Batch Specifications (SAP Library - Batch Management (LO-BM))

Batch Specifications

Purpose

Batch specifications describe the technical, physical and/or chemical properties of a batch. You store batch specifications, such as batch status or active ingredient potency, as characteristics in the Classification System.

Example

Batches of car paint are specified by color value, viscosity and expiration date. You store the characteristics color value, viscosity and expiration date for these properties in the classification system and assign the respective values to each individual batch.

You can use the classification system to assign the material specifications to the material of a batch. These material specifications are assigned to the same class as the batches of the materials. Thus you can store the target values of a batch with the respective tolerance range. These target values are, for instance, used in quality inspection or during the goods receipt transaction, if it is necessary to immediately classify a batch. The values are also employed for the usability check.

The graphic below shows the link between material specification and batch specification:

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text

In the material, you store the target ranges for all characteristics. As the batch belongs to the same class as the material, the batch automatically receives the characteristics of the material. For each individual batch, you enter the exact actual values.

Integration

To use batch specifications, you must install the classification system.

Desired Function

Required Component

Usage decision for batches

Quality Management

Search for batches using specifications

Batch Determination

Features

There are two kinds of characteristics: predefined Standard Characteristics and user-defined characteristics

Batch specifications can be entered in different departments

During goods receipt, for example, expiration date can be entered
In the usage decision in quality inspection, for example, you can enter the values that were established

You can check whether the batch is within the tolerance range.

You store the material specifications and therefore the target values in the material, and you store the batch specifications in the batch. When the batch is produced, the specifications are checked in the laboratory and values are determined for each batch. If these values lie within the specified range, the batch is accepted.

Note

The characteristic values for the batch can be either interval values or fixed values.

Material characteristics are inherited automatically by the batch of the material.

Material and batch belong to the same class. This then ensures that you use the same characteristics for both the material and the batch.

Desired Function	Required Component
Usage decision for batches	Quality Management
Search for batches using specifications	Batch Determination