Unlike machines and fixed assets, production resources and tools (PRTs) are movable (not stationary) operating resources that are required to perform an activity and can be used repeatedly. For example, PRTs include documents, engineering drawings, jigs and fixtures, and measurement instruments.

You can assign production resources/tools to internal and external activities. You use the assignment to determine:

• The quantity
• The operating time
• The dates

of the PRTs required to carry out the activity.

There are several categories of production resources and tools in the R/3 System. The category determines the characteristics and business functions that a PRT can have.

You can create production resources/tools with the following categories:

• A material PRT has its own material master record with the view "PRT". A material PRT can be procured, that is, it can either be purchased or produced. You can also keep it in stock and track both its value and quantity.
• A miscellaneous PRT has its own PRT master record and can neither be procured nor kept in stock.
• A document PRT has its own document info record, (for example engineering drawings or NC programs). You can manage these PRTs using the R/3 Document Management System.

• An equipment PRT has its own equipment master record and has the full equipment functionality. This category is particularly useful for those production resources or tools which you must maintain yourself or which must be serviced at regular intervals. With the equipment category, you can furnish proof of service or usage values for the production resource/tool.