod order. Maybe with partial lots functionality, since they are created with an operation cofirmations, but the early GR lots work well if you have one batch per order.
The early GR lot gets credited with the first batch you actually post (make GR for). The next GR's, if made with diff batch numbers will actually create additional 04 type inspection lots. Is this acceptable to you?
Sorry, I did not go into your process description (The same Monday morning thing !! I am in CA, so it is just coming up now !!)
Let us know anyways
Anand
Answer:
Cool, glad its working for you. Keep in mind that if you decide not to use the material spec, no QM data will be transferred to the batch record. But this probably shouldn't be an issue since the client has pretty much made the use of batch numbers useless in SAP.
If they are new to SAP, this will pretty much limit them in a lot of future functionality in SAP with regard to their quality and batch data. Not to mention assurances in meeting customer specifications, producing COA's, etc, batch search strategies, etc. etc..
I would recommend, if your an external consultant to them, that you provide them with a document explaining a lot of the additional costs they could incur and the SAP functionality that will not be able to use because of the process. That would be to CYA for yourself as well as others.
If you supplying electric cable, I know that has to be certified... I can see off hand, significant customization in getting valid, accurate, verifiable certs out your system. Seems that is kind of why your looking at inspection points.. to try and cover that issue.
Good Luck! I hope your successful with the client. Will be happy to try and help you with future questions.
Craig
Answer:
Hi Q4T,
is your manufacuterer is using SAP Standard or SAP CS (cable solution)? I am just currious, because if you use SAP CS, i would like to know if QM then is CS enabled?
Regards,
Baisse22