Understanding Master Data in SAP Returnable Packaging Management

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to identify and describe essential project activities in SAP Returnable Packaging Management

Master Data and Essential Project Activities

SAP Returnable Packaging Management is a cloud-based solution built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) and offers various functionalities that require integration with the SAP ERP system.

Before using the solution, certain essential technical activities need to be performed in SAP BTP to enable the creation of a functional SAP Returnable Packaging Management tenant.

Diagram illustrating the stages of a process workflow. 1. Entitlement & Subscription: - Technical Activity: - Configure SAP BTP account - Subscribe to RPM 2. Authorisations and Roles: - Create the Concept for User Management: - Define & create the roles and role collections - Maintain the users in IAS/IDP and SAP BTP account 3. Integration with SAP S/4HANA: - Technical Activity: - Set up the integration with the backend systems 4. RPM-Configuration: - Develop the Concept for Target Processes: - Configure the processes in RPM 5. Master Data: - Create the Concept for Managing Master Data: - Upload the master data Note at the bottom: * Packaging materials must be inventory managed in the ERP.

These key technical activities include the following:

  • Creating an SAP BTP sub-account.
  • Creating entitlement and a subscription to the SAP Returnable Packaging Management solution.
  • Configuring the integration between SAP Returnable Packaging Management and SAP ERP.

In addition to the technical setup, additional project work is necessary to configure the functionalities of SAP Returnable Packaging Management according the distinct needs of each company.

The main functional activities involved in fine-tuning SAP Returnable Packaging Management include the following:

  • Defining and implementing the authorization concept.
  • Describing target processes and configuring SAP Returnable Packaging Management accordingly.
  • Uploading and maintaining master data in SAP Returnable Packaging Management.

In this unit, we will explain how to use the Upload Data app to create and maintain organizational units and master data in SAP Returnable Packaging Management.

Master Data

SAP Returnable Packaging Management enables the management of master data, organizational units, and transactional data of returnable packaging materials that are circulated between the location partners (plants) and exchange partners (customers or suppliers).

Efficient management of packaging materials requires a seamless integration between SAP ERP logistics processes and SAP Returnable Packaging Management packaging management processes. Therefore, ensuring consistent master data across both systems is imperative.

Diagram illustrating the stages of a process workflow with a focus on Master Data. Workflow Stages: 1. Entitlement & Subscription 2. Authorisations and Roles 3. Integration with SAP S/4HANA 4. RPM-Configuration 5. Master Data (current focus) - Create the concept for managing master data - Upload the master data Two main sections under Master Data: 1. SAP S/4HANA - Icons for: - Plant - Business Partner - Packaging Material 2. SAP Returnable Packaging Management - Icons for: - Plant - Business Partner - Packaging Material - Returnable Packaging Account Between the two sections, there's a labeled arrow Upload/API indicating the transfer of data from SAP S/4HANA to SAP Returnable Packaging Management. The process includes creating and managing master data, then uploading it to the target system.

Before creating master data in SAP Returnable Packaging Management, it is mandatory to maintain an identical organizational structure as defined in SAP ERP. This includes the following:

  • Company Codes
  • Plants
  • Storage Locations (if you want to define packaging status (empty/full) based on storage location)

The main master data required for returnable packaging management processes is as follows:

  1. Business Partner

    Primarily maintained in SAP ERP and transferred to SAP Returnable Packaging Management to be used as exchange partners when defining relationships within returnable accounts.

  2. Packaging Material

    Primarily maintained in SAP ERP as the material master and transferred to SAP Returnable Packaging Management.

  3. Returnable Packaging Account

    Only maintained in SAP Returnable Packaging Management and defined as an association between packaging material, exchange locations, and exchange partners.

Management of an organizational structure and master data within SAP Returnable Packaging Management can be executed using the following methods:

  1. Uploading data using the Upload Data app in SAP Returnable Packaging Management
  2. Employing file-based integration via an SFTP server
  3. Using API to directly update data in SAP Returnable Packaging Management

The focus of this unit is to explain how to use the Upload Data app to maintain organizational units and master data in SAP Returnable Packaging Management.

Once the organizational units and the master data are created, returnable packaging accounts can be created and activated in SAP Returnable Packaging Management.

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