I am a MM consultant and am trying to explore the integration areas in QM. Can someone of u pl. help in listing the MM-QM intergrations, so that I can learn only that part of QM topics (and of course necessary topic thereof like masters, org. structure)
Thanks in advance.
Answer:
Boy, you've picked a tough area to extend yourself too!! I'm not sure there is any clear cut division of what wouldn't be included and what would!
Obviously you have the QM view and all the inspections types associated with it. That is a big area alone as each inspection type has very specific purposes and very different setups and possibilities. But that would probably be where I would start. Some of the QM screen relates to QM in Procurement as well and can drasticly impact procurement.
Then you need to understand something about classification and batch management. As the classification (022/023) can play a huge role in QM.
The storage screens are important if you use batches as QM controls expired material, reinspection of material and extension of shelf life. These dates in turn can affect available inventory and shipping and receiving procedures.
And then I guess I would suggest getting a strong understanding of Usage decisons (UD's). They are important it controlling the movement of material through QI stock.
And then if still feel like you need to be punished some more, you would want to look at sample management and reserve samples. These areas are important especially in pharma applications where sample retains and reserves must be very carefully handled, sometimes for many years. So I'd include that in a materials management role to maybe.
I'm sure that there are some other things folks might suggest as it's tough to narrow down.
One last suggestion, it's great to expand knowledge and learn new areas. But if you get into a serious QM inplementation, get a dedicated QM consultant. I know a lot of MM but would not advertise myself as an MM consultant. You'll find that the labortory folks are a different breed of people and they need people who have worked in the labs and really understand the processes and roles of QA. Just like I doubt many PP end users would like my take on things since I'm from a QA background!!!!
Craig
Answer:
Hi
I fill there is nothing great in QM module. U can do it very easily provided you have an understanding of Quality management depts. role in business.
Try to concentrate on Quality Module role in Inventory management. Because once you have QM in place, then there are lots of movements of material to and from QI stock. Role of QM in batch management is also very important.
QM in procurement is another big area. have understanding of Q-info records, certificate requirement and invoice blocking.
There are some more areas like quality planning, sampling,notifications etc. etc.
Answer:
Hi,
QM is a mighty module and can control MM, PP and SD processes. I agree with Craig about the need for a good QM resource as there is so much functionality in QM which can make the processes not only in QM very convienient.
Here is my list of QM/MM processes:
- Good receipt inspection
- - with physcial samples allowing detailed sampling processes (GMP, FDA)
- With vendor requirements
- Vendor evaluation/vendor selection process
- Vendor block/release procedures
- First sampling inspection
- Skip inspections for affiliates
- Dynamic inspections (vendor relationsship)
- Defect recording / Quality Notifications (Vendor fault list)
- Source inspections
- Tolling and Sub-contracting processes
- Procurement of materials and services
- Allocation of technical delivery terms and quality
- Calculation of 'End of inspection' via inspection time (see material master)
- Vendor certificate
- - Tracking of vendor certificates
- Control of GR (information/warning/error)
- Dunning process
- GR for Actice substance materials
- - Inspection of active ingedients impacting batch classification & pricing
- Correct quantity posting and correct the bill in case the concentration violates the tolerance
- Recurring inspections
- - Check shelf life and/or date of next inspection (two different processes)
- Proceed with blocking batches
- Return to vendor process
- Inspection planning
- - The setup of plans, MIC's and methods and the material/plan assignment is very important for the enduser as this is related to maintenance efforts later.
- Use of Engineering Change Management (ECM) for QM master data update and traceability (FDA)
- Reference MIC's or operations
- Usage of standard plans
- Check the QM view of the material master for additional controls during GR and the inspection itself
- Quantity postings
- - Handling of sample quantity
- Scrapping procedures
- Return handling
- Batch classification
- - Setup of batch management
- Definition of batch classes 022/023
- Transfer of inspection results to classification
- Impact to batch selection processes in PP and SD/Availablity check
- Understanding of ATP (Available to Promise)
- Active substance handling
- Other related areas
- - QA during stock transfers
- Stock transfer with stock still in QI
- QA-Control of GR slip (see material master, i.e. insp. lots per batch, material document, ...)
- Transfer of inspection results from vendor directly (e.g. via XML or IDOC (available from 4.6C)
- Impact on MRP: You can maintain days needs for the GR-QA for a proper just-in-time delivery
- Protect sensitive data via QM material authorization group and/or restrict access to QA data
- Determination process of quality score impacting the vendor evaluation
Maybe this list is not complete as I just wrote down what came into my mind. Take it as an addition to the Craigs posting. If you can focus on the topics above, you get a good insight what QM can do for MM. If you have question for specific processes please let us (Craig? greetings to Phlili!!!) know.
Best regards
QM-Dude
Answer:
Thanks for wonderful reply to all of you, particularly QM-Dude.