Setting Up Batch Numbers

Now that you've learned what a batch is, how to declare a material to be subject to batch management, and how to preset the batch management indicator in the material master record per plant, let's take a look at batch number assignment. Start the following video for an introduction to batch creation and number assignment.

In the previous video, we learned that batches can be created using a batch master maintenance app or in the background when posting a goods movement. In both cases, you can configure whether the batch number is to be assigned manually or automatically.

For each material type, you can define whether the batch number can be entered manually or assigned automatically during batch creation using batch master maintenance. If you allow the user to enter the batch number manually, you can specify whether this number must be checked against a number range.

Example: If manual batch assignment should not be possible for finished products, if batch numbers should always be determined automatically by the system, select option C - Automatic / No Manual Creation for material type FERT.

The following figure shows the Define Initial Creation for Batch Master Maintenance configuration activity and the choices available for each material type.

The system is preconfigured so that the batch can be created either automatically or manually without a check.

For each movement type that leads to a batch entry, you can specify whether number assignment should be automatic, manual, or both. If you allow the user to enter the batch number manually, you can specify whether this number must be checked against a number range.

Example: If automatic batch assignment should not be possible for goods receipts into blocked stock, if the batch numbers should always be entered manually and no check is required, select option D - Manual without check for movement type 103.

The following figure shows the Define Batch Creation for Goods Movements configuration activity and the choices available for each movement type.

The system is preconfigured so that the batch can be created either automatically or manually without a check.

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Now watch the video below. You will hear an interesting comment from a customer.

Now that we have learned that batch numbers can be assigned manually, with or without check against a number range, or automatically by the system, let's examine how to maintain the required number ranges.

The slide below shows how to locate the Define Batch Number Ranges configuration activity in SAP Central Business Configuration.

The slide below shows how to locate the Define Batch Number Ranges configuration activity using the Configure Your Solution app.

Start the interactive demo below to learn how to manage internal and external number ranges for batches.