Master Data in SAP MM – A Comprehensive Guide

SAP MM (Materials Management) heavily relies on master data to streamline procurement and inventory processes. Let’s explore the core master data objects, configuration paths, and real-world tips that every SAP MM consultant should master.

📦 1. Material Master Data

Purpose:

Central source of material-related data used across MM, SD, PP, and FI.

Key Views:

Basic Data (client level)
Purchasing View (plant level)
Accounting View (valuation)
MRP View, Storage, Sales, etc.

Important T-codes:

MM01 – Create Material
MM02 – Change Material
MM03 – Display Material

Configuration Path:

SPRO → Logistics - General → Material Master → Basic Settings → Material Types

Tips:

Use NLAG for non-stock items and UNBW for non-valuated stock .
Maintain valuation class, price control (V/S), and plant-specific views properly.

🧾 2. Vendor Master Data (Business Partner)

Purpose:

Manages supplier-related info like addresses, payment terms, and purchasing data.

Approach in S/4HANA:

Vendor is now created as a Business Partner using T-code BP.

BP Roles:

FLVN01 – Supplier (Purchasing)
FLVN00 – FI Vendor (Accounting)

T-codes:

BP – Create/Edit Business Partner
XK01/XK02 – Legacy transactions (redirected)

Configuration Steps:

Define number ranges in BUCF
Create BP Groupings and assign number ranges
Define Vendor Account Groups via OBD3
Map BP Group to Vendor Account Group in CVI settings (SPRO → Cross-Application Components → Master Data Synchronization)

Integration:

BP integrates with FI (Accounts Payable) and MM.

📑 3. Purchasing Info Record (PIR)

Purpose:

Links vendor and material, stores pricing, delivery, and terms.

Types:

Standard, Subcontracting, Consignment, Pipeline

T-codes:

ME11 – Create
ME12 – Change
ME13 – Display
ME1M – List by Material
ME1L – List by Vendor

Configuration:

SPRO → Materials Management → Purchasing → Master Data → Info Record

Tip:

Enable plant-specific conditions if needed (SPRO → Define Condition Control at Plant Level) .

📋 4. Source List

Purpose:

Defines valid sources of supply for a material in a plant.

T-codes:

ME01 – Create
ME03 – Display
ME05 – List for material

Configuration:

SPRO → Materials Management → Purchasing → Source List

Tips:

Set MRP-relevant source list if you use MRP.
Maintain validity dates properly.

🎯 5. Quota Arrangement

Purpose:

Controls procurement distribution among multiple sources.

T-code:

MEQ1 – Create
MEQ3 – Display

Use case:

Automatically split PR quantities between vendors based on quota %.

Integration:

Works with Source List during MRP runs.

💸 6. Condition Records (Pricing)

Purpose:

Stores pricing elements (e.g., gross price, discounts, freight).

T-code:

MEK1 – Maintain condition
MEK3 – Display condition
MEKP – Price change by vendor
ME1P – Order price history

Condition Types:

PB00 (Gross price), FRA1 (Freight), ZR00 (Discount)

Configuration Path:

SPRO → MM → Purchasing → Conditions

Tip:

Use MR21 to change material prices (e.g., moving average or standard).

🔄 Integration Points

Master Data	Integrated With
Material Master	MM, SD, PP, WM, FI
Vendor Master (BP)	MM, FI, Ariba, Supplier Portal
Info Record	PO, Contracts, Scheduling Agreements
Source List	MRP, Purchasing
Quota Arrangement	MRP, Source Determination
Condition Records	PO pricing, Invoice verification

🛠️ Pro Tips

Activate field selection groups to hide or make fields mandatory (OMS9).
Regularly review duplicate material/vendor cleanup using SAP Information Steward.
Use mass maintenance (MM17, BP Mass Update App) for bulk changes.